Mtskheta and Tbilisi Tour: Two Capitals in One Day

See Georgia's two ancient capitals without splitting your day between them

A full-day private tour of Tbilisi and Mtskheta combines a car journey to Georgia's first capital with a walking tour of the modern city. You'll visit the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and hilltop Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta, then explore Tbilisi's Old Town on foot, riding the cable car up to Narikala Fortress and walking past the Bridge of Peace, Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, and the Meidan Bazaar. An English-speaking guide leads both sections, with pickup included and bottled water provided throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tbilisi Aerial Tramway15m · entry included
2. Narikala Fortress15m
3. Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral30m
4. Jvari Monastery45m
5. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral30m

Explore Mtskheta and Tbilisi highlights

• Visit Jvari Monastery hilltop
• Tour Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
• Walk Mtskheta bazaar streets
• See Chronicles of Georgia monument
• Explore Rike Park and Bridge of Peace
• Ride Tbilisi Aerial Tramway cable car
• Visit Narikala Fortress ruins
• View Leghvtakhevi waterfall
• Walk through Abano district baths
• Explore Meidan Bazaar square
• Stroll Shardeni Street
• Visit Anchiskhati Church
• See Gabriadze Marionette Theater
• Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral Sameba

The experience

The tour starts with a car journey north to Mtskheta, Georgia's first capital, where you'll visit Jvari Monastery perched on a hilltop overlooking the ancient city. From there you move to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an 11th-century church built on the site where legend says the robe of Jesus is buried: one of Georgia's holiest places. You'll walk the narrow streets of Mtskheta's bazaar, where locals sell Georgian sweets and crafts, before heading back to Tbilisi.

In Tbilisi, the walking tour takes you through the Old Town and its layered history. You'll cross the Bridge of Peace, a glass-and-steel footbridge that opened in 2010, then ride the cable car one way from Rike Park up to Narikala Fortress, a 4th-century citadel whose walls were largely rebuilt after a Russian munitions explosion in 1827. From the fortress you can see across the city to Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The route also passes the Meidan Bazaar, once the main trading square where merchants sold everything from foodstuffs to gold, and includes stops at smaller churches like the 6th-century Metekhi Church and the Gabriadze Theater in the heart of the Old Town.

The full day runs 8 to 10 hours with private transportation throughout, so the pace is set by the guide and your group rather than a fixed schedule. Bottled water is provided, and the cable-car ride is included one way. The return from Narikala is on foot through the Old Town.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the day.
• one-way cable-car ride to Narikala Fortress.
• bottled water.
• private tour with a live English-speaking guide.
• hotel or accommodation pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 11:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Friendly.ge: Transfers & Tours in Georgia

Is this one for you?Eight to ten hours allows you to see both capitals without rushing, though it rules out a second activity elsewhere in Tbilisi on the same day. The private car and guide mean you move at your own pace between stops rather than waiting for a group schedule.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and why is it important?

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is an 11th-century church in Mtskheta built on the site where, according to Georgian tradition, the robe of Jesus is buried. It is considered one of the holiest places in Georgia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Can I ride the cable car both ways to Narikala Fortress?

The cable car is included one way from Rike Park up to Narikala Fortress. The return journey is on foot through the Old Town, allowing you to see more of the city's streets and smaller landmarks.

What is Jvari Monastery and where is it located?

Jvari Monastery, also called the Cross Monastery, sits on a hill near Mtskheta and offers views of the ancient city and the surrounding landscape. It is one of the oldest churches in the region and appears on the itinerary before Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Will I have time to shop or eat during the tour?

You'll walk through Mtskheta's bazaar where Georgian sweets and local crafts are sold, and pass the Meidan Bazaar in Tbilisi's Old Town. The tour includes stops at these markets, though lunch is not included in the package.

How does the tour split between driving and walking?

The tour combines a car journey to Mtskheta with a walking tour through Tbilisi's Old Town. Private transportation handles the route between the two cities and within Tbilisi to major stops, while the Old Town exploration is on foot.