Old Tbilisi Private Tour-Sightseeing, Art and History with an expert guide
5.0
3 Ratings
Explore 1500-year-old Tbilisi with expert guides. Discover historic sites, local markets, and stunning architecture. Experience the city's unique charm and vibrant culture.
Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Dzveli Tbilisi Sulphur Waterfall - Tbilisi, Georgia isn’t just a city you visit, it’s a city you experience. That means over-indulging in carb-loaded cuisine, accepting shots of homemade chacha, tripping over broken sidewalks in the Old Town while wondering in amazement at the barely-standing buildings…and making a visit to the Tbilisi sulphur baths.

The ancient Abanotubani District sits below the imposing fortress; the brick, domed rooftops of the baths bubbling up like the water itself. The district is the most historic part of the city, as according to legend, it was the sulphur springs that enticed King Vakhtang Georgasali to settle the land and declare it the new capital city in the 5th century AD. At the height of popularity, there were more than 60 bathhouses in Tbilisi where people could get squeaky clean or stay for a soak, letting the curing Sulphur water ease their ailments.

  • Shardeni Street - Named after the 17th century French trader Jean Chardin,who during his travel visited Georgia and wrote and published a book about local life and people,in past, Shardeni Street was called “Dark Row”. This small, narrow street was located in the old town as it is today. The street was a center of the cultural and social life. Shardeni Street was intended for trading and as it was covered with the roofs, people called it a dark row.
  • Sioni Cathedral Church - The site of the cathedral on Sioni Street has seen a series of buildings dating from the late fifth century.During an invasion by Arabs, this church was leveled and a new structure was built.

During the following years the cathedral suffered severe damage from foreign raiders and was restored each time. In 1112, King David IV the Builder completely re-built the church that became the basic design for the existing cathedral. During an attack by Mongols in 1226, the church was damaged again but restored anew.

The cathedral is home to two important Christian relics: cranium of Doubting Thomas and special grapevine cross of Saint Nino-a young lady who,according to tradition brought Christianity to Georgia in the early fourth century.

We will have the chance to see interior and some very special frescoes here as well as several bell-towers around the cathedral

  • The Bridge of Peace - The bridge of Peace a design of which reminds of a marine animal has a curvy steel and glass canopy top which shimmers with an interactive light display at night, generated by thousands of white LEDs

The bridge was designed by the Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, who had also designed the buildings of the Presidential Administration of Georgia and Ministry of Internal Affairs; the lighting design was created by French lighting designer Philippe Martinaud.

From this point we can throw the glance to Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress and statue of city’s founder Vakhtang Gorgasali

  • Liberty square - Liberty Square is a focal point in Tbilisi.Built in the 19th century in a Neo-classical style with Moorish architectural elements it changed names multiple times during its history,but still remains a symbol of the Georgian struggle for freedom and independence.

  • Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theatre - The stunning Mauritanian style Opera and Ballet theater is a remarkable edifice of the 19th century Tbilisi artistic and musical life

  • Flea Market Dry Bridge - Dry bridge is a local flea market-extraordinary place with a mesmerizing assortment of antiques,old watches,silver,glass as well as Soviet memorabila.

From the Dry Bridge we take a leisure walk to King David the Builder avenue famous for its exquisite architecture and cozy cafes were we can throw the glance to 19th century German built houses and palaces

  • Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue - One of the most glamorous districts where you can still feel bohemian heartbeat of the XIX century Tbilisi is David Agmashenebeli Avenue.Its first dwellers were XIX century German colonists, who contributed a lot to forming the architectural structure of this district.
    Streets in this district have preserved their original network plan and exquisite XIX century residential houses still attract visitors with their unique entrance halls and foyers painted by Florentine artists
What's Included
  • City maps
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Local taxes
  • All activities
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

This special private sightseeing program will give you a totally different look on a 1500-year-old capital of Georgia-Tbilisi.Led by our expert guides you will explore its old town set beneath the Narikala fort,take a walk in its pedestrian streets and learn more about mystery of local churches,mosques,synagogues and Medieval bazaars,marvel at 18th-19th c. palaces and houses famous for their lavishly decorated entrance-vestibules imparting them festive and representative appearance,discover thermal baths and their Oriental architecture,take a relaxing coffee break in the Silk Road district and feel local among locals Our private art historian guides will bring old Tbilisi charisma to life with their passion,take you beyond the obvious to shed new light on the places they call home and give you a special insight into various historic sites -Old Town Sightseeing -Liberty square, Rustaveli and King David avenues -Local flea markets -Impressive landmarks of the19th century Tbilisi

  • Dress code is casual
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(3 Ratings)
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340jmc
Dec 9, 2022
Very wonderful tour - Wonderful and great, Sir Nick is very friendly and very educating regarding the history of the old town tbilisi.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Les
Dec 21, 2019
I love Tbilisi - Georgians are a friendly and very welcoming people, and you will learn how true this is if you take this tour. The tour guide knows their stuff, has a deep love for their country, and a detailed knowledge of their city and its history. There is so much to see and do in the city that it is impossible for a tour like this to do justice to Tbilisi. BUT it gives the visitor a chance to get their bearings, learn something of the city, and instills an interest in learning and seeing more. It is perfectly safe to do further exploration and discovery later in one's visit. I am already looking forward to my return there
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Neemi20
Jul 2, 2019
Explore Tbilisi with locals - Love the hospitality of locals, helping caring and loving we explore most of the places with locals of Georgia and really impressed
Review provided by Tripadvisor