Travel Overland from Kazbegi to Tbilisi with Sightseeing
Today depart forTbilisi visiting various sites en route. Ananuri Fortress (16th - 17th cc) was the one time home of the tyrannical Aragvi dynasty and occupies a wonderful location overlooking the Aragvi Valley and Zhinvali Reservoir. Following the dramatic Aragvi River Valley we continue on towards Mtskheta, the capital of the Georgian Kingdom of Iberia between 500 BC and 500 AD. The town lies in a lush valley at the confluence of two rivers, the Aragvi and the Mtkvari. Mtskheta was founded 2,000 BC. Georgians adopted Christianity in the 4th c. and thereafter Georgians, Byzantines, Persians, Arabs and Mongols traded control of the territory until the Russian annexation in the 19th century. It is overlooked by the marvellously simple church of Jvari (6th c.), a perfect example of early Georgian Christian architecture.Also visit Svetitsikhoveli Cathedral (11th c.), Georgia's largest remaining Cathedral and burial place of the Georgian Kings, notably members of the Bagrationi family. It has an extraordinary interior combining paintings, frescoes and a domed chapel used for the Christmas service. They are both UNESCO sites.
The largest city in Georgia by a considerable distance, Tbilisi can justifiably claim to be the heart of the country. Squeezed between mountain ranges, the city fills the Mtkvari river valley. Having been the capital of Georgia for more than 1,500 years, in some form or another, Tbilisi is rich in history. However, as a city that hints at a new-found wealth, Tbilisi is undoubtedly changing. New building projects have added a touch of glamour to this historic city and contrast with the narrow streets, unchanged religious buildings and caravanserais of the old town.
You will be staying at Sharden Hotel, Bed & Breakfast