Tbilisi City Tour

With this tour, participants can encounter the true Tbilisi spirit, with the visits to the Old Tbilisi Sulfur Baths, Georgian Orthodox and Armenian Gregorian churches, and a Jewish synagogue and a Turkish mosque side by side, reflecting Tbilisi's acceptance and tolerance of different religions. Guests can observe the 19th century wooden Italian dwellings that are still preserved here. They can also see a recent monument, the Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Caucasus.

The main sights of the tour are:

• Metekhi Church is erected on the cliff, overlooking the Mtkvari River. There is a statue of King Vakhtang Gorgaslani, founder of Tbilisi, in front of the church. The church dates back to the 12th century and has a diverse history, connected with Mongol invasions and political repressions of the Soviet Empire. From this area, one can get a view of most of Tbilisi's monuments.

• The colorful Darejani Palace is also situated on the cliff, like the nest of a swallow. The palace is a popular tourist attraction.

• The Sulfur Baths are located in Old Tbilisi, on the other side of the river, opposite Darejani Palace, and are known for their tranquillizing effect. Tbilisi was named after the natural Sulphur springs in this area and near the baths there is a Turkish Mosque with minarets.

• The Orthodox Narikala St. Nikolas Church is in the same district, erected on the hill above the Turkish mosque. The church is furnished with frescoed portraits of martyrs and scenes from the Bible. It is wrapped in a defensive fortress, established in the fourth century. You can walk up the stairs of the fortress and overlook Tbilisi. Alongside the old churches you see the sparkling dome of Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, the latest monument built in Georgia. It is among the largest cathedrals in the world.
• Walk down the path from the hill and on cobbled Leselidze Street, you come across the 13th century Armenian St. George Church and a Jewish synagogue with an elegant façade.
• On the opposite side of the street is Sioni Church, leading to the bank of the Mtkvari. Here you discover Shardeni Street with its fashionable cozy cafes and art galleries.
• Finally the tour takes you to Rustaveli Avenue, where attractions such as the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Parliament, Rustaveli Theatre, different art galleries and cafes will draw your attention and provide a cosmopolitan atmosphere.