It is a tour of Tbilisi, a city where East and West meet in a captivating fusion of cultures, architecture and traditions. The Georgian capital, with more than 1,500 years of history, invites you to discover its hidden treasures and unique contrasts, from its ancient medieval neighbourhoods to its modern districts. This city tour is designed to reveal the essence of a metropolis that has witnessed the passage of countless civilisations and today stands as a vibrant bridge between past and present.
The day begins exploring the historic Old Town with its characteristic houses with wooden balconies and the Metekhi Church from the 13th century. You will ascend by cable car to the Narikala Fortress, from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city. You will discover the famous sulphur bath houses with their characteristic domes, the colourful Tbilisi Mosque, and the enchanting churches of Sioni and Anchiskhati. The tour includes visits to the modern Rustaveli Avenue, the National Museum of Georgia, and culminates with a walk across the Bridge of Peace, a symbol of modern Tbilisi that shines spectacularly at nightfall. This day will allow you to experience the true essence of a city where every street tells a different story.
Itinerario
Day 1 - Tbilisi - Guided city tour
No road After breakfast at the hotel, we will start our adventure. The plan includes the following visits:Rustaveli Avenue
Rustaveli Avenue, the main artery of Tbilisi, stretches 1.5 kilometres from Freedom Square to Republic Square. This emblematic street, named after the medieval poet Shota Rustaveli, houses 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 style during the 19th century. During our walk, we will enjoy the vibrant Georgian cultural life, stop at its elegant historic cafés and admire the monumental architecture while exploring the numerous shops and art galleries.
Metekhi Square
Metekhi Square, one of the most iconic historic sites in Tbilisi, stands on a cliff with privileged views of the Mtkvari river. This landmark is dominated by the 13th-century church and the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of the city. The square was for centuries home to the royal palace, establishing itself as a strategic and cultural centre. Although the original church was built in the 5th century, the structure we can admire today is a 13th-century reconstruction. During our tour, we will delight in the impressive panoramic views of the old town and the famous bath district. We will also explore the Metekhi church and immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of the king who, with his vision, established Tbilisi as the capital of Georgia, forging one of the most representative places of Georgian heritage.
Narikala Fortress
Narikala Fortress, the iconic symbol of Tbilisi, has dominated the city's skyline since the 4th century. This ancient citadel, originally Persian and 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 various civilisations that have ruled Georgia, including the reconstructed Church of Saint Nicholas from the 12th century. During our visit, we will ascend by cable car to the fortress, walk along its ancient defensive walls and capture impressive panoramic views of Tbilisi as the sun sets over the city.
Abanotubani
Abanotubani, the historic sulphur bath district in the heart of old Tbilisi, represents the original core where the Georgian capital was founded. Located on the right bank of the Mtkvari river, this neighbourhood is famous for its characteristic sulphur baths with brick domes emerging from the ground, witnesses to more than 1,500 years of history. The natural thermal waters that spring from the earth's depths maintain a constant temperature of 37–40°C, and their healing properties have attracted illustrious visitors such as Alexander Pushkin and Alexandre Dumas. During our visit, we will immerse ourselves in the streets of these legendary thermal waters and lose ourselves among the picturesque medieval alleyways that wind between the baths, breathing the most authentic essence of ancient Tbilisi.
Anchiskhati
Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in Tbilisi, represents a vital testament to the Christian history of Georgia since the 6th century. Located in the heart of the old town, this sandstone church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, owes its name to the miraculous icon of Christ (Anchiskhati) that it housed for centuries. Its three-nave basilica architecture, typically Georgian, is complemented by medieval frescoes and a 17th-century bell tower. During our exploration, we will take part in 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.
