Treasures of Colchis - The former capital of the kingdom of Colchis - Kutaisi

Route: Batumi / Kutaisi - Gelati - Motsameta - Batumi / Kutaisi. Duration: for Batumi about 12 hours to Kutaisi 5-6 including commuting time. Hours of meetings for people coming from Kutaisi will be different and location as well !.

I suspect that each of us have heard the Greek myth of the Argonauts quest for the Golden Fleece. Apart from the fantastic adventures that met the Argonauts, led by a brave sailor Jason, the purpose of their trip was the ancient Colchis, where these "golden fleece" was found. Although the Argonauts times are long gone, still it reflected the atmosphere of the ancient and mysterious Georgia. By proposing to you this trip we want you to take you on a journey where you will find your own "golden fleece" - this what is important for travelers - unforgettable memories.

Trip plan

08:30 - 09:00 We meet at the old city of Batumi, on the street Parnavaza MEPE 22 - next to Piazza.

11:30 Arrival to Kutaisi - the capital of Imereti region, the second largest and most important city in the country. After the first mention of this town appear in the sixth century BC. According to one version, in the first millennium BC Kutaisi was the capital of Colchis. In the ninth century BC it was the capital of the kingdom of Abkhazia. For 300 years the city was inhabited by Georgian kings. Then in 1122 the capital was moved to Tbilisi and Kutaisi lost its importance. But in the fifteenth century, after the separation of the Imereti region from Georgia, Kutaisi again become the center of the kingdom of Imereti. Currently, it is one of the most important cities in Georgia.

Our tour of the Kutaisi will start from the "old city". This small district, in the historic center of Kutaisi, in recent years a past renovation on a large scale. In the center of Kutaisi's there is Drama Theatre Lado Meskhishvili project, which was built in 1860. Recently, before the theater was built fountain, referring to the times of ancient Colchis, which consists of 30 gilded figures - plus copies of archaeological finds. The next point on our route is the Opera House, designed by Meliton Balanchivadze, which is a miniature copy of the Vienna State Opera building.

One of the nicer buildings in the old town - is a school building, where in 1902-1906 has taught Vladimir Mayakovsky, who was born in the village of Bagdati, near Kutaisi. Monument to the poet located directly in front of the gymnasium. In Kutaisi is also a monument to the authors of the famous song "Suliko" - a group of sculptures depicting the four sisters Ishhneli. Particularly noteworthy are the numerous bridges on the river Rioni. White Bridge (or "tetra Headey") - is a kind of sign of Kutaisi. It is the first bridge which was built in Kutaisi in 1850-1852 year. Several years later it was demolished, and in 1871-1872 he built from scratch. A landscape that stretches from the bridge is very charming.

13:00 Dinner in Georgian restaurant.

14:00 Next we go to the Bagrati cathedral, which was built in Kutaisi during the reign of Bagrat III and its name derives from its founder - the first king of united Georgia. Bagrati Cathedral, located on a hill Ukimerioni. From the top of the hill overlooking the entire city. In 1994 the cathedral was declared a World Heritage Site. But after the restoration work carried out, during which they have been added modern touches, such as glass viewing platforms, in 2013 UNESCO decided to write the cathedral from the list.

15.30 Then we're going to see Gelati Monastery and Academy. Just a few kilometers outside the town, on the slopes of picturesque mountains, among the mighty oaks, is a complex of Gelati. Gelati Monastery was founded in 1106 by King David the Builder. Here they are buried almost all the kings of the era of the "Golden Age" of Georgia, as well as some of the kings of Imereti. The monastery complex consists of three churches and bell towers, but perhaps the most important building here is the famous Academy, which in the early Middle Ages was the center of the Georgian scientific thought. Since 1994, the architectural complex Gelati is protected by UNESCO in the list of world cultural and historical heritage.

17.00 The last point of our trip is the monastery Motsameta - less known, but no less impressive. Convent of "martyrs", perched above the river Rioni in the turbulent surrounded by lush vegetation of Colchis. According to legend, Motsameta stands in the place of execution of Georgian princes Konstantin and Davit who were captured by the Arabs, who torture tried to force them to convert to Islam. The princes remained faithful to the Christian faith, in later years they have been canonized, and the relics are the remains of saints in the church.

18.00 Super in Georgian restaurant.

21:30 Arrival to Batumi, where the trip came to an end.

Tour price: from Batumi 65 USD / from Kutaisi 30 USD for adults.

The tour price includes: Transport Services passage comfortable minibus with air conditioning. Services of a professional guide. Upon request, tours are conducted in the following languages: English, Russian, Polish, Georgian. Admission tickets according to the program tour. Georgian mineral water bottle (1 liter) for 1 person during the tour. Dinner and super. Warning: • For children till the 12 years discount of 50%.