In pursuit of the saints

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IN PURSUIT OF THE SAINTS

In pursuit of the Saints

Georgia is one of the world's first Christian countries. It was officially converted to Christianity in 337AD with the evangelism of st. Nino of Cappadocia. Christianity in Georgia starts from the 1st century though: holy Apostles Andrew the First-Called, simon the Canaanite and Mathias preached the Gospel here. In the 6th century 13 syrian fathers came to preach Christianity once again. Following the footsteps of these saints we will take you deep into the history of Christianity in Georgia and get to know all its important developing steps from the 1st century till today.

GEORGIA: DISCOVER IT, LET IT THROUGH YOURSELF AND ENJOY IT!

DAY 1: Arrive in Batumi

Batumi city tour. Overnight in Batumi.

DAY 2: Batumi – Akhaltsikhe

We start to follow the routes of the saints by visiting Gonio fortress, where the tomb of the apostle Matthias is kept. Then we continue to Meskheti region via beautiful Goderdzi pass (2025m). According to the historical sources, st. Andrew the First-Called made many miracles in this region and converted people to Christianity. Visit Zarzma monastery standing in the middle of Muslim village and well-known for its amazing frescos. Two overnights in Akhaltsikhe.

DAY 3: Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Akha

We will visit Khertvisi fortress and magnificent cave town Vardzia (see the fresco of the most beloved Georgian queen – Tamar later canonized by Georgian synod as the saint). Afterwards

we continue to the caves of Vani – used as a nunnery in 7th century. In the evening drive back to Akhaltsikhe.

DAY 4: Akhaltsikhe – Mtskheta – Tbilisi

First we visit Atskuri village where st. Andrew demolished the pagan cults and established Christian church on the place of nowadays Atskuri fortress (9th c). Then we drive to the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta (UNEsCO heritage site). This town keeps lots of memories from the time when Georgia officially became Christian. We visit Jvari church, where the maiden from Cappadocia erected the cross in the 4th century and the holiest place of all Georgians – svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the robe of Christ is buried. Visit samtavro monastery (11th c), where under a blackberry bush st. Nino lived for 6 years. Continue to the capital and overnight in Tbilisi.

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DAY 5: Tbilisi – David Gareja – Kvare

Drive to David Gareja cave complex located in a stark, semi-desert landscape. This monastery was founded in 6th century by one of the syrian fathers –David. It was one of the major spiritual centers of the whole region housing even 6000 monks on special religious days. Overnight in Kvareli.

DAY 6: Kakheti Region

Many churches and cloisters in Kakheti are connected with names of 13 syrian fathers. We visit couple of them: impressive Alaverdi Cathedral (11th c), Ikalto (6th c) and Nekresi Monasteries (4th c). As Kakheti is famous for its wine and cuisine, we visit local's house for lunch, see unique wine-cellars and taste typical wines. Drive to Tbilisi.

DAY 7: Tbilisi

Tbilisi city tour. As the final spot of our tour tracing the saints in Georgia we visit Mama Daviti (one of the syrian fathers) Church situated on Mtatsminda (meaning holly Mountain).