Half day from Tbilisi · UNESCO World Heritage
Mtskheta tour from Tbilisi
A short trip by private car from Tbilisi to Mtskheta, Georgia’s former capital: Jvari Monastery on its hill above two rivers, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the old town below.
- Starts and endsYour hotel or address in Tbilisi
- DurationHalf day
- With youEnglish-speaking driver; guide on request
- WalkingShort and easy at both sites
Mtskheta tour price
Price for the whole vehicle, in Georgian lari (GEL), with pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Tbilisi.
| Sedan 1–3 pax | Van 4–6 pax | Sprinter 7–18 pax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 150 GEL | 200 GEL | 250 GEL |
Why Mtskheta
Mtskheta was the capital of an early Georgian kingdom and is still the spiritual centre of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Its historic monuments are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the town is close enough to Tbilisi for a morning or an afternoon.
- Jvari Monastery: a 6th-century church on a hilltop above the point where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers meet, with the town spread out below
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: the 11th-century cathedral at the heart of the old town, inside its fortified walls
- Old Mtskheta: the lanes and craft stalls around the cathedral
Getting from Tbilisi to Mtskheta
Mtskheta is about 20 kilometres north of central Tbilisi. Minibuses run from Didube bus station to the town, and taxi apps work too. Jvari Monastery is the harder part: it sits on a hilltop across the river from the town, with no public transport up to it, so you need a car either way. A private car takes you to both sites and back to your hotel. Mtskheta is one of several day trips from Tbilisi.
The trip, step by step
A typical day looks like this. The exact order and timing are agreed with you.
- Pickup From your hotel in Tbilisi.
- Jvari Monastery The church and the viewpoint over the confluence.
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral The cathedral and the old town around it.
- Return Drop-off in Tbilisi.
Visiting churches
Both sites are active places of worship. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women are usually expected to cover their hair. Scarves are sometimes available at the entrance, but bring your own to be sure. Services may be taking place when you visit; keep voices low and ask before taking photos of people.
A trip that combines well
Because it is short, Mtskheta fits with other plans. Some travellers add it to the start of the Kazbegi tour, since the road north passes nearby. Others add it to an airport transfer on their first or last day. Say what you have in mind in your request.
Driver or guide: what you get
Your driver speaks English, drives, waits and helps with the logistics of the day. A guide explains the history and leads you around the sites. They are different jobs, and the driver is not automatically a guide.
If you would like a guide as well, ask when you request a quote and we will arrange one for your date.
Included and not included
Included
- Private car with driver
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi
Not included
- Guide, unless agreed in the quote
- Meals and drinks
- Donations or tickets at the sites
Mtskheta tour questions
How far is Mtskheta from Tbilisi?
It is just north of the city, close enough for a half-day trip.
Why is it called a tour if a guide is not included?
Here a tour means a planned private trip to Mtskheta’s sights. Guiding is a separate service you can ask for.
Is it suitable for older travellers?
Yes. Both sites are reached by car, with short walks from the parking areas. Jvari has some uneven ground around the church.
Plan your trip
Tell us where you are going
Send your date, pickup point and group size on WhatsApp. We reply with a price for your vehicle. Asking does not commit you to anything.