From the Caucasus to Vardzia

DAY 1: Tbilisi - Jvari - Svetitskhoveli - Kazbegi - Gudauri

We will leave Tbilisi for a deep immersion into the country's spiritual history. Our first stop will be at Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century gem situated atop a mountain, where we will enjoy the iconic view of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Next, we will descend to the ancient capital, Mtskheta, to visit the grand Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. This temple, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the sacred heart of Georgia and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. We will resume the route northward through the scenic Georgian Military Highway until we reach Kazbegi (Stepantsminda). There, the highlight will be the ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church, which stands solitary facing the imposing and eternal peak of Mount Kazbek. After enjoying this postcard landscape, we will head to the Gudauri mountain resort for the night.

Accommodation: Marco Polo 4*

216 km | 04:29 by car

DAY 2: Gudauri - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi

Our day begins by immersing ourselves in the pages of contemporary history with a visit to the famous Stalin Museum in the city of Gori. This unique complex offers us a unique perspective on the Soviet leader, allowing us to explore from the humble birthplace where he was born to his luxurious and imposing personal armored train car. Through an extensive collection of objects and documents, we will reflect on his complex legacy before radically changing scenery. We will take a leap back in time of more than three millennia to discover Uplistsikhe, a fascinating cave city masterfully carved into living rock. We will walk along the ancient roads of this extraordinary archaeological site, a true open-air museum where pagan temples and Christian basilicas coexist.

Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*

335 km | 05:20 by car

DAY 3: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe

Today's route departs from Kutaisi, heading first to the imposing Bagrati Cathedral. From its privileged location on Ukimerioni hill, we will enjoy a complete panorama of the city before continuing to Gelati Monastery. This complex, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will allow us to appreciate medieval architecture and the valuable frescoes of what was a great academy in the 12th century. Leaving human history behind, we will venture into the spectacular geology of Prometheus Cave, walking through its halls full of millennial formations and, if water level conditions are favorable, sailing its underground river. Finally, the journey will take us south to Borjomi, an oasis of tranquility famous for its volcanic springs. In this charming destination, surrounded by the National Park, we can breathe fresh air and learn about the origin of its famous healing mineral waters before continuing to Akhaltsikhe.

Accommodation: Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath 4*

239 km | 04:57 by car

DAY 4: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Tbilisi

Today, we will begin the day exploring the majestic Vardzia, an extraordinary 12th-century rock-hewn monastery city that will transport us to the past. We will venture into its labyrinthine tunnels to discover unique medieval frescoes and visit its ancient cellars, witnesses to the millennial winemaking tradition of the area. We will continue our route to the imposing Khertvisi Fortress, one of Georgia's oldest fortifications, strategically located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti valley; there we will admire its robust walls and enjoy unparalleled panoramic views. Finally, we will head to Tbilisi to conclude the day. Although an extensive road journey awaits us, it will become a memorable experience in itself, treating us to a continuous visual spectacle crossing dreamlike landscapes dominated by the imposing Lesser Caucasus mountains.

287 km | 05:30 by car