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Golden Age of Kartli: Marvel at Unknown Architectural Masterpieces

Ateni Sioni

Fresco detail from Maghalaant

Kvatakhevi

Maghalaant church

Detail from Samtavisi

Samtavisi

Svetitskhoveli detail

Svetitskhoveli

Svetitskhoveli detail

Vehicle option: Toyota Highlander

Vehicle option: Suzuki Jimny

Golden Age of Kartli: Marvel at Unknown Architectural Masterpieces

Off the Beaten Path

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2026

Timothy M.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Tbilisi

English (Native), Georgian

10 hours

Private tour (only you and Timothy M.)

Up to 4 people

Georgia is exceptionally rich in magnificent works of medieval architecture. This trip makes a deep dive into some of the best examples of Golden Age and Late Antiquity works located within a short drive from Tbilisi, most of which are very rarely visited by tour groups! From intricate relief carvings to soaring proportions to exquisite works of wall art, this trip is suitable for casual aestheticians as well as nerdy lovers of architraves and squinches.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Your hotel in Tbilisi

- I'll pick you up at your hotel in Tbilisi, or at some nearby convenient point if parking is restricted on that street.

10:30 AM

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Although a major tourist destination, the trip wouldn't be complete without a look at the greatest masterpiece of Georgian Golden Age architecture. Let's visit it first.

12:00 PM

Maghalaant Church

A rarely visited, half abandoned High Middle Ages hall church with incredible ornate frescoes and relief carvings.

01:00 PM

Kvatakhevi Monastery

A beautifully decorated 13th-century domed church hidden away in a tranquil forest.

02:00 PM

Lunch

Picnic lunch in the forest (my treat) or else a restaurant in Gori (not included in tour price).

03:30 PM

Ateni Sioni

One of the oldest surviving churches in Georgia and some of the oldest original frescoes as well. Located on a promontory in a dramatic river canyon, Ateni is a deeply mystical and holy place rarely visited by tourists.

05:00 PM

Samtavisi

A beautiful, classically formed domed church which served as the architectural model for many to follow.

Ending Point

Your hotel in Tbilisi

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Guide, driver, vehicle (Toyota Highlander or Suzuki Jimny), fuel, picnic lunch.

What‘s not included

Any personal expenses; any meals besides picnic lunch; personal travel insurance.

Tour Important Information

* Most of the trip will be indoors, but please be prepared for all weather circumstances.

* Out of respect to Georgian religious customs, a dress code is generally required for visiting churches. Guests should not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts (knees and shoulders should be covered). When entering a church, women should cover their head (scarves are provided at church entrance) and men should uncover their head.

Please note that Svetitskhoveli is closed to tourists on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. In case of a booking on these days, the schedule of the trip will be altered.

Alternative destinations are available -- inquire for possibilities!

Important message from the supplier

All tours are customizable! My specialty is in off-the-beaten-track destinations in Georgia's backcountry, places where mainstream tour groups never go. Please inquire with your specific interests and I will plan a unique experience for you and your group. Booking of multi-day adventures and excursions is also possible -- please inquire for details and pricing of overnight trips.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2026

Timothy M.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Timothy M.

I am an American who has been living in Georgia for more than ten years, and I've spent much of that time exploring the most remote and obscure corners of Georgia, visiting countless out-of-the-way villages and forgotten heritage sites. I offer fully bespoke travel experiences for individuals or small groups who are interested in seeing more of Georgia than the mainstream touristic sites. Whether it's discovering ancient fortresses and monasteries, trekking along lonely ridges, offroading in remote deserts, cultural experiences with local families, tea and wine tastings, or whatever else you might be interested in, I create unforgettable journeys in Georgia for you.

Daytrips and multi-day adventures both available. All trips are fully customizable according to your interests. Sample itineraries are listed as daytrips from Tbilisi, but all possibilities can be combined and altered; message me to inquire about details.