CITY TOUR. A one full day tour covering Tbilisi and its mother city, the old capital Mtskheta.
Our new guide/driver named George picked us at 9am from the hotel and started our day itinerary. He told us that it will be full packed which requires flexibility if we wanted to visit all suggested tourist sites on the same day. So far, we are always on time. Just we need the time frame and we’ll do the trick in returning back.
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
Accomodation: Urban Botique Hotel
Buddies: Family (2+)
The morning wind chilled our desires but the excitement blanketed our willingness to see this beautiful side of the capital.
The Chronicles of Georgia is the 16 pillars of sculptured stones built on top of the mountain which shadow looking like Stonehenge from afar. The pillars features the history of Georgia as carved characters are kings-like and biblical events. The artist creator of this magnificent architecture had died so it is said that the structures itself is not completed. But for me, it is already perfect!!! There is also a small chapel at the backside of the pillars which shows that the people in this country has strong religious affinity.
Jvari Monastery. I am wondering why most of the monasteries in Georgia were built on the most depressing and dangerous slope of a land. This monastery was listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site situated at the edge and top of the mountain. Its history is since the 5th century and still surviving until today. Various religious events is actively held here. In fact, I witnessed a Sunday mass when I opened the door. The old city of Mtskheta and the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari river is the best scenic view from the monastery.
From the monastery, we traveled down to the city where our eyes glued. Mtskheta is the former capital of Georgia. It is also one of the oldest city as it was called the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia in the 5th century. Shops for religious paraphernalia, restaurants and hotels are still active in this part. In the center of this preserved city, built the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral which is fortified with stone walls. The south gate was open so we managed to get inside. However, we didn’t enter inside the cathedral because of the ongoing Sunday mass and of our limited time.
When we went back to Tbilisi, we headed to the Rike Park as the shortest way to Narikala Fortress and the big statue called the Mother of Georgians. We passed by at the Bridge of Peace. It was noon and the park was not busy. The air balloon ride is situated in the center of the park but our purpose was to reach the cable car station. The cable car costs 5 lari for a round trip per person. There was additional 2 lari for purchasing a new card.
The Narikala Fortress is an old fortress as shown in every posters featuring Georgia. This is one among landmarks which usually retained in my mind together with the Bridge of Peace. The fortress is walled and once inside, the lone church greeted us. The fortress is already in ruins, however its wall is still intact and strong.
After getting tired in stepping up on the ladder stairs of the fortress, we went back to the park and visited the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the biggest Orthodox church of the country. The architectural design is very stunning. It was quite busy when we entered to personally see its interior. We didn’t stay longer because our next destination will consume most of our time.
Mtsminda Park is accessible by riding the Funicular tram operating in every 20 minutes. I paid 6 lari per person for a round trip ride with additional 2 lari for the card. The amusement park during day was too lonely with few visitors curiously roaming around. However, the city view inside the funicular tram ride during descending and ascending was fantastic and a must try.
Our tour ended after an early dinner in Khinkali House Iveroni, an underground restaurant along Rustaveli Avenue. We are wondering what made their Caesar salad so delicious.
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