A two-hour walk through Mtskheta, Georgia's fourth-century capital, with an art historian explaining why this small town holds UNESCO status.
- —Led by an art historian, not a general guide, with detailed background on Georgian Orthodox architecture and iconography
- —Covers Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Samtavro Convent, the two churches at the centre of Georgia's conversion story
- —Walk to the Armazi riverbank where the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers meet, a view described in early Georgian chronicles
- —Finishes on Mtskheta's old street, away from the souvenir stalls near the cathedral gate
- —Short format fits into a layover, a half free afternoon, or a slower-paced trip without a long drive
- —Start in Mtskheta if you are already staying nearby, or add a private transfer from Tbilisi
- ✓ Licensed art-historian guide for two hours
- ✓ Walking route through Svetitskhoveli, Samtavro, the Armazi riverbank and the old street
- ✓ Commentary in English (other languages checked at booking)
- ✓ Flexible meeting point in Mtskheta
- — Transfer from Tbilisi (can be added as a separate car service)
- — Entrance donations where requested at church sites (small, checked at booking)
- — Food, drinks and tips
- — Jvari Monastery, which sits on the hill above town and is not included in this walking route
- · Georgian Orthodox churches require shoulders and knees covered; women are usually asked to cover their heads, and headscarves are available at the church entrance if needed
- · The old street and riverbank path are cobbled or packed earth, comfortable flat shoes recommended
- · The route is flat and suitable for most fitness levels, roughly 2 kilometres of walking in total
- · Mtskheta churches can close briefly for services, particularly on Sunday mornings and feast days, timing checked at booking
- · Summer afternoons in the Mtkvari valley run hot; an early start keeps the walk more comfortable
- · This tour does not include transport, confirm your own arrival in Mtskheta or add our Tbilisi transfer service
Is this tour private or in a group?
It runs as a private walk for your party. Solo travellers and groups are both welcome; pricing for solo and larger groups is quoted on request at gtour.ge.
Can we start from Tbilisi instead of Mtskheta?
Yes. Add a private car transfer and we can collect you in Tbilisi and bring you back afterward; this is priced separately from the walking tour.
Do we need to pay to enter the churches?
Svetitskhoveli and Samtavro do not charge formal entrance fees, though a small donation is customary. Any changes to this are checked at booking.
Can we visit Jvari Monastery on the same day?
Jvari sits on the hilltop above Mtskheta and needs a car to reach. It is not part of this walking route but can be added through our Mtskheta Half-Day tour or a car with driver.
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.
Cobblestone Gamsakhurdia street leading toward Svetitskhoveli Cathedral with green mountains behind. · Photo: Aleksey Muhranoff / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
| Group | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | €120 ≈ $134 · 347 GEL | €120 ≈ $134 · 347 GEL |
| 2 travellers | €75 ≈ $84 · 217 GEL | €150 ≈ $167 · 434 GEL |
| 3 travellers | €71 ≈ $79 · 205 GEL | €213 ≈ $237 · 616 GEL |
| 4–6 travellers | €64 ≈ $71 · 185 GEL | €256 ≈ $285 · 741 GEL for four |
Private tour: your own car and driver and English-speaking guide. Conversions at today's National Bank of Georgia rate.
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the tour. Between 7 days and 48 hours: 50 % of the price. Less than 48 hours or no-show: no refund. If a mountain road closes and the tour cannot run, you choose a new date or a full refund.
20 % deposit confirms the booking. Deposit by card or bank transfer when the date is confirmed; the balance in cash or by card at the start of the tour. No hidden fees — fuel, parking, driver and guide are included; entrance tickets, meals and hotels are listed per tour.
Since 1 January 2026 every foreign visitor to Georgia must hold health and accident insurance with cover of at least 30,000 GEL — see our guide to the rule. Our vehicles carry passenger liability insurance; your travel policy covers you.
Full booking conditions · Terms of use · What "Verified by GTour" means
No published reviews yet for this tour. We publish every review we receive from a traveller who has taken the tour, good or critical, under the traveller's first name.
Travelled with us? Leave a review
-
DepartureYour hotel — we collect you
-
Departure TimeThe time you prefer — every departure is private
-
Return TimeAt your hotel
-
Included
-
Not Included
Similar Tours
Mtskheta, Gori and Uplistsikhe — Kartli in a Day
A private day trip from Tbilisi to Mtskheta’s UNESCO churches, Gori’s fortress and Stalin Museum, and the cave town of Uplistsikhe.
St Nino’s Way — Mtskheta, Sioni and Bodbe in a Day
One day on the trail of the woman who converted Georgia in the fourth century: her grapevine cross at Sioni, the Living Pillar and the Robe of Christ at Svetitskhoveli, the cell where she lived at Samtavro, Jvari above the rivers, and her tomb at Bodbe.
Batumi Old Town and Boulevard Walk
A 2.5-hour guided walk through Batumi’s Old Town, Europe Square and the boulevard to the pier.
Kutaisi Walking Tour — Bazaar, Bridges and the Old Quarter
A 2.5-hour walk through Kutaisi’s Green Bazaar, its two Rioni bridges, the Jewish Quarter and Bagrati hill.