The Georgian monasteries: forerunners of the universe
9 days /8 nights
First day
Arrival at Tbilisi airport. Meeting with a representative of the company and transfer to the hotel. Night Tbilisi is a delightful charm lit the ancient city of Tbilisi street scurves, terraces of houses, twined vine; This ancient churches with tiled domes, ancient monasteries, traditional Georgian yards with fancy carved porches. Accommodation at the hotel. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Second day
Breakfast
.Visit the ancient
temple-monastery Jvari monastery (6th century) is the first monument in Georgia, a UNESCO World Heritage
site. At the top of the mountain where the temple is located, offers fantastic views of the confluence of the two rivers Kura and aragvi, at a glance-wonderful views of
the ancient capital of
Georgia-Mtskheta. Visiting in Mtskheta Cathedral svetitskhoveli (1010-1029), under which buried one of the main Christian shrines-Heaton Jesus Christ, one of the most
important sacred artifacts of the New Testament, which after the Crucifixion was brought to Mtskheta-Èliozom one of the witnesses to his death on the cross, as well as the
burial place of many of the Georgian Kings. There is also a part of the invigorate pillar. Next, visit to the Cathedral of Samtavro-it was founded in the 4th century, is a complex of Samtavro Transfiguration Church and the small church of St. Nina. The present Church of the Transfiguration was rebuilt in the 11th century, the Samtavro Transfiguration Churchburied Mirian (the first King, convert to Christianity). Here is
buried the ABO (Aviv) Nekresi (one of
the thirteen Assyrian fathers). Shio-mgvime
monastery was founded in the 6th century monk shio, one of the thirteen Assyrian fathers. The entrance to the cave is located near the Temple of John the Baptist-built in 560-580, is the oldest building on the territory of the monastery came to
our days, nearby on a hill standsa chapel (XII century), inside of the unique ancient frescoes. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Third day
Breakfast. Trip in Kakheti. Visiting the monastic complex of Georgian David Gareja cave monasteries-lies amidst the hills of semi-deserts, which put the Holy Father David, one of 13 Assyrian fathers missionaries, in the first half of the 6th century. According to legend, Saint David got to Jerusalem, took three stone at the gates of Jerusalem and back. Legend has it that these stones made from Jerusalem all benefit of the Lord. Then the Patriarch of Jerusalem caught up with him and asked to leave these stones. David left the two stones, and one brought in Georgia. This stone is still at his tomb in the Monastery David Gareji. Complex of several hundred cut into the rocks of the premises of almost 25 km stretches, it 7 oldest monasteries. Then climb the Udabno monastery and see the unique frescoes-VI-XIII centuries, and breathtaking views that stretch across the horizon. The complex includes: carved in the rock of Qilya, churches, chapels, dining rooms and living quarters. Next, the bodbe Monastery-the monastery of St. George and the tomb of St. Nino, which brought Christianity to Georgia. According to legend, it was in Bodbe, 335 year died at the age of St. Nino60 years after going through the whole country, healing the sick and paying peopleto the true God. Near the monastery, which the river flows on the prediction emerged after the prayers of St. Nino to God. River still considered miraculous. Optional-ablution in the waters of the Holy of the Holy source, which heals and nature makes happy. The monastery is surrounded by a large beautiful park, with a powerful monastery cypresses, inside the Basilica can be seen interesting frescoes. When leaving the Bodbe from the top of the mountain you can see all the handsome town sighnaghi-on palms, surrounded by snow capped mountains in the distance. Overnight in sighnaghi.Fourth day
Breakfast. A trip to the most ancient monastery complex-Nekresi is the oldest temple of Georgia in the 4th century, preserved in the Alazani Valley, consists of several cult structures of different times. The earliest is the small church of the late 4th century, was built shortly after the proclamation of Christianity as the official religion of the State. A few decades later, in the late 6th-early 7th centuries, here the main temple was erected, was consecrated in honor of the Blessed Virgin. In addition to these temples, here today, you can see the great Domed church built in the IX century, and Bishop's Palace, built in the 16th century. In the second half of the 6th century (one of the famous 13 Syrian Holy Fathers) became head of the Diocese of nekressi Next look at the ancient capital of Kakheti-a Royal fortress of gremi (XVI century). The complex is surrounded by a wall with towers and loopholes. The remains of the secret underground progress leading to the river. We will visit the Alaverdi Cathedral (XI century) is the largest and most famous monastery in Kakheti, the main religious center of the entire northern Kakheti, Tusheti and Pshavi, Cathedral of St. George (Tsminda Georgi) XI century) is now the largest in Georgia, not counting the Sameba Cathedral, in Tbilisi. On the territory of the monastery there is its own wine production,it makes present kakhetian wine in these clay pitchers. Alaverdi-one of the most beautiful monasteries of Georgia, is surrounded by mountains, the peaks of the Caucasus mountains around which are covered with snow, even in summer, incredibly beautiful. Return to Tbilisi via Gombori mountain pass (the highest point of the 1620m),gombori : idyllic village, the magnificent landscapes of the Alazani Valley and Caucasian mountains, panoramic views over the ancient forests, beautiful lawn and sea of clouds. Before we pass the House of Georgian wine Kindzmarauli. You will get acquainted with the range of traditional wines "Kindzmarauli", "Should", "Alaznis Veli","Mukuzani, saperavi, Tsinandali Atenuri “vazisubani "and the original" Mtsyri"," Gamardžoba "and" Amirani "and taste a few wines. Wine can be purchased as a keepsake gift for yourself and your friends. Prices are lower than in retail wine stores in Georgia. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Fifth day
Breakfast . Tour
in Tbilisi.
