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Gamsakhurdia Street Mtskheta, Mtskheta 3301, Georgia
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The views from this clifftop monastery are truly spectacular
Jvari Monastery, in Mtskheta "Jvari" means "cross" in Georgian, which is why it's also known as the Monastery of the Cross. A World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Christianity in Georgia. It offers a high vantage point to overlook the valley, mountains, and church. The story here is also about the missionary Saint Nino. (I've already covered this story in my notes on the Saint Nino Monastery in Sighnaghi.) Below in the valley lies Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. ⛪ Jvari A prime example of Georgia's earliest cross-domed churches. Many later churches were modeled after its structure. Legend has it that Saint Nino erected a wooden cross on the edge of the cliff. Later, this stone monastery was built on the original site of that cross. ✨ The Cross Saint Nino erected the first grapevine cross in Georgia here. Unlike those in Armenia, Georgian crosses are all made of a grapevine tied with hair. The church interior still preserves the original base where the cross was placed. 🏞️ Confluence of Two Rivers From the viewing platform, you can see the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. Due to their different sediment levels, one is blue-green and the other is brown. Both rivers flow through the old town of Mtskheta. In the distance lie the rolling Caucasus Mountains. A 360° panoramic view that is absolutely breathtaking 🌿 📝 Tips 📍 Jvari Monastery, Mtskheta, Georgia 🚗 A 20-minute drive from downtown Tbilisi. Visit it along with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. 💰 Free admission ⏰ 20–30 minutes is enough. The site is small. 📖 Best for sightseeing, learning the history, and taking photos. 👗 Men are not allowed to wear shorts. Women must cover their shoulders, hair, and legs. Free headscarves and skirts are available to borrow at the entrance.
The first thing to do when landing in Tbilisi is to soak in a 100-year-old hot spring
Tbilisi means "warm place" in Georgian. The capital of Georgia used to be Mtskheta. Legend has it that when the king was hunting, he discovered warm springs flowing here all year round. He ordered a city to be built and named it "Tbilisi." This Abanotubani sulfur bath district is the birthplace of Tbilisi. There are many bathhouses in this area, each with its own unique features. ⛲ Chreli Abano (also known as the Colorful Bath) Built in the 19th century, it is said that Pushkin and Alexandre Dumas both visited. Pushkin even called it the most magnificent bathhouse he had ever seen. The plaque at the entrance features that very compliment from Pushkin. Alexandre Dumas also wrote about his wonderful experience in the Caucasian baths in his travelogues. The bathhouse still retains the No. 4 private bath room named after Dumas. Personal experience 📸 You can walk in to take photos of the exterior walls and courtyard without a reservation. 💧 You need to book private baths online via the official website, which has an English version. 📱 I tested it with my mobile data without changing the SIM card, and I was able to book it myself. After a successful booking, a reservation code was sent to my phone and email. 🕰️ I booked 3 days in advance. Peak season, weekends, and evening slots were all full. When I went to soak, many people who arrived without a reservation couldn't get a room. 🏨 I stayed at a nearby hotel, and the front desk said hotel guests could get a discount, but the downside is that you might not be able to book on the day. 👟 Bring your own towel, slippers, water, and swimsuit. Renting on-site costs extra and isn't really necessary. 🥚 The sulfur hot springs have a faint smell of rotten eggs, which is normal. ♥️ 1 hour is enough. Including time to change clothes, you can't soak for that long, and it's hard to handle the enclosed space for too long.
