Private Tour

UNESCO Gems of Mtskheta - Old Capital of Georgia

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Join a journey of the UNESCO Gems of Georgia. Explore Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia. Visit Jvari Church, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and Samtavro Monastery. Each destination on our tour offers a unique experience of Georgia's rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions.

We'll start by visiting the architectural masterpiece of the 6th-century Jvari Church, commanding panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Next, we'll explore the historical depths of the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a symbol of Georgia's enduring spirituality and cultural legacy. Then, immerse yourself in the bustling energy of the Mtskheta Flea Market, where local artisans showcase their crafts and souvenirs, providing a taste of authentic Georgian culture.

lastly, we'll visit Samtavro Monastery, a spiritual sanctuary nestled amidst lush greenery. Here, you can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and admire the intricate architecture that reflects centuries of Georgian religious tradition.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Jvari Monastery

Our first stop is Jvari church which is one of the oldest churches in Georgia. The name of the church is translated as "cross." The church overlooks magnificent views of the ancient capital Mtskheta and the confluence of two rivers (Aragvi & Mtkvari). Jvari church is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, along with other historic structures in Mtshketa. Jvari is the perfect place for those looking to travel back in time and enjoy the architecture of the Middle Ages.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Our last stop is Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Kartli, the East Georgian Kingdom from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD, and was also the location where Christianity was proclaimed as the official religion of Georgia in 337. Although the capital was moved to the more easily defended Tbilisi in the V century, Mtskheta continued to be the coronation and burial place of Georgian kings, and the seat of the Patriarch, who is also known as the Bishop of Mtskheta. Here we visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral which dates from the 11th century - early in the golden age of Georgian church architecture. Svetitskhoveli is considered as mother Cathedral of Georgia and is the burial of many kings of Georgia, their family members, and patriarchs from the great cathedrals although the holiest thing in this cathedral is the part of the robe of Jesus Christ which is believed to lie beneath the central nave, under a square pillar decorated with colorful if faded frescoes of the conversion of Kartli.

40 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Pick-up from your hotel / apartment

24/7 Online support

Private transportation

Drop-off at your Hotel / Apartment

Guide Service (You can add it during checkout)

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Driver Only

Pickup included

Guided Tour

Guided Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

32 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Private tour
Tammy H,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Luka was great and the trip was enjoyable and very interesting. We learned a lot. …………………………………………………………………………………..
First but Definitely not my last!
jennifergY2237AL,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was my first time to visit Georgia and my first tour. I was an amazing experience, I have learned a lot about Georgian culture and knew more about their religion, Thank you to Lela and George they were lovely, kind and very accommodating, I was lucky enough to have them both my tour guide.You will fall in love with the place because of them. I cant wait to come back and have another tour with them.
Church Highlights
wanderingCouple 2014,,Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We only had a few days stopover in Tbilisi and wanted a short tour from the city to the main highlights. Our guide Lela was great, super knowledgeable and experienced, we learned a lot about Georgia and shared lots stories on the drives between locations. We’d highly recommend the tour and our guide.
Excellent services!
Connector67230732300,,Dec 29, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Luca and his team at We are Georgia Tours very courteous and professional. They made us feel very comfortable during the entire tour. Our pickup from the Hotel was right on time. Excellent services!
Good time!
U5534FFethanh,,Nov 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had an amazing time with Luka and Lela. Great people who do a great job. 10/10 would recommend to a friend.
Low price for great day trip with a lot of variety
islandler,,Nov 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Really great day trip with private guide, low cost and we were picked up from our hotel Low price for great day trip with a lot of variety Really enjoyed the bronze age cliff village that was almost 10,000 years old.
A very impressive tour.
Mauricio V,,Oct 30, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour of the UNESCO cities is impressive. The history and what you feel walking through their spaces, churches, and everything they once represented for the people of Georgia and the history of the world is fascinating. Moreover, if you add the knowledge and willingness of Luka, the guide, who shares and comments on the stories of the sites, there is nothing more to ask for. It's a long story for a powerful tour.
A Long Story for a powerful tour.
mauriciovV3600LO,,Oct 28, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour of the UNESCO cities is impressive. The history and what you feel walking through their spaces, their churches and everything they once represented for the people of Georgia and for the history of the world, is interesting. Moreover, if you add the knowledge and willingness of Luka, the guide, who shares and comments on the stories of the sites, there is nothing more to ask for.
A great way to see the Caucus Mountains
Matthew C,,May 17, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tour is a great way to see the Caucus Mountains. The guide Catherine was excellent and very eager to speak with us all. The sites we visited were well curated, hitting all of the highlights around Kazbegi. Lots of car travel is required, but it’s coupled with adequate stops and chances to walk around.
A great place to remember..
Theresa J,,Dec 16, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A wonderful place to visit, Amazing creation of nature.. unbelievable ancient place. Thank you Lela for guiding us, really have a great time.