Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri & Gergeti Trinity Church Day Tour from Tbilisi
- Duration10.5 hours
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Overview
This full-day tour from Tbilisi follows the legendary Georgian Military Road into the Greater Caucasus. With our guide you stop at the Zhinvali Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress, see where the black and white Aragvi rivers meet, admire the Gudauri viewpoint and Friendship Monument, and reach Stepantsminda, the gateway to Gergeti Trinity Church beneath Mount Kazbek. It is a shared group tour by air-conditioned bus, about ten and a half hours, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Highlights
- Ananuri Fortress above the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir
- Confluence of the Black and White Aragvi rivers
- Panoramic Gudauri viewpoint and the Friendship Monument
- Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 metres beneath Mount Kazbek
- Sampling of Caucasus mountain honey
- Professional guide and air-conditioned transport
Full Description
Ananuri Fortress and the Zhinvali Reservoir
About 70 kilometres north of Tbilisi, the 17th-century Ananuri Fortress rises above the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir. It was the seat of the Dukes of Aragvi, and inside its walls stand two churches, the larger Church of the Assumption decorated with fine stone carvings and fragments of frescoes.
You can climb the watchtower for a wide view over the water and the mountains. The first photo stop, at the reservoir viewpoint, is one of the most beautiful on the whole road. Allow about 45 minutes at Ananuri, a highlight of every Kazbegi tour from Tbilisi.
Gudauri Viewpoint and the Friendship Monument
Further up the Georgian Military Road you pass the ski resort of Gudauri and reach the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, built in 1983 above the Devil's Valley. Its semicircular balcony is covered with colourful tile mosaics showing scenes of Georgian and Russian history.
The real star is the view: deep green valleys, sharp peaks and, in summer, paragliders drifting past. On the way the guide also stops where the Black and White Aragvi rivers meet, their two colours flowing side by side. The road then crosses the Jvari Pass at about 2,379 metres, the highest point of the route.
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) Town
Stepantsminda, still widely known as Kazbegi, is a mountain town near the Russian border at the foot of Mount Kazbek, a dormant volcano 5,054 metres high. It is the base for hikes and the starting point for the road up to Gergeti.
You have about 30 minutes here to walk around, take photos of the peaks and buy lunch or snacks at your own cost. The best time to visit Kazbegi is from June to October, when roads are clear and meadows green; in winter heavy snow can change the plan, and our guide will suggest alternatives.
Gergeti Trinity Church
Built in the 14th century on a ridge at 2,170 metres, Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba) is one of the most photographed places in Georgia. The lonely stone church against the snowy summit of Kazbek is the image on countless postcards.
From Stepantsminda, special 4x4 vehicles take you up the steep road; this ride is paid locally and not included. At the top you have around 40 minutes to visit the church and enjoy the view. Women should cover their heads and wear a skirt, and men long trousers; wraps are usually available at the entrance.
Itinerary
- Departure from TbilisiMeet at Vakhtang Gorgasali Square in the Old Town and drive north on the Georgian Military Road.
- Zhinvali ReservoirPhoto stop over the turquoise lake, about 15 minutes.
- Ananuri FortressGuided visit of the fortress and churches, about 45 minutes.
- Honey stop and breakBreak with local mountain honey sampling and time for refreshments at your own cost.
- Black and White AragviShort stop at the river confluence, about 10 minutes.
- Gudauri viewpointPhotos at the Friendship Monument above the Devil's Valley, about 30 minutes.
- StepantsmindaFree time in town, about 30 minutes.
- Gergeti Trinity ChurchOptional 4x4 ride up to the church for about 40 minutes at the top.
- Return to TbilisiDrive back to Vakhtang Gorgasali Square; about 10.5 hours in total.
What's included
- Professional guide
- Transport by air-conditioned bus
- Stops at Zhinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress and the Gudauri viewpoint
- Visit to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
- Local honey tasting
Not included
- Meals and drinks
- 4x4 jeep from Kazbegi up to Gergeti Trinity Church (paid locally, cash preferred)
Is this right for you?
Great for
- History and culture lovers
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.9/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 10.5 hours
- You need hotel pickup — you meet at the meeting point
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Travellers with serious mobility impairments
- People sensitive to mountain roads and altitude
Meeting point
Meet your guide at Vakhtang Gorgasali Square in Old Tbilisi, near the Metekhi Bridge. The exact departure time is sent after booking; please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The tour returns to the same square in the evening.
Important information
- The 4x4 ride from Stepantsminda to Gergeti Trinity Church is paid locally in cash.
- Meals and drinks are not included; bring some cash for lunch.
- Dress in layers: it is much colder in the mountains than in Tbilisi, even in summer.
- At the church women cover their heads and legs; men wear long trousers.
- Luggage can be brought on the tour.
- In bad weather the route may be adjusted and alternative stops offered.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Kazbegi day tour from Tbilisi cost?
The price depends on the option you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts from a central meeting point at Vakhtang Gorgasali Square in Old Tbilisi, easy to reach on foot or by taxi.
How long is the Kazbegi tour?
About 10.5 hours, returning to Tbilisi in the evening.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children enjoy the mountains and the fortress. Bring warm clothes for them and be aware of the winding mountain road.
What should I wear and bring?
Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, sunglasses and cash for lunch and the 4x4 ride. Women need a head covering for the church.
Can I book for tomorrow?
Usually yes, if places are free. Choose the date in the booking panel and we send the meeting time.
What is the difference between the options?
There is one option: a shared guided day tour to Ananuri, Gudauri, Stepantsminda and Gergeti.
How do we get up to Gergeti Trinity Church?
By local 4x4 vehicles from Stepantsminda, paid on the spot. Fit walkers can also hike up in about 1.5 hours, but time on this tour is limited.
Is the Georgian Military Road open in winter?
It is usually open, but heavy snow or avalanche risk can close the Jvari Pass. If so, we adjust the route and offer alternative stops.
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