One-day tour to David Gareja monastery complex is a short but eventful journey to one of the ancient and important religious sites of Georgia. The complex of temples stretches for several kilometers in the south-east of the country and along the border with Azerbaijan. David Gareja monastery is unique due to the fact that many of its buildings are cut in a huge tilted rock and some of its temples still preserve millenary frescos.
Tour itinerary:
The tour starts from Tbilisi. Our guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. Drive to semi-desert area near Gareja. On the way stop at a local supermarket to take some snacks. Arrive in David Gareja Monastery and start walking up to explore the Lavra Cave Monastery, founded in the 6th century. The Lavra Monastery is an inhabited complex of caves with a courtyard, church and other buildings. Continue walking up to Udabno* where you can have some rest and enjoy the view of Azerbaijan from Georgian side. Udabno is famous for its wall-paintings dating from the end of the 12th century. The thousand-year-old frescos at Udabno* depict such scenes from the Bible like “The Last Supper” and “The Exaltation of the Cross”. After some rest, walk down along another path. Drive back to Tbilisi.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Walking round trip to Udabno monastery complex: 1.5 – 2 hours.
*As Udabno is located on the territory of Georgia-Azerbaijan border, the access to the monastery is subject to current safety situation at the border.
Take to trip: appropriate footwear, water, raincoat, torch, suntan lotion & hat.
Please note that in May snakes become more active and make their reappearance in the semi desert.
Price includes:
- Transport throughout the tour;
- Guided sightseeing tour;
- Picnic lunch en route (without alcohol).
Prices, per person
Prices are in US$ per person, discounted prices for larger groups are available on request.
Tour Request
The tour is private with your personal guide. There will be no other people joining the tour.
Our guides will follow your own pace.
The starting time of the tour is up to you and may vary from 09.00 am to 16.00 pm.
We are happy to offer this tour for air/train passengers too. Our guide will meet you at the arrival station.
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