One Day Tour: Old Tbilisi and Ancient Mtskheta

Uncover the soul of Georgia on this full-day Private City Tour of Old Tbilisi and the ancient capital of Mtskheta.

In Tbilisi: Your private guide will immerse you in the city’s heritage, from the grandeur of Holy Trinity Cathedral to the bustling Bath Quarter and its hidden waterfall. Ascend by cable car to Narikala Fortress for breathtaking panoramas, then explore the history held within Sioni Cathedral and the ancient Anchiskhati Basilica.

In Mtskheta: Step back in time as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, where Christianity became Georgia’s state religion in 319 AD. Witness the architectural splendor of the 6th-century Jvari Monastery and the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (XI c.), absorbing the spiritual atmosphere of this historic town.

Highlights:

• Old Tbilisi
• Metekhi Church
• Narikala Fortress
• Bath Quarter
• Peace Bridge
• Aerial tramway
• Shardeni Street
• Mtskheta City
• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (XI c, UNESCO)
• Jvari Monastery (VI c, UNESCO)

In the Morning: Exploring Historic Old Tbilisi

Even with a short time in Georgia, exploring Tbilisi’s Old Town is a must. The historic district’s architecture is a beautiful fusion of Georgian, Byzantine, Oriental, and Neo-Classical European styles.

Dating back over 1,500 years, Tbilisi was founded by King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th Century AD, its name deriving from the Georgian word for “warm,” T’pili, inspired by its famous springs. Sliced by the Mtkvari River, this lovely setting is ripe for discovery.

During your guided walk, you will explore the city’s key landmarks:

• Anchiskhati Basilica: The city’s oldest surviving Greek Orthodox church.

• Sioni & Metekhi Churches: Significant 13th-century religious sites.

• Narikala Fortress: Ride the cable car to this magnificent fortress, perched on a hill, offering superb panoramic views of the city below.

• Freedom Square: The classical heart of modern Tbilisi.

• The Bridge of Peace: Cross one of Tbilisi’s newest attractions, the sleek glass and steel pedestrian bridge spanning the Mtkvari River.

Tbilisi’s compact Old Town makes it easy to observe its renowned tolerance. You will easily explore the nearby Synagogue, Armenian Church, and Mosque alongside the foundational Georgian Orthodox churches.

 

Next Abanotubani and The Sulphur Baths

Conclude your Tbilisi tour in the famous sulfur baths quarter of Abanotubani. Here, you will see the most famous bath, Chreli Abano, and learn how the natural hot springs led to the naming of the city, completing the King Vakhtang legend.

 

Afternoon: Journey to Ancient Mtskheta (UNESCO)

In the afternoon, we continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mtskheta. Located just 12 miles (20 kilometers) northwest of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Rivers Mtkvari and Aragvi, Mtskheta served as the capital of Georgia (formerly Iberia) from the 3rd Century BC until the 5th Century AD.

It is Georgia’s most sacred site, recognized as the place where Christianity was proclaimed the state religion in 319 AD. Mtskheta remains the spiritual center of the Georgian Orthodox Church today.

After a comfortable drive by air-conditioned coach, you will explore the restored streets of the Old Town and visit its most important architectural monuments:

• Jvari Monastery (6th-Century): Erected on a hilltop, this masterpiece offers one of the country’s most iconic views of the town and the striking merging of the two rivers.

• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th-Century): The main seat of the Catholic Patriarch. Be sure to peek inside to see its magnificent wall paintings and feel the profound historical importance of the cathedral.

You will then be transferred back to Tbilisi for your hotel drop-off, concluding a full day of history and culture.

Duration: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 70 km
Season: All year around