Get ready for a fascinating adventure in the heart of the Caucasus, where every day is an opportunity to discover historical treasures, spectacular landscapes and vibrant cities. This 5-day itinerary will take you to explore from the charming city of Kutaisi, with its rich cultural heritage, to the modern and captivating Tbilisi, all while immersing yourself in Georgia's millennia-old history and stunning nature. From majestic monasteries declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to impressive caves and mountain views, every corner of this route promises to leave you breathless.
You will begin your experience in Kutaisi, visiting iconic places such as the Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati Monastery, two architectural gems that tell the history of the region. In Tbilisi, a guided tour in English will reveal the secrets of its old town, its sulphur baths and its vibrant multicultural atmosphere. You will explore the spectacular Ananuri Complex and the landscapes of Kazbegi, where the Gergeti Church stands majestically in the mountains. You will also visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, and the cave city of Uplistsikhe, ending at the birthplace of the famous Soviet leader Stalin, in Gori. This trip is perfect for lovers of culture, history and adventure.
Itinerario
Day 1 - Transfer from Kutaisi Airport to Kutaisi
Total road for the day - 25KM 0 Hours and 30 Minutes We will carry out the transfer according to the scheduled time Road 25KM 0 Hours and 30 MinutesDay 2 - Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus Cave - Tbilisi
Total road for the day - 523KM 5 Hours and 0 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our adventure. The following visits and activities are planned: Road 2KM 0 Hours and 9 MinutesBagrati Cathedral
Dominating the Kutaisi skyline from Ukimerioni Hill, the majestic Bagrati Cathedral represents a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture and a symbol of the country's Golden Age. Built during the reign of King Bagrat III in the 11th century, this Orthodox church exemplifies the grandeur of the classical Georgian architectural style with its characteristic central dome and elaborate stone reliefs. Although it was partially reconstructed in 2012, it retains its significance as one of Georgia's most important monuments and was part of the UNESCO World Heritage. During our visit, we will contemplate the spectacular panoramic views of Kutaisi from its terraces, admire the architectural details that fuse ancient and modern elements, and experience the serenity of this sacred space that has witnessed more than a thousand years of history.
Road 10KM 0 Hours and 20 Minutes
Gelati Academy
The Gelati Academy, located in the western region of Georgia near Kutaisi, represents one of the most significant cultural centres of the medieval Caucasus. This 12th-century fortified monastery, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was an important centre of Georgian education and literature, where Christian and classical traditions converged. Its impressive frescoes, unique architecture and the Royal Academy stand out as testimonies of the Georgian Golden Age. During our visit, we will explore the majestic stone buildings and admire the intricate frescoes that decorate its walls, while immersing ourselves in the contemplative atmosphere that once inspired the greatest thinkers of the medieval Georgian kingdom.
Road 29KM 0 Hours and 41 Minutes
Prometheus Cave
Prometheus Cave, located near Kutaisi in Georgia, is one of the most impressive and extensive caves in the country, standing out as an important natural and tourist attraction. Discovered in 1984, this fascinating underground cavern offers a tour through large halls adorned with stalactites, stalagmites and spectacular rock formations that, thanks to careful lighting, create a magical and enveloping atmosphere. In addition to the well-laid paths that allow exploration of its impressive interior landscapes, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the underground river that runs through the cave, providing a unique experience that highlights the natural and geological richness of the region. During our visit, we will walk through its illuminated passages, marvelling at the formations sculpted by nature over centuries, and enjoy a boat ride that will allow us to immerse ourselves in the serenity and hidden beauty of this underground environment, making this trip an unforgettable experience.
Road 252KM 3 Hours and 50 Minutes
Kutaisi Agricultural Market
Kutaisi Agricultural Market, located in the heart of this historic Georgian city, is a vibrant place where tradition and local daily life intertwine. Known for its colourful display of fresh fruit, aromatic spices and handcrafted products, this market reflects the rich gastronomic culture of the region. In addition to being a trading centre, it offers visitors the opportunity to experience the hospitality and authenticity of local farmers.
During our visit we will wander through its lively stalls, taste fresh produce and discover the flavours that define traditional Georgian cuisine, while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the market.
Road 230KM 3 Hours and 26 Minutes
Day 3 - Tbilisi - Guided tour in English
No road After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our adventure. The following visits and activities are planned:Rustaveli Avenue
Rustaveli Avenue, the main artery of Tbilisi, stretches 1.5 kilometres from Freedom Square to Republic Square. This iconic street, named after the medieval poet Shota Rustaveli, houses the city's most prestigious buildings, including the Parliament of Georgia, the Opera Theatre 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 emblematic historical places in Tbilisi, rises 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 the home of 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 baths 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 governed Georgia, including the reconstructed 12th-century Church of St Nicholas. During our visit, we will take the cable car up to the fortress, walk its ancient defensive walls and capture impressive panoramic views of Tbilisi as the sun sets over the city.
