Mtskheta, Jvari, Bazaar and Chronicles of Georgia Tour from Tbilisi

Chronicles of Georgia: the giant monument above Tbilisi

The Chronicles of Georgia rise from a hill on the north-eastern edge of Tbilisi, above the blue reservoir locals call the Tbilisi Sea. Completed in the 1980s and never fully finished, the monument is a row of massive bronze-toned pillars, each around thirty metres tall, covered in carved scenes. The upper sections show kings, queens and heroes from Georgian history, while the lower sections tell stories from the life of Christ.

Many visitors to Tbilisi never find it, because it sits away from the old town and public transport is limited, which is exactly why this stop is a highlight of the tour. You spend about thirty minutes here with your guide, walking up the wide stone steps and looking closely at the carvings. Is the Chronicles of Georgia worth visiting? For the scale alone and the sweeping views over the reservoir and the hills, most travellers say yes.

Jvari Monastery: Georgia's most famous viewpoint

Jvari Monastery stands on a rocky hill above Mtskheta, at the spot where, according to tradition, a large wooden cross was raised in the fourth century when Georgia embraced Christianity. The small stone church you see today was built around the year 600, and its compact cross-shaped plan with a central dome became a model for churches across the Caucasus. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Historical Monuments of Mtskheta.

The view is the reason everyone comes: far below, the clear Aragvi river meets the darker Mtkvari river, and the red roofs of Mtskheta spread along the water with mountains behind. You spend about thirty minutes at Jvari for photos, a guided visit and a quiet moment inside. A Jvari Monastery tour from Tbilisi is short by car, but the hilltop is windy, so a light layer is welcome even in summer.

Mtskheta: the ancient capital of Georgia

Mtskheta, about twenty kilometres north of Tbilisi, was the capital of the early Georgian kingdom of Iberia for many centuries and is still the seat of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Its compact old town of stone houses, wooden balconies and cobbled lanes sits between the two rivers you saw from Jvari, and the whole town feels like an open-air museum of Georgian faith and history.

This is the longest stop of the day, about two hours, combining a guided walk with free time. A Mtskheta tour from Tbilisi usually takes a full morning on your own with taxis and waiting; here transport and timing are handled for you. The best time to visit Mtskheta is spring or autumn, when the hills are green or golden and the lanes are calmer, but the town is lively and pleasant all year.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is the most important church in Georgia. The present building dates from the early eleventh century and stands inside fortified walls in the heart of Mtskheta. Georgian tradition holds that the robe of Christ is buried beneath it, and the cathedral has been the place where Georgian kings were crowned and buried. Inside, you see frescoes, carved stone, royal tombs and a small stone chapel built within the main hall.

Your guide brings you into the cathedral and shares the legends that surround it, then leaves you time to sit quietly. Dress respectfully: shoulders and knees covered, and women are asked to cover their hair with a scarf, which you can bring yourself. Svetitskhoveli opening hours follow daily services, and visitors are welcome throughout the day, so the tour timing fits well.

The Mtskheta bazaar and its local crafts

The lanes leading to the cathedral are lined with small stalls run by local families. Here you find felt and wool hats, knitted socks, carved wooden spoons and boxes, hand-painted icons, enamel jewellery, spices such as blue fenugreek and dried marigold, and strings of churchkhela, the traditional Georgian sweet made by dipping walnuts into thickened grape juice until it forms a chewy coating.

Free time here is relaxed: browse, chat with the makers, take photos of the old wooden balconies, or find a café for a coffee and a pastry. This tour option does not include tastings, so anything you buy or try is at your own choice and cost. It is one of the best places near Tbilisi to buy authentic souvenirs directly from the people who make them.