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DAY TRIP TO KAKHETI. IKALTO+ALAVERDI+TSINANDALY
Today we will explore the Eastern part of Georgia, the famous Kakheti region. This land is known for the ancient monasteries and temples, enormous vineyards and beautiful landscapes. This is a perfect journey for those who prefer to combine cultural travel and enjoy the beautiful natural sites.
PRIVATE TOUR FOR YOU! JUST CHOOSE THE DAY AND TIME WHICH LOOKS CONVENIENT FOR YOU
Duration: 6-8 hours
Type: car/bus
Worth taking with you: camera
Dates: all the year-round
- After leaving the capital of Georgia, we will prolong our way to the Gombori pass. This is a picturesque road with lots of turns, which goes through the Tsiv-Gombori range straight to Kakheti. This path is beautiful at any time of the year. The highest altitude is 1991 meters above sea level, so be prepared for the changes in air pressure. We will stop at the pass, to make several breathtaking photos.
- In 2 hours of drive from Tbilisi we will find the Ikalto Monastery. It was founded by Saint Zenon, one of the 13 Syrian Fathers, in the late 6th century. Ages ago it was one of the most significant cultural-scholastic centers of Georgia. Besides the monastery, the center included the academy. The students studied here theology, rhetoric, astronomy, philosophy, geography, geometry chanting but also more practical skills such as pottery making, metalwork, viticulture and winemaking and pharmacology. According to a legend, the famous 12th-century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied there. They say, that there are secret undiscovered tunnels, dug under the monastery, that still can exist.
- In 12 km from here we’ll stop to explore the Alaverdi Monastery. It was found by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli. Alaverdi Cathedral was the tallest religious building in Georgia, until the construction of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi.
- Then we’ll drive to Tsinandali, famous for its gardens and historic winery which once belonged to the 19th-century aristocrat Alexander Chavchavadze. The place itself is charming and beautiful and managed to secure the incredible and peaceful atmosphere of the ancient country estate. Alexander Chavchavadze constructed a new palace in the Italian style and built a decorative garden. It was the place where Chavchavadze frequently entertained foreign guests with music, wit, and – most especially – the fine vines made at his estate Marani (winery). Familiar with European ways, Chavchavadze built Georgia’s oldest and largest winery where he combined European and centuries-long Georgian winemaking traditions.
- Afterward, we’ll return back to Tbilisi.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Services of the qualified guide
- Transportation
- The bottle of water for each participant