Jan 6, 2025
AMAZING experience! - Aleksi was an incredible guide! Very knowledgeable and passionate about the sites we saw.
As a Roman Catholic, I was very moved by the visit to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta.
Review provided by Viator
Dec 30, 2024
Solo Traveler to Mtskheta! - I had a wonderful Daytrip to Mtskheta with my guide Khato. She was patient while I shopped in the old village, insightful with tons of information on our tour and quick thinking with a different option since had already seen the Chronicles of Georgia. Plus we had fun sharing life experiences along the way! Khato was a delight to meet! Thank you! Mark B. - Durham, NC, USA
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 3, 2024
A Family Visit to Mtskheta: A Journey into Georgia's Spiritual Heart - Our family visit to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was nothing short of magical. Nestled at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers, Mtskheta is not just a city but a portal to the rich history, spirituality, and culture of Georgia. Here's a glimpse into our unforgettable experience.
The Serenity of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Our first stop was the iconic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the most sacred sites in Georgia. The grandeur of its stone walls, combined with the intricate carvings and frescoes inside, left us awe-struck. Walking through the cathedral, we learned about its legend as the burial site of Christ’s robe. The spiritual atmosphere was profound, and we spent a moment of quiet reflection as a family.
The courtyard offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and we enjoyed taking photos with the cathedral as a backdrop. The local guides were knowledgeable, sharing stories that brought the history of Svetitskhoveli to life.
Climbing to Jvari Monastery
Next, we headed to the Jvari Monastery, perched high on a hill overlooking Mtskheta. The drive up was scenic, and the view from the top was breathtaking. Seeing the rivers merge below and the town of Mtskheta spread out in the valley was a moment of pure wonder. The monastery itself, a masterpiece of early medieval architecture, was simple yet profound in its beauty.
We took our time exploring the grounds and capturing family photos with the panoramic views. The cool breeze and serene surroundings made it a perfect spot for a quiet moment together.
Strolling Through the Old Town
The cobblestone streets of Mtskheta’s Old Town were delightful to wander through. We explored small shops selling traditional Georgian crafts, souvenirs, and textiles. The kids enjoyed browsing through colorful trinkets, while we admired the artistry of local handicrafts.
We also sampled some local snacks, including churchkhela (a Georgian sweet made of nuts and grape juice) and freshly baked bread from roadside vendors. The warmth of the locals added a special charm to the experience.
A Taste of Georgian Cuisine
Our family meal in a traditional Georgian restaurant was a highlight of the trip. We indulged in dishes like khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), and lobio (bean stew). The flavors were rich and comforting, and the kids particularly enjoyed trying the unique dishes. Paired with a glass of local Georgian wine for the adults, it was a perfect way to end our day in Mtskheta.
Reflections on the Visit
Mtskheta is not just a destination but a journey through Georgia's soul. From its sacred sites to its picturesque streets and warm hospitality, every moment in this ancient city felt special. Visiting with my family made it even more meaningful, as we shared moments of awe, learning, and connection.
Tips for Families Visiting Mtskheta
* Wear Comfortable Shoes: The cobblestone streets and monastery hikes require good footwear.
* Bring a Camera: The views from Jvari Monastery and the charm of Old Town are picture-perfect.
* Plan for a Meal: Georgian cuisine is a must-try, and Mtskheta has some excellent restaurants.
* Hire a Guide: A local guide can enrich your experience with fascinating stories and historical context.
Our family’s visit to Mtskheta was a journey we’ll cherish forever. It’s a place where history, spirituality, and natural beauty come together, creating an experience that lingers in your heart long after you leave.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 15, 2024
Great quick tour of the regions around Tbilisi - Great tour, Oksana was great, proactive and provided a lot of extra information that made our time in Georgia more enjoyable.
Review provided by Viator
Oct 4, 2024
Great site/great guide - Very interesting tour. Kati was a wonderful guide. Lots of history and cultural insight yet not overwhelming in content. Great tips for tourists during the drive to sites.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 19, 2024
Must do half day adventure - I love brutalist architecture and history and Aleksi was an excellent guide. The tour was a half day, which was just about perfect. The old capital of Mtskheta is a must see if you are in Tbilisi and the momentary above, while crowded, was a great experience. We ran into a group of Russian pilgrims visiting the site, so it was a unique event to observe. And of course Chronicle is a must have Instagram moment. Great tour, friendly and engaging guide, a great adventure.
Review provided by Viator
Aug 24, 2024
Excellent Half Day Tour - Really excellent half day tour to the ancient capital of Mtskheta and the Chronicle of Georgia. Our guide, Khato, was absolutely fantastic. Her knowledge of the places that we visited was impeccable and she also shared a great deal of other helpful and interesting information about the country, history, culture, food, etc. We really enjoyed our time with her. At the end of the tour, she dropped us at a restaurant she had recommended for lunch - which was also excellent. We highly recommend this tour for those looking for a half-day excursion from Tbilisi, with plenty of time to see the ancient capital and still half a day left for other wanders around Tbilisi.
Review provided by Viator
Aug 24, 2024
Must do tour - I would count this experience amongst the “ must do “ tours. We took a post lunch slot when the sun was not so intense & got back well in time for an early dinner. The views are surreal - you just can’t stop clicking pictures!
The drive is very smooth; at the sites. It’s nice to just sit down & take in the beauty of the surroundings. Our guide Alexei narrated interesting bits of Georgian history & that helped us understand & appreciate the cultural wealth of Georgia.
Review provided by Viator
Jul 27, 2024
Highly recommended tour! - We had such a good time on our tour of Mtskheta and the Chronicles of Georgia with our excellent guide Tamar, and our driver Roma. They picked us up from a very convenient location, arrived early, and were super friendly. The transport was very comfortable and included water as promised. Tamar was super knowledgeable, and even went out of her way to find answers to the questions we asked her (about the engravings on the cross in Jvari, for example). She gave us some great restaurant recommendations in Tbilisi, and provided the perfect mix of historical and cultural information, even taking us to a local marketplace to try traditional Georgian sweets. I'd really highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Jul 21, 2024
Insightful tour - I booked a tour with Tamar who provided a wonderfully narrated historical and cultural insight into the gems of Georgia. From the Orthodox monasteries to the Chronicles of Georgia - you're guaranteed to learn so much about the richness and complexity of this beautiful country!
Review provided by Tripadvisor