Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori, Uplistsikhe and Stalin’s Museum All-inclusive Tour

On this full-day tour from Tbilisi, visit central Georgia's UNESCO-listed sites and historical sights! See the majestic Jvari monastery on a mountaintop, the old cave settlement of Uplistsikhe, and the Stalin Museum in Gori. On the way back, stop in Mtskheta, which used to be the capital of Georgia and is known for its medieval churches that are on the UNESCO list. Uplistikhe is a rock-hewn city on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, roughly 10 kilometers east of Gori. Uplistikhe, one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus region, was first documented in the VII century. Uplistiskhe and the archeological and architectural sites around it are thought to be remnants of the Kura-Araxes culture. The oldest of these sites dates back to the early Bronze Age. Our next stop, the Museum of Joseph Stalin, was founded in 1937 and houses 60,000 exhibits. The museum contains the memorial house where Stalin is thought to have been born, an exhibition building, and Stalin's train car, which he used to go to Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam. Stalin's items are also on display at the museum.

We will also witness the VI century Georgian Orthodox monastery of Jvari Monastery, constructed on a hill opposite Mtskheta, near the junction of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. King Mirian III created a massive wooden cross on this spot shortly after Georgians adopted Christianity. Guaram, the ruler of Kartli, built a tiny church beside the Holy Cross in the second half of the sixth century. Nowadays, this church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a Georgian architectural marvel from the eleventh century, has served as the country's religious center for hundreds of years. The church, a gate, a bell tower, castles, and clerical homes are all part of the complex. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral houses the mantles of Christ and the Prophet Elijah. The grave of Tbilisi's founder, King Vakhtang Gorgasali, is also housed within the structure. The cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights: Uplistikhe, Gori, Joseph Stalin's Museum, Jvari Monastery, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Departure: daily.

Includes: a guide, pick-up and drop-off, lunch in Gori Restaurant, private air-conditioned vehicle transportation, entrance tickets to Stalin's Museum, entrance tickets to Uplistsikhe Cave city, and bottled water.

Not included: alcoholic beverages.

Please note: for 1-2 people, the price is $196.