Treasures of the Silk Road

Itinerary

Day 1 — Tbilisi’s Historic Treasures

We organize a pick-up service from your hotel and begin our city tour in Tbilisi’s Historic District. Our first stop is the majestic Holy Trinity Cathedral, a 20th-century Orthodox church crowned by a stunning golden cupola. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. After exploring inside and out for about 45 minutes, we return to the car and proceed to Metekhi plateau. This rocky cliff wall towers above the Mtkvari River, revealing a mesmerizing panorama that includes medieval Tbilisi and Mtatsminda Mount. Centuries ago (5th – 7th cc), this area served as the first royal residence. Standing before the 13th-century Metekhi St. At The Virgin Church is the proud equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who shifted Georgia’s capital from Mtskheta to Tbilisi in the fifth century. We then continue our trip across Europe Square and Rike Park, from where an aerial cable car carries us to the 4th-century Narikala Fortress on the opposite bank of the river. Narikala long served as the principal defensive stronghold of the Kala district and was the second royal residence (12th – 13th cc). From Narikala Fortress, we walk toward the legendary Sulfur Bath House district — a lively meeting point of two continents, Europe and Asia. Here, you will sense the multicultural fusion in the air, with the aroma of sulfur, coffee, and freshly baked bread mingling together. Admire the intricate wooden balconies, centuries-old churches of different denominations, and the colorful bazaars filled with carpets, artworks, and cozy cafés. Our stroll continues along Maidan Square, Shardeni, and King Erekle II Streets, including a brief visit to Sioni Cathedral, the former seat of the patriarch. We also cross the modern glass Bridge of Peace. This walking portion takes about 1.5 hours. Next, we head to Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in Tbilisi, near the charming Gabriadze Theater. At this boundary of the ancient city walls, the modern part of town begins. We complete our first day with a stop at the National Museum, situated near Freedom Square along Rustaveli Avenue. Explore the museum’s Golden Treasury, a fascinating collection of Qajar Dynasty portraits, and numerous archaeological, numismatic, and ethnographic exhibits. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Route: Tbilisi

Activities: Sightseeing | 2 hours , City Walking | 4 hours

Accommodation: Included Timber Boutique Hotel 4* * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: not included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Europe Square, Anchiskhati Basilica, Freedom Square, Abanotubani, Georgian National Museum, Rustaveli Avenue, Rike Park, Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, Rike Cable Car, Gabriadze Theatre, Sololaki District, Sulfur Baths.

Day 2 — Fortresses and Cave-Cities in Kartli

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Tbilisi at 09:00 to visit Gori and Kutaisi in western Georgia. As we drive through the Kartli region, our first stop is Gori town. We spend 30–45 minutes each at two attractions: the medieval Gori Fortress, perched on a hill offering a sweeping view of the town, and the Joseph Stalin House-Museum, revealing insights into one of the most controversial figures of the 20th century. We then travel about 14 km (8.7 mi) to Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave-town carved into rock dating back to the 1st millennium BC. This archaeological marvel unveils remnants of temples, streets, and fascinating rock-cut structures. Continuing west, we drive across the scenic Rikoti Pass, a natural watershed between eastern and western Georgia. Here, the eastern rivers drain into the Caspian Sea, while the western ones flow into the Black Sea. You will pass through several tunnels, including the oldest and longest one — 1,800 m (5,906 ft) — originally constructed in the 19th century. Arriving in Imereti, we head to Gelati Academy and Monastery (12th c.), a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can witness well-preserved mosaics, majestic murals, and centuries-old manuscripts. This stop takes about 30 minutes. In the early evening, we reach Kutaisi, where you have free time to relax. Overnight in Kutaisi.

Route: Tbilisi — Private car | 85 km · 1 h 30 min — Gori — Private car | 140 km · 2 h — Kutaisi

Activities: City Walking | 2 hours , Sightseeing | 4 hours

Accommodation: Included Kutaisi Memoire Hotel 3* * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Gori Fortress, White Bridge, Stalin Museum, Kutaisi's Royal District, Uplistsikhe, Gelati Monastery.

