Monastery Route: 8 Days of Spirituality in Georgia

DAY 1: Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to the capital

We will transfer from the airport to the hotel with the assistance of our guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey.

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*

18 km | 00:25 by car

DAY 2: Tbilisi - Guided tour

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our cultural immersion in the vibrant Rustaveli Avenue, the beating heart of Tbilisi. On this elegant boulevard, we will admire architectural gems such as the imposing Parliament and the neo-Moorish Opera Theatre, as well as the distinctive Rustaveli Theatre and the beautiful Kashveti Church. Our tour will then take us to Metekhi Square, where the historic church and the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali will give us privileged views over the Mtkvari River. The experience will gain height as we take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress, the ancient 4th-century defensive citadel offering the best panoramic views of the capital. Later, we will enter the picturesque district of Abanotubani, world-famous for its historic sulfur baths and the charm of its medieval alleyways. Finally, we will conclude this unforgettable day visiting the Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in the city, where time seems to stand still among its walls and secular frescoes.

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*

2 km | 00:26 by car

DAY 3: Tbilisi - Davit Gareji - Signagi - Telavi

We will leave Tbilisi behind to venture into the impressive steppe landscapes on the border with Azerbaijan. There we will explore the unique monastic complex of David Gareja, carved into the sandstone and surrounded by a semi-desert environment of unique colors. Next, the landscape will transform into green hills as we arrive at the Bodbe Monastery, a place of great spirituality where Saint Nino rests. We will continue to the nearby and charming Signagi, known as the "City of Love". We will enjoy a relaxing stroll through its cobblestone streets and wooden balconies, admiring the spectacular views of the Alazani Valley from its historic wall. After absorbing the beauty of this corner, we will continue our journey into the heart of the wine region until we reach Telavi, its historic capital, where we will stay to rest.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4*

271 km | 05:50 by car

DAY 4: Telavi - Alaverdi - Ananuri - Gergeti - Gudauri

We will say goodbye to Telavi to first visit the nearby and majestic Alaverdi Cathedral, an 11th-century architectural jewel that stands solemnly in the Alazani Valley. Next, we will change scenery heading towards the historic Georgian Military Highway. We will make an essential stop at the fortified complex of Ananuri, whose churches and towers are reflected in the turquoise waters of the Jinvali reservoir. We will continue ascending north until we reach Kazbegi, where we will climb to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, dramatically situated at the foot of the imposing Mount Kazbek. After enjoying these unparalleled alpine views, we will head to the mountain resort of Gudauri to spend the night.

Accommodation: Marco Polo 4*

237 km | 04:51 by car

DAY 5: Gudauri - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi

Our day begins by immersing ourselves in the pages of contemporary history visiting 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 house where he was born to his luxurious and imposing personal armored railway 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 the 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. The adventure will continue exploring its mysterious secret tunnels and rock dwellings, all while enjoying unparalleled panoramic views over the course of the Mtkvari River.

Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*

335 km | 05:20 by car

DAY 6: 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 the Gelati Monastery. This complex, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will allow us to appreciate the medieval architecture and valuable frescoes of what was a great academy in the 12th century. Leaving human history behind, we will enter the spectacular geology of Prometheus Cave, touring its chambers 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 7: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Tbilisi

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

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*

287 km | 05:30 by car

DAY 8: Transfer from Tbilisi to Tbilisi Airport

We will transfer from the hotel to the airport according to the scheduled flight time, with the assistance of our guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey.

18 km | 00:25 by car