Christmas fairytale in Tbilisi

Christmas fairytale in Tbilisi

 

Tbilisi — Mtskheta — Sighnaghi — Ananuri — Gudauri — Kazbegi — Tbilisi

 

  

 

Day 1: Tbilisi

Arrival to Tbilisi. Meeting with the representatives of the agency. Hotel accommodation. Free time.Overnight.

 

Day 2: Tbilisi 

Breakfast. Excursion in the capital of Georgia (3 hours).

The capital of Georgia is unique. It is located on the several mountain hills, on which "creep" the old blocks. Tbilisi - is a beautiful river Kura with its picturesque rocky shores, that flows across the whole city.

"Old Town" - is the historic center of Tbilisi, that is located at the root of Mtatsminda (Holy Mount) mountain. Almost all of the buildings of the Old Town are historical and cultural sites, this part of the city is round - the - clock full of life, here walk alone or in groups tourists, meet lovers near the Clock Tower. This amuzing Tower appeared here recently, built by the Puppet Theatre director Rezo Gabriadze. Here artists exhibit their paintings, artisans offer numerous souvenirs. Basically here are 2-3 storeyed houses, built of brick and stone, that have a particular Tbilisi architecture, distinguished by narrow streets, galleries and carved wooden balconies.

Tbilisi is one of the rare places in the world, where can peacefully exist in the Old Town orthodox church, catholic cathedra, synagogue and mosque. During the excursion, visit of Mechetian Church ( V c.), Narikala fortress ( IV c.), Sioni Cathedral (VI-VII c.), Anchiskhati Basilica of St Mary, the oldest surviving church, Synaxis of Saint Truinity of the temple complex of Tsminda Sameba - the main Cathedral of Georgian Orthodox Church.

Free time. Overnight.

 

Day 3: Tbilisi — Sighnaghi — Tbilisi

Breakfast. Arrival to the " town of everlasting love" Sighnaghi. Visit in the Bodbe village of the monastery complex of St. George and the grave of St. Nino. Excursion in the "town of everlasting love" Sighnaghi. Walk along the ancient town Sighnaghi, that is placed at the top of the ridge, overlooking Alazani valley.It was currently restored to its original from. Visit of the historic -ethnographical museum with the exhibits of V century BC to XIX c. The museum also exhibites paintings of the famous Georgian artist Niko Pirosmani. Degustation of georgian wine in one of the cellars.  Return to Tbilisi. Overnight.

 

Day 4: Tbilisi

Breakfast. Day free. Optional tours on request. Overnight.

Day 5: Tbilisi — Mtskheta

Breakfast. Excursion (3 hours) in the ancient capital of Georgia Mtskheta - the town-museum, included to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. Visit of temple- monastery Jvari ( VI c.). At the top of the mountain, where the temple is located, opens a fantastic view on the place of confluence of two rivers - Kura and Aragvi. There also opens a beautiful view on the ancient capital of Georgia - Mtskheta. Visit of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (1010-1029), at the bottom of which is buried one of the major Christian relics Lords chiton, as well as the burial place of many of the Georgian kings. Here is also the part of life-giving pillar. Visit of Samtavro monastery, where year round grow, flower and fruit blackberry bush, near of which in the IV century lived and preached St. Nino- enlightener, the first preacher of Christianity in Georgia. The official adoption of Christianity in Georgia in 324 is associated with the name of St. Nino, with the assistance and participation of the King St. Miriam and Queen St. Nana. It was St. Nino who persuaded the king Miriam and queen Nana to adopt Christianity in Georgia. Woderworking icon of Iberian Mother of God, woderworking icon of St. Nino, grave of St. Tsar Merian and Tsarina Nani, hallows of St. Abibos Nekresky, St. Shio Mhvimskoho are inside. Return to Tbilisi. Free time. Overnight.

Day 6: Tbilisi

Breakfast. You will be able to take part in a Christmas procession "Alilo", during which the priests and believers glorify with songs the Nativity of Christ passing through the streets of the city. Members of the clergy lead the procession bearing icons, crosses and banners, while the laity follow behind them either on foot, or in bull-drawn carts. Children play one of the leading roles in this Christmas procession. On this day people light up candles in all the windows and prepare traditional goodies – christmas cakes kvertsi. The table is decorated with a festive tree chichilaki (actually it is nut stick with long shavings).

Festive Christmas dinner. Overnight.

Day 7: Tbilisi — Ananuri — Gudauri — Kazbegi — Tbilisi

Breakfast. Free day. Optional excursion in Gudauri — Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). On the way to it, we overlook the picturesque Ananuri fortress (XVI c.), located above Aragvi river, and also the amazing beauty of Zhinvali reservoir. In passing the ski resort Gudauri (2200 m), the stunning trip along Tergi river, through Cross Pass (2400 m), will bring us to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). Optional skiing in Gudauri. Under good weather conditions trip to Kazbegi.When the weather is fair, the stunning view on the mountain Kazbeg (5147 m), one of the highest tops of Georgia, opens. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight.

Day 8: Tbilisi

Breakfast. Free time. Souvenirs buying. Transfer to the airport.

 

Price includes:

• Accommodation in 3-4* hotels, standard rooms with breakfast;
• Festive Christmas dinner;
• Georgian wine degustation in the cellar in Bodbe/ Sighnaghi;
• Excursions according to the program with the English speaking guide;
• Transport acccording to the program;

Price does not include:

• Flight;
• Optional program in Gudauri — Stepantsminda;
• Personal expenses;
• Optional programs.