Private Tour
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Imagine opening a forgotten chronicle, where stone walls remember kings, monks, and vanished kingdoms. While many visitors see only the surface of Georgia’s spiritual heart, this journey follows a quieter, older path into the deep history of Mtskheta, where legends and faith were forged.
The route begins at Armazi Fortress, once the pagan stronghold of the ancient Iberian Kingdom. Its ruins, set above the valley, feel like remnants of a fallen realm. From here, the story moves into the limestone silence of Shio-Mgvime, a 6th-century cave monastery carved into cliffs, where ascetic monks lived apart from the world, much like guardians of a hidden order.
The day continues to Zedazeni Monastery, concealed in forested hills and rarely reached by regular tours. Surrounded by ancient trees and sweeping views of the Aragvi valley, the atmosphere is timeless and cinematic. This is not a tour of highlights, but a journey through sacred landscapes that feel untouched by time.
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Archaeological sites like the Armazi Fortress and the paths around Shio-Mgvime involve walking on original stone, gravel, and unpaved dirt trails.
Reaching certain viewpoints at Zedazeni and the ruins of Armazi requires walking on steeper, unlevel ground.
Please note that access to certain sacred sites may be restricted without prior notice due to religious holidays, special liturgical services, or local events beyond our control.
Please note that our route may be adjusted on the day to account for local weather conditions or traffic, ensuring you have the most comfortable and seamless experience possible.
Please note that this is a comprehensive, fixed-price private experience; therefore, no partial refunds can be provided should you choose to skip any specific sites or shorten the duration of the itinerary.
This journey focuses on active Orthodox Christian sites. These are places of worship, not entertainment. We ask all guests to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the churches and in certain areas of the monasteries to respect the privacy of the clergy and the sanctity of the service.
Summer Comfort: While Mtskheta is often hot, the mountain monasteries like Zedazeni can be surprisingly cool and breezy; we recommend carrying a light jacket even on sunny days.
Winter & Shoulder Seasons: Expect strong, sharp winds at Jvari and Zedazeni; a windproof coat, warm hat, and gloves are essential for your comfort.
We suggest wearing comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with good grip and bringing a light jacket, as the mountain air at Zedazeni can be cooler than in the valley.
We suggest wearing comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with good grip and bringing a light jacket, as the mountain air at Zedazeni can be cooler than in the valley.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Jvari Monastery
Jvari Cross Monastery is the silent sentinel of Georgia’s spiritual history. Perched on a rocky mountaintop, this 6th-century masterpiece marks the exact spot where Saint Nino erected a wooden cross in the 4th century, signaling the kingdom's conversion to Christianity. A rare example of early medieval tetraconch architecture, the cathedral remains virtually unchanged by time, its yellowed stone harmonizing with the rugged landscape. Inside, the base of the original miraculous cross still stands under the dome. From the monastery walls, you are met with a breathtaking view of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers merging below—a sacred geography that has inspired pilgrims for generations. This UNESCO site is not just a viewpoint but a place of profound reflection, offering a visceral connection to the dawn of one of the world's oldest Christian nations. Its simple, austere lines represent the peak of early Georgian design, free from unnecessary decoration.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is the spiritual heart of Georgia and an 11th-century architectural masterpiece. Built on the site where the Seamless Robe of Jesus is buried, it remains one of the holiest locations in Christendom. As you walk through the monumental nave, you step into a history spanning nearly two millennia, from the 4th-century foundations of the Georgian Church to the royal tombs of medieval kings. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its intricate stone carvings, vibrant frescoes, and the "Life-Giving Pillar" said to have been raised by miraculous grace. Unlike typical tourist stops, this is a living pilgrimage site where the air is thick with incense and centuries of prayer. It stands as a timeless guardian of Georgian identity, offering a profound connection to the Golden Age of the Caucasus. For the discerning traveler, it is a place to witness the intersection of divine legend and sophisticated medieval engineering.
Private transportation
Bottled water
Professional guide
Entrance fee
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Gratuities
Booster seat
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Q9625OJ,,May 16, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very helpful provider. Alexander was always online and helped even with transfer to the airport. Excursion to Mzheta was gorgeous, guide was interesting with a lot of stories about places, Georgia, he also knows about history a lot, so this experience was useful. I really recommend tours with these guys.

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