Tbilisi - the capital and largest city of Georgia. Based in the V century AD Vakhtang Gorgasali king of Iberia, and became the capital of the VI century, Tbilisi - the most important industrial, social and cultural center of Georgia. The combination of the original architecture and natural beauty gives it a unique charm and color.
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Metekhi Temple - At the edge of the rocky banks of the Kura, on the hill is a symbol of the long history of Tbilisi - the temple Metekhi. In the temple is buried a Shushanik, the first Georgian martyr. Next to the church is a monument to the city founder Vakhtang Gorgasali. Metekhi - this is a true symbol of the Georgian faith, culture and history.
Fortress Narikala - fortress complex in Old Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century. Previously a fortress was called "Shuris-Ciche" - "Enviable Fortress".
During the Mongol invasion the fortress was named "Narin Kala" - "Little Fortress" (Mong.). The VII and XI - XII centuries, the fortress was expanded. At that time the city walls went down to the river Kura and thus the citadel controlled the trade routes running along the banks of the river. In the XIX century bastions of the lower castle were demolished.
Old Tbilisi - Walking through the streets of old Tbilisi. Shardeni street with lots of cafes and art salons. Abanotubani - sulfur baths famous quarter, according to legend, Tbilisi owes its foundation to the natural sulfur spring.
Mountain Mtsatminda At the top of the hill is the recreation park "Bombora" with viewing platforms, rides, ferris wheel, restaurants. The lookouts offer beautiful views of Tbilisi, which lies at the bottom.
On the slope of the hill is the Church of St David (Mama-Dawit). There is a pantheon of "Mtatsminda"
Rustaveli Avenue, Freedom Square Rustaveli Avenue is the heart of Tbilisi. There is a building of the Opera House, the residence of the graph of the Russian king Vorontsov. On Rustaveli Avenue there are numerous cafes, restaurants and shops. Freedom Square – main square of the capital. At various times, they wore the names Erivan, Beria and Lenin. In the center is a statue of St. George. In a park with a fountain stands a bust of A.S. Pushkin.
DAY 2
Excursion to Mtskheta and Ananuri Fortress
The ancient capital of Georgia, Mtskheta, is located in a few kilometers from the modern Tbilisi. The city was founded in the 2nd half of the 1st millennium BC. e. when the territory of modern Georgia was appeared the first state association - Iberia. Mtskheta was the capital of Georgia a little less than a thousand years.
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Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - Svetitskhoveli Cathedral was built in the XI century on the place of the first Georgian Christian Church of the Twelve Apostles, which was built in the IV century.
Collection of Georgian chronicles "Kartli Life" tells the story about the inhabitant of Mtskheta, Elioz which, being in Jerusalem, got Heaton of Jesus Christ. Elioz’s sister - Sidonia - has taken the Heaton, pressed it to his chest and died from her emotions overflowed. Soon, on the grave of Sidonia has grown a large tree - Lebanese cedar. And when King Mirian decided to build a temple at the place where was the buried Heaton of Lord, cedar was cutted down. From the tree was cut seven columns and began to install them in the church. Six columns were installed, but seventh did not given, it was hanging in the air. St. Nino prayed all night, and then this column "without touching a human hand" took his position. Wonderful ointment cured patients from serious ailments. Hence the name of the temple is - Svetitskhoveli, which in Georgian means "The Living Pillar".
Jvari Monastery - At the top of the mountain, on the edge of the cliff stands Jvari monastery which was built in the VI century. On English - "Jvari" means "cross", the full name of the monastery is – “The monastery of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord”. According to the legend, Nino Cappadocian on the place where was a pagan idol, put a Holy Cross, marked by the acceptance of Christianity by Georgia.
Ananuri Fortress - Ananuri Fortress belongs to the early feudal era, it was served as defense post, blocking the road leading from the Daryal Gorge. The fortress is located in 70 kilometers from Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Highway, near Zhinvali reservoir. About the life of the inhabitants of Ananuri Castle in historical sources it is almost not reported until the twenties of the XVIII century. It is known that the fortress defended the rulers of this region and the people of the central parts of the country.
DAY 3-5
Gudauri
The huge ski area, a paradise for skiers, snowboarders and fans of Heli-skiing.
Gudauri is located 120 km from Tbilisi on the slopes of the main Caucasian ridge, surrounded by stunning peaks. From December to April, the slopes of Gudauri covered with snow. The height of snow cover reaches 2 meters.
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Skiing
In Gudauri there is a lot of ski slopes, which are made as for skiers and aslso for snowboarders. The total length of ski roads in Gudauri runs up to 19 kilometers, and the longest one of them is 5 km. Modern three and four places Doppelmayr lifts raise the skiers on the mountain Kudebi, to a height of over 3,000 meters. For experienced skiers Gudauri offers four ski slopes, approved by the FIS (International Ski Federation): slalom, giant slalom, super slalom and downhill.
Racing on skis
Distant canyons and pristine slopes around Gudauri offer exceptional opportunities for racing skiing in the immediate vicinity of the well-groomed ski slopes and lifts. If you hire a guide, it will allow you to get to the place with the best and safest conditions for the races, and experience the thrill of a clean untouched snow.
Heli-skiing
Due to the dense snow cover, lack of obstacles and dangers of avalanches are possible with the comfort and safety down the untouched snow slopes. Endless expanses of unspoiled nature and extraordinary beauty of the reliefs Georgia Mountains will leave you with a truly unforgettable experience.
