Day Tour: Jvari, Mtskheta, Gori, Uplistsikhe & Home-Cooked Lunch

Explore the captivating history and vibrant culture of Georgia on this comprehensive day tour. Venture to iconic landmarks like the stunning Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, dive into the Soviet-era legacy at the Stalin Museum in Gori, and uncover the ancient wonders of Uplistsikhe’s rock-hewn city. With a delicious home-cooked lunch featuring local cuisine, this intimate tour promises an immersive experience that delves deep into the heart of Georgia’s heritage. Led by an experienced guide, this journey invites you to uncover the remarkable stories that have shaped this enchanting nation.

This experience made our list of the 24 Best Lunch Experiences In Tbilisi.

Key Points

• This day tour visits the historic sites of Jvari, Mtskheta, Gori, and Uplistsikhe, providing a comprehensive exploration of Georgia’s cultural heritage.
• A home-cooked Georgian lunch with vegetarian and vegan options is included, enhancing the culture during the tour.
• The tour is operated by Envoy Tours and accommodates up to 15 travelers, offering an intimate and personalized experience.
• Travelers will be accompanied by an experienced English-speaking guide who provides insightful commentary on the destinations.
• The tour includes transportation, admission tickets, and bottled water, ensuring a seamless and comfortable day of sightseeing.

Tour Overview

What does this day tour include?

The tour encompasses visits to Jvari, Mtskheta, Gori, and Uplistsikhe, with a home-cooked lunch provided.

It’s operated by Envoy Tours in Tbilisi, Georgia, and can accommodate up to 15 travelers per tour.

The price is $52.00 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.

The tour includes an English-speaking professional guide, bottled water, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a safe driver, and admission tickets to Stalin’s Museum and Uplistsikhe.

Lunch offers vegetarian and vegan options, which can be requested in advance.

The tour starts at 9:00 am from the Envoy Hostel & Tours meeting point and ends at the same location.

Itinerary & Highlights

The day-long tour begins with a visit to the historic Jvari Monastery, perched atop a mountain overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers.

Next, the tour heads to the ancient capital of Mtskheta, home to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The journey then continues to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, where travelers can explore the Stalin Museum.

Finally, the tour visits the incredible rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe, one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia.

Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy a home-cooked lunch with vegetarian and vegan options available.

1. Visit the Jvari Monastery
2. Explore the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta
3. Tour the Stalin Museum in Gori

Lunch & Refreshments

As travelers embark on their day-long adventure, they are treated to a delightful home-cooked lunch with vegetarian and vegan options available. The menu can be tailored to accommodate dietary preferences, so all guests can enjoy a satisfying midday meal. Bottled water is provided throughout the tour, ensuring everyone stays hydrated.

Lunch Inclusions	Vegetarian	Vegan
Main Dish	✔️	✔️
Side Dishes	✔️	✔️
Dessert	✔️	✔️

Embracing the local culinary traditions, the home-cooked lunch offers a flavorful and authentic taste of Georgian cuisine, complimenting the cultural exploration of the day’s itinerary.

Transportation & Driver

Aboard an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional and safe driver transports travelers between the tour’s captivating destinations.

The tour includes:

1. Pickup from the meeting point at Envoy Hostel & Tours on Betlemi Street in Tbilisi.
2. Comfortable and secure transportation throughout the day’s activities.
3. Drop-off back at the same location where the tour began.

With the gratuities included in the tour price, travelers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic Georgian countryside without worrying about tipping the driver.

This convenient and hassle-free transportation enhances the overall experience, allowing guests to focus on the fascinating historical and cultural sites on the itinerary.

Professional Guide

An experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking guide accompanies travelers throughout the day’s itinerary.

The guide provides insightful commentary on the history, culture, and significance of each destination, ensuring visitors gain a deeper understanding of Georgia’s rich heritage.

With expertise in navigating the local sites, the guide ensures a seamless and informative tour experience.

They’re adept at adapting the pace and focus to the group’s interests, making the day both educational and enjoyable.

The guide’s professionalism and attention to detail contribute to the overall success of the tour, leaving travelers with lasting memories of their Georgian adventure.

Accessibility & Participation

The tour is generally not wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Most travelers are able to participate, but individuals with limited mobility may find certain aspects challenging.

The accessibility and participation guidelines are as follows:

1. Not wheelchair accessible
2. Stroller accessible
3. Infants must sit on laps

Booking & Cancellation

Travelers can receive confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts in the local time zone. This provides travelers with the option to reserve their spot and pay later, adding an extra layer of convenience.

The tour operator, Envoy Tours, based in Tbilisi, Georgia, strives to accommodate the needs of its guests, ensuring a seamless booking and planning process.

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour promises an intimate and personalized experience for all participants.

Guest Reviews

Ratings for this day tour have been overwhelmingly positive, with a perfect 5-star score across 2 reviews.

The tour has garnered praise for its well-organized itinerary, knowledgeable guide, and delicious home-cooked lunch.

Reviewers have highlighted the following:

1. "The tour was an excellent way to see the highlights of Georgia in a single day. Our guide was informative and entertaining throughout."
2. "The lunch was a real highlight – it was delicious and provided a genuine taste of Georgian cuisine."
3. "The pacing of the tour was just right, with enough time at each stop to explore and take in the sights."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour includes a home-cooked lunch, but passengers are welcome to bring their own food if they prefer. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but guests should inquire in advance if they have any dietary requirements.

Is There an Option to Visit Additional Sites?

While the tour includes set sites, there’s no option to visit additional locations. The tour package is designed to provide a comprehensive experience within the fixed itinerary. Travelers can’t customize the tour beyond the inclusions outlined.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, Envoy Tours offers a group discount for bookings of 6 or more travelers. The group rate is a 10% discount off the standard per-person price, making it a more affordable option for larger parties.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead?

Yes, you can request a private tour. Envoy Tours offers private tours with a maximum of 15 travelers. The price may vary depending on the group size, but they provide a lowest price guarantee.

What Is the Policy for Lost or Damaged Items?

The tour operator’s policy is that they’re not responsible for any lost or damaged items during the tour. Travelers are advised to keep their belongings secure and to report any issues immediately to the guide.

Recap

This captivating day tour provides an immersive experience into Georgia’s rich history and culture. Visitors will marvel at the stunning Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and the Stalin Museum, while also exploring the ancient rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe. A delicious home-cooked lunch featuring local cuisine completes the journey, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of Georgia’s heritage.