Tours around Tbilisi: Tbilisi Old Town (1)

Tbilisi offers a wide range of 1- day tours.
Georgian Tourism Association (GTA) has tested some of them.
Please note:GTA does not sell tours, the service is for information only and we do not take responsibility for any inconvenience that people might encounter during the proposed tours.

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Tour 1: “Tbilisi Old Town” - Walking Tour

Classic must see for every Tbilisi Visitor

Description

Start your walk at the Sulfur Baths, after which the city was named. See the Mosque and the balconies of Abano Area. Walk up the Botanikuri Street to the Botanical Garden. Before reaching the entrance gate, walk up the path that leads to the Narikala Fortress.

Enjoy the fine views of the old city and from the top into the valley of the Botanical Garden. From there you’ll see the statue of Mother Georgia / Kartlis Deda. Walk back down to the entrance gate of Narikala Fortress and turn left to reach the statue.
Walk down the stairs right before Kartlis Deda to reach Jerusalimis Street.

Continue through the small side streets of Tbilisis Sololaki district to reach Jvaris Mama Church and Sioni Street, to make a round through the café-streets of Shardeni & Erekle with their Mediterranean atmosphere.

After a small pause in one of the cafés continue on Sioni Street (North/upriver) past the residence of the Georgian Orthodox Partriarch Ilia II. to Sioni Church and a bit further to one of the oldest and most charming churches in Tbilisi, Anchiskhati Church (6th c. A.D.).
After a few hundred more meters you’ll find yourself on Baratashvili Street which leads you up (left) to Tavisuplebis Moedani (Freedom Square) where Hotel Courtyard Marriot and Old Tbilisi City Hall are located. (By the way: In the hotel you can get free copies of the georgian English-language newspapers!)

Continue on the left side of the City Hall Building down Leselidze Street and reach Maidan Square and a hundred meters further the Sulfur Baths, where a relaxing dip & scrub is an experience not to miss.

A quick detour after the baths could lead you up to Metekhi Church and Vakhtang Gorgasali Statue just on the other side of the river and into Avlabari district with nice views on the Narikala Fortress.

To sense the history of Georgia’s Capital and get detailed explanations of its development a city-tour guide is well worth the small investment.

Duration of the walk
2 hours to ½ day

Restaurants/Bars

There are too many to name them all, but on the route is Shemoikhede Genatsvale, on 25, Leselidze Street with a blue glass façade and no sign in English where excellent Khinkali (dumplings filled with minced meat) and other Georgian specialties are served.
If you feel like exploring the backstreets you’ll be able to locate the small, authentic and inexpensive restaurant Racha, also serving very good Khinkali, Mzwadi (Shashlik), Salads as well as other Georgian specialties. (second street left behind City Hall).

On Puris Moedani (first street left behind City Hall) there is popular PurPur (Bar-Café- Restaurant), serving European Food and featuring a lounge in the basement where you can hang out on cushions with a cocktail or two. If you a looking for a more luxurious place, restaurant Kopala (with a roof terrasse and excellent sunset views) located in the hotel with the same name in 8/10 Czekhov St. in Avlabari district. Restaurant Maidan (with traditional song and dance) Mtkvari Right Bank 2 (Shardeni Area) is also recommended.

Souvenirs
Some shops in Shardeni & Erekle Street sell souvenirs and postcards. Try also Rustaveli Avenue and Dry Bridge Art Market.

Tours around Tbilisi: Karsani Ridge / Mzkheta

Tbilisi offers a wide range of 1- day tours.

Georgian Tourism Association (GTA) has tested some of them.

Please note:GTA does not sell tours, the service is for information only and we do not take responsibility for any inconvenience that people might encounter during the proposed tours.

FOR GUIDE SERVICE & BOOKING CONTACT GTA-MEMBER COMPANIES

Tours around Tbilisi (2): Karsani Ridge / Mzkheta

Hike from Karsani to St. Nino Chapel and down along the ridge to the Tbilisi-Mzkheta road

Start at the left turn with the sign Karsani 2 km on the Tbilisi-Mzkheta road (5 km before reaching Mzkheta, 500m after restaurant Schashnike).

