Today, after breakfast and checking-out from your hotel, you will meet your driver and guide to head back to the capital of Georgia – Tbilisi.
After checking in to your hotel, you will begin an overview walk of the Old Town. According to a legend, the city was founded in the 5th century on a spot abundant with hot sulfur springs. Later, it became an important stage stop on the Hellenistic and Roman trade routes with the East and on the Silk Road. Usually squeezed in between feuding powerful empires, Tbilisi was
often occupied, re-conquered, and its population was even forcefully converted to Islam. Nowadays, the city is remarkable with its turbulent history and elegant and remarkable architectural monuments.
You will explore Tbilisi’s Old Town and its numerous churches, museums, and historic sights. First, you will visit the 13th-century Metekhi church, which was built on top of an older church destroyed by the Mongols. Ruined again by the Persians in the 17th century, it was consecutively used as military barracks, a prison, and a theater before finally being re-constructed and returned to the Georgian church in the 1980s.
Continuing through the Old Town and along the river bank, you will see (and smell) some of Tbilisi’s famous sulfur bathhouses which were once frequented by celebrities like Pushkin and Dumas and are still social venues for locals and visitors alike. The hot mineral springs are believed to have curative properties for a variety of skin and rheumatic conditions. Most of the bathhouses are located underground with only the distinctive brick domes rising above street level. Optional: If you are interested, you may enjoy an hour long visit to indulge in the baths. You will be given towels and slippers, as well as tea and water to sip on as you take part in the sulfur bath experience. Please note sulfur baths are not included in program cost.
Later, you will walk along the famous Sharden Street which is lined with restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and souvenir shops.
Exeter International Extraordinary Experience
Tonight, you will have the opportunity to take part in a special private boat trip on the Kura river (weather permitting). What looks like a dock on the side of the river suddenly starts moving and you find yourself cruising along the river. This is the perfect way to experience Tbilisi from a different perspective. Private Kura Boat Cruise included in the program cost.
Exeter Services: Vehicle, Driver & Guide
Hotel: Mercure Old Town
