The Best Day Trip from Tbilisi: Discover Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe, and Gori

Are you planning to explore the amazing sites around Tbilisi, Georgia? Then you have come to the right place! This guide will help you plan your perfect day trip from Tbilisi, taking you to historic Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe, and Gori in one day. Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a great place to visit on its own, but it’s also surrounded by a number of historically important and incredibly beautiful places, making it ideal for a day trip. On this day trip, you will be able to explore three of the most interesting locations: Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe, and Gori. Mtskheta is the oldest city in Georgia and is considered to be the religious heart of Georgia, because it is home to two of the nation’s most important cultural and religious sites: Jvari Monastery, which was built in the 6th century, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century. Mtskheta is only 15 kilometers away from Tbilisi, making it the perfect spot for a day trip.Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock-cut town that dates back 3,000 years. It stands atop an impressive rocky mountain ridge and is well-known for its unique architecture. This isolated town was incredibly important during the first millennium BC; it served as a major political and religious center during that time. Today, Uplistsikhe is an interesting archaeological site for visitors to explore. Gori is a small town in eastern Georgia that is best known as the home of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. You can visit the State Historical Museum there for information about his life, as well as see the Stalin Museum at his former home. Gori has a huge medieval fortress as well as a number of churches, giving visitors a range of places to explore its fabulous history. Now that you know the three destinations included in this day trip, let’s talk about how to get there. The best way to get around on this trip is by car, as it will allow you the most flexibility in terms of when you visit each site and how long you stay at each one. It’s possible to take public transportation or hire a taxi, but car rental is a great option for a day trip like this one.

First Stop: Mtskheta

When planning your day trip from Tbilisi, Mtskheta should be your first stop. This is primarily because it is the closest destination to Tbilisi. Depending on traffic, you can get there in just 30 minutes by car. Once you arrive in Mtskheta, it’s time to explore! First up is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which was built in the 11th century and contains some of Georgia’s oldest architectural treasures. This incredible cathedral is also known as the burial site of Christ’s robe. Climb up to the roof of the cathedral to get expansive views of Mtskheta. Your next stop is Jvari Monastery, located just 5 minutes away from Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The views from here are also incredible—you can see for miles across the city and surrounding landscape. You’ll also get a great view of Mtkvari River as it flows through town. For some unbeatable photos and an introduction to Georgian history, Jvari Monastery should not be missed.

Second Stop: Uplistsikhe

After exploring Mtskheta, you should continue your trip to Uplistsikhe. You can reach this spot in just under 1 hour by car. This cave-town was constructed in the 7th century BC and was once an important political and religious center. Once you arrive, you’ll immediately see why this place was so significant—it stands atop a ridge overlooking a valley full of lush vegetation and striking rock formations. Climb up the steep stairs to get to the top of the ridge and explore the ruins of Uplistsikhe. You’ll find anything from ancient dwellings to stone gates here.

Third Stop: Gori

Your last stop for the day should be Gori, located just an hour away from Uplistsikhe by car. Gori has a fascinating history, as this is where Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was born and raised. To learn more about his life and times, visit the State Historical Museum or Stalin Museum at his former home. Aside from its impressive historical sites, there are a number of picturesque churches in Gori worth visiting if you have time. The area is also known for its marvelous wine-tasting spots; there are several wineries around Gori where you can sample delicious local wines.

Take Home

Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe, and Gori make an ideal day-trip away from Tbilisi—you can visit each incredible location in just one day if you plan carefully! If you’re looking for some tips on how to get around and what places to visit in each destination along with some interesting historical facts related to each one, consider booking this guided tour. It will give you an immersive experience with plenty of opportunities to learn about this amazing region’s rich history and culture!