Abanotubani
Abanotubani, the historic sulphurous baths district in the heart of old Tbilisi, represents the original nucleus 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, witnessing 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 these streets of 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
The Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in Tbilisi, represents a vital testimony 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 basilical architecture, typically Georgian, is complemented by medieval frescoes and a 17th-century bell tower. During our exploration, we will participate in the mystical atmosphere of the temple, listen to the ancient Georgian polyphonic chants that still resound in its walls and admire the craftsmanship of its traditional icons.
Day 4 - Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Tbilisi
Total road for the day - 321KM 6 Hours and 0 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our adventure. The following visits and activities are planned: Road 67KM 1 Hours and 10 MinutesAnanuri
Ananuri, an impressive medieval fortress located 66 kilometres from Tbilisi, rises majestically above the Zhinvali reservoir on the historic Georgian Military Highway. This 13th-century architectural complex, which served as the seat of the eristavi (dukes) of Aragvi, combines defensive elements with extraordinary examples of Georgian religious architecture, featuring its main church with intricate stone reliefs and well-preserved frescoes. During our visit, we will explore the fortified towers, admire the panoramic views of the turquoise reservoir and discover the secrets of medieval Georgian architecture while strolling through its ancient cobblestone courtyards.
Gergeti Trinity Church
The Gergeti Trinity Church stands majestically at 2,170 metres in height in the shadow of Mount Kazbegi (5,047m). This iconic 14th-century temple, located in the historic region of Khevi, represents one of the most recognisable symbols of Georgia, standing out for its remote location and traditional Georgian architecture against the backdrop of the snow-capped Caucasus mountains. During our excursion, we will climb by 4x4 up the winding mountain road, explore the ancient monastic complex and contemplate the panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks.
Day 5 - Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi
Total road for the day - 267KM 4 Hours and 44 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our adventure. The following visits and activities are planned: Road 25KM 0 Hours and 36 MinutesDjvari - Monastery of the Cross
The Djvari Monastery, known as the "Monastery of the Cross", is an iconic religious site located near Mtskheta, Georgia, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 6th century on a hilltop, this monastery offers impressive panoramic views of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Considered a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture, it is a sacred place that symbolises the adoption of Christianity in Georgia. During our visit, we will explore its unique architectural design, enjoy the spectacular views and learn about its profound historical and spiritual significance.
Road 13KM 0 Hours and 18 Minutes
Svetitskhoveli
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, located in the ancient capital of Mtskheta, represents the spiritual heart of Georgia and has been a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1994. This majestic 11th-century cathedral, built on the site where the robe of Christ is said to be buried, is an extraordinary example of medieval Georgian architecture, with its tall decorated stone facade, central dome and historic frescoes. During our exploration, we will discover the numerous legends surrounding this sacred place, admire the extraordinary ecclesiastical architecture and witness the ancient religious traditions that still survive in this spiritual centre.
Road 61KM 1 Hours and 5 Minutes
Uplistsikhe
Located in the Kartli region of central Georgia, Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock-hewn cave city dating back to the first millennium BC. This extraordinary archaeological complex, considered one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus, was an important religious and commercial centre on the historic Silk Road. Its architectural structures include pagan temples, Christian basilicas and civic buildings that reflect the unique fusion of Christian and pagan styles. The city is notable for its street system, secret tunnels and an exceptionally well-preserved Roman theatre. During our visit we will explore the ancient wine cellars, walk through stone-carved alleyways and marvel at the panoramic views of the Mtkvari river from the top of this natural acropolis, transporting ourselves through more than 3,000 years of Caucasian history.
Road 14KM 0 Hours and 20 Minutes
Stalin Museum
The Stalin Museum in Gori, the birthplace of the controversial Soviet leader, represents one of the last museums dedicated to Josef Stalin in the world. The complex includes the original birthplace, a Soviet palace-style building and Stalin's personal railway carriage. The exhibition houses an extensive collection of personal objects, photographs, historical documents and the original death mask of the dictator. During our visit, we will explore the halls documenting Stalin's life from his youth in Georgia to his Soviet leadership, examine his luxurious armoured railway carriage and reflect on the complex historical legacy he left in the region.
Road 154KM 2 Hours and 25 Minutes
