Telavi Tour from Tbilisi with Gombori Pass, Tsinandali Estate and Old Churches
Private full day trip to Telavi includes exploring breathtaking views of Gombori Pass, Ujarma fortress originally built in the III-IV centuries, Old and New Shuamta Monasteries, Alaverdi Monastery built in the 11th century, Ikalto monastery founded by Saint Zenon and academy where the famous 12th century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied, Tsinandali Estate with unique landscape garden and winery and administrative center of Kakheti region, town Telavi to visit the Palace of King Erekle II. Two options are available for the tour. Tour with Lunch option includes tasting the best meals from local traditional cuisine. Private tour to Telavi is suitable for people who desire to enjoy great views, medieval monasteries, royal palaces and visit wine producing region to try the first bottled wine in Georgia. Total drive 225 km (135 miles).
Options
Standard Tour
Pickup included
What's included in Telavi Tour from Tbilisi with Gombori Pass, Tsinandali Estate and Old Churches
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Gombori Pass
Tsiv-Gombori Range is known for its picturesque landscape. The highest point of Gombori Ridge is Mount Tsivi, with an elevation of 1991 meters. Gombori Range has pine forests and stretches to the distance of 107 km.
Ujarma Fortress
Ujarma fortress consisted of two parts: the Upper Fortress (the Citadel) and the Lower City. A royal palace, consisting of a two-storey building, was located in the eastern part of the Citadel. The Upper Fortress was destroyed in the 10th century by the Arabian conqueror Abul Kassim but was restored in the 12th century by King George III who used it as a treasury. According to Georgian chronicler Leonti Mroweli, the cornerstone of the Ujarma fortress was built by the Georgian-Iberian king Aspagur in the III-IV centuries. In the reign of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the fortress was extended and used as a residence. Ujarma was conquered in 914 when the Arabs invaded the Caucasus mountains, formerly dominated by the Persians. The fight left severe destruction in the building. The upper fortress was destroyed in the 10th century by the Arab conqueror Abul Kassim, but was restored in the 12th century by King George III.
Shuamta Monasteries
There are two monasteries Old Shuamta and New Shuamta. The old Shuamta is a Georgian Orthodox monastery located on a forested mountain about 1015 m above sea level. Shuamta means "between the mountains", which clearly refers to the isolated and picturesque location amidst the deciduous forests of Gombori of the three buildings of the old Shuamta monastery. The monastic complex contains a basilica from the 5th century and two domed churches, both from the 7th century. The largest dome-shaped church is similar in type and architecture to the Jvari monastery. All the churches of the monastery are built in carved stone. It was abandoned in the 16th century. The wife of King Lewan II founded a new monastery with the name of New Shuamta. The main church of the new monastery was built of brick. The walls are decorated with frescoes. The monastery buildings were repaired by Erekle II. In 2008, the Old Shuamta monastery was restored.
Inclusions
- Private English speaking guide
- WiFi on board
- Private transportation with A/C
- All entrance tickets
- Bottled water
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- What is your arrival date in Georgia? We will use the information for paying appropriate tax for the tour. Please send your arrival date after booking the tour.
- 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.
- Legal drinking age in Georgia is 18
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.