All aboard for a country outing – Destinations around Tbilisi
Surrounded by majestic mountains, Tbilisi is the perfect starting point for excursions to the surrounding area. The metropolis is surrounded by spectacular landscapes, hidden villages, mystical monasteries and cultural treasures
Georgia’s landmark: the Gergeti Trinity Church
One of the most beautiful landmarks in Georgia is the 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church in the north of the country. The impressive domed church, also known as “Gergetis Samebis Eklesia”, is located at an altitude of 2,170 metres and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Kazbek, the third highest mountain in Georgia. The church is located near Stepantsminda, about 150 kilometres from Tbilisi. The church can be reached from there by car, or you could set out on a (sometimes quite steep) hike for one to two hours – time depending on your fitness, route choice and amount of photo stops.
Kakheti – historic province and wine region
Those following the Kakheti Wine Road will be guided through the wide Alazani Valley, with the snow-capped Caucasus in the background. The historic province of Kakheti in the east of Georgia is about 90 kilometres from Tbilisi and is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Numerous old churches with their own wine cellars and family vineyards adorn the valley, inviting you to sample wine in the middle of the picturesque vineyards. One of the most famous white wines in the area is Tsinandali, originating from the wine-growing region of Telavi, which is both the centre of the Kakheti Wine Road and the capital of Kakheti.
Sighnaghi, the “Tuscany of the East”
In the heart of this famous wine region, some 110 kilometres east of Tbilisi, is the picturesque small town of Sighnaghi, which is also known as the “Tuscany of the East” due to its hillside terraces. On a tour along the well-preserved city wall, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Alazani valley and the snowy peaks of the Caucasus from one of the more than 20 fortified 18th-century towers. Balconies and terraces adorned with grapevines exude Mediterranean flair, and wines from the surrounding Kakheti wine region are on offer from the rustic wine cellars. The charming city is also known for its craftsmanship, which can be seen in its many carpet and ceramics factories.
The Cave Monastery of David Gareji
Named after its builder, King David IV of Georgia, the historic David Gareji Monastery is located in a picturesque semi-desert landscape in eastern Georgia, about 70 kilometres from Tbilisi. Still on Georgian territory, but right on the border with Azerbaijan, this cave monastery is partly embedded within the rockface itself. It belongs to a complex that today is split across the border. Once built to strengthen Christianity in Georgia, it includes ancient homes and chapels, many of which are artfully decorated with murals and frescoes, and today there is still an active area of the monastery inhabited by ten monks.
Hiking, water, mountains: Kazbegi National Park
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Tbilisi, take a trip about 160 kilometres away to Kazbegi National Park – a paradise for nature lovers with spectacular hiking trails, waterfalls and breathtaking mountain landscapes. The Kazbegi National Park, with the imposing 5,054-metre-high Mount Kazbek, is located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus. At its centre is the city of Stepantsminda: depending on the season, you can begin hiking, climbing, cycling or skiing tours from here. Less sporty travellers can visit the village of Sno with its historic stone heads, explore the spectacular Khada Gorge or take a trip to the Gveleti Waterfall. Then relax with a dip in the thermal springs of the Pansheti swimming pool.
Mtskheta – the ancient capital
Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia, is located in a valley basin in the east of Georgia and about 25 kilometres north of Tbilisi. It is the religious centre of the country and is located directly on the Georgian Military Road, the 213-kilometre-long historical through road in the Greater Caucasus. This 3,000-year-old small town has a lot to offer culture lovers and is easy to discover on foot. Mtskheta is also known for its historic churches and monasteries, including the almost 1,000-year-old Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Perhaps the best view of Mtskheta is from the Jvari Monastery, towering over the old capital on a rocky hill.
Wellness and nature in Borjomi
The popular holiday resort of Borjomi in the region of Samtskhe-Javakheti in southern-central Georgia is known for its healing volcanic salt springs, mineral baths and diverse nature. Around 160 kilometres west of Tbilisi, the spa town is located on the slopes of the Meskheti Mountains, on the edge of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, which offers a variety of outdoor activities. The small town is surrounded by mountains, which are covered with dense deciduous and coniferous forests, providing crystal-clear fresh air with a pine aroma. Today, mineral water from Borjomi is an internationally recognised brand, a source of national pride for Georgia and an ambassador for the country.
The cave city of Uplistsikhe
Around 85 kilometres west of Tbilisi is the proud, 3,000-year-old cave city of Uplistsikhe. In its heyday, the city had well-developed roads, a water supply system, sewage channels, markets, an amphitheatre, palaces, a city wall and connecting tunnels. Above the cave city, which literally translates as “the lord's fortress”, sits a basilica from the 10th century. house. The ancient cave city, once an important trading centre, today offers captivating insights into pre-Christian history, a time of pagan cults and worship of the gods with animal offerings.
Ananuri – historic fortress with a view
The Ananuri Fortified Church is located approximately 60 kilometres north of Tbilisi, directly on the Aragvi River, on the banks of the Zhinvali Reservoir. In this spectacular setting, the entire fortress is framed by an old wall with several observation towers. It houses two churches from the 17th and 18th centuries. house. Culture lovers can admire detailed relief decoration and well-preserved fresco paintings inside, or enjoy the rich history and fantastic architecture. In the summer, the Aragvi offers a refreshing opportunity to cool down after visiting the fortress.
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