You can also drive up the 5 km !!! bumpy, cobbled road to the village Karsani and start your walk there.

Follow the road through the village to reach the forest track that leads to a meadow (on a small pass) from where you can look down into Armazi Valley. Cross the meadow to the right and up and follow the path into the woods until a small side pass leads left up and traverses up to second meadow on a small plaeteau.

Cross the second meadow on your right to the highest point of the hillock, where St. Nino's chapel is located. Retrace your steps to the bigger path, which you'll cross, slightly descending through the bushes and trees to a meadow which leads up to a rocky ridge, from where you enjoy fine views over Mzkheta and Mtkvari valley. Do not step on one of the many land turtles who like the place, too.

Follow the ridge to the end and walk down to the road when the ridge becomes less steep an bushy. If you have your car in Karsani it makes sense to cut short to your right and walk down to the road on a small not very well defined path, which starts at the lowest point of the ridge.

Dangers: Be careful with snakes & scorpions.

Best season: All year, leave early in summer.

Combination: Can be combined with Walk 10: Armazis Canyon or a visit to Mzkheta.

Restaurant: Restaurant Sachashnike on the road serves good food (self service for ordering and payment before eating. The several parts of the restaurant serve different food, so you'll have to cue up a few times when it's busy. If you mention your table number staff brings the food.)

More scenic is the restaurant Armazis Zqaro (Tour 10)

For more information see: Haeberli/Harker: Under eagles Wings. Hikes, Bike, Horseback and Skitours in Georgia. 2005.

(Attention: for this tour the map in the book is incorrect, the ruins of Armazi Fortress are not on the same side of the Gorge as St. Nino chapel. Be careful with the steep slopes down into the Gorge!)

Tours around Tbilisi (3): Kojori Fortress

Tbilisi offers a wide range of 1- day tours.
Georgian Tourism Association (GTA) has tested some of them.

Please note: GTA does not sell tours, the service is for information only and we do not take responsibility for any inconvenience that people might encounter during the proposed tours.

FOR GUIDE SERVICE & BOOKING CONTACT GTA-MEMBER COMPANIES


Tour 3: Kojori Fortress

A spectacular fortress in the vicinity of Tbilisi and a glimpse of the mountains of Armenia.

On the southern end of village Kojori, the fortress is situated on a hillock of the Teleti Range and overlooking the valleys of Algeti & Khrami Rivers.


From the village, walk along the small road through a patch of forest to the car park on a meadow near the fortress. Continue past the graveyard to the northern end of the fortress and on the right between the rocks to the iron ladders that lead to the right top of the fortress. (The left top -a bit higher- is reached with some careful scrambling up the rocks). Enjoy the fine view!

Hike options
The forests around the fortress offer various hike options i.e. to Ormotsa Church which lies in the forest South-East of the fortress and can be seen from the top. A forest path leads down to the church.

How to get there
From Tbilisi, village Kojori is reached on the Kojori road (Mtatsminda) by Marshrutka, taxi or car in around 30 min. After entering the village, take the first road left in southern direction. It will lead you through a patch of forest and a meadow near the fortress hill. If in doubt ask villagers to point you the right direction.

Difficulty
Easy, 1/2 Day, min. walking distance 300m

Tours around Tbilisi (4): Skitour to Lomisa Chapel (Gudauri Region)

Tbilisi offers a wide range of 1- day tours.

Georgian Tourism Association (GTA) has tested some of them.

Please note:

GTA does not sell tours, the service is for information only and we do not take responsibility for any inconvenience that people might encounter during the proposed tours.

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Tour 4: Skitour to Lomisa Chapel (Gudauri Region)

A wonderful, small skitour on the powder snow side of the Aragvi Valley near the skiresort Gudauri.
Lomisa Chapel (2190m) is wonderful and it is surprising - especially in winter- to find this building up there in the mountains.

