Unearth the Legend of Old Tbilisi with Wine Tasting - Private Walking Tour
The old Tbilisi tour is the perfect thing to do to feel the beauty of Tbilisi. During this tour, you walk through the old town's tiny streets with our knowledgeable tour guide who is like a friend to you. Moreover, you discover secrets behind colourful streets and hear beautiful legends and stories. However, exploring the city during the day gives you impressions that will stay with you forever.
Firstly we start the walk from Rike park and go through the old town. We visit magnificent buildings and important places like Metekhi Church, Sioni Church, Puppet Theater, Clock Tower, Anchiskhati Church, and Peace Bridge. Secondly, After some walking, we go up to Narikala fortress and Mother of Georgia by cable car to enjoy the birds-eye views of Tbilisi. After that, walking down from the fortress, we move to Sulphur Baths, known as the city's heart. We end up at the Leghvtakgevi waterfall.
The tour begins by visiting the Narikala fortress, where we will use the cable car to overlook old Tbilisi, with its amazing architecture and historical sites. According to history, the structure was established in the 4th century as a Sasanian citadel called Shuris-tsikhe ( "Invidious Fort"). It was considerably expanded by the Umayyads in the 7th century and later, by king David the Builder (1089–1125). The Mongols renamed it "Narin Qala," which translates to "Little Fortress." The majority of the extant fortifications were constructed during the 16th and 17th centuries. Following damage caused by an earthquake in 1827, parts of the fortress were demolished. However, guests are still able to walk around the castle. The Narikala Fortress offers two distinct perspectives. On one side of the wall, visitors can observe the bustling metropolis of the city, while on the other, they can enjoy the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the Botanical Garden.
In 1958, a statue was erected on Sololaki Hill, coinciding with the 1,500th anniversary of Tbilisi. The twenty-metre aluminium figure of a woman in Georgian national dress was designed by the renowned Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli. The figure symbolises the Georgian national character. In her left hand she holds a bowl of wine to greet those who come as friends, and in her right hand is a sword for those who come as enemies.
From Narikala fortress we will walk down to Abanotubani. According to legend, this place became the reason for the founding of Tbilisi in the 5th century AD. Sulfur water flows naturally from the soil in the Abanotubani area and supplies about 3,000,000 litres of water daily with an average temperature of 47 °.
Right in the centre of the capital, you can enjoy the beauty of Leghvtakhevi Waterfall where you can escape the hot weather in summer and enjoy the coolness. Discover the beautiful gorge located within the old town, that is very accessible to visitors, excellent pathways crossing Tbilisi’s lock bridge. A small but perfectly formed, inner-city waterfall.
After the waterfall, we will take the road to Chardin street, the most colourful and favorite street in Tbilisi. Named in honour of Jean Chardin, a French traveller, who travelled to Georgia in the 18th century and returned to his native land with great fascination. This street is famous for its nightlife. Here you will find one of the best places where you will be invited to try Georgian organic wines. You can also get information about them.
One of the holiest places in Georgia, the first church, was built here in the 5th century by the order of Vakhtang Gorgasali. The present temple is a 17th-century building that keeps the fourth-century St. Nino's original cross.
In 2010, Rezo Gabriadze built a unique clock tower with puppets next to the stateroom. Every hour an angel rings a bell and tells us the time. Twice a day, there is a small 5-minute performance called Life Cycle. The beautiful walking glass bridge is on the list of the 10 most beautiful bridges and a sightseeing spot you must not miss, the Peace Bridge was officially opened in 2010. It is 156 metres long and consists of 10,000 lamps.
Through Rike Park, we will visit the St. Mary's Cathedral of Metekhi, located on the left bank of the river Mtkvari. According to the legend, the remains of St. Shushanik can be found here. You will listen to the stories and view the statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali situated in the yard of the Metekhi Temple.