Monasteries of Georgia — Mtskheta, the Thirteen Fathers and Kakheti in 3 Days

The monasteries of the sixth-century Assyrian Fathers, the desert lavra of Davit Gareji and the cathedrals of Kakheti, with time to stay for the chant.

• —Mtskheta, Svetitskhoveli and Jvari (UNESCO World Heritage)
• —Shio-Mgvime in its limestone canyon and Zedazeni on the ridge: two of the monasteries founded by the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers in the 6th century
• —Davit Gareji: the Lavra of St David in the semi-desert on the Azerbaijani border
• —Alaverdi cathedral (11th century, over 40 m), the academy of Ikalto, the early church of Nekresi
• —Bodbe and the tomb of St Nino
• —Night in a family guesthouse near Telavi; Sunday Liturgy at Alaverdi or Svetitskhoveli when the dates allow

• · Unhurried: at least 45 minutes at each monastery, with a quiet time without commentary
• · Sunday Liturgy at Alaverdi or Svetitskhoveli can be built into the dates (ask us)
• · Mass for a group with its own priest: arranged at the Catholic parish of Tbilisi, or outdoors at a monastery by permission
• · Reading list and a short prayer booklet with the lives of St Nino and the Assyrian Fathers

• · Davit Gareji: the Lavra is open and free; the upper Udabno caves have been closed by border guards since 2025, and this can change at short notice
• · Modest dress required; photography inside churches is not allowed
• · Gravel roads on parts of day 2; moderate walking
• · Great Lent and Advent: fasting (samarkhvo) menus are easy to find in Kakheti

Prices are per person for two travelling together, in euros; solo travellers and larger groups are quoted on request. Every departure is private and adjusted to you. Hotels, wineries and restaurants on our routes are verified by GTour.