Sighnaghi Tour from Tbilisi with David Gareji Lavra & Bodbe Monastery
Private full day trip to Sighnaghi includes visiting David Gareja Lavra monastery founded in the 6th century by St. David Garejeli who was one of the thirteen Assyrian monks, Bodbe monastery complex of St. Nino originally built in the 9th century and Signagi – “City of Love” to enjoy breathtaking views of Alazani Valley. Two options are available for the tour. Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting option includes tasting the best meals from local cuisine and tasting local endemic wines. Private tour is suitable for people who desire to visit rock-hewn monastery complex David's Lavra and Sighnaghi, the town with Italian style architecture. Total drive 325 km (205 miles).
Options
Standard Tour
Pickup included
What's included in Sighnaghi Tour from Tbilisi with David Gareji Lavra & Bodbe Monastery
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
David Gareja Monastery
David Gareja is a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex located on the half-desert slopes of Mount Gareja. The complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories and living quarters hollowed out of the rock face. Part of the complex of David Gareja (Bertubani Monastery) is located on the Azerbaijan–Georgia border and has become subject to a border dispute between the two countries. The area is also home to protected animal species and evidence of some of the oldest human habitations in the region. The complex was founded in the 6th century by David (St. David Garejeli), one of the thirteen Assyrian monks who arrived in the country at the same time. His disciples Dodo and Luciane expanded the original lavra and founded two other monasteries known as Dodo's Rka (literally, "the horn of Dodo") and Natlismtsemeli ("the Baptist"). The monastery saw further development under the guidance of the 9th-century Georgian saint Hilarion the Iberian.
Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino
The Monastery of St. Nino is a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex and the seat of the Bishops of Bodbe. The monastery now functions as a nunnery due to its association with St. Nino, the 4th century female evangelist of Georgians. The extant church – a three-nave basilica was originally built between the 9th and 11th centuries. Both exterior and interior were restored in the 17th and 19th centuries.
Sighnaghi
Sighnaghi located on a steep hill, overlooks the vast Alazani Valley, with the Caucasus Mountains visible at a distance. Word Sighnaghi in Turkic language means shelter or trench. Signagi as a settlement is first recorded in the early 18th century. In 1762, King Heraclius II of Georgia erected a fortress to defend the area from marauding attacks by Dagestan tribesmen. Signagi is known as the "City of Love" as couples can get married here 24/7.
Inclusions
- Private English speaking guide
- WiFi on board
- Private transportation with A/C
- All entrance tickets
- Bottled water
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Standard Tour does not include lunch, but you will stop in a restaurant for lunch.
- Please let us know if you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions. We will use the information to offer a lunch to you if you booked Tour with Lunch&Wine Tasting option.
- Ladies need to wear headscarves and dresses in Georgian orthodox churches. Short trousers for men are also forbidden. Scarves and dresses can also be found near some church entrances.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 10 minutes before departure time.
