Journey Through Sacred Georgia – A Pilgrimage to Ancient Holy Sites

• Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Kutaisi-Telavi-Tbilisi

Georgia is one of the oldest Christian nations in the world, having officially adopted Christianity in the early 4th century through the preaching of Saint Nino. Since then, Christianity has remained a core element of Georgian identity, shaping its history, culture, architecture, and national consciousness for more than 1,600 years. The Georgian Orthodox Church is not only a historical institution but a living spiritual foundation that continues to guide daily life, traditions, and national unity.

Georgia holds a unique place in the Christian world due to its uninterrupted religious continuity, ancient monastic traditions, and preservation of sacred sites that date back to the earliest centuries of Christianity. The country is home to some of the most important Orthodox pilgrimage destinations, attracting believers from around the world, especially Orthodox pilgrims seeking authentic spiritual experience in a land where faith is deeply rooted in everyday life.

Among the most significant holy sites are Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, believed to house the Robe of Christ; Jvari Monastery, where Saint Nino erected the first Christian cross in Georgia; Gelati Monastery Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site and center of medieval theology and education; Motsameta Monastery, associated with martyrdom and devotion; Alaverdi Cathedral, one of the tallest and oldest religious centers in Georgia; and Katskhi Pillar, a unique living hermitage still inhabited by monks.

This pilgrimage tour is designed to connect travelers with the spiritual heart of Georgia through its most important UNESCO-listed monuments, ancient monasteries, active churches, and sacred landscapes. It offers not only historical exploration but also an authentic encounter with living Orthodox Christianity, monastic life, and centuries-old religious traditions that remain active today.

By joining this journey, pilgrims and travelers gain access to places of profound spiritual significance, where history and faith coexist in their purest form. This tour is ideal for those seeking deeper understanding of Orthodox Christianity, sacred heritage, and the spiritual identity of Georgia—one of the world’s most remarkable Christian destinations.

During this tour, you will visit:

DAY 1- ARRIVAL IN THE BLESSED LAND

• Your journey begins in Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, which for centuries has been a symbol of a peaceful coexistence of different confessions. In the evening, a short walk will be arranged in the historical center of the city, where we will greet the Georgian land with a prayer of gratitude. The day will end with check-in at a local hotel and rest.

DAY 2-THE HOLY SITES OF TBILISI & THE LEGACY OF SAINT FATHER DAVID

• In the morning, we will begin our pilgrimage with the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), which is a symbol of the spiritual unity of the Georgian nation. This is the largest church of its type in Georgia, where unique icons are preserved, including the Patriarchal Icon of the Mother of God of Iveria, as well as other highly important holy relics.
• From here, we will continue to the Kashveti Church of St. George on Rustaveli Avenue. This temple is connected with the name of St. David of Gareja, one of the Assyrian Fathers of the 6th century, and the miracle performed by him. The altar is decorated with a unique fresco painted by the brilliant Georgian artist Lado Gudiashvili.
• Afterwards, we will walk through the historical districts of Old Tbilisi, where the religious diversity of the city is clearly visible. We will visit the ancient Anchiskhati Basilica, where for centuries the Acheiropoietos Icon of the Savior was preserved, and we will pass by the Patriarchal residence of Georgia.
• We will continue our path toward Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God, which is the main spiritual heart of Tbilisi, and where the greatest sacred relic of the country is preserved — the Cross of St. Nino made of grapevines and bound with her hair. Nearby, on the opposite bank of the Mtkvari River, rises the Metekhi Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God on a cliff, where St. Shushanik, the queen and martyr of Kartli from the 5th century, is buried.
• Within the same tour, we will also see the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Roman Catholic Church, reflecting the religious diversity of the capital.
• At the end of the day, we will take the funicular up to Mtatsminda to visit the Church of Father David. This church is built near the cave where St. David of Gareja lived and prayed, and in its courtyard flows a holy spring believed to have healing powers. Nearby is the Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Overnight in Tbilisi.