This cathedral has more stories to tell than the Holy Trinity Cathedral
Many people know Tbilisi, but few realize that Mtskheta was the original capital of Georgia. The entire ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 🥻 The Seamless Robe Legend has it that the seamless robe worn by Jesus during his crucifixion was purchased at a high price in Jerusalem by Elias, a Georgian Jew, and brought back to Mtskheta. When his sister, Sidonia, saw the robe, she was overcome with grief for Jesus' suffering and passed away on the spot. Her hands were clenched so tightly around the robe that they could not be separated, so she was buried with it. 🌲 The Suspended Cedar A massive cedar tree eventually grew over the grave. Saint Nino (whom I mentioned in my previous post) came here to preach and decided to build a church. She had the cedar cut down to create 7 wooden pillars. 6 were placed successfully, but the 7th remained suspended in mid-air. Saint Nino prayed throughout the night, and the pillar slowly descended to the ground, flowing with holy oil. This pillar, imbued with life, became the "Life-Giving Pillar." ‼️ This cathedral is even more impressive than the Holy Trinity Cathedral ✅ The original burial site of the robe Located on the right side inside the main hall. This is where Sidonia was buried with the robe. It is also said to be the exact spot where the divine pillar performed miracles and flowed with holy oil. ✅ Relic of Saint Andrew's foot bone The foot bone relic of Saint Andrew (the first disciple of Jesus). It is kept in a foot-shaped wooden box inside a small side door of the cathedral. ✅ Enamel-painted icon cross Located in the center of the main hall. Every section of this cross is painted with enamel icons, and the final section is said to contain a fragment of the True Cross from Jesus' crucifixion. ✅ Millennial medieval frescoes The rough stone walls retain faded, ancient frescoes. Though their bright colors have worn away, the sense of history they convey remains breathtaking. ✅ View of Jvari Monastery on the hilltop Look up and you can see the Jvari Monastery on the opposite hill. Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Sighnaghi | A niche monastery destination that feels like a park
Georgia has no shortage of monasteries and churches—they're on every Lonely Planet cover. But to understand Georgia, you must know her story—Saint Nino, the spiritual mother of Georgia. 👩🏻 Saint Nino Born in Turkey, she was Cappadocian nobility. At 20, when Christians were being heavily persecuted there and her family perished, she bent grapevines and tied them with her own hair to create a cross. Alone, she crossed the Caucasus Mountains and walked to Georgia. At the time, all of Georgia worshipped pagan gods, but she cured the Queen's serious illness. The King, having witnessed the holy light descend, was deeply moved. The entire nation abandoned its thousand-year polytheistic religion and converted to Christianity. Single-handedly, she rewrote the civilization's trajectory for the entire country, making Georgia one of the world's earliest Christian nations. This faith has protected Georgia for a full 1,700 years. ⛪ Bodbe Monastery In her later years, Saint Nino lived in seclusion in Bodbe in the Kakheti Valley. After she passed away, people wanted to move her holy coffin to Mtskheta, but it wouldn't budge, so she was laid to rest here. Thus, Bodbe Monastery was born. 🕋 Saint Nino's Tomb Many tourists go to the wrong place. The large cathedral in the courtyard was built later; it's grand and very photogenic. Saint Nino's tomb is in the old church with the pointed roof 🚪. 🌸 It's more like a park than a monastery. Setting aside its religious significance, this place feels more like a mountain forest park 🌿, wrapped in layers of pine forests, flowers, and valley greenery. As the wind blows through the forest, you'll feel a moment of pure tranquility and holiness. 📸 Travel Cheat Sheet ▪️ A 10-minute drive from the town of Sighnaghi; a must-visit on your way. ▪️ Free admission. Shoulders and knees must be covered inside the church; please remain quiet. ▪️ The new church is closed, but the exterior is great for photos. Photography is not allowed inside the old church; it's a place to quietly experience history.
To truly understand Georgia, you must visit Mtskheta
At the moment I got off in Mtskheta, the narrow alleys and ancient brick-walled courtyard houses🏠 instantly transported me back to 3rd century Georgia🇬🇪 Maybe I should call it by another name, the Kingdom of Iberia 📅 In the 5th century, the capital moved from Mtskheta to Tbilisi But even now, beneath the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the town center, many Georgian monarchs from different eras still rest This small town, known as the “holy city,” 🏮 reminded me of Chang’an in the Tang dynasty Both were once incredibly prosperous and still retain their historic charm today 🌊 Crossing the national road through the town, there are two rivers One is the Kura River, the other is the Aragvi River At their confluence, there is a clear dividing line I like the deep blue of the Aragvi River🌌 At this moment, I thought of Chongqing too At Chaotianmen Wharf⛵️, the Jialing River and Yangtze River meet in a similar way If you ever come to Mtskheta, you can follow my route🚶 🗺️ Svetitskhoveli Cathedral ➡️ Jvari Monastery on the hilltop ➡️ Samtavro Convent 👉 Svetitskhoveli Cathedral feels like a garden, with half-arched garden windows🪟 on the walls and lawns filled with flowers of all colors💐 👉 Jvari Monastery (Jvari Monastery) on the hilltop is a bit of a hike If you’re short on time, you can take a taxi🚖 There are drivers near Svetitskhoveli Cathedral⛪️ The round-trip fare is about 20–30 lari, depending on your bargaining skills—haha 👉 Samtavro Convent is where you wait for the bus back to Tbilisi, so it’s the last stop This convent is quite special and photography is not allowed, so emmm, you’ll have to see it for yourself~ 🚗 Take the metro from downtown to Didube station, then walk and follow navigation🚶 to the ALLBUS STATION Look for a ticket window with a white curtain—that’s it, 2 lari per person ⚠️ Don’t navigate to Didube Bus Terminal Even though it’s also a station, the minibuses to Mtskheta don’t depart from there
Giving up on Thailand. This place has low costs, visa-free entry, and is safe. Perfect for a summer getaway to cool off!
