Canyons and Desert Monasteries

Itinerario

Day 1 - Transfer from Batumi Airport to Batumi

Transfer according to the scheduled time

Day 2 - Batumi and surroundings

Total route for the day - 27KM 0 Hours and 50 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our adventure. The following visits are planned for today: Route 6KM 0 Hours and 15 Minutes

Batumi Ethnographic Museum

The Borjgalo Ethnographic Museum in Batumi, Georgia, is a fascinating space celebrating Georgian culture and traditions. Founded by sculptor Kemal Turmanidze, the museum offers a unique collection of wooden sculptures and interactive displays representing everyday life, traditional crafts and customs from the country's various regions. Set in a welcoming atmosphere, Borjgalo is the ideal place to discover the essence of Georgian life. During our visit we will explore the detailed sculptures, learn about Georgia's ancestral traditions and immerse ourselves in the cultural richness that makes this museum a truly unique destination. "

Gonio Fortress

Gonio Fortress, located near the Black Sea coast a few kilometres from Batumi in Georgia, is a historically significant monument. Built during the Roman era, this fortification dates from the 1st century AD and is considered one of the country's oldest archaeological sites. Famous for its defensive design and its connection to the Silk Road, Gonio also holds legends linked to the tomb of the Apostle Matthew, making it a blend of history and myth. During our visit we will walk along its ancient walls, explore the archaeological museum and uncover the mysteries and legends surrounding this fascinating Black Sea destination.

Day 3 - Batumi - Martvili - Prometheus - Kutaisi

Total route for the day - 240KM 4 Hours and 16 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our adventure. The following visits are planned for today: Route 163KM 3 Hours and 0 Minutes

Martvili Canyon

Martvili Canyon in the Samegrelo region of Georgia is a natural wonder known for its turquoise waters and impressive waterfalls. Carved over thousands of years of erosion, the canyon offers a dreamy setting surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can enjoy boat rides along the Abasha River, explore scenic trails and marvel at the unique rock formations and local legends associated with the site. During our visit we will glide through its crystal-clear waters, walk the nature-lined trails and soak up the serenity and incomparable beauty of Martvili Canyon. "

Prometheus Cave

Prometheus Cave, located near Kutaisi in Georgia, is one of the country's most impressive and extensive cave systems, standing out as a major natural and tourist attraction. Discovered in 1984, this remarkable underground cavern features a tour through vast chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites and spectacular rock formations that, thanks to carefully designed lighting, create a magical and immersive atmosphere. Beyond the well-marked walking routes through its stunning interiors, visitors can also enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the underground river that flows through the cave — a unique experience highlighting the region's natural and geological wealth. We will walk its illuminated passages marvelling at formations shaped by nature over centuries, then take a boat ride into the calm, hidden beauty of this underground world — an unforgettable experience.

Day 4 - Kutaisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Mtskheta - Tbilisi

Total route for the day - 267KM 4 Hours and 44 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our adventure. The following visits are planned for today: Route 154KM 2 Hours and 25 Minutes

Stalin Museum

The Stalin Museum in Gori, the birthplace of the controversial Soviet leader, is one of the last museums in the world dedicated to Josef Stalin. The complex includes the original birthplace house, a building in Soviet palatial style and Stalin's personal railway carriage. The exhibition holds an extensive collection of personal belongings, photographs, historical documents and the dictator's original death mask. During our visit we will explore the rooms documenting Stalin's life from his youth in Georgia to his Soviet leadership, examine his armoured luxury railway carriage and reflect on the complex historical legacy he left in the region. Route 14KM 0 Hours and 20 Minutes

Uplistsikhe

Located in the Kartli region of central Georgia, Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock-hewn cave city dating from the first millennium BC. This extraordinary archaeological complex, considered one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus, was a major religious and commercial centre on the historic Silk Road. Its architectural structures include pagan temples, Christian basilicas and civic buildings reflecting a unique fusion of Christian and pagan styles. The city is noted for its street network, secret tunnels and an exceptionally well-preserved Roman theatre. We will explore ancient wine cellars, walk lanes carved in stone and marvel at panoramic views of the Mtkvari River from atop this natural acropolis — a journey through more than 3,000 years of Caucasian history. Route 61KM 1 Hour and 5 Minutes

Svetitskhoveli

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, in the ancient capital of Mtskheta, is the spiritual heart of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. This majestic 11th-century cathedral, built on the site where Christ's robe is said to be buried, is an outstanding example of medieval Georgian architecture, featuring a richly decorated stone façade, central dome and historic frescoes. We will uncover the many legends surrounding this sacred place, admire its extraordinary ecclesiastical architecture and witness the ancient religious traditions still alive in this spiritual centre. Route 13KM 0 Hours and 18 Minutes

Jvari - Monastery of the Cross

Jvari Monastery, known as the "Monastery of the Cross", is an iconic religious site near Mtskheta, Georgia, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 6th century atop a hill, the monastery offers stunning panoramic views of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Regarded as a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture, it is a sacred place symbolising Georgia's adoption of Christianity. During our visit we will explore its unique architectural design, enjoy the spectacular views and learn about its profound historical and spiritual significance. Route 25KM 0 Hours and 36 Minutes

Day 5 - Tbilisi - Guided city tour

No driving After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our adventure. The following visits are planned for today:

Rustaveli Avenue

Rustaveli Avenue, the main artery of Tbilisi, stretches 1.5 kilometres from Freedom Square to Republic Square. This iconic boulevard, named after the medieval poet Shota Rustaveli, is home to the city's most prestigious buildings, including the Parliament of Georgia, the Opera House and the National Museum, all built in Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles during the 19th century. Strolling along the avenue, we will soak up the vibrant Georgian cultural life, stop at its elegant historic cafés and admire the monumental architecture while exploring the many shops and art galleries.  