Day 3 — Cathedrals, Culture, and Archaeology in Kutaisi

Following breakfast, our first visit is Bagrati Cathedral (11th c.), once a royal residence of King Bagrat III, the first ruler of a united Georgia and an ancestor of the Bagrationi dynasty. From here, admire the sweeping vistas of Kutaisi, the Rioni River Valley, and the distant Khvamli Mountains. We continue exploring Kutaisi’s Historic District, strolling by the Opera House, Agmashenebeli Square, and the Drama Theater. After the city walking tour, enjoy about one hour of free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we drive roughly 50 minutes along a scenic backroad by the Sulori River to visit the Vani Archaeological Museum and site. This complex includes an expedition base and the main museum that charts the development of this ancient city between 800 BC and 100 AD. The highlight is the spectacular gold jewelry crafted by local artisans. There is also an optional stop at natural geyser sulfur pools nearby if time and interest allow. We return to Kutaisi in the evening. Overnight in Kutaisi.

Route: Kutaisi — Private car | 40 km · 45 min — Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve — Private car | 40 km · 45 min — Kutaisi

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours , City Walking | 3 hours

Accommodation: Included Kutaisi Memoire Hotel 3* * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: White Bridge, Kutaisi Drama Theater, Kutaisi Opera Theatre, Kutaisi's Royal District, Bagrati Cathedral, Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve.

Day 4 — Natural Marvels and the Holy Town of Mtskheta

After breakfast and hotel check-out, we travel 22 km (13.7 mi) north to the Prometheus Caves. Discovered in 1984, this karst cave system stretches for about 1.2 km (0.75 mi) underground. The guided one-hour trail features enchanting lighting and classical music. If water levels permit, a small 300 m (984 ft) boat excursion through the cave is possible. Next, we drive east to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Iberia and the spiritual heart of Georgia. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding medieval architecture, Mtskheta is considered the main pilgrimage center of Georgian Orthodoxy. Legend holds that the robe of the Savior is buried beneath a 17th-century ciborium here. Visit the awe-inspiring Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, stroll through the quaint streets in search of souvenirs, and by evening, we head back to Tbilisi for check-in. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Route: Kutaisi — Private car | 20 km · 30 min — Prometheus Cave — Private car | 220 km · 3 h — Mtskheta — Private car | 23 km · 30 min — Tbilisi

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours , Caving | 1 hours

Accommodation: Included Timber Boutique Hotel 4* * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Prometheus Cave.

Day 5 — Wine Heritage in Kakheti

Today, we drive to the Kakheti region — famed for its organic wine-making traditions. After about 60 km (37 mi) to the east, we arrive at the Giuaani winery in Manavi village. Here, our welcoming hosts introduce us to the ancient Qvevri wine production methods. We also enjoy a tasting of three premium local wines (two reds and one white). Continuing our Georgia tour, we reach Sighnaghi, a charming 18th-century town encircled by a defensive wall and home to a delightful archaeological, ethnographic, and art museum. On its second floor, you will find permanent exhibitions of the renowned Georgian naïve painter Niko Pirosmani, as well as a lovely balcony offering spectacular views of the Alazani River Valley. Our next stop is Bodbe Monastery, an active nunnery that holds the relics of Saint Nino, the female apostle who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century. In the evening, we return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Route: Tbilisi — Private car | 110 km · 2 h — Sighnaghi — Private car | 110 km · 2 h — Tbilisi

Activities: Sightseeing | 4 hours , Wine Tasting 45 minutes

Accommodation: Included Timber Boutique Hotel 4* * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Manavi Fortress, Sighnaghi Museum, Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi Wall.

Day 6 — Farewell to Georgia

Hotel check-out is at noon (12:00). This marks the end of our memorable 6-day Georgia trip. We arrange your transfer to Tbilisi Airport. We look forward to welcoming you back on another Georgia travel adventure soon! Thank you for choosing this Georgia tour along the Great Silk Road, where every day offers a new story of history, culture, and scenic landscapes. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again!

Route: Tbilisi — Private car | 18 km · 30 min — Tbilisi

Accommodation: Not Included

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: 1 h