🌍 Who would have thought! I originally planned to go to Thailand but was deterred by the heatwave and crowds. Then I discovered Georgia, a real hidden gem✨ 🧭 Visa-free, beautiful scenery, low costs, and quite safe. In July and August, you can enjoy a 20℃ summer🏔️ 🥇 Reasons to recommend 🛂1️⃣ Smooth visa-free entry. 30 days with a blank passport. Ready to go anytime 💰2️⃣ Impressively low costs: a 3 km taxi ride costs less than 5 yuan, and a street meat skewer with cheese bread is about 20 yuan per person—very filling 🌡️3️⃣ Average temperature of 20–25℃ in July and August. Cool off at the foot of snowy mountains, more comfortable than air conditioning 🛡️4️⃣ Very high global safety index. Walking late at night in Tbilisi’s old town feels completely safe. Solo female travelers will feel very welcome 🏞️5️⃣ Dense concentration of sights. See snowy mountains, the Black Sea, vineyards, and medieval churches all in one day ✈️ Travel guide 🛫 Flights: Direct from Urumqi to Tbilisi takes about 5 hours. Round-trip tickets with taxes often range from 3,000 to 5,000 yuan. Transfers via Doha or Istanbul are also convenient 🚇 Local transport: Tbilisi metro costs 2 yuan per ride. Renting a car to Kazbegi is about 400 yuan per vehicle. The coastal railway to Batumi looks like a movie scene 🏔️ Must-visit spots in July and August ⛪· Kazbegi mountain + Holy Trinity Church: the loneliest church closest to heaven, with summer snow-capped meadows in the background 🌊· Batumi Black Sea: watch the sunset under the Ali & Nino sculpture, ride the seaside Ferris wheel for 10 yuan per round, full of European small-town charm 🍷· Sighnaghi wine town: 24-hour endless sipping, red-tiled roofs create a romantic vibe 🕍· Mtskheta Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: a world heritage site, quiet and sacred 🏰· Tbilisi old town: take the cable car to Mother Fortress for panoramic views, hunt for Soviet badges at Dry Bridge Market, and soak in sulfur baths at night 📅 Highlights itinerary for July and August (7 days) ☀️D1 Arrive in Tbilisi, stroll old town, cable car night view 🏞️D2 Tbilisi → Mtskheta → Kazbegi, see Ananuri Fortress, stay at the mountain foot ⛰️D3 Early morning hike or carpool to Holy Trinity Church, return to Tbilisi, evening walk at Freedom Square 🍇D4 Tbilisi → Sighnaghi, wine tasting and relaxing at vineyards, stay at a balcony guesthouse to watch the sunset 🌅D5 Return from Sighnaghi, take the train to Batumi, evening walk by the Black Sea 🎡D6 Full day in Batumi: Ali & Nino, botanical garden, seaside café relaxation 🍾D7 Return from Batumi, bring a bottle of wine as a gift 👨👩👧👦 Suitable for 🎒 Budget-conscious workers and students wanting a European vibe; families can dig sand at Batumi beach; photography lovers will have plenty of shots; solo female travelers will feel safe 🍴 Food and accommodation 🧀 Eat: cheese boat khachapuri (Adjarian style is a must), meat skewers mtsvadi, eggplant walnut rolls, 30 yuan supermarket red wine 🏡 Stay: Tbilisi old town guesthouses cost about 80–150 yuan per person, Kazbegi mountain view rooms 100+ yuan per person, Sighnaghi balcony guesthouses offer great value 💰 Detailed budget (8 days per person) ✈️ Round-trip flight: 3,000–4,500 yuan 🛌 Accommodation: about 700–1,000 yuan for 7 nights 🍽️ Food: 80–120 yuan per day, totaling about 800 yuan 🚖 Local transport + car rental: about 500 yuan 🎫 Tickets and extras: almost free, sulfur baths about 100 yuan 💵 Total per person comfortably 5,000–6,500 yuan ⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls 📱 Use Bolt or Yandex for rides. Ignore taxi drivers soliciting on the street 🧥 Kazbegi is cold in the early morning and evening. Bring fleece or a windbreaker 💱 Exchange money in the city, airport rates are poor. Carry enough cash 🧕 Women should cover their heads with a scarf and wear clothes below the knee when entering churches 📦 Wrap wine bottles in bubble wrap for checked luggage. Don’t worry about the hassle 🤝 Politely decline overly enthusiastic people offering small gifts with a smile ✨ This is Georgia: quietly beautiful, unassuming, yet it captures your heart🏔️ Looking back at the photos, some summers are truly worth keeping forever.