Description
In Arakhveti village start climbing up the open ridge up to the plateau that you traverse to your right. Then climb up to Lomisa Chapel (obvious with good weather, but be careful with avalanches). From the chapel it is possible to continue up the ridge left or right.
In case of bad weather it is prudent not to attempt reaching the Chapel (danger of avalanches just below the ridge) but rather continue to climb up before the traverse of the plateau through the forest and bushes nearly up to the ridge.

Ski down the same way! The descent is also done by heli-skiers from Gudauri.

In spring with stabilized snow you can ski down the gully on your right (when descending) where snow transforms a few hours later and lasts longer.

How to get there
Go with own or public transport (Marshrutka) on Georgian Military Highway in direction of Gudauri, through Ananuri, Pasanauri to just before Mleta (before crossing the river Aragvi). Park your car at the entrance of village Arakhveti or at the Police Station in Kvemo Mleta (then you have to walk back the road for 10min or so).

Dangers & Annoyances
Only with stabilized snow conditions. Be extra careful with avalanches just before reaching the Chapel.

The dogs of Arakhveti Village bark at skiers and look impressive but did not bite us in any case. If you are fast at the descent they do not see you…

Difficulty
Easy. Experience with Ski touring is required.

Best season
From December to April with stabilized snow conditions.
All other seasons: A beautiful hike through flower meadows.

Without skis it is advisable to start directly in Kvemo Mleta and walk up the steep path through the forest behind the village.

Duration
approx 3-4 hours up & down, 700-900m ascent/descent, max. elevation 2400m.

More information
Guidebook: Haeberli/Hawker: “Under Eagles Wings. Hike, Bike, Horseback & Skitour in Georgia”.

Tours around Tbilisi (5): Saguramo Forest & Sioni Lake

Tbilisi offers a wide range of 1- day tours.
Georgian Tourism Association (GTA) has tested some of them.

Please note:
GTA does not sell tours, the service is for information only and we do not take responsibility for any inconvenience that people might encounter during the proposed tours.

FOR GUIDE SERVICE & BOOKING CONTACT GTA-MEMBER COMPANIES

Tour 5: Saguramo Nature Reserve & Sioni Reservoir (Tianeti Region)

Enjoy the cool shade of a deep beech, maple and oak forest and/or swim in the clear waters of Sioni Reservoir. Ideal to escape the summer heat of Tbilisi.

Description
The spectacular forest with 1000 year old trees of Saguramo Nature Reserve is enchanting. The most beautiful part of the forest you drive trough is located behind the village Tskhvarichamia. There are many hike options that need some sense of orientation but are not difficult.


The surroundings of the lake remind you of a lower alpine part of Switzerland. You’ll enjoy walking through the flower meadows in spring or bathing and relaxing on the lake shore.


From the forest it is around 30 min drive to reach the lake passing an impressive alley of poplar trees.

The Iori Valley streches far into the mountains above Tianeti, offering excellent walks in the mountains up to 2200-3000m, which were very popular during Soviet times and are yet to be rediscovered.

How to get there
The best way to reach Sioni reservoir is via Gldani (1.5 hours) as the road is curvy but good. No comparison with the off-road via Zhinvali and Tianeti and a lot better and more scenic than the road via village Saguramo.


Drive through Gldani into the valley leading north-east direction Tianeti, pass the ex-resort Tskhvarichamia still populated with refugees (IDPs) from Abkhazia and turn right when the road splits to Tianeti (left) and Sioni (right).



Find a suitable place at the lake.

With a bit of luck you can find an occasional Marshrutka to take you there if you don’t have a car.

Roundtrip option

If you continue the road from Sioni down the Iori valley (less good road!!!) you’ll reach the 6th century fortress Ujarma overlooking the beautiful valley (count 1.5 hours from Sioni).



From there it is another hour drive to reach Tbilisi via M5.

