Today, we explore colorful and vibrant city of Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. Lying on the border between Europe and Asia. Here, everything shows that the city has a long and multicultural history. Morning walk in the Old Town to capture the main attractions of the capital.

Then, we leave Old Tbilisi to get lost in unusually interesting locations of the capital and travel back in time to discover the relics of recent history, when Georgia was a part of the USSR. Tour will give us a glimpse of the places, that most of foreign travelers miss – the forgotten heritage of Soviet and brutalist architecture.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

From Tbilisi, we set off towards the picturesque Caucasus Mountains, en-route visiting one of the most charming architectural complex of Ananuri, standing on the edge of the blue-green Zhinvali lake. Then, we continue our drive through the mountains and admire the sweeping views across the Caucasus.

Stop to enjoy a photo shoot at Gudauri Panoramic View – the most iconic landmark on the Georgian Military Highway. The location of the monument is undoubtedly breathtaking, overlooking the incredible views of mountains around.

Overnight in Stepantmsinda.  

Today, we rise early for a morning walk to the Gergeti Trinity Church. We ascend through the forest and finally reach the stunning monastery, where we are rewarded with wonderful bird’s-eye views of the surrounding landscape. Zoom in on the beautiful panorama in the glow of the morning sun.

If the weather is clear, we will also have an amazing picture of Mount Kazbek, the third highest of the Georgian Caucasus Mountains, soaring to 5047 m.

Overnight in Stepantmsinda. 

After breakfast, we will take a long drive towards the Western Georgia. Following the truly off-the-beaten-track roads, we arrive in the mining town of Chiatura – a place, that only attracts the most intrepid travelers. A vibrant mining town during the Soviet era, famous for being crisscrossed by cable cars, dated back to the 1950s, some of them still are in service nowadays.

Later, we stop in Zestafoni to capture another famed industrial center of Georgia during the Soviet era, with a large ferro-alloy plant, processing manganese ore from Chiatura. Today’s final destination is Kutaisi, the third largest city in the country and one of the oldest settlements in Europe.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

Today, is dedicated to the discovery of Tskaltubo – one of Georgia’s most unique destinations. The former spa town is full of Stalin era architectural wonders mostly abandoned and in ruin. 

Almost every building here, set us back in the Soviet times. The town with crumbling sanatoriums and overgrown vegetation everywhere is a truly exceptional urbex location – made to be photographed!

Overnight in Kutaisi.

Drive back towards Tbilisi and stop on the way in the town of Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. While visiting the Stalin museum, made to glorify his life, we have a weird feeling about stepping back into Soviet times.

Later, take a short drive towards the former capital, Mtskheta and visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites: 11th century  impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and 6th century Jvari Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking the picturesque valley. Then, we continue on to the capital, where we spend last 2 nights.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

A short drive brings us to Rustavi city – a real wonder to behold of the Soviet architecture, built as a major industrial center of Caucasus during the USSR. Established a few years after the construction of a large metallurgical plant in 50s, the city is a must see place for fans of Socialist architecture and Soviet history.

Full of 9-storey apartment blocks, Soviet mosaics, magnificent steel works, abandoned factories, Rustavi is untouched by tourism and we can take advantage of unique photo opportunities while exploring different parts of the city.

In the afternoon, we return to Tbilisi for our last night.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Transfer to the airport and departure.