Our Short Georgia Tour Package from Nepal is designed for any traveler interested in art, history, and culture! Georgia is more than a destination; it is Europe's and Asia's best-kept secret! With numerous serene natural valleys, historic monasteries/cathedrals, and fascinating cave towns, Georgia is a country located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Likewise, this outstanding destination is divided into 2 autonomous regions, 11 administrative regions, 76 municipalities, and has many charming cities, towns, and villages.
In this 5-night and 6-day tour package, you'll delve into the heart of Georgia by traveling to Tbilisi, the nation’s capital city known for its historical landmarks, delectable cuisines, and top-notch hospitality! To immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this city, you’ll go on an educational yet enriching walking tour and along the way you will see major landmarks such as Rike Park, Tbilisi Juma Mosque, Bridge of Peace, and Sioni Cathedral, among others! Likewise, you’ll also be stopping by Kazbegi, a picturesque town to visit Georgia’s most prized location, Gergeti Trinity Church, a picture-perfect destination located on top of a scenic hill that overlooks the snow-covered Kazbegi Mountains!
What’s more is that the fun just doesn’t end there! In Mtskheta, you’ll be exploring two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Jvari Monastery and Svetit Skhoveli Cathedral, two top destinations that have helped to preserve Georgia’s diverse history and rich cultural legacy. Similarly, to make your travel days even more memorable, in the historic Kakheti region, you’ll also be visiting the incredible Sighnaghi Wall, where you can catch a glimpse of the tranquil Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains!
Now, let’s learn in detail about the fantastic and outstanding destinations you’ll be visiting in Georgia!
Tbilisi - The Immortal City
Located at the heart of Georgia, Tbilisi is one of the most popular cities of Georgia, known for its serene sulfur bathhouses, picturesque cathedrals, and scenic museums! Covering an area of 726 square kilometers, Tbilisi is also the capital city of Georgia and truly an all-around destination that is able to cater to the interests and preferences of any traveler visiting this vibrant city, as there are numerous historic, adventurous, and cultural destinations situated here! Due to its geographical location, as it is located between Asia and Europe, you will see that Tbilisi’s rich culture, diverse architecture, and top-notch food cuisines contain influences from both eastern and western parts, giving this city its unique identity.
In the past, the beautiful city of Tbilisi was attacked and invaded multiple times by various powerful nations, but due to this city’s resilient and persevering nature, this strong-willed city has always managed to bounce back from the hardships and difficulties it faced in the past, hence also being known as “the immortal city.” Likewise, in terms of tourism, it is also one of the most visited destinations in Georgia, where some of the most renowned destinations here include the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, the Chronicles of Georgia, Rike Park, the Georgian National Museum, and the Bridge of Peace.
Likewise, the best way to get to know Tbilisi is by going on a walking tour of the city, as it sort of a tradition that all tourists engage in while visiting this beautiful destination. Your walking tour in Tbilisi consists of many enthralling destinations that are all unique and hand picked to provide you with the most memorable experiences. You will be passing by these scenic destinations during your walking tour:
- Rike Park: Tbilisi’s top rated urban park! Firstly opened to the public in the year 2010, Rike Park is surrounded by lush green trees, multiple seating areas along with recreational spots that feature fun playgrounds, a musical fountain and a large amphitheatre that also organizes various programs throughout the year. You can also see the Mtkvari River flowing near the park as well!
- Narikala Fortress: Built during the 4th century, the Narikala Fortress is estimated to be the oldest historic fortress in Tbilisi and is divided into two sections, which consist of the upper and lower sections. Additionally, inside the fortress there is also the church of Nicholas located here that is decorated with beautiful frescoes of many religious figures of Christianity and famous leaders of Georgia. From the higher section of the fortress, you are also able to get a panoramic view of the Mtsvari River city views of Tbilisi and the surrounding mountains.
