Hotel in Georgia, Tbilisi. Tourism Company V&CO. Hotel Victoria

Itinerary:
DAY 1: Tbilisi capital of Georgia.
Arrive Tbilisi at 05:50 by OS. Meet at Tbilisi airport. Transfer to Hotel.

Tbilisi has a long and fascinating history; the Georgian King Vakhtang Gorgasali founded it in the 5th century AD. In the 11-12th centuries Tbilisi became one of the important political, economic and cultural centers of the Caucasus and the Middle East. As the capital of one the powerful countries in the Caucasus and Middle East, Tbilisi commanded the route between east and west of South Caucasus, one of the routes of the Great Silk Road. The Old Town, the ancient part of the city, is famous for its numerous churches and historical monuments, museums, wooden houses with open, carved balconies, sulfur bathhouses and Oriental markets. Mtatsminda (Holy Mountain) and Narikala Fortress dominate the city.

The full-day city tour of Tbilisi with visits to the Old Town, Metekhi Temple, 12th c., the Abanotubani, the area famous for the sulfur baths with Asian style buildings, and 19th century Georgian houses. We will have time to visit the citadel of Narikala, main fortress of Tbilisi, where from we have panoramic views of the city. Walking through some narrow streets along which some carpet and souvenir shops are situated, will continue excursion in the old town. We visit the Sioni Cathedral 11th c. We have lunch at the Georgian restaurant. After lunch we visit Georgian Fine Arts Museum, where the masterpieces of Georgian art are kept. Visit Rustaveli Avenue, the main street of Tbilisi. We explore other sites of the city and return to our hotel.
lunch included.

DAY 2: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Georgian Military Highway - Kazbegi - Gudauri.
We start our trip by driving to Mtskheta. Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia is situated 20km from Tbilisi. Scientists date the town back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Mtskheta was the capital of Georgian Kingdom of Iberia during 500BC - 500AD. Here Georgians accepted Christianity in the beginning of 4th century. The town and its architectural monuments are included in the World's Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. Visit Jvari Monastery (6th c.) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.).

We continue driving along the river Aragvi Valley and Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi town, situated on the South slopes of the Caucasian Main Range. On the road stop over at Ananuri architectural complex (16th -17th cc). Arrive Kazbegi, 1700m. Explore the area and walk up to Gergeti Sameba Church, beautifully situated on the hill. Views of the Caucasian Mountains, including Mount Kazbek, 5047m, one of the six 5000 m. peaks in the Caucasus. According to the legend, Prometheus was chained on the mount Kazbek . Drive to Gudauri ski resort, 2100m. Free time to relax or walk in the area. Night at a 3 star comfortable hotel "Cross Pass".
Lunch and Dinner are included.

DAY 3: Gudauri - Gori- Uplistsikhe - Bakuriani.
Drive to town Gori, a historical town. Today the town is mainly known for its huge Fortress and as a birthplace of J. Stalin. Visit Stalin's museum. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we cross the city to view the central square of the town, where a big monument of Stalin still commands the area. Drive to Uplistsikhe cave town (12th c. BC). Here we find a big hall for pagan rituals and some living rooms as well as a church of the 9th century. We continue to Bakuriani, ski resort up through the forested mountains.
Dinner and night at the hotel in Bakuriani.
Breakfast and Dinner are included.

DAY 4: Bakuriani - Vardzia cave town - Bakuriani.
Drive along river Kura Valley to the cave town Vardzia (12th c). in Meskheti province. Vardzia, the grandiose cave town built between 1186-89 is a unique example of Georgian Renaissance. That is the place associated with Queen Tamara and Shota Rustaveli, the author of the legendary poem "The Knight in the Panther's Skin". We have visit to main complex of Vardzia and on the road back to Bakuriani we make several stopover to view some of the major fortresses of medieval Georgia. Return to Bakuriani. Hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

DAY 5: Bakuriani - Gelati and Bagrati Temples - Kutaisi.
In the morning we can allow some time for easy walks around. Those who wishes, can take a guided walk up to Mt. Kokhta in Bakuriani. In good weather there are splendid views of Caucasian Mountains, including the Central Caucasus and Mount Elbrus. Walk down to our hotel.

Trip to Kutaisi, the western part of Georgia. Kutaisi, dated back to the Argonauts times (13th -12th centuries B.C), was the capital of old Colchida and later of Western Georgia. Visit Bagrati temple (11th c,) and Gelati Monastery (12th c). These sites are included in the World's Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. Free time to relax. Hotel.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

DAY 6 : Kutaisi - Tbilisi.
Before returning to Tbilisi we have a visit to Sataplia Natural Preserve where the footprints of dinosaurs were left millions of years ago. Continue to Tbilisi. On the road visit Ubisi Church, known for its unique frescos. Arrive Tbilisi. Hotel.
Breakfast included.

DAY 7 : Tbilisi - David Gareji Monastery - Tbilisi.
A half-day trip to David Gareji Monastery Complex, one of the highlights of Georgia.
The Monastery is situated in Gareji semi-desert, 75km southeast from Tbilisi. Walk up to Udabno Monastery to explore some of the fine frescos of the 8-13th c. and cave architecture. Bringing walking shoes/boots are recommended to walk up on some steep slopes up to the Udabno. Return to Tbilisi. Hotel.
Picnic lunch included.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
- 1 night twin bedded room accommodation in Gudauri ski resort at a comfortable 4 star "Sport Hotel Gudauri"".
- 2 nights twin bedded room accommodation in Bakuriani at a comfortable small hotel.
- 1 night twin bedded room accommodation in Kutaisi at private houses. Some rooms share a bathroom.
- All transportation by comfortable bus.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary;
- Water supply in the transport.
- An English speaking guide during the trip.
- Expenses of the staff incl. accommodation and meals.
- All excursions and entrance to the sites visited.

Single room supplement: $35
Tout Leader free of charge in a single room on a group size of 10 and more.

Number of pax in grp	6	8	10+1	12+1	14+1	16+1	18+1	20+1	22+1	24+1
Price per pax in USD	530	525	495	460	435	410	390	375	365	355