Mtskheta & Uplistsikhe Private Heritage Tour
- Day trip · 6–7 hrs
- Best time: All year
- Easy
- 2–4 guests
A private day trip from Tbilisi to Mtskheta, Georgia's old capital, and the cave town of Uplistsikhe.
Your local host speaks English and Georgian
Highlights
- Jvari Monastery, a sixth-century UNESCO site
- The view down on where the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers meet
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, said to keep the Holy Robe of Christ
- Streets and halls cut into the rock
What's included
Included
- Your own licensed Georgian guide
- Private tour: only your group
- Private air-conditioned 4x4
- Local taxes
- Tbilisi hotel pickup and drop-off
- Fuel
- Entrance to Uplistsikhe
- Water and snacks in the car
Not included
- Lunch
- Personal purchases (souvenirs, a bottle of wine, etc.)
- International flights
- Travel insurance
Day by day
Extras along the way are paid in cash. Our car runs on petrol only, never converted to gas.
Stop 1Jvari Monastery
Your day begins with a private transfer from Tbilisi to Jvari Monastery, a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery perched high above Mtskheta. From the top you look straight down on the point where the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers meet.
- Panoramic views over Mtskheta and the two rivers
- Sixth-century monastery
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Stop 2Mtskheta & Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Continue to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital and one of the country’s most important historical and spiritual centers. Walk through the old town and visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia’s most significant churches and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is traditionally believed to preserve the Holy Robe of Christ, making this one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Georgia.
- Ancient capital of Georgia
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
- Explore the historic streets of Mtskheta
Stop 3Uplistsikhe Cave Town
Finish the day at Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town carved directly into the cliffs. Explore its caves, tunnels, halls, and ancient streets while discovering a place that once played an important role in Georgia’s history.
- Ancient rock-hewn city dating back to the Late Bronze Age
- Explore caves, tunnels and ancient structures
What to expect
Easy: No hiking: short walks at each site
- Hiking
- No hiking: short walks at each site
- Driving
- About 3 h in total, all on paved roads
- Elevation
- Under 1,000 m
- Uplistsikhe is worn, sloping rock that can be slippery: wear shoes with grip.
Please note
- Confirmation is received at the time of booking
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking: a vegetarian option is available
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers, or guests with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- This is a private tour: only your group will participate