- Tbilisi Juma Mosque: Being the only Muslim shrine in the city, the Tbilisi Juma Mosque has brought together Sunni and Shiitee Mosques for decades, as before 1951, the Shiitee Muslims used to pray in a separate mosque called the Blue Mosque, which was later demolished. This mosque is located just near the Narikala Fortress and was believed to have been constructed during the 17th century and has been a place of prayer and solace for many muslims in Tbilisi. Built using Neo-Gothic and Islamic architecture, the exterior of the mosque is decorated with a mosaic facade and also has a stunning octagonal minaret (a slender tower) alongside it as well.
- Abanotubani: Also said to be one of the oldest districts in Tbilisi, the name Abanotubani, when translated into English, means “baths district,” which is really fitting for this historic district as it is known for its sulfur-soaked bathhouses believed to contain many therapeutic and healing benefits, both beneficial for the mind and body. While on the tour, you will also witness many quaint and charming restaurants/cafes here that serve top-notch Georgian cuisine. You can take many photos and videos of this district to best preserve your memories of this beautiful destination!
- Bridge of Peace: Take a peaceful walk through the Bridge of Peace that was constructed in 2010 by Michele De Lucchi. Spanning across the Mtkvari river, this stunning bridge connects Rike Park and Erekle II, from where you’ll be able to get a panoramic view of Tbilisi and its surrounding views. Additionally, a major highlight of the bridge is the Sino-soidal roof that makes it look like this bridge is wearing a long hat! If you happen to visit the bridge during sunset time, you’ll also see that the bridge gets covered in a luminous glow every day as approximately 10,000 light bulbs are turned at the bridge every night.
- Sioni Cathedral: Also known as Zion Cathedral of the Dormition of Tbilisi, Sioni Cathedral is surely one of the most holy and religious sites in Georgia, as it houses the cross of St. Nino, which is an essential symbol of Christianity. Estimated to be built during the 6th–7th centuries, this cathedral contains many detailed icons and frescoes of many holy figures, like the Virgin Mary, St.Barbara and St Nino, which are all highly worshipped by churchgoers in Tbilisi.
- Anchiskhati Basilica: For spiritual travelers, the Anchiskhati Basilica located in Kala neighbourhood is a must-visit destination! Estimated to be built during the 6th century, this church has been an active place for worship in Georgia and additionally has brought many Christian followers together under one roof for decades. The architecture of the church follows a 3 nave basilica structure and is built out of tuff stone bricks, giving it a traditional look.
- Gabriadze Clock Tower and Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre: Take a look around two of the most photographed destinations in Georgia located right beside each other, which are the Gabriadze Clock Tower and Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre, both designed by the famous architect Rezo Gabriadze. The clock tower is frequently visited by travelers, as this tower organizes a fun mini-show everyday that is both fun to watch and capture through your phone! Additionally, the lower part of the tower and theatre are decorated in an array of colorful tiles designed by the architect Rezo himself, where you can take photos and videos as well and capture the beauty of these popular landmarks.
Note: As most of these destinations are visited from the outside, if you would like, depending upon the time, you can also visit Juma Mosque (by following the mosque rules), the sulfur baths in Abanotubani (for which you must inform your tour guide beforehand as booking and extra charge is required for this), Anchiskhati Basilica, and Sioni Cathedral from the inside as well.
Ananuri Attractions
Travel to Ananuri, a picturesque village that is located just an hour away from the main capital city of Tbilisi in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. Ananuri is famous for the Ananuri Fortress Complex, one of the most visited destinations in this village. Additionally, as Ananuri offers scenic views of mountains and rivers, travelers also engage in fun and exciting activities here such as paragliding and parasailing, making it an ideal destination for adventure lovers! In this glorious city, you will be visiting the renowned Ananuri Fortress Complex:
- Ananuri Fortress Complex: Explore the Ananuri Fortress Complex, an ideal destination for history lovers! Believed to have been constructed during the 13th century by the Aragvi dynasty, who also once ruled this fortress, this historical landmark has helped to preserve Georgia’s rich history and cultural heritage. Facing a devastating past, this fortress complex was attacked and invaded multiple times but in the present time it serves as a prominent tourist attraction. Likewise, this fortress is built following the Georgian and Persian architecture styles, and has two smaller fortresses, a perimeter wall and multiple watchtowers, where the High Tower is said to be the most popular sight here!
