Thursday, 25 Apr, 2024
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Golden treasures of Vani
Duration: 2 Days
Company: Georgian Holidays
Adress: 87 Tsinamdzgvrishvili St.
Tel: +995 (32) 218 45 39, +995 (593) 52 96 85
Fax: +995 (32) 295 69 63
E-mail: info@georgianholidays.com
Web site: www.georgianholidays.com

 
About Tour:
The route: Tbilisi-Kutaisi-Vani-Tbilisi 620 km.

Day 1

09:00 Departure from Tbilisi. Drive to Kutaisi via Rikoti pass. Some scholars believe that in the late Bronze Age Kutaisi was the capital of King Aeetes - Medea's father and the possessor of Golden Fleece. The enviable position has allowed the city to flourish as an important trade center on the caravan route from Greece to India.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit Bagrati Cathedral (11th c) The cathedral was built by the first king of a unified Georgia as a symbol of the united country. Even in its ruined state the structure will enable you to feel its grandeur and nobility. We might have an opportunity to observe the weddings ceremonies on weekends.
Explore Gelati Academy (12th c), beautifully situated on a forest-covered hill, 7 km away from Kutaisi. The complex consists of the main cathedral, the Academy building, two churches with frescos, the Bell tower and the Chapel-tomb of the King David the Builder.
Visit Motsameta Monastery (11th c). The site offers awe-inspiring views of the river and the surrounding countryside. Extremely isolated and seldom visited by the tourists, this place will give you a taste of the monastic life.
19:00 Dinner and overnight at guesthouse in Kutaisi

Day 2

09:00 Explore the ancient temple city of Vani. For last 100 years, The archaeological excavations have uncovered here an astonishing number of artifacts: Colchian pottery, exquisite golden jewelry, imported Greek luxury items, graceful bronze sculptures and a vast array of funerary pieces. The findings will be displayed for you in Vani Archaeological Museum.
Drive to Sataplia, to visit one of the most beautiful caves famous for fine speleothems and the dinosaur footprints nearby.
19:00 Return to Tbilisi

Historical-Architectural Highlights:

Day 1: Bagrati church 11th c. Gelati academy 12th c. Motsameta 11th c.

Day 2: Vani archeological museum, Sataplia.

Prices:
Pax 1 EUR 260
Pax 2 EUR 180
Pax 3 EUR 160
Pax 6 EUR 110
Pax 10 EUR 90
Pax 12 EUR 80

Price Includes:
- Inland transportation by car (1-2 pax) or minibus (3-9 pax);
- Catering: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Picnic Lunch, 1 Dinner;
- 1 bottle mineral water per person per day;
- Excursion and other fees;
- Cultural tours Guide (English, German, French, Russian speaking upon request);

Price exclude:
- Prices do not include beverages, insurance