Batumi – Mtskheta, #5.7

Mtskheta day trip from Batumi

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Tbilisi is 5 kilometers away from Mtskheta. Archaeological expedition (base in Mtskheta with materials of Bronze and ancient period). Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities of the country of Georgia (in Kartli province of Eastern Georgia), is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers. Mtskheta is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Due to its historical significance and numerous ancient monuments, the “Historical Monuments of Mtskheta” became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Batumi, One of the regional centers of Georgia

Batumi is the second-largest city of Georgia, located on the coast of the Black Sea in the southwest side of the country.  It is 30 kilometers away from Turkish border. Batumi is an industrial and a port city. Domestic and international flights are carried out from Batumi Airport.

• If members of the tour group wish to arrange a shorter itinerary, the tour may take place in Kutaisi, UNESCO monuments, or in the Kutaisi Sataplia Cave:
• A one-day trip to Mtskheta from Batumi can be changed to Kutaisi due to bad weather. with excursions to the natural and historical monuments there:

Day trip to Kutaisi

Kutaisi is the oldest city of Georgia. It is first mentioned in Greek’s historical sources in 8th century bc by the name of “Kutaia”, which represented the capital city of Kolkheti kingdom. Argonaut’s well-known story is also connected to the kingdom of Kolkheti.
City is located in western Georgia along both banks of the Rioni River. Kutaisi has been Georgia’s one of cultural and educational center for centuries.

Day trip to Bagrati

Bagrati Cathedral is located in Kutaisi. It was built by the king Bagrat III in 11th century. The remains of 8th century bc antique construction and 6th century bc basilica are discovered below the cathedral.
Bagrati Cathedral is one of the best monuments of architecture and art of medieval Georgia. Architectural ornaments of the cathedral attract great attention. On the floor there is a trace of mosaic, on the walls you can see painting and fresco arrears.
Bagrati with Gelati Monastery Complex was a UNESCO World Heritage Site but due to improper implementation of restoration works on it has been removed from the list of UNESCO monuments.

Day trip to Gelati Monastery

Gelati architectural complex was built by David IV, also known as David the Builder in 12th century. It is located 12 kilometers from Kutaisi. Gelati is special for its array, architecture, paintings, mosaic.
With Gelati Monastery in 1106 year famous Gelati Academy was established. It represented a theological institution, where geometry, arithmetic, music, philosophy, grammar, astronomy was taught.
During its existence Gelati was the property of the royal family, that’s why the kings of the feudal age of Georgia are buried there.
Gelati Complex is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument with multicultural values.

Day trip Sataplia

Sataplia cave is 7 kilometers away from Kutaisi, on the territory of Tskaltubo. Sataplia cave belongs to karstic caves group. The cave is very beautiful, in which a huge part plays the variety of flora-fauna. There is an unique colchic forest on the territory of the cave. Here you can see a well preserved dinosaurs footprints. The cave is covered with the forest of stalactites and stalagmites. The climate here is humid. In winter and in summer the temperature is eleven-twelve degrees.

• Lunch will be held in Mtskheta before the excursion. Dinner after the excursion ends.