Mtskheta, Gori & Uplistsikhe Day Trip
FromGEL 29
10 hours
Tbilisi, Georgia
About this activity
Experience Georgia's rich history and culture on a full-day tour visiting Mtskheta, Gori, and Uplistsikhe, including UNESCO sites and ancient cave cities.
Highlights
- Explore ancient Mtskheta's UNESCO sites
- Visit Gori, birthplace of Stalin
- Discover Uplistsikhe's cave city
- Enjoy scenic Georgian countryside views
- Learn about Georgia's rich history
Full description
Embark on a captivating journey through Georgia's storied past with this comprehensive day trip from Tbilisi. Begin in Mtskheta, the ancient capital, where you'll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery. Next, visit Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, and delve into its fascinating history. Conclude your adventure at Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town that offers a glimpse into early Georgian civilization. Throughout the day, enjoy comfortable transportation and insightful commentary from your professional guide, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.
Included / Excluded
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Traveler's Meeting Point - is a free space where you can meet new exciting people, play some board games, listen to good music or enjoy a glass of wine.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
11:00 Arrive at Uplistsikhe. Uplistsikhe is an antique rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia. It was built on a left bank of the Mtkvari River, contains multiple structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages, and is notable for the unique mixture of various rock-cut cultures from Anatolia and Iran coexistence of pagan and Christian architecture.
Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NO
3
13:00 Arrive at a lunch place. Unique possibility to feel as native. Visit a local restaurant and enjoy traditional, delicious food.
Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
14:45 Arrive at Stalin Museum. Stalin Museum is a museum dedicated to the life of Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, who was born in Gori. The Museum retains its Soviet-era characteristics, Stalin's Original house, and Stalin's railway carriage. In Case Of Free Time in Gori (Optional) Discover the city Gori, populated since the early Bronze Age. According to medieval Georgian annals, King David IV founded Gori. The fortress of Gori (Goris Tsikhe) appears to have been in use already in the 7th century, and archaeological evidence indicates an urban community in Classical Antiquity. In the 2008 Russo-Georgian war, the town came under aerial attack by the Russian air force from the outset of the conflict.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
5
16:35 Arrive at Jvari Monastery. The name of this monastery is translated as the "Monastery of the Cross." Jvari Monastery is the 6th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta. Along with other historic structures of Mtskheta, it is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Jvari Monastery stands on the rocky mountain top at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the town of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of the kingdom of Iberia.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
17:25 Arrive at Svetitskhoveli In Mtskheta. Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in Georgia, was founded by the ancient Meschian tribes in the 5th century. UNESCO recognizes it as a World Heritage site due to its historical significance and several cultural monuments. It was the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. However, Mtskheta remained to serve as the coronation and burial place for most kings of Georgia until the 19th century. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (literally the Cathedral of the Living Pillar) is currently the second-largest church in Georgia (after the Holy Trinity cathedral). Known as the burial site of Christ's robe, Svetitskhoveli has been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the most venerated places of worship in the region. 19:00-19:30 Traveler's Meeting Point ( 50 meters from Avlabari metro station )
Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in English; other languages may not be available
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not wheelchair accessible
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain
- Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- The minimum age of a traveler is 5.
- The tour operates in all weather conditions. Therefore, please dress according to the weather.
- Dress code for a church - It's not allowed for anyone to enter a church in shorts, and women need to cover their heads.
Traveler reviews
4.91,959 reviews
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Excellent, informative trip
We had a wonderful trip with Ana today. The sites we visited were great and Ana helped is understand their significance. Thank you!
Y5981KEnickywMay 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
History woohoo
Great experience. Greater guide.
zachmD4991DBMay 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Very happy with the service
Guide Oko Driver Jaba Great experience, oko knows a lot, gave us huge information Happy with the tour
E2667DRagusaMay 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Excellent !! Don't miss it
Oko is an amazing guide!! He knows a lot, is very proud of his country, and loves sharing its history with us. He answered all our questions and was always available and kind. Thanks, Oko, and thanks to Jaba for the safe drive!
Etoile2201May 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR
First experience in Georgia
The Oxo guide and the driver Jaba were excellent
gabjcostasMay 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
The minimum age of a traveler is 5.
The tour operates in all weather conditions. Therefore, please dress according to the weather.
Dress code for a church - It's not allowed for anyone to enter a church in shorts, and women need to cover their heads.