Georgia Family Trip｜A Hidden Gem Comparable to Switzerland
Unlock the hidden gem of Georgia with your kids! The snowy mountains here are even more stunning than Switzerland’s, the small towns have more charm than Italy’s, the wine is super cheap and delicious, and the food offers great value. The weather from April to October is perfect for family trips, with temperatures between 15-25°C—neither too cold nor too hot. A 7-day itinerary lets you explore all the highlights with your kids, with fewer crowds and plenty of photo-worthy moments 📸 🏔️ Must-see legendary family-friendly scenery Snowy mountains and lakes, Black Sea sunsets, wine towns, castles featured on Lonely Planet covers, cliffside monasteries—every shot looks like a Windows startup screen. Best of all, it’s uncrowded! No need to compete with tour groups for photo spots; you can take as many pictures as you want with your kids, who will be fully immersed in the exotic scenery and super happy~ 🍷 Family-friendly wine experience, fun and unique Georgia is the birthplace of wine with an 8,000-year history. You can enjoy top-quality clay pot wine for just about 80 RMB per person, much cheaper than in France! Take your kids to visit wineries to learn about the clay pot winemaking process—they’ll gain knowledge, and you can also try local snacks called Churchkhela, sweet and delicious, which kids love ❤️ 🍽️ Super cost-effective family dining, eat until full Boiled dumplings (Georgia’s version of soup dumplings) with thin skin and big filling, kids love them; cliffside restaurants serve tender grilled meat, with non-spicy options available; Black Sea seafood is fresh and cheap, with meals costing only 50-80 RMB per person. The prices are amazing, making it easy to enjoy food freedom with your kids~ 💃 Fun and interesting family foreign experiences The Romeo and Juliet statue by the Black Sea, symbolizing love and separation every day—tell your kids the story behind the statue, it’s very romantic; watch local traditional tiptoe dances, the performances are fantastic and will captivate your kids; the cliffside monastery overlooks the valley, ancient and mysterious; stroll through the old stone towns and feel like you’ve traveled back to the Middle Ages, sparking your kids’ curiosity~ ⚠️ Little “side effects” of family travel 1️⃣ Photo album overload: Every shot is a masterpiece, even a 256GB phone isn’t enough 2️⃣ Elevated aesthetics: After visiting Georgia, your kids’ appreciation for scenery will improve 3️⃣ Love for food: Georgia’s unique cuisine will be fondly remembered by your kids after returning home 4️⃣ Full of joy: Unique foreign experiences add wonderful memories to your kids’ childhood 📅 7-day family-exclusive sample itinerary Day 1 Fly to Tbilisi, check into the hotel, rest and adjust to the time difference, stroll through city streets with your kids, try local snacks Day 2 Tbilisi - Kazbegi (Lonely Planet cover castle + Snowy Holy Trinity Church + Russian-Georgian Friendship Wall), see the snowy mountain castle with your kids, truly breathtaking Day 3 Kazbegi - Gori - Kutaisi - Batumi (Stalin’s birthplace + Black Sea Pearl), visit the birthplace for knowledge, enjoy Black Sea views Day 4 Batumi - Tbilisi (Ali and Nino statue + Black Sea stroll + tiptoe dance performance), enjoy a relaxing walk by the Black Sea and watch unique performances Day 5 Tbilisi - Sighnaghi (Love town + wine tasting at winery + Holy Trinity Cathedral), fun winery experience, explore the love town Day 6 Tbilisi - Mtskheta (World Cultural Heritage ancient city + Jvari Monastery + Peace Bridge), learn about local history and culture Day 7 Return home, concluding a perfect family trip to Georgia Accommodation 🏨Metekhi Palace Hotel A high-end family hotel in the city center with spacious family rooms, children’s toiletries, and walking distance to attractions 🏨Snow Mountain Castle Guesthouse A family guesthouse facing the snowy mountains with Tibetan-style decor and a fireplace—perfect for cozy evenings chatting and warming up with your kids 🏨Black Sea Resort Hotel A lakeside family hotel with a children’s pool, where kids can play in the sand and watch the sea, full of fun
Eurasian Secret Realm | Georgia: 9 Amazing Destinations You Won't Want to Miss
