Here is the detailed, expanded itinerary for the “Three Capitals of Historic Georgia: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Kutaisi” tour in English.
🇬🇪 Tour Program: “Three Capitals of Historic Georgia”
Route: Tbilisi → Mtskheta → Uplistsikhe → Borjomi → Kutaisi → Martvili → Vani → Tbilisi
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Accommodation: 4★ Hotels (Tbilisi & Kutaisi)
Format: Small Group Comfort Tour (up to 6 people) or Private Tour
📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary
📍 Day 1: Welcome to the Capital & Evening Tbilisi
- Airport Transfer & Check-in: Individual transfer from Tbilisi International Airport to a comfortable 4★ hotel for check-in and relaxation.
- Welcome Dinner: An authentic Georgian welcome dinner with the team and guide. Enjoy traditional dishes like khinkali and khachapuri, heartwarming toasts, and fine local wine.
- Evening Walk: A leisurely stroll through the illuminated Old Town, Shavteli Street (featuring the iconic Clock Tower by Rezo Gabriadze), and the modern pedestrian Bridge of Peace.
📍 Day 2: The Heart of Tbilisi — History & Modernity
- Old Tbilisi & Narikala Fortress: Ride the scenic cable car up to the ancient Narikala Fortress (4th century) for panoramic views of the entire city and the Mtkvari (Kura) River gorge.
- Sulfur Baths (Abanotubani) & Fig Ravine: Explore the historic sulfur bath district with its colorful brick domes, then walk into the Leghvtakhevi Ravine to see a natural waterfall hidden in the city center.
- Metekhi Church & Monument to King Vakhtang Gorgasali: Visit the cliffside church overlooking the river, built on the site of the city founder’s original palace.
- Holy Trinity Cathedral (Holy Sameba): Visit one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world and the main spiritual center of modern Georgia.
- Free Evening: Free time to explore Rustaveli Avenue, sample local wines, or shop for souvenirs.
📍 Day 3: Journey to the Roots — Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe & Borjomi
- Ancient Mtskheta (The First Capital):
- Jvari Monastery (6th century): Perched high on a mountain peak, offering the famous view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers (immortalized by the poet Lermontov).
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century): The spiritual heart of Georgia, housing major Christian relics, including the Robe of Christ.
- Uplistsikhe Cave Town: Explore one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia (1st millennium BC), carved directly into volcanic rock faces. Discover pagan altars, ancient halls, a pharmacy, and wine cellars.
- Borjomi Mineral Park: Stroll through the lush central park of the renowned spa town of Borjomi. Sample original, naturally carbonated “Borjomi” mineral water straight from its thermal spring source.
- Transfer to Kutaisi: Evening drive to Georgia’s western capital, Kutaisi, and check-in at a 4★ hotel.
📍 Day 4: Capital of Ancient Colchis — Kutaisi, Monasteries & Caves
- Bagrati Cathedral (11th century): A magnificent landmark perched over Kutaisi, serving as a symbol of Georgia’s Golden Age.
- Gelati Monastery (12th century): A UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by King David the Builder, which served as a major educational and spiritual academy in medieval Georgia. Known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
- Prometheus Cave (Kumistavi): Step into a subterranean wonderland featuring spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated with artistic light displays and classical music along a 1.4 km walking path.
- Imeretian Cultural Dinner: An atmospheric dinner at a local restaurant featuring Western Georgian specialties such as Imeretian khachapuri, elardji, walnut pkhali, and local Tsolikouri wine.
📍 Day 5: Natural Canyons & The Mysteries of Colchis
- Martvili Canyon: One of Western Georgia’s most scenic natural attractions. Take an inflatable boat ride through the emerald waters flanked by steep cliffs and hanging vines, followed by a walk along scenic waterfall trails.
- Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve: An open-air archaeological site and modern museum showcasing ancient Colchis artifacts, including exquisite gold jewelry and antique bronzes.
- Return to Tbilisi: Evening transfer back to Tbilisi and check-in at the hotel.
📍 Day 6: Departure & Farewell
- Breakfast & Check-out: Breakfast at the hotel followed by room check-out.
- Free Time: Optional souvenir shopping for spices, Churchkhela, Georgian cheese, and wine at the local market or Dry Bridge bazaar.
- Airport Transfer: Individual transfer to Tbilisi International Airport for your departure flight.
💳 What’s Included ($570 / person):
- ✅ Accommodation in 4★ hotels with daily breakfasts (6 days)
- ✅ 1 Welcome Festive Dinner with wine
- ✅ Individual transfers (Airport pickup & drop-off) + all transportation along the route
- ✅ 24/7 services of a professional local guide
- ✅ Entrance tickets to all museums, national parks, and canyons in the program