Mtskheta, often referred to as the Georgian Jerusalem, is the religious heart and ancient capital of Georgia. This city offers a fascinating journey through time, tracing Georgia's path from the early Bronze Age to the adoption of Christianity.
Your day begins with a climb up to the 6th-century Cross Cathedral. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to a mesmerising view of Mtskheta. Following this, you'll explore the Svetitskhovli Cathedral, also known as The Living Pillar. As the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church, it holds significant historical importance and houses relics of Christianity, including the cloth of Jesus Christ and the cloak of the prophet Elijah.
The journey continues with an exploration of Georgia's pagan past at the Uplistsikhe cave. Wandering through stone labyrinths of living and communal rooms, you can almost picture the life of pagans and their cult rituals. The final stop is the museum in Gori, the birthplace of Stalin. Here, amidst the Pantheon halls, you'll discover a preserved statue of Stalin along with his personal belongings and furniture. This one-day tour provides a comprehensive insight into Georgia's rich history and diverse cultural heritage.