DAY 3- MTSKHETA – THE "SECOND JERUSALEM" & THE ROAD TO IMERETI

• This day is fully dedicated to the spiritual center of Georgia and its ancient capital, Mtskheta, which holds immense significance in the Christian world.
• First, we will ascend the hilltop Jvari Monastery (Monastery of the Cross), where in the early 4th century Saint Nino erected the first wooden cross, marking the beginning of Christianity as the state religion of Georgia.
• Then we will descend to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the city center, which is considered the pinnacle of Georgian spirituality. Within the foundation of the cathedral lies one of the greatest Christian relics — the Robe of Christ, brought from Jerusalem by Georgian Jews from Mtskheta. The cathedral also preserves the mantle of the Prophet Elijah, relics of Saint Andrew the First-Called, and serves as the burial place of Georgian kings.
• After a short break, we will visit the Samtavro Convent. This is the place where Saint Nino lived, and where her blackberry bush still grows to this day. Buried inside the church are the first Christian monarchs of Georgia — King Mirian and Queen Nana. This is also the resting place of one of the most revered modern saints, Father Gabriel, whose grave is visited daily by thousands of pilgrims seeking healing.
• We will conclude the Mtskheta tour with a visit to the cave monastery of Shio-Mgvime, founded in the 6th century by one of the Assyrian Fathers, Saint Shio. We will explore Saint Shio’s cave and the area where ascetic monks lived and prayed.
• At the end of the day, we will travel to western Georgia and spend the night in Kutaisi.

DAY 4-KUTAISI — THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE GOLDEN AGE AND THE MARTYRDOM OF MOCAMETA

• Today we will visit the most important religious centers of the united Georgian Kingdom and its Golden Age. The first stop will be the Gelati Monastery Complex of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, founded by Saint King David the Builder. Gelati was a major center of learning and was called the “New Athens” and the “Second Jerusalem.” The cathedral is famous for its unique mosaics and frescoes, and at its entrance, as a sign of humility, King David the Builder himself is buried.
• Next, we will visit Bagrati Cathedral, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, which represents the symbol of the unification and strength of Georgia. It was in this magnificent cathedral that the coronation of King David the Builder took place, and it is still considered the main place of worship in Kutaisi.
• We will conclude the spiritual part of the day at the Motsameta Monastery, located in the Tskaltsitela River gorge. It was built in the 8th century on the site where the Georgian princes David and Constantine Mkheidze were martyred by Arab invaders. They sacrificed their lives for the Christian faith. The monastery preserves the incorrupt relics of the holy brothers. According to Orthodox tradition, pilgrims walk three times around the reliquary in prayer, asking for protection and strengthening of faith.
• Overnight in Kutaisi.

DAY 5- THE ASCETIC HERITAGE OF KATSKHI PILLAR AND RETURN TO THE CAPITAL

• After breakfast in the morning, we will depart toward Tbilisi, and on the way we will visit the extraordinary Katskhi Pillar. This is a natural 40-meter-high limestone monolith, on top of which ascetic pillar monks have lived and prayed since the 5th–6th centuries. On the summit stands a small church dedicated to Saint Maximus the Confessor. This place is a true embodiment of withdrawal from the earthly world and closeness to God.
• In the afternoon, we will return to Tbilisi, where you will have free time for personal prayer, purchasing icons, or walking through the streets of the capital. Overnight in Tbilisi.

DAY 6-KAKHETI — THE LEGACY OF THE ASSYRIAN FATHERS AND SPIRITUAL HEIGHTS

• On the final day, we will travel to eastern Georgia — the Kakheti region, which is rich in ancient monastic traditions. Upon arrival in Telavi, we will visit Batonistsikhe Fortress and the residence of King Erekle II, who was a devoted defender of Orthodox royal traditions.
• From here, we will continue our journey to the magnificent Alaverdi Cathedral, dedicated to Saint George and one of the tallest churches in Georgia. The monastery was founded in the 6th century by Saint Joseph of Alaverdi, one of the Assyrian Fathers, whose holy grave is located inside the cathedral. The monastery also preserves an ancient and uninterrupted tradition of winemaking by monks.
• The next stop will be the Ikalto Monastery Complex and Academy, founded in the 6th century by Saint Zenon of Ikalto. In the Middle Ages, it functioned as one of the greatest centers of higher education, where, according to tradition, the genius poet Shota Rustaveli studied.
• We will conclude our journey with a visit to the Gremi Archangels’ Complex. This is the magnificent remains of the 16th-century capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti. The Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel miraculously survived the devastating invasions of Shah Abbas and continues to serve as a place of prayer and protection for the region.
• In the evening, we will return to Tbilisi, marking the end of our pilgrimage tour.

Inclusions