Cultural Tour to Kakheti Region and Kazbegi Mountains

The Kakheti region is full of ‘must visit' sites, including the smallest town Sighnaghi, a 16^th century royal citadel, Gremi, Alaverdi Cathedral, Ikalto Monastery Complex, Monastery Complex Shuamta, and more...

On the first day, we visit Sighnaghi, the smallest city of Georgia. It is a town renowned for its wine and traditional carpets. The colourful city boasts of two churches, St. George and St. Stephen and a modern Sighnaghi Museum with artefacts found as a result of archaeological excavations.

The Gremi architectural monument belongs to the 16^th century. The Archangel's Church complex consists of a church, a three-storey castle, a bell-tower and a wine cellar. The walls of the church are furnished with portraits of the kings of Kakheti. In the bell-tower, there is a museum full of archaeological artifacts. A defensive wall encircles the complex.

After visiting Gremi, we visit Alaverdi Cathedral. It is the second highest cathedral after Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral. It was originally built by the Assyrian monk, Yoseb Amba in the sixth century. The present day cathedral dates back to the 11^th century. The walls in which the cathedral is enclosed were used as a shelter during invasions, with tunnels that were hewn in the walls to connect people to the Alazani River and provide them with water. From here you have fantastic views of the Alazani river.

The next stop is the Ikalto Monastery Complex, which was built in the fifth century. It consists of three churches, the principal one Khvtaeba (eight - ninth century). In the 12^th century, an academy was founded here, where the great Georgian writer, Shota Rustaveli studied. The remnants of the academy are still preserved.

The next site is Shuamta Monastery Complex. It is unique in the sense that the three churches set up here belong to different periods: sixth, seventh and eighth centuries and contribute to the diversity of the complex.

On the second day we head for Kazbegi via Akhmeta and Tianeti regions.

Kazbegi, recently known as Stepantsminda, is located in northern Georgia. The main cultural landmark of Stepantsminda is Gergeti Trinity Church, dating back from the 14^th century. This modest church leaves you awestruck, wondering how people could possibly carry the building materials to such a high area, 2400 metres! Mountain Kazbek stands guard at the background of the church. The mountain, called Mqinvartsveri (‘glacier' in Georgian), is the third highest mountain in Georgia, one of the chief mountains of the Caucasus.

• Sighnaghi
• Gremi
• Alaverdi Cathedral
• Ikalto
  
• Shuamta. Overnight in Telavi - Day I
• Akhmeta
  
• Tianeti
• Kazbegi - Day II
• Return to Tbilisi.