Tbilisi & Mtskheta: UNESCO Sites, Wine Tasting & Chronicles Tour

Summary

UNESCO monasteries, bazaar colors, wine sips near Tbilisi

You’ll walk through ancient monasteries above river valleys near Tbilisi, taste homemade sweets at Mtskheta’s bazaar, sip local Georgian wine if you like, and stand beneath towering stone carvings at the Chronicles monument. Expect quiet moments mixed with laughter and stories from your guide — this day trip leaves its mark long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that stuck with me was the smell — incense and cold stone, just as we stepped into Jvari Monastery above Mtskheta. Our guide, Nino (she wore this bright red scarf you couldn’t miss), pointed out how the rivers met far below. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t catch the way the morning light hit the water or how quiet it felt up there. It’s weirdly peaceful for a spot so old — sixth century, apparently. There was a small group of locals lighting candles in one corner. I got self-conscious about my squeaky shoes echoing on the stone.

After that we drove down to Mtskheta — I always mess up pronouncing it; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Georgian. The town feels like something out of another era: narrow streets, church bells somewhere in the distance, and those market stalls with churchkhela hanging like colorful ropes. We had about an hour to wander (I grabbed a sweet walnut thing from a vendor who insisted I try her homemade version). The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is huge — our guide told us about kings being crowned and buried here. Inside, it smelled faintly of beeswax and old wood.

Later we headed back toward Tbilisi but stopped at the Chronicles of Georgia monument. It’s massive — these carved pillars looming over the city, telling stories I only half understood but still felt impressed by. The wind up there was sharp and carried this scent from the reservoir below; not unpleasant, just different. Nino explained some of the panels but let us wander too. I liked that she didn’t rush us or talk nonstop — sometimes you just want to stand and stare for a bit.

I still think about that view from Jvari when I’m back in noisy Tbilisi traffic — something about seeing two rivers meet under all that history sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit UNESCO sites near Tbilisi

• Meet at Bicycle Monument 8:45AM
• Drive 30 minutes to Jvari Monastery
• Explore Jvari Monastery site
• Free time in Mtskheta for shopping and wine tasting
• Visit Chronicles of Georgia monument
• Return to Tbilisi at 14:00

Top questions

How long does this Tbilisi & Mtskheta tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours including travel time.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Hotel pickup is included for groups of more than four people; otherwise, meeting point is near Radisson Blu Iveria.

Are entrance fees or tastings included?

Tastings such as wine or sweets are included if selected during booking; entry fees are not specifically mentioned but sites are public access.

What are the main stops on this tour?

The main stops are Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, local bazaar for tasting/shopping, and the Chronicles of Georgia monument.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to provided info.

Will there be free time during the tour?

You’ll have around one hour of free time in Mtskheta for exploring or tasting local food and wine.

Are guides knowledgeable about Georgian history?

Yes, guides are described as experienced and knowledgeable about local history and culture.

Can infants join this excursion?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport from central Tbilisi (or hotel pickup for larger groups), guidance from an experienced local guide throughout UNESCO sites and monuments, plus optional tastings of Georgian wine or sweets at Mtskheta’s bazaar before returning to Tbilisi in early afternoon.