Pilgrimage Tour - Following in the Footsteps of Saints

Mtskheta

Mtskheta, one of the oldest and most culturally significant cities in Georgia, offers a unique experience for pilgrims and tourists. Mtskheta is a historic city located 20 kilometers north of the capital, Tbilisi. In 1994, the historic center of Mtskheta was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of Georgia's oldest cities. Archaeological excavations trace human settlements in the area of Mtskheta back to the 3rd–2nd millennium BCE.

David Gareja Monastery, a complex of cave monasteries from the 6th century.

A complex of ancient Georgian Christian cave monasteries and the main religious center of eastern Georgia in the 6th century, located 60 km southeast of Tbilisi, on the Georgian-Azerbaijani border. David Gareja is one of the oldest functioning monasteries in the world. It also serves as a pilgrimage site for believers and attracts tourists with its cultural and religious significance, making it an important subject of study in the art and history of Georgia.

• Date of foundation: 6th century

Bodbe Monastery

Bodbe Monastery is a special place of pilgrimage and a cultural artifact. It houses the women's monastery of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Nino. Surrounded by the mountains of Kakheti, this secluded historical retreat radiates spiritual energy, inviting visitors to explore its sacred sites and enjoy its magnificent landscapes. Bodbe Monastery is a women's monastery of the Bodbe Diocese of the Georgian Orthodox Church, located two kilometers from Sighnaghi in Kakheti, Georgia. It is the resting place of Saint Nino, the enlightener of Georgia, who passed away there in 347 at the age of 67 after 35 years of apostolic labor. The temple feast is celebrated on January 14th, traditionally attracting many pilgrims.

Borjomi - Likani

Borjomi is a resort town in central Georgia. The town is renowned for its Borjomi mineral water, which ranks first in Georgian exports. Likani is located on the western outskirts of Borjomi in the Borjomi Gorge and is one of the popular mountain resorts. Likani features several important historical sites, including a three-nave basilica (8th–9th century) and the Romanovs’ Palace (1892–1895). The palace was designed by architect Leontiy Nikolaevich Benois. It was built on the bank of the Kura River and initially intended as a countryside palace for the royal family.

• Date of foundation: 12th century

Desert of Seraphim of Sarov in Borjomi

The Desert of Seraphim of Sarov is nestled in the greenery of the Borjomi forest, gaining its majesty atop a mountain. This holy place, imbued with the spirit of faith, is a site of worship and prayer for believers from different corners of Georgia. On this sacred land, the hermitage of the great Russian saint, Seraphim of Sarov, canonized in 1903 by the blessing of Nicholas II, has been recreated. At the top of the mountain stands a stone engraved with the words of Saint Seraphim of Sarov about Iveria—the Lot of the Mother of God. This inscription, presented in Georgian and Russian, serves as a reminder of the saint's spiritual heritage and draws the attention of those seeking spiritual elevation. The Desert of Seraphim of Sarov holds special value due to the personal involvement of the Georgian bishop Seraphim (Jojua) in painting the church standing on this sacred territory. His contribution to creating this spiritual sanctuary strengthens the connection between Georgia and the great Russian saint, building a bridge between the two cultures in the monastery.

• Date of foundation: 2007

Zugdidi - Robe of the Blessed Virgin

Zugdidi (Georgian: ზუგდიდი) is a city in western Georgia, Mingrelia. It is located in the Colchis Lowland, 30 km from the Black Sea coast, on the Black Sea highway and the road leading to Svaneti (up to the village of Mestia). Zugdidi celebrates the holiday of Vlakhernoba (Georgian: ვლაქერნობა) — a Georgian church holiday honoring the Robe of the Virgin in Blachernae. The holiday is celebrated annually on July 15th, with central events held in Zugdidi at the Church of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God.

Svaneti - Ushguli and Mestia

Svaneti is a historic mountainous region in northwestern Georgia. The Upper Svaneti is bordered to the north and east by the Greater Caucasus Range, with peaks such as Shkhara, Ushba, Tetnuldi, and others marking Georgia's border with Russia. Upper Svaneti is renowned for its architectural treasures and picturesque landscapes. Notable are the residential towers constructed primarily in the 9th–12th centuries. Ancient stone Orthodox churches have also been preserved. Ushguli and Mestia are popular towns among tourists. Ushguli is situated at an elevation of 2200 meters above sea level; Mestia at 1500 meters above sea level.