Day Trip to Mtskheta Gori and Uplistsikhe 1
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Day Trip to Mtskheta Gori and Uplistsikhe

(3)
Tbilisi, Georgia
Bus & Minivan ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsMuseums & ExhibitionsSightseeing Tours

About this activity

Explore Georgia's most historically significant region on this 10-hour day trip combining ancient cave cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and Soviet-era landmarks. Visit the rock-hewn settlement of Uplistsikhe, the medieval capital of Mtskheta with two UNESCO sites, and Stalin's hometown of Gori in a single immersive journey through Kartli's layered past.

Meeting point: Avlabari Metro Station (Your guide will be holding a branded orange color flag at the entrance of the metro station)

Endpoint: Avlabari Metro Station

Available dates: Every day

Meeting & Check-in time: 08:30

Boarding time: 08:55

Departure time: 09:00

End time: 19:00-19:30

Duration: 10 hours

Language Spoken by a tour guide: English

Group size: 18 people

Tour Type: Daily Tour

Minimum age of a traveler: 5 years old


Explore one of the most mysterious regions of Georgia – Kartli and hear a lot about the country's history. First, visit the memorable Uplistsikhe cave town and dive into the antique life of Georgia. Then, find out more interesting facts in Gori, the hometown of the most famous Georgian, Stalin, and see the unique old capital of Georgia – Mtskheta, where you visit two UNESCO heritage sites, Jvari Monastery, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.  

Your first stop is Uplistsikhe, an antique rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia. It contains multiple structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages. It is notable for the unique mixture of various rock-cut cultures from Anatolia and Iran's pagan and Christian architecture coexistence. After exploring Uplistsikhe, you can have lunch in the region and try delicious local food.  

After lunch, you have two options, have free time and explore Gori, the hometown of Stalin, or visit the Stalin Museum, which 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.  

The next stop is 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 mountaintop at the mountain confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the town of Mtskheta, formerly the capital of the kingdom of Iberia.  

The last site on tour is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. UNESCO recognizes Mtskheta 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. Svetitskhoveli is known as the burial site of Christ's robe and has been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the region's most venerated places of worship.


Highlights:

  • Uplistsikhe City Caves
  • Stalin Museum
  • Gori
  • Mtskheta
  • Svetitskhoveli
  • Jvari Monastery

Highlights

  • ✓Uplistsikhe cave town: ancient rock-cut structures spanning Iron Age to Middle Ages
  • ✓Jvari Monastery: UNESCO-listed 6th-century hilltop sanctuary with panoramic views
  • ✓Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: Georgia's spiritual centre and UNESCO World Heritage site
  • ✓Stalin Museum: intimate look at the Soviet leader's early life in Gori
  • ✓Local lunch included: taste authentic Georgian cuisine in the Kartli region
  • ✓Small group (max 18 people) with English-speaking guide

Insider tips

  • ★Arrive 15 minutes early at Avlabari Metro Station; look for your guide holding the distinctive orange flag at the metro entrance
  • ★Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes for Uplistsikhe's uneven rock terrain and cave exploration
  • ★The Stalin Museum visit is optional—use free time in Gori to explore at your own pace if preferred
  • ★Bring sun protection and water; cave town exploration is largely exposed, especially in summer months

Good to know

  • •Meeting point: Avlabari Metro Station entrance; check-in at 08:30, departure 09:00, return by 19:00–19:30
  • •Suitable for families with children (minimum age 5); uneven surfaces and climbing required at cave sites
  • •Tour conducted in English; groups capped at 18 people for intimate experience
  • •Lunch included at a local restaurant; vegetarian options available on request
  • •Bring comfortable walking clothes, closed-toe hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat

Who it's for

History enthusiasts interested in pre-Christian and medieval GeorgiaFamilies with school-age children (5+) seeking educational cultural experiencesUNESCO World Heritage site collectorsTravellers wanting a comprehensive day-trip alternative to self-guided exploration

Best time to visit

Visit spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) for pleasant temperatures and clear skies ideal for photography at Jvari and cave exploration. Avoid July–August peak heat, which intensifies sun exposure in Uplistsikhe's exposed cave passages.

Frequently asked questions

From
€34
per person