Description
After meeting our guide and driver at the Bicycle Monument, Rose Revolution Square, Tbilisi (meeting point on the map), we go to Mtskheta, the old capital of Georgia (3000 years old). Archeological evidence trace human settlement in Mtskheta from the 2nd millennium BC to the early 1st millennium AD.[5] Numerous burials of the Bronze Age (beginning of the 1st millennium BC) prove that Mtskheta was already a significant settlement at that period. Mtskheta was the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. We will visit the monastery Jvari (4-6 century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century). UNESCO recognizes Svetitskhoveli as a World Heritage Site. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - the main patriarchal cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the Mother Cathedral of Georgia, the place of enthronement (enthronement) of the Georgian Catholicos-Patriarchs, the burial of many kings of Georgia, their family members and patriarchs from the great cathedrals. Monument of Georgian architecture of the XI century, one of the four great cathedrals (Oshki, Bagrati Temple, Alaverdi). Svetitskhoveli is the most significant historical church building among the surviving ones in Georgia. It has been the religious center of Christian Georgia for centuries. Jvari Monastery- VI century church and monastery, located east of Mtskheta, at the mouth of the river Mtkvari and Aragvi, on the rocky mountain peak. Jvari Monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here there is the Robe of Jesus Christ, which had been brought from Jerusalem in I c—a true architectural masterpiece of the Early Middle Ages. Built on a hilltop, the views of Mtskheta and the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers are breathtaking and great for selfies! Now we continue our wine tour and visit Guramishvili's Marani. The oldest item of the Georgian cultural heritage is Thadeoz Guramishvili’s wine cellar, as for Georgian “Marani.” Visitors can also be introduced to the Georgian culture and taste some delicious wines. This sight of Guramishvilis and St. Ilia the Righteous is one of Georgia's most essential and magnificent touristic attractions. Continue our tour by visiting Chateau Mukhrani, founded in 1878 by the Prince of Mukhrani, heir of the royal family of Georgia. We will visit Ivan Mukhranbatoni’s palace, a forest – park stable and look at the vineyards and visit the ultra-modern winery. Chateau Mukhrani is the first and the only authentic Georgian Royal Chateau, which unites four key components: vineyards, winery, castle, and history. Return to Tbilisi; the tour is finished.