🌍 At the crossroads of the Caucasus, nestled between the snowy mountains of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, lies the Eurasian secret realm of Georgia, a destination praised by Lonely Planet! These 9 essential destinations offer a blend of mountains, seas, lakes, springs, and millennia of civilization.👇🏙 Tbilisi | A Capital of Fire and Ice✔️ Three must-do activities: Relieve your fatigue with a sulfur bath | Take a cable car to the top for sunset views of the "Mother of Georgia" statue | Explore the old town at night and dine at Barbarestan Restaurant, savoring charcoal-grilled chicken with amber wine.📌 Tip: Book popular restaurants 1 week in advance during the summer!🌊 Batumi | The Maldives of the Black Sea☀️ Summertime bliss: Relax on the white sandy beaches | Sip a mojito under the Ferris wheel | Explore the skyscrapers of "Georgian Dubai" | Take a cable car ride on the Khulo cliffs.🚗 Nearby: Head 20 km south to the less crowded, scenic beaches of Ureki, the birthplace of tangerines!🏞 Kutaisi | Paradise for Nature Lovers🚂 Transportation hub: Direct flights from European budget airlines | Hostels from 20 EUR/night. Day trip: Martvili Canyon's blue-green waters + the Soviet "City in the Sky," Chiatura.⛰ Stepantsminda | The Call of Kazbek📸 Iconic photo op: 6 a.m.! Capture the Tsminda Sameba Church against the backdrop of glaciers | Drive the Georgian Military Road | Photograph the "Caucasus postcard" at Ananuri Castle along the way.🚶 Svaneti | A Shangri-La for Hikers⛺️ Classic 4-day route: Mestia→Ushguli (stay in medieval tower guesthouses).✈️ Shortcut: Vanilla Sky's small planes offer a 1-hour direct flight, avoiding the 8-hour winding mountain road!🕍 Vardzia | Monastery in the Cliffside🎭 Awe-inspiring experience: Explore the 13-story cave monastery | Use your phone's flash to capture the frescoes. Drive from Akhaltsikhe→Vardzia, enjoying the breathtakingly beautiful valley road.🍷 Sighnaghi | A Fairytale Town Scented with Wine🍷 Guide to indulgence: Ascend the ancient city walls at dusk | Savor Qvevri clay pot wine at Pheasant's Tears Winery | Get lost at the Ridge Hotel | Reserve an organic lunch paired with Rkatsiteli white wine.🕊 Mtskheta | The Jerusalem of Georgia🕯 A 2-hour pilgrimage: Jvari Monastery (crossroads of two rivers) | Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (fragments of the Holy Robe).🚗 Location: 30 km northwest of Tbilisi, perfect for a day trip!🧖 Borjomi | Secret Hot Springs of Soviet Leaders♨️ A healing journey: Relax in the hot spring pools (38°C sulfur water) in Central Park | Explore Stalin's villa | Take the narrow-gauge railway to Bakuriani for winter skiing and summer hiking.📝 Essential pre-trip information✅ Visa: Visa-free✅ Transportation: Marshrutka minibuses are recommended for intercity travel (5–10 EUR/person).✅ Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL), 1 GEL ≈ 2.5 CNY✅ Best seasons: May–June (spring) / September–October (fall). This divinely favored country offers a complete travel experience, encompassing mountains, seas, lakes, springs, and millennia of civilization. Are you ready to embark on your journey?💫
Georgia: A Thousand-Year Legend in the Fragrance of Wine
🌳Georgia is located in the Caucasus region. It has a long history, splendid culture, and magnificent natural scenery. It is the birthplace of wine and has rich tourism resources, making it a desirable destination. ✅Georgia travel guide: ☀️Climate and travel season Georgia has a temperate continental climate. The climate is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful in spring and autumn, making it a good time to visit. 🏃Itinerary 👉Day 1: Fly to Tbilisi, adjust to the time difference, and visit local cultural attractions. 👉Day 2: Head to Ananuri Castle and Kazbegi Mountain, and experience the charm of the Stepantsminda mountain town. 👉Day 3: Head to Gori and Mtskheta, and visit the Stalin Museum, Uplistsikhe Cave Town, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. 👉Day 4: Go wine tasting in Sighnaghi, and visit the Stonehenge and Tbilisi Sea. 👉Day 5: Free time in Tbilisi. You can visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral and other attractions. ⚠️Travel tips 👉In terms of language, although locals can speak English, it is better to learn some Georgian. 👉Respect local religious customs. Women should wear headscarves and men should take off their hats when entering churches. 👉There are many friendly dogs, but it is not recommended to touch or feed them. 🌳Georgia has charming scenery and a rich culture. We look forward to you experiencing its unique charm.
