Uplistsikhe.All Inclusive Tour in Kartli Region

The Uplistsikhe All-Inclusive Tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy Georgia’s rich history and stunning landscapes. This comprehensive excursion explores the ancient rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its remarkable cave dwellings and archaeological significance. Along the way, visitors will also discover the treasures of Mtskheta and Gori, including the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. With a private guide, delectable local cuisine, and all entry fees covered, this tailored adventure promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Kartli region.

Key Points

• The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Kartli region, including a visit to the ancient rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe.
• The tour includes transportation, lunch, entry tickets to Uplistsikhe, and hotel pickup and drop-off for a seamless experience.
• Visitors can opt to visit the Stalin Museum in Gori at an additional cost, providing insights into the birthplace of the former Soviet leader.
• The tour features traditional Georgian cuisine, including the local favorite khachapuri, a cheesy bread, for an authentic culinary experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and a smart casual dress code is required, with service animals allowed and infant seats available.

Tour Overview

This full-day excursion from Tbilisi offers travelers the opportunity to explore the picturesque Georgian countryside.

The tour visits top sights, including the UNESCO-listed Mtskheta, the stunning Jvari Monastery, the historic town of Gori, and the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe. Guests will experience a comprehensive journey through Georgia’s rich cultural heritage.

The private sightseeing tour allows for a tailored experience, with pickup and drop-off at the hotel, included lunch, and entry tickets to Uplistsikhe. An optional visit to the Stalin Museum is available at an additional cost.

The tour provides a well-rounded exploration of the Kartli region.

Inclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off by private air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience. Lunch, bottled water, and entry tickets to Uplistsikhe are also included, providing a hassle-free day. Gratuities and fuel surcharge are covered, so there are no unexpected costs. Visitors have the option to visit the Stalin Museum at their own expense. The tour provides a comprehensive experience in one day, taking guests to top sights like Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery, Gori, and Uplistsikhe.

Inclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off	✓
Lunch	✓
Bottled water	✓
Uplistsikhe entry tickets	✓
Optional Stalin Museum visit	✓

Sample Menu

While the tour includes a number of sights and activities, one highlight is the chance to sample a traditional Georgian dessert.

The menu features khachapuri, a cheesy bread that’s a local favorite. This savory and satisfying dish is served as a sweet course, providing a delightful end to the day’s exploration.

Travelers can expect warm, flaky pastry filled with a blend of melted cheeses, offering a rich and indulgent treat. This complements the hearty Georgian cuisine sampled throughout the tour, creating a well-rounded culinary experience.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup for the tour is scheduled at 9:00 AM from selected hotels. Confirmation is received upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour offers several convenient features:

1. Private air-conditioned minivan transportation for hotel pickup and drop-off.
2. Inclusion of lunch, bottled water, and entry tickets to Uplistsikhe.
3. Optional visit to the Stalin Museum, with entry at your own expense.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a smart casual dress code is required.

Service animals are allowed, and infant seats are available. The private tour ensures only your group participates.

Mtskheta – UNESCO World Heritage Site

One of the first stops on the tour is the ancient city of Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical and cultural significance.

As the former capital of the Kingdom of Iberia, Mtskheta boasts a rich history dating back to the 3rd century BC. Visitors can explore the iconic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the country, and the 6th-century Jvari Monastery, which offers stunning views of the city.

The tour also includes stops at other significant landmarks, providing an immersive experience in Georgia’s cultural heritage.

Jvari Monastery

After exploring the ancient city of Mtskheta, the tour continues to the Jvari Monastery, a stunning 6th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery perched atop a mountain overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.

Visitors can marvel at the monastery’s striking architectural design, which features a central cruciform church and a series of chapels. The site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular destination for both religious pilgrims and sightseers.

The tour provides an opportunity to:

1. Admire the monastery’s intricate stone carvings and frescoes.
2. Explore the extensive grounds and learn about the site’s rich history.
3. Capture stunning panoramic shots of the stunning natural setting.

Gori and the Stalin Museum

The tour next ventures to the city of Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, the controversial former leader of the Soviet Union. Visitors have the option to visit the Stalin Museum, which offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of this influential historical figure.

Exhibit	Description	Duration
Stalin’s Childhood Home	Preserved dwelling where Stalin was born and raised	30 mins
Stalin Museum	Extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and personal items	1 hour
Replica of Stalin’s Private Train	Meticulously reconstructed railway carriage	15 mins

The museum provides a thought-provoking experience, allowing travelers to form their own perspectives on this complex historical character.

Uplistsikhe – An Ancient Rock-Hewn Town

Leaving the Stalin Museum behind, the tour now explores Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town that offers a glimpse into Georgia’s rich history.

This unique archaeological site, carved into the mountainside, dates back to the 1st millennium BC. Visitors can discover:

1. Cave dwellings, churches, and public buildings carved directly into the rock.
2. The remnants of an ancient pagan temple and a 9th century Christian basilica.
3. Sweeping views of the Mtkvari River valley from the site’s hilltop location.

Wandering through Uplistsikhe’s maze of underground tunnels and passageways provides a fascinating look into the region’s medieval past.

The Sum Up

The Uplistsikhe All-Inclusive Tour offers a captivating journey through Georgia’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Visitors will explore the ancient rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe, discover the UNESCO-listed Mtskheta, and visit the Jvari Monastery and Gori. With a private guide, lunch, and all entry fees covered, this comprehensive excursion provides an immersive and tailored experience in the heart of the Kartli region.