10:00 Am pick up from hotel in Gudauri and tour to Mtskheta. 11:30 AM - you will reach Jvari
Monastery (6th - 7th cc), the most important
religious center and an architectural masterpiece
of mediaeval Georgia. The Monastery stands on
the rocky mountaintop at the confluence of the
Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the town
of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of
the Kingdom of Iberia. The Jvari church was
built on the very margin of a cliff, with its western facade nearly hanging over a precipice, where it
was strengthened by a controforse wall. The temple looks like growing from the mountain, which
was obviously the architect's plan. Jvari is one of the best examples of harmonic relation of
architecture with nature. Enjoy breathtaking view from the church that stands proud over the city
of Mtskheta overseeing the merging of two of
the biggest rivers in Georgia, Mtkvari and Aragvi.
You will spend about 30 minutes there. 12:00
PM - Passing through the famous souvenir
market, continue tour to the old Capital town of
Georgia where is located Svetitskhoveli
Cathedral. The present Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
was built between 1010 and 1029 by the architect Arsukidze, at the invitation of the Catholicos
Melchizedek I of Georgia. The king of Georgia at that time was Giorgi I. The original church was
built in 4th century AD during the reign of Mirian III of Kartli (Iberia). Saint Nino, who converted
Georgia into Christianity, is said to have chosen the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers as
the place of the first Georgian church. A notable reconstruction was carried out at the end of
14th century after it was destroyed by Tamerlan. The next large renovation came in the beginning
of 15th, when the current dome was built, being subsequently renovated again in the middle of
17th century. The cathedral is surrounded by a defensive wall, built of stone and brick during the
reign of King Erekle II (Heraclius) in 1787. Both Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are
recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Sites. In Mtskheta you will spend 1 hour. 14:00 Pm
- Optional - Tbilisi mall - shopping for 2 hours or drop of at hotel in Tbilisi. 16:00 PM Overnight
in Tbilisi