🇬🇪⛰️ Georgia in 10 Days: The Ultimate Road Trip Through Monasteries, Mountains & Wine Country! 🍷
Georgia is an incredible country where every day brings a different adventure: ancient cave cities, dramatic Caucasus mountains, traditional wine cellars, medieval monasteries and remote villages surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. After exploring the country, here’s a 10-day road trip itinerary I would recommend to discover its highlights! 🚗 📍 DAY 1–2: Tbilisi & Mtskheta Start in Tbilisi by exploring the Old Town, its colourful balconies, the sulphur baths, Narikala Fortress and the lively streets at night. On day 2, visit Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital, including Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery overlooking the confluence of two rivers. 🍷 DAY 3: Kakheti Wine Route — Telavi to Sighnaghi Drive through Georgia’s famous wine region! Visit Alaverdi Monastery, discover a traditional Georgian wine facility and learn about qvevri winemaking, where wine ferments in large clay vessels buried underground. Continue towards Bodbe Monastery and finish in beautiful Sighnaghi, with its cobbled streets and panoramic views over the Alazani Valley. 🏜️ DAY 4: Natlismtsemeli Monastery & the Rainbow Mountains Head towards David Gareja to discover the remote Natlismtsemeli Monastery and the spectacular coloured, or rainbow, hills nearby. The landscape is completely different from the rest of Georgia, with dry, rugged terrain and colourful rock formations. A 4x4 can be useful depending on the road conditions. 🏔️ DAY 5: The Georgian Military Road, Truso Valley & Gergeti Church Drive north along the spectacular Georgian Military Highway, with mountain viewpoints and the impressive Gudauri area along the way. Explore Truso Valley if road and access conditions permit, then visit the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church near Stepantsminda, with Mount Kazbek rising behind it. One of the most unforgettable landscapes in the Caucasus! 🏰 DAY 6: Rabati Castle & Vardzia Travel south to Akhaltsikhe to explore Rabati Castle, a fascinating complex reflecting Georgia’s multicultural history. Continue to Vardzia, the extraordinary cave monastery carved into a cliff in the 12th century. Its tunnels, chambers and dramatic setting make it one of the country’s most impressive historical sites. 🏔️ DAY 7–8: Svaneti — Mestia & Ushguli Discover the remote mountain region of Svaneti, famous for its medieval defensive towers and spectacular Caucasus scenery. Spend time in Mestia before heading to Ushguli, one of Europe’s highest permanently inhabited village groups. Explore its stone towers, visit Lamaria Church and enjoy views of Mount Shkhara. If conditions allow, drive towards the Shkhara Glacier trailhead for an even closer look at the mountains. ⛪ DAY 9: Katskhi Pillar & the Chiatura Region Discover the extraordinary Katskhi Pillar, a tall limestone rock with a tiny monastery on its summit. Don’t miss the panoramic viewpoint reached via the road turning at Katskhi’s cylindrical church — the short walk through the forest leads to a magnificent view! You can also explore Mgvimevi Convent near Chiatura, nestled beneath dramatic limestone cliffs. 🏜️ DAY 10: Uplistsikhe & Kutaisi Region Explore Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-cut city featuring caves, tunnels and chambers carved into sandstone. If you have enough time, discover Kutaisi and its surroundings, including Bagrati Cathedral or Gelati Monastery, before finishing your road trip. 🚗 My advice: Ten days is an ambitious schedule, especially with the long drives between Vardzia, Svaneti and western Georgia. Check mountain-road conditions before setting off, allow flexibility for weather, and consider adding a day if you want to enjoy the hikes and villages without rushing. ❤️ Georgia is so much more than Tbilisi: it’s a country of incredible hospitality, unique food, ancient history and landscapes that change dramatically from one region to another. Which stop would you be most excited to visit? And what would you add to this itinerary? 👇🇬🇪 #georgia #georgiatravel #roadtrip #tbilisi #kakheti #svaneti #ushguli #vardzia #uplistsikhe #katskhipillar #caucasusmountains #travelmoments
