Mtskheta, Jvari & Chronicle of Georgia: Half-Day Tour with Pickup
Half-day from Tbilisi to Mtskheta’s churches and the Chronicle’s giant pillars
You’ll feel Georgia’s past come alive on this half-day trip from Tbilisi: stand atop Jvari Monastery where two rivers meet, walk through Svetitskhoveli Cathedral’s candle-lit hush, and trace your fingers along the massive pillars of the Chronicle of Georgia. With a local guide leading the way, it’s more than just sightseeing. It’s stepping into stories.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Mtskheta's historic sites
- Door-to-door service
- Visit Jvari Monastery hilltop
- Tour Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
- See oldest Basilica V-VI century
- Explore Chronicle of Georgia pillars
- Tbilisi Sulphur Baths passing by
- Jvari Monastery 30m
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral 1h
- Antioquia Church 20m
- Chronicles Of Georgia 45m
What’s included
Your day includes bottled water throughout, door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off (for private bookings), plus a guide with you at every stop before heading back to Tbilisi together.
- Monday to Saturday 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00
- Sunday 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00
Information
Step into Georgia’s ancient heart on a half-day trip to Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery, and the Chronicle of Georgia. Includes hotel pickup and local guide.
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Traveler reviews
The experience
The drive out of Tbilisi was quick: soon the city faded and we started winding up toward Jvari Monastery. Our guide kept humming softly to an old folk song on the radio. I could smell fresh rain on stone when we stepped out. The air felt sharp, almost metallic. Jvari sits high above Mtskheta, and I remember squinting into the wind while our guide pointed to where two rivers meet below. He told us that's why kings chose this spot. Something about power in the land, but honestly I was too busy watching clouds skim over the hills.
Walking into Svetitskhoveli Cathedral after that felt like stepping into a different century. The stones are worn smooth under your hands (I touched them when no one was looking), and there’s this faint trace of candle wax everywhere. A woman in a blue scarf nodded at me as she lit a thin taper. She must’ve seen my awkward attempt at covering my shoulders with the shawl I’d brought along. Our guide explained the legend about Christ’s robe being buried here, but what stuck with me was how quiet it got inside, even though there were tourists around. It’s not really something you expect on a day trip from Tbilisi.
We ended at the Chronicle of Georgia monument. A place I’d never even heard of before booking this half-day tour. Sixteen black columns just rise up out of nowhere by the Tbilisi Sea, covered in carvings so deep you can run your fingers through them (I did). Kids were skateboarding nearby, their laughter the only sound up there besides the wind. The view across the water was all silver light and distant city shapes. I still think about that moment sometimes. We stood there longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave first.
Top questions
Can I be picked up at my hotel?
You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. Pickup is included in the price. When you book, you choose your hotel from 346 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address. Pickup is about 15 minutes before departure.
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Russian and Ukrainian.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 13).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What should I wear for visiting Jvari Monastery or Svetitskhoveli Cathedral?
Places of worship enforce a dress code: leave shorts and sleeveless tops behind, and keep knees and shoulders covered. This applies to men and women alike.
Is walking involved during this tour?
Yes, vehicles cannot enter church areas so expect short walks to each site regardless of age or fitness level.
What is the “Chronicle of Georgia” monument?
The Chronicle of Georgia is a set of 16 massive pillars near Tbilisi Sea depicting Georgian history and biblical scenes.
Is bottled water provided during the tour?
Bottled water is included with your tour experience.
Operated by Friendly.ge: Transfers & Tours in Georgia. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 14 days ago
Mtskheta, Jvari & Chronicle of Georgia: Half-Day Tour with Pickup
3h–5h · EN +2
from US$ 83.93 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.