Uplistsikhe Cave-Town and Mtskheta Private Tour With Included Traditional Lunch

Uncover the captivating history of Georgia’s ancient wonders on this private tour that delves into the remarkable Uplistsikhe Cave-Town and the cultural heartbeat of Mtskheta. Wander through the rock-cut structures of Uplistsikhe, dating back to the early Iron Age, and learn about the rich heritage of Mtskheta, home to the iconic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. But the journey doesn’t end there – savor the flavors of traditional Georgian cuisine, including delectable specialties like khinkali and khachapuri, during a delightful lunch in Mtskheta. With personalized insights from a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Georgia’s historical gems.

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

Quick Points

• Explore the ancient cave-town of Uplistsikhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover Georgia’s rich history and cultural heritage.
• Visit the historic city of Mtskheta, the spiritual and cultural heartbeat of Georgia, and witness its remarkable architecture.
• Enjoy an authentic Georgian lunch featuring local specialties like beans in a clay pot, freshly made khinkali, and Imeretian khachapuri.
• Benefit from private transportation, a certified guide, and seamless transitions between the tour sites and lunch.
• Receive excellent reviews for this high-quality tour with a 5.0-star rating on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Tour Overview

This private tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore two of Georgia’s most captivating historical sites – Uplistsikhe Cave-town and Mtskheta.

Beginning at 9:00 AM, the tour lasts for an unspecified duration and costs $135.00 per person, with the price varying based on group size.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour includes private transportation, a professional certified guide, and Uplistsikhe cave town entrance tickets.

An authentic Georgian lunch featuring local specialties, such as beans in a clay pot, khinkali (dumplings), and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), is provided at a restaurant in Mtskheta.

Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are also available.

Uplistsikhe: Ancient Cave-Town

Uplistsikhe is an ancient cave-town located along the banks of the Mtkvari River in eastern Georgia. This unique archaeological site dates back to the early Iron Age and was an important political and religious center for centuries. Visitors can explore the remnants of churches, palaces, and other structures carved directly into the rock. Highlights include the Uplistsikhe Cathedral, the Queen’s Baths, and the 10th-century David the Builder’s Palace.

Feature	Details
Age	Early Iron Age
Location	Mtkvari River, eastern Georgia
Significance	Political and religious center
Structures	Churches, palaces, other rock-cut buildings

The cave-town offers a fascinating glimpse into Georgia’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Mtskheta: Georgia’s Cultural Heartbeat

Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia, stands as the cultural and spiritual heart of the country.

Home to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the most revered Orthodox churches in the Caucasus region, the city is renowned for its rich history and architectural wonders.

Visitors can explore the ancient Jvari Monastery, perched atop a hilltop overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.

The charming old town, with its narrow streets and traditional houses, offers a glimpse into Georgia’s past.

Mtskheta’s significance as a religious and cultural center makes it an essential stop on any tour of the country, complementing the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe nearby.

Traditional Lunch in Mtskheta

The traditional lunch in Mtskheta is a delightful culinary experience that transports visitors to the heart of Georgian cuisine.

This included meal features a robust selection of local delicacies, such as:

• Beans in a clay pot, served with the iconic maze bread
• Freshly made Georgian khinkali (dumplings)
• Imeretian khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread

Plus, the lunch features other authentic local specialties, all accompanied by refreshing bottled water.

Guests can also opt to purchase alcoholic beverages to further enhance the culture.

This traditional meal allows travelers to savor the flavors that define Georgia’s rich gastronomic heritage in the historic city of Mtskheta.

Transportation and Accessibility

Private transportation is included as part of the tour, with guests being picked up directly from their hotel lobby by the guide and driver. This ensures a seamless start to the day’s activities.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers and infant seats are available upon request to accommodate families. Most travelers can participate in this experience, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.

Whether you’re exploring the ancient cave town or enjoying a traditional Georgian lunch, the tour’s transportation and accessibility features enable a comfortable and convenient exploration of these historic sites.

Included Amenities and Experiences

Beyond the convenient transportation, the tour also includes a delightful traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Mtskheta.

The menu features:

• Beans in a clay pot with maze bread
• Georgian khinkali (dumplings)
• Imeretian khachapuri (cheese-filled bread)

Plus, the tour provides bottled water, and alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately.

The meal showcases authentic local delicacies, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich culinary heritage of the region.

This included lunch complements the exploration of the historical sites, creating a well-rounded cultural experience for the tour participants.

Tour Components and Highlights

A knowledgeable private guide accompanies visitors throughout the tour, providing insights and context about the historical significance of the sites.

The tour includes admission tickets to the Uplistsikhe cave town, an ancient rock-hewn city with ruins dating back to the 1st millennium BC. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the guide leads visitors through the complex network of caves, churches, and dwellings, bringing the past to life.

The private tour also visits the picturesque town of Mtskheta, the historic capital of Georgia, where guests can explore its remarkable architecture and cultural landmarks.

With the guide’s expertise, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for Georgia’s rich history and heritage.

Reviews and Ratings

The private tour has received excellent reviews from previous participants. Based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews, the tour boasts an impressive 5.0-star rating.

Customers have praised the tour’s many highlights, including:

• The knowledgeable and friendly private guide who provided an immersive experience throughout the day
• The delicious traditional Georgian lunch served in Mtskheta, featuring local specialties like beans, khinkali, and khachapuri
• The well-organized and seamless transportation, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off

With no negative ratings, the tour seems to consistently deliver a high-quality experience that leaves participants fully satisfied.

Travelers can feel confident in booking this private tour to explore the unique cave-town of Uplistsikhe and the historic city of Mtskheta.

The Final Verdict

This captivating private tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Georgia’s historical and cultural gems. Explore the ancient rock-cut structures of Uplistsikhe, uncover Mtskheta’s rich heritage, and savor a traditional Georgian lunch. With personalized insights from a knowledgeable guide, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable journey through Georgia’s fascinating past.