Kazbegi Attractions
Traditionally known as Stepantsminda, Kazbegi is a scenic town in the northeastern region of Georgia! Popular for its snow-covered mountains, tranquil waterfalls, and lush green valleys, this town is the perfect destination in Georgia for nature lovers to explore! Likewise, if you love participating in adventurous activities such as hiking and trekking, then the trails around Gveleti Waterfalls, Chaukhi Valley, Trusco Valley, and Artkhmo Gorge are a few of Kazbegi’s most scenic destinations that you need to add to your travel list! Additionally, for food enthusiasts, Kazbegi also offers an array of flavorful savory dishes, that include khinkeli (meat-based soup dumplings), satsivi (a turkey/chicken dish served cold in a rich walnut sauce), mtsvadi (juicy grilled meat skewers), and ojakhuri (meat and veggie stir fry). In the stunning town of Kazbegi, you will be visiting the Gergeti Trinity Church, a renowned and charming sightseeing destination.
- Gergeti Trinity Church: Set against the incredible Kazbegi Mountains, the Gergeti Trinity is surely a sight to behold! You’ll surely be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of this stunning church in Kazbegi. Built during the 14th century, this holy church is constructed out of stone/wood and houses many detailed wall paintings, frescoes, icons of religious figures in Christianity such as the Mother of God, John the Baptist and Saint Nino, which are highly worshipped by church goers. Additionally, Gergeti Trinity Church is built using a cross-cupola design, meaning the layout of this church looks like a cruciform, giving it a traditional yet unique look.
Kakheti - Little Tuscany
Kakheti is the ultimate region to travel in Georgia if you're a wine enthusiast! Comprising an area of 11,310 square kilometers, this region is divided into 8 municipalities where areas such as Tsinandali, Kvareli and Sighnaghi have many renowned wineries and vineyards, where you’re able to purchase high-quality dry and semi-sweet wine that you cannot find else in Georgia! Likewise, due to this charming region resembling the Tuscany region in Italy in terms of its traditional wine-making traditions and old-style architecture, Kakheti is also known as the “Little Tuscany” of Georgia.
With numerous religious destinations such as Ikalto Monastery, Nekresi Monastery, Bodbe Monastery, and Gremi’s Archangel Complex, Kakheti is also a major pilgrimage town in Georgia, visited by huge numbers of devotees all across Georgia. Likewise, this spectacular region is also known for its diverse food cuisines, where a few of the famous local dishes include machkatebi (sweet and savory pancakes), danduri (fresh vegetable salad), khashlama (meat-veggie stew) and tarkhunis gvezeli (traditional meat pie) that you can try while exploring this region. While visiting Kakheti region, you will be visiting the renowned Bodbe Monastery, which a popular tourist site located here:
- Bodbe Monastery: Take a tour of the prestigious Bodbe Monastery (also known as St. Nino’s Cathedral) estimated to be built around the 9th century. This ancient monastery is the final resting place of Saint Nino (a christian missionary), and her tomb is also present in the main basilica of the monastery. Additionally, Bodbe Monastery is made using traditional Georgian architecture, where the interior is decorated with many detailed stone carvings and wall paintings that narrate the biblical stories of St. Nino. You’ll surely feel a sense of calm and serenity after visiting this holy monastery.
- Sighnaghi Wall: For travelers who are into photography, the Sighnaghi Wall in Kakheti is a must-visit destination! Estimated to be constructed around the 17th century, this ancient wall comprises many arched gateways and military towers, as in the past this fortress wall was built to protect the Kakheti region from many invaders. Here, you can stroll around and experience the beauty of the Alazani Valley, Caucasus Mountain and the Sighnaghi city from the fortress wall that is truly breathtaking to witness in real life!
Mtskheta - Little Jerusalem
Only an hour away from the capital city of Tbilisi, Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities that you’ll explore in Georgia! Also nicknamed as Georgia’s “Little Jerusalem” due to the numerous religious churches and ancient cathedrals/monuments located here, Mtskheta has remained a major pilgrimage for many Georgians all across the nation. Furthermore, it is home to 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, which include the Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and Samtavro Monastery that are frequently visited by tourists and are the ideal destinations for history enthusiasts to explore, where a few of the most popular destinations centered around these include Shiomgvime Monastery, Tree of Life Mosaic, Bebristsikhe Fortress, and Zedazeni Monastery.
