Georgia – Pontus from Thessaloniki

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for eastern Georgia, following the main highway that crosses the fertile valleys and foothills of the Caucasus. Along the way, we will discover the contrasts of Georgian nature as well as the country’s unique historical journey. Our first major stop is historic Mtskheta, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Iberia and one of the country’s most important religious centers, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will stroll through the picturesque alleys of the old town and experience the unique atmosphere of this medieval city. Next, we will visit the famous Jvari Monastery, built at a strategic point above the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. From here, the view of the valley is truly breathtaking. The monastery is directly linked to the Christianization of Georgia by Saint Nina in the 4th century. Arrival in the late afternoon in Tbilisi, the cosmopolitan capital of Georgia, a city where East and West coexist harmoniously. Its architecture reveals Byzantine, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian influences, creating a unique cultural mosaic. Check-in at the hotel and dinner. In the evening, an optional stroll through the illuminated Old Town for a first taste of Tbilisi’s special atmosphere.

Breakfast at the hotel, and we begin our tour of Georgia’s historic capital. We will visit the historic Sioni Cathedral, one of the country’s most important churches and the seat of the Patriarch of Georgia. Next, we’ll head to the impressive Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sambaya), one of the largest Orthodox religious structures in the world and a symbol of modern Georgian identity. Next, we’ll visit the famous Sulphur Baths district, the area that, according to tradition, led to the city’s founding. The distinctive domed baths and the atmosphere of old Tbilisi evoke images of a bygone era. During the panoramic tour, we will see Rustaveli Avenue, the Parliament, the Opera House, and important public buildings from the Russian imperial period. We will then walk through the picturesque alleys of the old town with their wooden balconies, traditional houses, and small churches. For those who wish, an optional climb to Narikala Fortress with a unique view of the entire city and the Kura River. Dinner at the hotel. In the evening, optional entertainment featuring traditional Caucasian dances and music. Overnight stay.

Breakfast and departure for western Georgia. Our first stop is the ancient rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe, a unique complex of caves carved into the rock, inhabited from antiquity through the Middle Ages. During the tour, we will explore Georgia’s pagan and Christian history through temples, tunnels, and ancient places of worship. We will then proceed to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, where we will visit the museum dedicated to the life and political career of the Soviet leader. The journey continues through lush green areas and mountainous landscapes toward the shores of the Black Sea. We arrive in the late afternoon in Batumi, the ancient “Deep Harbor” of the Greeks and today’s capital of Adjara. The city combines European aesthetics, modern architecture, and a seaside atmosphere. Check-in at the hotel and dinner. In the evening, an optional stroll along the seaside boulevard and through the historic city center.

Breakfast and early morning departure for the Georgia–Turkey border. After border formalities, we enter historic Pontus and follow the Black Sea coastal route. Passing through the ancient Athens of Pontus (Pazar), Rizunda, and Surmene, we explore the region where Hellenism flourished for centuries along the Black Sea. Arrival in historic Trebizond, capital of the Empire of the Grand Comnenes. We will visit the Church of Hagia Sophia, one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Pontus, featuring unique 13th-century frescoes and architecture. Next, we will see the famous Greek School of Trebizond, the most important educational institution of Pontic Hellenism, which still dominates the city’s waterfront today. Check-in at the hotel and dinner. In the evening, free time in the central Meydan Square, the heart of modern Trabzon, bustling with life, cafes, and shops.