How to Plan Your Uplistsikhe All-Inclusive Tour in Kartli Region

If you’re visiting Tbilisi and looking for a comprehensive tour of the Georgian countryside, then the Uplistsikhe All-Inclusive Tour is the perfect option for you. This full-day excursion includes visits to some of the country’s top sights, including the Mtskheta UNESCO World Heritage site, the 6th-century Jvari Monastery, Gori and the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan your Uplistsikhe All-Inclusive tour.

Overview of the Tour

The Uplistsikhe All-Inclusive Tour is a private sightseeing tour that covers a lot of ground in just one day. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Tbilisi in an air-conditioned vehicle and taken to the Mtskheta, a city located 20 km north of Tbilisi. Mtskheta is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and was the capital of the ancient Georgian Kingdom of Iberia until the 5th century AD.

In Mtskheta, you’ll have a chance to visit its UNESCO World Heritage site monuments, including the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Jvari Monastery. The Jvari Monastery is a 6th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery, situated on a mountain overlooking Mtskheta and the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. It is an architectural masterpiece of the early medieval period and has been listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO since 1994.

From Mtskheta, your tour continues to Gori, a city located in the Shida Kartli region of Georgia. Here you’ll visit the Stalin Museum (at your own expense), housed in the sanctuary building of the former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The museum includes Stalin’s personal items, such as his death mask, and a collection of gifts to Stalin from around the world.

After Gori, you’ll be taken to the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe, one of the most important and oldest heritage sites in Georgia. Uplistsikhe is a cave city carved into the rock that dates back to the 6th century BC. The site includes a complex of caves, streets, houses, and temples, all interconnected by tunnels and staircases. It is a fascinating and unique place to explore and a must-visit destination in Georgia.

What’s Included in the Tour

The Uplistsikhe All-Inclusive Tour includes everything you need for a hassle-free day trip. This tour is operated by Viator, a TripAdvisor company, and includes the following:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by private minivan
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges
• Fuel surcharge
• Driver/Guide
• Water
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Entry tickets to Uplistsikhe

Please note that the entry tickets to the Stalin Museum are not included in the tour price and can be purchased at the museum entrance.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour starts at 9:00 AM, and the pickup points are any hotel in Tbilisi. If your hotel is not on the pickup list, you can arrange a meeting point with the tour operator. The tour operator will contact you 24-48 hours before the tour to confirm the pickup time and location.

Booking the Tour

To book the Uplistsikhe All-Inclusive Tour, visit the tour operator’s website at https://viator.com/tours/Tbilisi/Mtskheta-Jvari-Gori-Upliscikhe/d22516-109496P4. The website has all the information you need, including the tour itinerary, pricing, and availability. You can book the tour online using a credit card, and you will receive a confirmation email with your tour details.

Conclusion

The Uplistsikhe All-Inclusive Tour is an excellent option for anyone visiting Tbilisi who wants to see the best of the Georgian countryside in a short amount of time. This comprehensive tour includes visits to some of the most important historical sites in Georgia, including the Jvari Monastery, Stalin Museum, and Uplistsikhe cave town. With pickup and drop-off at your hotel, and entry tickets and lunch included in the tour price, this day trip is a hassle-free and convenient way to explore the region.

Insider’s Guide to Uplistsikhe All-Inclusive Tour in Kartli Region

If you’re planning a trip to the Kartli region, you simply can’t miss out on Uplistsikhe. This ancient city is a testament to the glorious past of Georgia and is sure to enchant you with its scenic beauty and rich culture. While most people will visit the usual tourist attractions in the city, this insider’s guide will take you beyond the typical itinerary and show you some hidden gems that are worth exploring.

Local Attractions: Discover the Hidden Treasures of Uplistsikhe

While the Uplistsikhe caves and rock-cut structures are a must-visit for any traveller to Kartli, there are several other off-beat attractions that are worth exploring. For instance, the Tbilisi Sea – a man-made reservoir – is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking, all while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Another hidden gem is the Abanotubani baths, a network of sulfuric hot springs that have been turned into a luxury spa for visitors. These baths are not only therapeutic but offer an exotic and unforgettable experience.

Dining Spots: Get a Taste of Local Cuisine

Georgian cuisine is famous worldwide, and Kartli is no exception. Uplistsikhe and its surrounds offer a range of delectable dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. If you want to try the city’s authentic cuisine, make a stop at Mariam Khachapuri. This cozy little restaurant boasts of scrumptious Khachapuri (traditional Georgian cheese bread) along with other local delicacies. For something a little more upmarket, try the Kakhaberi restaurant, which offers a mix of traditional and modern Georgian cuisine.

Cultural Experiences: Embrace the Local Traditions

Kartli is home to vibrant cultural traditions that are worth exploring. The annual Tbilisi Jazz Festival held in autumn attracts Jazz lovers from far and wide, with some of the biggest names in Jazz performing. Another popular cultural event is the Tbilisi Art Fair, an exhibition of modern and contemporary art from the region. If you are interested in indulging in more traditional experiences, make a visit to the Alaverdi Monastery in nearby Kakheti. It is the ideal location for exploring the deep-seated Orthodox Christian culture, as well as the wine-making process of this region.

Local History: Dive into the Fascinating Past of Uplistsikhe

Uplistsikhe’s past is marred with stories of heroism and tragedy. Visiting the city without learning about the fascinating past would be a mistake. Take a journey unto the Bronze Age and get a glimpse of the era that flourished over 3,000 years ago at the Dmanisi archaeological site. One of the places that visitors often miss is the Stalin Museum in Gori. This famous Georgian leader’s museum has a collection of his personal belongings and is a must-visit for history buffs.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

For a truly unique experience in Uplistsikhe, consider a hot air balloon ride. Soaring above the city gives you an unparalleled view of the Uplistsikhe caves and the surrounding beautiful mountains. For ultimate relaxation, head to the Saguramo Estate Winery, where you can partake in some wine tasting, as well as experiencing the traditional Georgian winemaking.

In conclusion, Uplistsikhe and Kartli region are full of hidden treasures and unforgettable experiences beyond typical tourist spots. By using this insider’s guide, you can get a taste of something truly authentic and unique from this incredible city.