From Tbilisi: Kazbegi Day Tour, Gergeti Trinity, Ananuri &Gudauri

Zhinvali (Jinvali) water reservoir, also known as a lake is located on the Georgian Military Highway. Soviets constructed the dam in the 1980s. As Tbilisi was growing rapidly, there was a need of a new water supply. Government decided that the Aragvi Gorge rich with glacier water was the perfect spot.The city of Zhinvali(Jinvali) had been at the crossroads of the great trading routes. Therefore throughout the history, it was a city of Georgian elite. It was rich with fortresses, towers and palaces. Though most of these had tumbled down to ruins throughout the centuries, territory promised a big archaeological treasure.

Unfortunately, the protests didn’t bother the Soviet Government and they proceeded to flood the area burying centuries of history under 75 meters of water. In the winter times, you can still see a small gem of the old Zhinvali. As the water levels drop, a church once located at a hill overlooking the city, surfaces from underneath the water.

Ananuri Fortress is a 17th Century Architectural Ensemble which at the time was one of the strongest fortresses in Georgia. Fortress is located in a 70 km drive from Tbilisi, in the village with the same name – Ananuri.In 1739, Ananuri was attacked by forces from a rival duchy, commanded by Shanshe of Ksani and was set on fire. The Aragvi clan was massacred. However, four years later, the local peasants revolted against rule by the Shanshe, killing the usurpers and inviting King Teimuraz II to rule directly over them. However, in 1746, King Teimuraz was forced to suppress another peasant uprising, with the help of King Erekle II of Kakheti. The fortress remained in use until the beginning of the 19th century. In 2007, the complex has been on the tentative list for inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage Site program.

Gudauri – young and rapid developing winter sports resort located at Kazbegi region of Georgia, 120 km from Tbilisi, at the height of 2,196 m (about 7,200 feet) near the Cross Pass. Skiing season lasts from December to April, comfort skiing on all routes. In May skiing is possible on the five (highest) lift or even on the second lift in snow years.Gudauri is a ski resort located on the south-facing plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia. The resort is situated in the Stepantsminda District, along the Georgian Military Highway near the Jvari Pass, at an elevation of 2,200 meters (7,200 ft.) above sea level with skiable area enjoying maximum exposure to the sun. Gudauri lies 120 km to the north of the capital Tbilisi and two hours drive from the Tbilisi International Airport or even a short helicopter flight from the capital.

The Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument or Treaty of Georgievsk Monument is a monument built in 198.Inside the monument is a large tile mural that spans the whole circumference of the structure and depicts scenes of Georgian and Russian history.The Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument or Treaty of Georgievsk Monument is a monument built in 1983 to celebrate the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk and the ongoing friendship between Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia. Located on the Georgian Military Highway between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass, the monument is a large round stone and concrete structure overlooking the Devil's Valley in the Caucasus mountains. Inside the monument is a large tile mural that spans the whole circumference of the structure and depicts scenes of Georgian and Russian history.

Finally we’ll head to Stepantsminda also known as Kazbegi, here you’ll switch to a 4WD off-road car (The additional cost of which will be 20 GEL per person ) to go up to the stunning Gergeti monastery under the 5047 meter mountain of Kazbegi.
The ancient church, dating from the 14th century, stands at an elevation of 2170 meters, overlooking the small town of Stephantsminda, also reffered to as Kazbegi, in the North of the country. Apart from its religious purpose, the medieval church used to serve as a hiding place. During invasions at different times in Georgia's history the national treasure was hidden there, since it was hardly reachable for enemies.The 18th century Georgian author Vakhushti Batonishvili wrote that in times of danger, precious relics from Mtskheta, including Saint Nino's Cross were brought here for safekeeping. During the Soviet era, all religious services were prohibited, but the church remained a popular tourist destination.

The place where you will stop for dinner, the cost of dinner is not included in the price of the tour. Mleta is a comfortable place. The restaurant has traditional food. Khinkali is a mountain food, therefore they prepare very tasty here.
We stop for dinner. Not included in the price.