# St Nino’s Way — Mtskheta, Sioni and Bodbe in a Day

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- Canonical: https://gtour.ge/tour/st-ninos-way-mtskheta-sioni-bodbe/
- Author: 
- Published: 2026-10-27
- Updated: 2026-10-27
- Language: en
- Russian edition: https://gtour.ge/ru/tour/st-ninos-way-mtskheta-sioni-bodbe/

€170 per person10 hoursPrivate · car & English-speaking guideBased on two travellers

The fourth-century conversion of Georgia in one day: Sioni, [Mtskheta](https://gtour.ge/georgia/mtskheta/)'s three churches and the tomb of St Nino at [Bodbe](https://gtour.ge/georgia/bodbe/).

The route

[Tbilisi](https://gtour.ge/georgia/tbilisi/)[Mtskheta](https://gtour.ge/georgia/mtskheta/)[Bodbe](https://gtour.ge/georgia/bodbe/)[Sighnaghi](https://gtour.ge/georgia/sighnaghi/)

Why this tour

- —Sioni cathedral in [Tbilisi](https://gtour.ge/georgia/tbilisi/): St Nino's cross of vine branches, shown openly on 27 January and 1 June

- —Svetitskhoveli, the cathedral built over the Robe of Christ, where Georgia's patriarchs are enthroned (UNESCO)

- —Samtavro: the blackberry bush where St Nino lived, the graves of King Mirian and Queen Nana

- —Jvari church (6th century) on the hill above the meeting of the Aragvi and the Mtkvari

- —[Bodbe](https://gtour.ge/georgia/bodbe/) convent: St Nino's tomb and the healing spring in the gardens below

- —Lunch in [Sighnaghi](https://gtour.ge/georgia/sighnaghi/); time for silent prayer at every stop, not only photographs

Itinerary

08:30Sioni cathedral in Old [Tbilisi](https://gtour.ge/georgia/tbilisi/) with the grapevine cross; short walk to Anchiskhati basilica (6th century).

10:00[Mtskheta](https://gtour.ge/georgia/mtskheta/): Svetitskhoveli, Samtavro convent, then Jvari on the hill.

13:30Drive to [Kakheti](https://gtour.ge/georgia/kakheti/); lunch in [Sighnaghi](https://gtour.ge/georgia/sighnaghi/).

15:30[Bodbe](https://gtour.ge/georgia/bodbe/) convent and St Nino's spring; evening return to Tbilisi by about 19:00.

Included

- ✓ Private car with driver

- ✓ Licensed guide (English, French, German, Russian or Italian on request)

- ✓ Headscarves and wrap skirts for the churches

- ✓ All church visits (no entrance fees at these sites)

Not included

- — Lunch

- — Candles and offerings

Spiritual programme

- · Time is set aside for prayer in each church; the guide steps back

- · A visiting priest may celebrate Mass for the group: we arrange it in advance with the Catholic parish in Tbilisi or outdoors at Bodbe, by permission

- · On 27 January and 1 June (Ninooba) the route follows the feast; book early

Good to know

- · Modest dress in every church: covered shoulders and knees, headscarf for women (provided)

- · No photography inside the churches; none of nuns or monks without their consent

- · The Georgian Church follows the Julian calendar: Christmas on 7 January, Easter usually later than in the West

- · Can start from [Sighnaghi](https://gtour.ge/georgia/sighnaghi/) or [Telavi](https://gtour.ge/georgia/telavi/) if you stay in Kakheti

Questions

**Is this tour for believers only?**
No. It is for anyone who wants to understand how a country became Christian in 337 and stayed so; the guide explains history, architecture and liturgy without preaching.

**Can our priest celebrate Mass?**
Yes, with notice. Catholic Mass is possible at the Cathedral of the Assumption or Sts Peter and Paul in Tbilisi, and, by permission, outdoors at Bodbe. For Orthodox groups we ask the convent in advance.

**Is it suitable for older pilgrims?**
Yes: short walks on paved paths; the descent to St Nino's spring at Bodbe is optional (steps).

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](/verified/).