Tbilisi & Mtskheta Day Tour: Cathedrals, Sulphur Baths & Views

Summary

Explore Georgia’s Historic Capitals in One Day

You’ll walk ancient streets, ride a cable car above Tbilisi’s rooftops, soak up stories from your local guide, and stand where two rivers meet at UNESCO-listed sites—all in one day.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Tbilisi always feels a bit crisp, even in summer. We started at the Holy Trinity Cathedral—locals call it Sameba. It’s massive, but what really struck me was the quiet inside. Our guide Tamuna explained how it’s one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals anywhere. The candles flickered gently, and you could smell incense from a service just finishing up. Outside, street vendors sold tiny church-shaped magnets and fresh churchkhela (those nutty Georgian sweets on strings).

Crossing the river, we stopped by Metekhi Church and the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali—the guy who basically founded Tbilisi. There’s a great view over the old town from here. Tamuna pointed out how the city stretches along both banks of the Kura River, with old brick houses clinging to the hillsides.

The cable car ride up to Narikala Fortress was quick but fun—kids pressed their faces to the glass as we floated over rooftops and tangled alleyways. At the top, you get this wide-open view across Tbilisi; you can spot everything from modern glass bridges to ancient domes. The fortress itself is mostly ruins now, but you can still climb around and imagine what it was like centuries ago.

Back down in Abanotubani, the sulphur bath district smells faintly of minerals—kind of eggy but not unpleasant. Steam rises from domed bathhouses built right into the hillside. We wandered past them to a small waterfall that hides behind old brick walls; I almost missed it if our guide hadn’t pointed it out. Locals say this spot is lucky for wedding photos.

After lunch (we grabbed khinkali dumplings at a tiny place near Meidan Square), we drove out to Mtskheta—about half an hour away if traffic’s light. This town feels slower, almost frozen in time. Jvari Monastery sits high above on a windy hilltop; you can see where two rivers meet far below. Inside Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, sunlight filters through narrow windows onto faded frescoes. Tamuna told us about its history—it’s where Georgians believe Christ’s robe is kept.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tbilisi and Mtskheta

• Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral
• See Metekhi Church and Vakhtang Gorgasali Monument
• Cable car to Narikala Fortress
• Tour Sulphur Baths area
• Pass by historical wedding site
• Visit Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta
• Explore Jvari Monastery

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Yes! Kids love the cable car ride and exploring old fortresses—just keep an eye on them near steps or uneven ground.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll do a fair bit of walking in both cities—mostly on cobblestones or hilly paths—so comfy shoes are best.

Are meals included?

No meals are included, but our guide recommended great spots for lunch in Tbilisi’s old town.

Can I join if I have limited mobility?

The tour involves stairs and uneven surfaces at some sites; let us know your needs so we can advise or adjust where possible.

What’s included

Your day includes transport between all stops, entry fees for main attractions, a friendly local guide sharing stories along the way, cable car tickets up to Narikala Fortress, plus bottled mineral water for each traveler.