Sixth day
Breakfast. Go to the Lake, the road opened Zhinvali marvelous views of pristine Georgian nature. Stop with a view to admire the beautiful panorama from Jinvali reservoir, which is one of the largest water reservoirs in Georgia. A trip to Castle Ananuri (XVII century), located above the Aragvi River. From a historical perspective, the most interesting in Ananuri is the Dormition Church, built in 1689 is the rarest case of temple, built in the 17th century. Such across the country two or three. Shrine classic, dome, with carved stone decorations: the cross and the vine. We'll drop into the village, where the early Christian Church of Tsilkani II-III centuries here in the mountains of Christianity distributed son first Christian Georgian King Mirian, Bakar and built the Cilkanskij Temple, which soon became a cathedral. Meeting with fathers (Abbots of the Temple). Overnight in Tbilisi.Seventh day
Breakfast. Go to a meeting with the sights of Kutaisi. On the road: silent eternity briefly at Ubisi monastery. The monastery cannot be discovered by accident. It is hidden from prying eyes behind the trees and hills. Reward awaits only carefully-it will reveal its secrets, one of the most ancient monuments of Georgia-built over a thousand years ago, in the year 1141; the Church of St. George first appeared, which to this day is the main link of the architectural ensemble. Later were added to her gallery and Chapel and Bell Tower appeared over the central entrance. A special kind of monastery gave four-storey tower or "pillar". The monastery is built of limestone and limestone, then to him did a carving-it can be seen on the walls and window frames; antiquity you underfoot-stone slabs, ancient frescoes on the walls. 14th century frescoes are unique, shock your paints, holistic episodes and good preservation. Motsameta is a beautiful monastery surrounded by greenery, decorated with round turrets, complete with tent-shaped domes. The temple is a small fountain with potable water, which is considered curative. Visit Gelati Academy (XII century), founded by the great Georgian King David IV the Builder included in the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Accommodation in a hotel not far from Kutaisi in the hotel with a very big beautiful territory and its own restaurant in the form of separate compartments, with panoramic views of the mountains. Inspection bagrati Temple-templeof the assumption of the Virgin, one of the largest churches in Georgia and the "monastery of wish fulfillment. Participating in the morning worship service. One of the most revered in Georgia-Martvili monastery (VII century). It was built as a tomb of the Abkhazian Kings and was one of the most important monasteries in the historic district of Mingrelia. Thanks to King Bagrat IV in the 11th century the monastery turned into a religious and cultural center of Georgia. Monastery is that it grew up the future King David IV the Builder. Night around Kutaisi.Eighth day
Breakfast. Departure to Tbilisi. Overcome beautiful Rikoti pass, linking Western and eastern Georgia. You will
see with your own eyes how diverse nature changes from region to region. At first you will find the Kolkhida Lowland subtropical climate, thenwe serpentine Rikotskogo pass. On the twisting route meet true
masterpieces of folk art. The locals are famous for their clay products, and you can see the whole trade shows various handmade pottery is great for souvenirs in the gift. Immediately over the pass opens the landscape of eastern Georgia.
Along the way we'll
drop in in the Ruis-Urbnissi Eparchy of the Georgian Orthodox Church, is a complex of 10 male monasteries, called Dzamska Valley, is located in Dzamskom Valley, in the Valley of the river Zamaare. Urbnisi-antique and medieval city in
Georgia. He was the last significant
city of Iberia (III Millennium
BC), in the 4th century BC it
became a city with a thriving trade and culture. The ruins of the fortress, rich baths, pagan shrines and even synagogues testify to the importance of the city. In the IV century a.d. There was a major
trading city with a small Jewish community, here for
a couple of months stayed live St.
Nino before you arrive in Mtskheta.
Nineth day
Breakfast. Continue on the main shrines: a visit to Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral "Sameba", part of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Sameba temple really built with terrific panache, his gleaming gold dome is visible from almost any point of Tbilisi. The temple is part of the whole complex, which also includes the residence of the Patriarch and the monastery, spiritual Seminary and Academy. Kashveti Church-St George's Church-a copy of Samtavisi Church is a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture of the 11th century. The temple is famous for its painted Chapel, wonderful frescoes and decorative façade of carved stone laces. At the end of the tour you will visit the monastery, surrounded by dark-Emerald steep mountains, completely covered with pristine forests, which is hidden as the pink sparkle Pearl River Vere Gorge is the ancient monastery of the Nativity of the mother of God-Betania. When you visit this monastery in the soul so me thing incomprehensible. It becomes calm. It seems that it was here that she became his world-a world that carries serenity, where different views on everything that happens, where other values and laws, there are other Kingdom, life in which power, peaceful and serene that you don't want to hurry anywhere anymore. The only thing I want in this place is as long as possible not to leave him. Purchase Church of souvenirs. Transfer to Tbilisi airport and parting with Georgia.The tour price includes:
Transfer to and from the airport
Hotel accommodation around Kutaisi 1 night