Fascination – is world around Tbilisi.

You managed to fall in love with Tbilisi, be delighted by Kakheti and feel the greatness of Kazbegi. What else will surprise you, close to Tbilisi none the less?

This is a tour of non-tourist destinations of the former Iberia. Although, we must start it with Jvari. Jvari monastery is like a cross-roads of history: it is a place where the first Cross was raised in Georgia and that cross changed the religion, values, views and sentiments… But we are not talking about that right now, we are talking about a magnificent view from Jvari over Mtskheta, and over the part of the history which is left unnoticed by everyone. Bagineti view. Bagineti is a hill, which in the past, was surrounded by the big and tall wall; on top of the hill there stood pagan gods – Armazi, Gatsi and Ga. And blow the Gods lived the Kings. Today this former elite and glorious region is getting empty… Royal baths in Roman style, separated baths for women, royal wine cellar, foundation of a palace with pillars…And the most amazing thing – a unique temple in a form of a flower with six petals... This windy sight and its appeasement makes you sit on a pergola and watch at the merging of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, thinking how people with power over Iberia lived here… The greatest thing is that your thinking will not be interrupted by other tourists, because there are none…

There won’t be any tourists either in Tsinkali. There won’t be any in a temple, which was built in 4th century! Right after conversion to Christianity. Isn’t that amazing? In which lived and served one of the 13 Assyrian fathers, Ise Tsinkneli. He rests in peace in the darkness of this great temple.

Dzalisi. This was the greatest city. Which covered the area of 70 hectares, which ceased to exist in 8th century. With unique mosaic on the flooring made from 40 shades of natural stones, a pool with area of 800 square meters, Roman floor heating system – hypocaust, Roman baths with atriums… The author is finishing off the tour and at the end is leading to the winemaker of Chateau Mukhrani. Winemaking of princes of the Bagrationi dynasty – Mukhrani, Is deservingly famous, with great collection of wines (your humble servant is a lover of couple wines of this making). So, we are going to finish this day off how we are supposed to, where we are supposed to, although we are not going to be in a hurry. Beacause this was a day of fascination.

Route: Jvari monatery, Bagineti excavations, Mtskheta, Tsilkani church, Dzalisi excavations, winery Chateau Mukhrani.