Archaeology & History of Georgia

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi and Historical City Tour

   Arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your guide and driver and transferred to the hotel. After check-in, begin a historical walking tour through the oldest part of Tbilisi. The tour will focus on the development of the city and the different cultures and empires that influenced it throughout the centuries. You will explore the Metekhi district, the famous sulfur bath area of Abanotubani, Narikala Fortress, Meidan Square, Sioni Cathedral, Shardeni Street, the former caravan and trading quarters, Anchiskhati Basilica, traditional Tbilisi houses with wooden balconies, and the historic streets leading toward Freedom Square. During the tour, you will learn how Tbilisi developed as an important political and commercial city positioned between Europe and Asia and influenced over time by Persian, Arab, Ottoman, Russian, and Georgian traditions.

   Overnight in Tbilisi.

2. Day 2: Ancient Mtskheta and the Kingdom of Iberia

   After breakfast, depart for Mtskheta, the ancient capital of the Georgian Kingdom of Kartli, known to the classical world as Iberia. The day will focus on the archaeological and religious development of ancient eastern Georgia. Begin with the archaeological remains of Armaztsikhe-Bagineti, an important political and administrative center of ancient Kartli, where excavations have revealed fortification walls, palace structures, baths, wine cellars, water systems, and religious buildings dating back to the ancient period. Continue to Armaziskhevi, where archaeological discoveries include remains of a palace, bathhouse, wine cellar, ceramic workshop, water system, and an important aristocratic necropolis, offering valuable insight into the life of the ruling and noble classes of ancient Iberia.

   The tour continues through Mtskheta with visits to Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, two of the most important monuments connected with the Christianization of Georgia. From Jvari, enjoy a panoramic view over Mtskheta and the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Through the combination of archaeological and religious monuments, the day provides a clear picture of the transition from the pagan Kingdom of Iberia to Christian Georgia.

   Overnight in Tbilisi.

3. Day 3: Dmanisi and Early Human History

   After breakfast, travel south toward Dmanisi, one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in the Caucasus and one of Georgia's most internationally significant historical locations. Dmanisi became famous following the discovery of early hominin remains dating to approximately 1.8 million years ago. Archaeologists have uncovered several skulls, stone tools, and prehistoric animal remains, making the site exceptionally important for understanding early human migration outside Africa.

   During the visit, you will also explore the later historical layers of Dmanisi, including remains of the medieval settlement, fortifications, and religious structures. The combination of prehistoric and medieval archaeology makes Dmanisi one of the most unique sites in Georgia.

   On the return journey to Tbilisi, visit Bolnisi Sioni, one of the oldest surviving Christian churches in Georgia and an important monument for the study of early Georgian architecture and written inscriptions. The day provides a journey from the earliest human presence in the region to the development of early Christian Georgia.

   Overnight in Tbilisi.

4. Day 4: Uplistsikhe and Journey to Southern Georgia

   After breakfast, depart from Tbilisi toward Shida Kartli and visit Uplistsikhe, one of Georgia's most remarkable ancient rock-cut settlements. The site developed as an important political, commercial, and religious center in pre-Christian Georgia and preserves traces of different periods of the country's history. Walking through the ancient streets and rock-cut structures, you will see ceremonial halls, dwellings, storage areas, wine-production facilities, tunnels, and later Christian buildings. The site is especially important for understanding how ancient Georgian religious and urban traditions evolved before and after the adoption of Christianity.

   After exploring Uplistsikhe, continue through Gori, where a short stop can be made depending on the interests of the group. For those interested in modern history, the Joseph Stalin Museum can be added as an optional visit. Continue through the scenic Borjomi Valley toward Akhaltsikhe. Depending on the arrival time, an evening visit to the historic Rabati Fortress can also be arranged.

   Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

5. Day 5: Khertvisi, Vardzia and Medieval Georgia

   After breakfast, depart from Akhaltsikhe toward the southern part of Georgia. The first stop is Khertvisi Fortress, dramatically located above the confluence of the Mtkvari and Paravani rivers. Its strategic position made it an important defensive point for centuries and provides a good introduction to the military history of southern Georgia.

   Continue to Vardzia, one of the most impressive monuments of medieval Georgia. The vast rock-cut complex was developed mainly during the 12th century, particularly during the reigns of King Giorgi III and Queen Tamar, at the height of Georgia's medieval Golden Age. During the visit, explore the interconnected caves, churches, living quarters, storage spaces, wine cellars, defensive passages, and water systems carved directly into the mountain. Particular attention will be given to the Church of the Dormition, which preserves important medieval frescoes connected with the royal period.

   The visit provides an opportunity to understand Vardzia not only as a monastery, but also as a functioning religious, defensive, residential, and economic complex of medieval Georgia. After the tour, return to Tbilisi.

   Overnight in Tbilisi.

6. Day 6: Historical Kakheti, Nekresi, Gremi and Alaverdi

   After breakfast, depart toward Kakheti, a region strongly connected with the political, religious, and cultural history of eastern Georgia. The first part of the day will focus on the historical landscape of Nekresi. The area contains important archaeological remains associated with pre-Christian religious traditions as well as an early Christian monastery complex. The archaeological evidence around Nekresi allows visitors to understand the coexistence and transition between pagan beliefs and Christianity in ancient Georgia.

   Continue to Gremi, which became the political and royal center of the Kingdom of Kakheti during the late medieval period. The historic complex preserves the royal citadel, Church of the Archangels, palace-bell tower, wine cellar, and remains of the former urban settlement. Gremi was once an important trading and political center before being heavily damaged during Persian campaigns in the early 17th century. The visit gives insight into the political life of Kakheti and the long history of Georgian-Persian relations.

   The final historical stop of the day is Alaverdi Cathedral, one of the most significant medieval religious monuments in eastern Georgia. The cathedral became an important spiritual and cultural center of Kakheti and remains one of the most impressive examples of Georgian medieval architecture.

   Return to Tbilisi in the evening.

   Overnight in Tbilisi.

7. Day 7: Departure

   After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time depending on the flight schedule. Check out from the hotel and transfer to Tbilisi International Airport for departure.

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