What people are saying about Mtskheta
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
The Pillar of Life Cathedral is located in the urban area of Mtskheta, northwest of Tbilisi. It is also called the Svetitskhoveli Church. The church is one of the most sacred and magnificent churches in Georgia. It is also the second largest Christian holy place after the Jerusalem Church. It is famous for the blood cloak of Jesus and the pillars of early church buildings. The exterior of the cathedral is majestic and surrounded by a circle of walls. The interior decoration is gorgeous and delicate, with many exquisite murals and stickers. The architectural style has a dome and a cross-shaped plane. There are also tombs of several members of the Georgian royal family in the church, including the last two generations of Georgian kings.
小晚的漫游日志Chronicles of Georgia
Georgia has a chronicle monument, which was built during the Soviet era and witnessed the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Many locals go to the Tbilisi Sea for vacation, swimming, and sunbathing. From the monument, you can see the Tbilisi Sea from a distance. It takes 12 minutes to walk from the monument to the beach.
zinnia_615Jvari Monastery
one of the best places in Georgia, it's near and very convenient to get there, you can visit one of the oldest monastery and see the most amazing views.
Nene_inChinaHoly Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi
The most striking feature of the church is undoubtedly its pure gold-clad dome, dazzling in the sunlight and exuding a gentle solemnity when illuminated at night. It's worth noting that the church's construction was primarily funded by donations from ordinary citizens—it's not just a building, but a symbol of Georgians rediscovering their faith and solidifying their national identity after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
NachtischTbilisi sea
The Tbilisi Sea isn't actually a sea, but rather a large reservoir located in the northeastern suburbs of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. If you're expecting a natural coastal landscape, it might seem ordinary; however, it's a plus if you're looking for an outdoor space near the city.
NachtischBridge of Peace
Ordinary by day, divine by night. A visit to Tbilisi is incomplete without crossing the Peace Bridge, ideally at dusk—watch the sun set behind the fortress, see the lights illuminate the bridge one by one, and witness the ancient and modern of this city making peace beneath your feet.
NachtischLiberty square
In the very center of the square, a golden statue of St. George riding a white horse and slaying a dragon stands atop a stone pillar—a symbol of "freedom" erected in 2006 during the Saakashvili era. By day, St. George is surrounded by traffic, appearing somewhat lonely. Only at night does it truly resemble a guardian of the city.
NachtischNarikala Castle
The Mother Fortress is located high in Georgia, from where you can see the whole of Georgia. In the evening, you can take a cable car up the mountain to wait for the sun to set and watch the sunset. The temperature in Tbilisi at night is only over 20 degrees in this season, which is really comfortable.
E56***63The Clock Tower
The Gabriadze Theater's clock tower is the most magical and doll-like place in Tbilisi! We simply couldn't miss it. It looks like it came straight out of an old fairy tale: all crooked and whimsical, decorated with vibrant mosaics created by Rezo Gabriadze himself. We arrived just in time to see the doors at the very top open, and an angel with golden wings appear and begin striking the bell with a hammer. You could spend hours examining the details of this tower; every tile is unique. I highly recommend it!
yulya_travel