Metekhi Square

Metekhi Square, one of the most emblematic historic sites in Tbilisi, stands on a cliff with sweeping views over the Mtkvari River. The landmark is dominated by the 13th-century church and the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of the city. The square served for centuries as the seat of the royal palace, establishing itself as a strategic and cultural hub. Although the original church was built in the 5th century, the structure visible today is a 13th-century reconstruction. On our tour we will savour the sweeping panoramic views of the old town and the famous bathhouse district, explore Metekhi Church and delve into the fascinating history of the king who, with great vision, made Tbilisi Georgia's capital.  

Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress, the iconic symbol of Tbilisi, has dominated the city's skyline since the 4th century. This ancient citadel — originally Persian, later expanded by Arabs and Georgians — rises on a steep hill overlooking the Mtkvari River and the old town. Its imposing walls and towers have witnessed the many civilisations that have ruled Georgia, including the reconstructed Church of St Nicholas from the 12th century. We will ride the cable car up to the fortress, walk along the ancient defensive walls and capture stunning panoramic views of Tbilisi as the sun sets over the city.  

Abanotubani

Abanotubani, the historic sulphurous bathhouse district in the heart of old Tbilisi, is the original core around which the Georgian capital was founded. Located on the right bank of the Mtkvari River, the neighbourhood is famous for its distinctive sulphur baths with brick domes rising from the ground, witnesses to more than 1,500 years of history. The natural thermal waters that well up from the earth maintain a constant temperature of 37-40°C, and their healing properties have attracted illustrious visitors such as Alexander Pushkin and Alexandre Dumas. We will wander through streets lined with legendary thermal waters and lose ourselves in the picturesque medieval alleyways that wind between the baths — breathing in the most authentic essence of ancient Tbilisi.  

Anchiskhati

Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in Tbilisi, is a vital testament to Georgia's Christian history since the 6th century. Located in the heart of the old town, this sandstone church dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary takes its name from the miraculous icon of Christ (Anchiskhati) it sheltered for centuries. Its typically Georgian three-nave basilica architecture is complemented by medieval frescoes and a 17th-century bell tower. We will absorb the mystical atmosphere of the temple, listen to the ancient Georgian polyphonic chants that still resonate within its walls and admire the craftsmanship of its traditional icons.  

Day 6 - Tbilisi - Davit Gareja - Signaghi - Tbilisi

Total route for the day - 247KM 5 Hours and 36 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our adventure. The following visits are planned for today: Route 100KM 2 Hours and 15 Minutes

Davit Gareja

Davit Gareja Monastery, an extraordinary 6th-century rock-hewn monastic complex, sits in the arid borderlands between Georgia and Azerbaijan. Founded by the Assyrian monk David Garejeli, this sacred site comprises hundreds of cells, churches, chapels and refectories spread across multiple levels of the mountain, renowned for their unique medieval frescoes blending Georgian and Byzantine styles. We will climb ancient paths to the upper caves, contemplate the remarkable 11th- and 12th-century frescoes and enjoy sweeping panoramic views over the semi-arid Gareja desert. Route 100KM 2 Hours and 15 Minutes

Bodbe Monastery

Bodbe Monastery in the Kakheti region is one of Georgia's most important pilgrimage sites, housing the tomb of St Nino, the evangelist who brought Christianity to the country in the 4th century. This monastic complex, surrounded by ancient cypress trees and lush gardens, combines architectural elements from the 9th and 17th centuries, including a three-nave basilica and traditional frescoes. We will descend the sacred path to St Nino's miraculous spring, take in the views of the Alazani Valley and experience the deep spirituality that permeates this holy place. Route 2KM 0 Hours and 5 Minutes

Signaghi

Signaghi, known as the "City of Love", is a picturesque walled town in the wine-producing region of Kakheti, perched at 790 metres above sea level. This 18th-century town, enclosed by a 4-kilometre wall with 23 towers, offers breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus mountains. It is known for its traditional Georgian architecture, cobbled streets and carved wooden balconies. We will stroll through its romantic lanes, sample Kakheti's famous wines in traditional cellars and watch the sunset over the valley from its ancient defensive walls. Route 45KM 1 Hour and 1 Minute

Day 7 - Transfer from Tbilisi to Tbilisi Airport

Total route for the day - 19KM 0 Hours and 32 Minutes Transfer according to the scheduled time Route 18KM 0 Hours and 25 Minutes

Tbilisi Airport

Transfer according to the scheduled flight time.