Georgia is one of the world's first Christian nations: the country adopted Orthodox Christianity in 337 AD. Tbilisi preserves monuments from almost every era of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture — from early Christian basilicas to the modern Holy Trinity Cathedral built in 2004.
Anchiskhati is the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, built in the 5th–6th century. Its name comes from the Anchi Icon of the Saviour, which was kept here from the 11th century onwards.
Sioni is the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos. The first version was built in the 6th–7th century, and it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since. It houses the cross of St Nino — the patron saint of Georgia.
Metekhi — a church perched above the steep bank of the Kura river, dating from the 13th century. According to tradition, this is the site where Shushanik, the first Christian martyr of Georgia, was executed.
Sameba (Holy Trinity Cathedral) is the largest cathedral in Georgia, built between 1995 and 2004. It rises 84 metres to the top of its cross. Inside: golden mosaics and icons by Georgian masters.
The tour is conducted with full respect for religious traditions. Covered shoulders and knees are required at all sites; women need a head covering. Timur will explain the rules of conduct before entering each church.
Tbilisi is a city where a mosque, a synagogue, an Armenian church and a Georgian Orthodox church all stand within 200 metres of each other. The interfaith walking route — Sioni → Anchiskhati → Juma Mosque → Synagogue → Armenian Surb Gevorg — can be done entirely on foot in two hours.
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Timur is a private English-speaking guide with a 4.9 rating. Groups of up to 7 people, hotel pick-up, 10% deposit to confirm.
More about Old Tbilisi tours →The programme includes 5–6 main sacred sites: Sioni, Metekhi, Anchiskhati, Tsminda Sameba, Jvari and the Mtskheta monastery — depending on your chosen route.
Yes: shoulders and knees must be covered. Women need a head covering. The guide will remind you in advance or provide wraps at the entrance.
Mtskheta is the religious capital of Georgia with its most ancient churches. We recommend including it in the route — it is just 20 km from Tbilisi and worth every minute.
The oldest surviving church in Tbilisi (5th–6th century) stands in the shade of trees beside the Metekhi Bridge. Large tour groups rarely make it here — the atmosphere is quiet, and you can genuinely feel the age of the stone walls. Entry is free. Timur will tell the story of the Anchi Icon of the Saviour, which was kept here from 1664.
The Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos, 6th–7th century. It houses the cross of St Nino, patron saint of Georgia — a vine cross bound together with her own hair. The walk from Anchiskhati is 400 metres. Entry is free. Best visited before noon, before larger groups arrive.
A 13th-century church sitting on a cliff directly above the river. It offers the finest panoramic view of the sulphur bath district and Narikala fortress. In front of the church stands the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi. The walk up from the embankment takes five minutes.
The largest Orthodox cathedral in the Caucasus (84 m tall), completed in 2004. It occupies 3 hectares on Elia Hill. Its golden dome is visible from all over the city. Photography inside is permitted but should be done respectfully. Distance from the centre: 2 km by car.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral — the "Life-Giving Pillar" (11th century, UNESCO) — is said to contain the robe of Jesus Christ. Entry ₾3. On the hill opposite stands Jvari cross church (6th century), from which the confluence of two rivers spreads out before you like a map. The drive from Tbilisi: 20 km, 25 minutes.
Route: Metekhi (13th century, view of the Kura), Sioni (main cathedral, cross of St Nino), Anchiskhati (6th century, oldest church in Tbilisi), Kashveti on Rustaveli Avenue (frescoes by Lado Gudiashvili). Then on to Jvari and Svetitskhoveli in Mtskheta (30 minutes from Tbilisi). Total duration: 5–6 hours. The price includes the transfer to Mtskheta. All churches have free entry; dress code: covered shoulders and knees (head coverings provided free of charge at the entrance).
The tour starts from your hotel in Tbilisi. Timur picks you up in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Group size: up to 7 people; suitable for families with children. Payment in GEL (₾) by cash or bank transfer. Book via WhatsApp — Timur replies within 10–15 minutes and sends a confirmation with full route details.
In high season (May–October) book 3–5 days ahead. In winter and shoulder season, the day before is usually fine. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. In poor weather we reschedule at no extra charge.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off, private guide, all entry tickets on the route, bottled water. Not included: lunch (average restaurant bill ₾25–40), personal purchases and souvenirs.
In three years working as a guide in Tbilisi, Timur has led more than 500 tours and knows what matters to travellers: punctuality, genuine facts rather than rehearsed phrases, and the flexibility to adapt the route on the spot. Every tour is private — no buses of 40 strangers, maximum 7 guests. That means you can ask every question, stop wherever you like, and spend as long as you need at each site.
A 4.9 out of 5 rating on Google Maps (112 reviews) is not a coincidence. Timur replies on WhatsApp within 10–15 minutes, sends a detailed plan before the trip, and stays in touch throughout. Many guests come back for a second and third tour — which is the best compliment of all.
Send a message on WhatsApp: +995 511 272 623. Timur will confirm the date, group size and any special requests, then send a confirmation with the route, timing and price. A 10% deposit secures the booking; the balance is paid on the day. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start.
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