Answering the Question: David Gareja Monastery and Sighnaghi Tour in Tbilisi

When exploring the city of Tbilisi, Georgia, you may often come across the suggestion to take a David Gareja Monastery and Sighnaghi Tour in Tbilisi. But what exactly is the tour about and what can visitors expect? In this blogpost, we will explore the David Gareja Monastery and Sighnaghi Tour and what it can offer to those visiting Tbilisi on vacation.

What is the David Gareja Monastery and Sighnaghi Tour?

The David Gareja Monastery and Sighnaghi Tour is an exciting day trip that departs from Tbilisi and takes visitors to two of the most popular sights in the area. It includes a visit to the ancient David Gareja Monastery and a stop in the picturesque town of Sighnaghi, a place that is often called the “City of Love.’

The tour usually takes around 10 hours, but can be shortened or extended depending on the number of stops desired. It typically involves a drive through some stunning Georgian countryside, before arriving at the David Gareja Monastery. This important destination is an Orthodox monastery that was founded in the 6th century and is the important tourist destination for the locals. There are incredible views over the landscape from up here.

The tour then continues onto Sighnaghi, a thriving cultural hub with plenty to explore. Visitors can stroll around cobblestone streets and wander around 18th century mansions as they take in the breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains. The ancient wall around Sighnaghi was built in 1762 and was recently renovated, adding even more charm to the town.

What Will You See on the Tour?

The tour includes a number of different places of interest and activities, each of which add a unique twist to the full experience. Exact points of interest will vary depending on who you book with, but here are some of the most common sights and activities you may find.

• David Gareja Monastery: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important part of both Georgian religious history and culture. As you explore, you will get a feel for how monastic life in Georgia has survived for over a thousand years.
• Sighnaghi: The charming town of Sighnaghi is filled with winding alleyways, ornate churches, and some fantastic Georgian restaurants. Be sure to take enough time to explore all the streets here.
• Sightseeing: Along the way to these locations, you can expect to enjoy some fantastic vistas of Georgian countryside, passing through tiny villages and through rolling hills.
• Wine Tasting: Georgia’s wine-making tradition is almost as old as the country itself, so what better way to experience it than by attending a wine tasting during your tour! Learn anecdotal stories alongside your modern-day drinks.
• Lunch or Dinner: During your tour you can expect to have some traditional Georgian food at either a sit-down restaurant for lunch or dinner, usually either in Tbilisi or Sighnaghi.

Tips for Taking this Tour

The David Gareja Monastery and Sighnaghi Tour is certainly ambitious! Here are some tips for making sure you get the most out of your day:

• Start Early: This tour departs from Tbilisi bright and early, so make sure to get an early start so you don’t miss anything. You want as much time as possible to explore, so it’s best to be up early!
• Bring Your Camera: Georgia has some stunning vistas all along this route, so having your camera or smartphone on hand is essential if you want to capture all the beauty here.
• Dress Appropriately: As you will be visiting religious sites during your tour, it’s important to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and legs. Feel free to bring a shawl despite the summer heat just in case.
• Bring Cash: While credit cards are widely accepted in touristy areas in Georgia such as Tbilisi, not everywhere takes card payments; so bringing along some cash is recommended.

Where Can I Take this Tour?

The David Gareja Monastery and Sighnaghi Tour can be purchased as part of many package tours organised within Tbilisi and across Georgia. If you are looking for companies that provide this particular tour, here are some popular businesses:

In my personal opinion, taking a David Gareja Monastery and Sighnaghi Tour in Tbilisi should be an essential part of any holiday in Georgia. The journey not only includes seeing some stunning sights but also gives visitors an insight into the culture and history of the locals who have lived in this area for centuries.

If you would like to take this particular tour, then head over to GetYourGuide and book it today for an unforgettable journey around some of Georgia’s most spectacular sights!