What is included in the tour?

The private full-day tour includes transportation from Tbilisi, guided visits to Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Samtavro Monastery, Armaztsikhe-Bagineti ruins, and Shio's Cave Monastery. An optional lunch upgrade covers traditional Georgian dishes from local suppliers.

How long is the drive from Tbilisi?

The round-trip totals 105 km (65 miles) with approximately 2–3 hours driving time combined, leaving 5–6 hours for guided exploration and breaks at each site.

Is this suitable for families with young children?

Families with older children (8+) will manage most sites, but Shio's Cave Monastery involves challenging canyon terrain with steep passages unsuitable for very young children or those with mobility limitations. Confirm walking difficulty tolerance with your guide before booking.

What makes these monasteries UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

Jvari (6th century), Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and Samtaviso Monastery (both 11th century) represent outstanding examples of medieval Georgian architectural innovation and religious significance, with Svetitskhoveli holding particular importance as the burial site of the robe of Jesus Christ.

Can I book a lunch option, and is it vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, a lunch option is available featuring traditional Georgian cuisine sourced locally. Inform the operator of dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) at booking; Georgian cuisine includes meat-heavy staples, but alternatives can usually be arranged with advance notice.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear sturdy hiking shoes for uneven terrain, modest clothing covering knees and shoulders (monastery etiquette), and bring sun protection, a water bottle, and a light jacket. The mix of open ruins and shaded canyon sections creates varying temperatures throughout the day.

1 / 6

Discover Mtskheta: Scenic Tour from Tbilisi

(3)

Tbilisi, Georgia

Cultural ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsBus & Minivan ToursCity ToursWalking Tours

Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Explore Georgia's ancient former capital in a full-day private tour from Tbilisi, visiting three UNESCO-listed medieval monasteries and the ruins of one of the Caucasus's oldest cities. This immersive journey covers 105 km of cultural landmarks spanning from the 3rd century BC to the 11th century AD.

Private full day trip to Mtskheta from Tbilisi includes visiting old capital of Georgia where human settled from the 2nd millennium BC and discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari Monastery built in 6th century that survived almost unchanged, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where the robe of Jesus is buried and Samtavro Monastery both completed in 11th century. You will also visit Armaztsikhe-Bagineti, one of the oldest cities of the Antique Era also called Georgian Acropolis from the 3rd century BC and "the cave of Shio", medieval monastic complex located in a narrow limestone canyon with lots of once used hermit sells. Two options are available for the tour. Tour with Lunch option includes tasting the best meals from local traditional cuisine. Tour to Mtskheta is suitable for people who desire to travel through time to explore all main tourist sites and hidden gems of the old capital of Georgia, known with its outstanding examples of medieval architecture. Total drive 105 km (65 miles).

Highlights

✓Jvari Monastery (6th century) — hilltop church with panoramic views, remarkably preserved original architecture
✓Svetitskhoveli Cathedral — 11th-century burial site of the robe of Jesus Christ, Georgia's most sacred Christian shrine
✓Samtavro Monastery — companion 11th-century complex with striking stone work and spiritual significance
✓Armaztsikhe-Bagineti ruins — 3rd-century BC ancient city, often called the Georgian Acropolis
✓Shio's Cave Monastery — medieval hermit settlement carved into limestone canyon walls
✓Optional traditional Georgian feast showcasing local culinary heritage

Insider tips

★Start early to beat crowds at the main monasteries; morning light is exceptional for photography, especially at Jvari's elevated position
★Choose the lunch option if you want authentic home-cooked Georgian dishes; many tours source meals from local family-run establishments
★Wear sturdy shoes — the canyon paths to Shio's Cave involve uneven terrain and narrow passages; cave sections require careful footing
★Ask your guide about seasonal wildflower displays in spring; the monastery grounds transform with blooms unavailable in other months

Good to know

•Private car pickup/drop-off from Tbilisi; confirm exact meeting location when booking
•Steep terrain and multiple stone staircases; limited accessibility for mobility challenges at some sites
•Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), water bottle, and a light jacket — temperatures vary between open ruins and shaded canyon sections
•Total distance: 105 km; expect 2–3 hours driving time plus 5–6 hours on-site exploration
•Modest dress recommended at monasteries (knees/shoulders covered); cultural respect matters

Who it's for

History and archaeology enthusiasts seeking deep dives into medieval Caucasian civilizationCultural travellers interested in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and religious significancePhotography groups wanting dramatic architectural backdrops and landscape compositionsFirst-time Georgia visitors building foundational knowledge of the country's heritage

Best time to visit

Visit April–May or September–October for mild temperatures and clear skies ideal for site exploration and photography. Avoid midday summer heat (July–August) when exposed ruins and canyon walks become uncomfortably hot; morning departures are essential year-round.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Grace E.

May 2026

our guide Pedro sorted everything for us and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight. For our anniversary so it wasnt too busy. Honestly better than the tour we did in rome last year, and booked it for my birthday. Would book again no question.

Greg N.

Nov 2025

our guide Joseph was brilliant and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight, and booked it for my birthday.

James W.

Jan 2025

So nice this one, the bit at the end nobody expects was amazing and Zara the guide explain everything good. Better than Hanoi for sure, we go again!

from€241.88€241.34/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

Instant ConfirmationBest priceMobile voucher