Kutaisi

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• It is a small and very beautiful monastery with round turrets crowned with peaked tent-shaped domes. The monastery is standing above the rough Rioni river and is buried in coastal vegetation. According to the legend the monastery was constructed on the place where Muslim aggressors executed David and Konstantin Mkheidze, Georgian princes, who refused to accept Islam. In a small monastery hall on an eminence there is a big rectangular ark with the hallows of the pious princes canonized by Georgian Church. Motsameta attracts crowds of tourists with an ancient superstition: if one crawls three times under the ark and makes a wish while touching the hallows, the princes David and Konstantin will grant it. The Tsar Bagrat III reconstructed the church in the 10 th century. The building was reconstructed again in the 19 th century.

• Gelati Monastery is located in the Imereti region. The monastery was founded by David the Builder in 1106. We read in his will: u201cThe monastery remained for my burial and for the crypt of my children forever and I will take eternal pain, so may my son Dimitri complete the constructionu201d. Here the greatest king of Georgia is buried. The ensemble includes the main church of the Assumption of the Virgin, St. George's Church, St. Nicholas Church, bell tower, academy and fence. Gelati Monastery was the largest cultural and educational center. nGelati complex is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Tskhrajvari (u2018Nine Crossesu2019) is quite possibly the most spectacular viewpoint in all of Georgia, and definitely among the best day hikes near Kutaisi.nTskhrajvari is an Orthodox pilgrimage site and viewpoint located near the Nakerala Pass, right on the cusp of Western Georgiau2019s Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi regions.nnAt 1,500 metres above sea level, it affords incredible views of the Greater Caucasus mountains, including the twin peaks of Ushba. On a clear day you can see all the way out to the Black Sea.nThe hike starts out from behind the abandoned concrete cable car station. Immediately you start going up, but at a very gentle incline. The path is not strictly marked but itu2019s fairly obvious where you should go. If in doubt, follow the white rocks. nViewpoints open out all along the track. Youu2019ll also see various religious shrines, including a hollowed-out tree trunk filled with icons , and wishing trees heavy with satin scarves, ribbons and pieces of torn cloth.

• Shaori Reservoir is one of the most attractive places in Racha. Heading to Racha, you cannot overpass the Reservoir which dazzles you with its landscape.

• Nikortsminda Cathedral is a Georgian Orthodox Church, located in Nikortsminda, Racha region of Georgia.nNikortsminda was built in 1010u20131014 during the reign of Bagrat III of Georgia[1] and was repaired in 1534 by the King Bagrat III of Imereti. Three-storied bell-tower next to the cathedral was built in the second half of the 19th century. Frescoes inside the cathedral date from the 17th century.nThe cathedral follows a short-armed rectangular cross plan and has a short segment to the west. The facades of the cathedral are covered with smoothly hewn stone. Decorations include unbroken arcatures and various rich ornaments, including multiple-figured narrative reliefs and episodes. Nikortsminda has among the most beautiful decorations of all Georgian churches and cathedrals as several different styles can be seen.nnThe cathedral is on the Tentative List for status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby

• Specialized infant seats are available

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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