Likewise, this historic city also functioned as the capital of Georgia from the 2nd to 5th century A.D., where later the capital was moved to Tbilisi. Additionally, this city was also the first in the nation to practice and spread Christianity, where it also earned the title of “The Holy City” in 2014 by the Georgian Orthodox Church. In terms of food cuisines, this city majorly incorporates ingredients such as walnuts, different types of cheeses, and fresh herbs and spices that give Mtskheta cuisine its rich and earthy taste, where a few of the most prized traditional dishes include shkmeruli (barbecued pork kebabs), lobio (red bean stew), khinkali (meat-filled dumplings), chvishtari (cheesy cornbread), and churchkela (a sweet nutty dessert). In this historic city of Mtskheta, you will be visiting these fantastic destinations:
- Jvari Monastery: Visit the Jvari Monastery, one of the three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mtskheta that was built during the 4th-5th century. Dedicated to Saint Nino, the architecture of this monastery uses traditional Georgian styles, where the walls of this monastery have inscriptions of the Asomtavruli script, which also happens to be the earliest example of Georgian writing. Likewise, these writings also detail how Stepahnoz I of Iberia (a prince) helped in the construction of this ancient site. From the monastery, travelers are also able to see the serene Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers flowing right in front, adding even more beauty and charm to this destination!
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: Another UNESCO world heritage site you’ll be exploring in Mtskheta is the Svetitskhveli Cathedral that was initially constructed during the 4th century. Facing a tragic past, this religious site was attacked and invaded multiple times by many enemies but currently stands as a flourishing cathedral and represents hope and resilience for many Georgians. Additionally, this holy cathedral was believed to be built upon the grave of Saint Sidonia (a renowned saint), where the interior of the cathedral is decorated with many wall paintings, icons and frescoes of religious and spiritual figures of Georgia.
Uplistsikhe Attractions
Explore Uplistsikhe, a historic sightseeing destination located in the Shida Kartli region, which in the past used to function as one of Georgia’s religious, cultural, and political hubs. Likewise, during the mediaeval era, Uplistsikhe was once a flourishing town inhabited by around 20,000 people, but in the current time it looks more like a secluded ghost town (as there are no people residing in the town anymore). Additionally, this historic destination has piqued the interests of many tourists and locals alike, due to the numerous number of ancient tunnels, historic temples, unique caves, and traditional residential areas dating from the early Iron Age to the late Middle Ages. If you’re someone who loves exploring historic sites, then Uplistsikhe is that town in Georgia you have to visit! To get to know this ancient town better, you will visit the Uplistsikhe Cave Town, which has been a prominent tourist site in recent years.
- Uplistsikhe Cave Town: Take a stroll around the historic Uplistsikhe Cave Town located east of Gori Town in Uplistsikhe. Formerly a thriving town in the past, this cave town used to be inhabited by many people and comprises many temples, churches, and caves, where a few of the most renowned ones include Queen Tamar’s Hall, Church of Prince, Hall with Caisson, and Three-Nave Basilica that has helped to preserve the rich history and cultural legacy of the town. Additionally, this cave town is a perfect spot for photographers, as you can take many eye-catching photos and videos that look like they belong on a movie set!
Consisting of 5 nights and 6 days, our Short Georgia Tour Package is bound to take you on an exceptional journey from Nepal filled with adventures and entertainment! Make sure you seize this fantastic opportunity by traveling to the enchanting nation of Georgia and create countless special memories along the way!
Thank you so much, Holidays to Nepal team, for their time and effort that they have put into our tour to make it memorable. Our holiday tour to Bali wouldn’t have been completed without your perfect and cosy planning. It was such a good experience, and I will definitely choose Holidays to Nepal for our next trip as well, and I highly recommend others choose them as their travel partner as well. Keep it up, and best of luck for more achievements.