Tours around Tbilisi (6): Davit Garedja Cave Monasteries

Tbilisi offers a wide range of 1- day tours.
Georgian Tourism Association (GTA) has tested some of them.

Please note:
GTA does not sell tours, the service is for information only and we do not take responsibility for any inconvenience that people might encounter during the proposed tours.

FOR GUIDE SERVICE & BOOKING CONTACT GTA-MEMBER COMPANIES

Tour 6: Davit Garedja Cave Monasteries

Discover the cave monasteries around Davit Garedja / Udabno on the border of Georgia and Azerbaijan. A great classic.

Description
A 1 ½ hour drive takes you to the famous Lavra monastery in the semi-desert area of Davit Garedja bordering Azerbaijan. It is possible to drive via Rustavi (more scenic) or via Sagaredjo (better road).

After visiting the monastery (with long trousers & covered shoulders) walk up the hill right behind the monastery to reach a huge rock face. Follow the path which bypasses it on the left and continue to the small chapel at the top. From there descend slightly to your right and follow the obvious path below the rocky ridge to visit the Udabno Caves with remains of wonderful frescos.

There are several smaller cave monasteries in the vicinity to spend a few days camping and exploring the area full of birdlife and desert colors.

Be careful with snakes when walking though high grass, over exposed rocks or reaching into dark holes, especially in spring, as the area is habitat of the dangerous Lebetine Viper.


How to get there
Public transport was offered during summer 2007 with Yellow City Buses (10 GEL). If this service will be offered in the future is uncertain.
Taxi or organized tours are the alternatives if you do not have an own car. The best road is reached when you turn right after passing through Sagaredjo (on the M5 direction Telavi).

Culinary advice
If you want to make the round trip it makes sense to start with a drive through Rustavi and go for wine tasting and Georgian food in Sagaredjo on the way back.
If you prefer beer and a more “industrial” scenery as a contrast you may go the other way round and visit Kazbegi brewery in Rustavi.

Best Season
All year, but in summer the area can be quite hot.

More information
See Guidebook: Peter Nasmyth: “Walking in the Caucasus”.

Tours around Tbilisi (7): White Water Rafting on Aragvi River

Tbilisi offers a wide range of 1- day tours.

Georgian Tourism Association (GTA) has tested some of them.

Please note:

GTA does not sell tours, the service is for information only and we do not take responsibility for any inconvenience that people might encounter during the proposed tours.

FOR GUIDE SERVICE & BOOKING CONTACT GTA-MEMBER COMPANIES

Tour 7: White Water Rafting on Aragvi River

Descend the Caucasus Rivers with the melting snow.

Description

Aragvi Rafting is a fun sport activity for ½ to 1 day as soon as the weather is warm enough to melt the snow in the mountains. There are two options depending on the water level: Mtiuletis Aragvi (Pasanauri-Chartali, difficulty WW 2-3 (on a scale from WW 1 to WW 6)) and Pshavis Aragvi (Magharoskari – Tvalivi, difficulty WW 2-3). The first offers the bigger waves (when the water is high) and the shorter access, the second the more technical rafting and the more beautiful valley. Whatever the choice, you’ll have to paddle hard to deserve the picnic or barbecue at the end.

Equipment (i.e. Neoprene suits, helmets, lifejackets) is included and you’ll have a professional guide to find the best route down the river.

Individuals will find their chances of joining a group increased on weekends.

For more difficult White-Water Rafting (Mtkvari Canyon at Vardzia WW 3-4), Rioni WW 3-4, Zkhenis Tsqali WW 3-4) and multi day trips, individual arrangements with the local Rafting Companies can be made.

There is also a possibility of Rafting on Mtkvari River in Borjomi (WW 2-3) easy but with nice waves.

It is advisable to make a reservation at least 2-3 days in advance

How to get there

The Rafting Companies offer transport from Tbilisi but you can also go to the rafting base individually (and make the rafting descent part of a multi day trip i.e. to Gudauri, Kazbegi or Shatili).

Best Season

May - September