Skip to contentMTSKHETA & JVARI, GEORGIA
To get the best experience in Mtskheta & Jvari you need to book one of our local friendly tour guides. Who will be able to show you around, make you feel like a local. Whether you want to see the tourist sites or visit places off the beaten track and discover new experiences, then our Guides4me guide is there to make it happen.
Tommie
Tommie is LGBT friendly speaks English, Russian, Georgian, Turkish and Azerbaijani.
He began his professional career in inspection and investigation before following his passion for tourism in 2018. Since then, he has become a dedicated tour guide, organising memorable experiences across the whole of Georgia.
He loves meeting people from every corner of the world and learning about their cultures, stories and travel dreams. Tommie takes great pride in helping guests create lasting memories, whether they are discovering Georgia for the first time or returning to see more.
A professional musician who plays both the accordion and piano, Tommie brings warmth, personality and local insight to every tour. He is excited to show guests the country’s famous landmarks, authentic local life and the hidden gems that make Georgia so special.
Total cost for the guide services of Tommie for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 200 in cash to Tommie after his services. This makes a total of USD 239.
This INCLUDES transport, however does exclude any entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
“Tommy was punctual, knowledgeable on both the political and religious history of Georgia. He was friendly without being overbearing and most of all, thanks to Tommie, we had some amazing Georgian cuisine and wine. It was a pleasure having him show us his country” – Amin, UK.
“The day with Tommie went great. He was very friendly and took us where we wanted to go, highly recommended” – Chris, USA.
“Tommie was a brilliant guide, he arranged everything for us, we had a brilliant time in Tbilisi with him, highly recommended” – David, Austria.
Discover Mtskheta & Jvari
Mtskheta is one of Georgia’s most important historic destinations. It sits around 20 kilometres north-west of Tbilisi, so visitors can usually reach it in around 30–40 minutes by road. Because of its location, it works very well as a half-day or full-day trip from the capital. The nearest major airport is Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). From the airport, Mtskheta is roughly 40 kilometres away, depending on the route and traffic.
A Centre of Georgian History and Culture
Mtskheta has played an important role in Georgian history for centuries. It was once an ancient capital, and it remains closely connected with the country’s Christian heritage. As a result, the town has a very different atmosphere from modern Tbilisi.
The local culture reflects Georgia’s strong traditions of hospitality, family life and religion. Visitors will also notice the importance of food, wine and long social meals. Georgian people are widely known for welcoming guests warmly, and this is especially noticeable in smaller historic towns such as Mtskheta.
What to See and Do in Mtskheta
One of the main highlights is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which stands in the centre of Mtskheta. It is one of Georgia’s most significant religious buildings and is known for its impressive stone architecture, history and spiritual importance.
Visitors can also explore the old streets around the cathedral. Small shops, cafés and local stalls create a relaxed atmosphere, while the surrounding mountains and river valleys give the town an attractive setting.
Visit Jvari Monastery
Jvari Monastery sits on a hill above Mtskheta and offers one of the best viewpoints in the area. From here, visitors can look across the town and see the meeting point of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. The monastery itself is simple but highly significant. Its elevated position, historic architecture and panoramic views make it one of the most memorable stops near Mtskheta.
Food and Local Experiences
Georgian food is an important part of any visit. Local restaurants often serve dishes such as khinkali, khachapuri, grilled meats, vegetables, fresh bread and traditional cheeses. In addition, the region is strongly connected with Georgian wine culture. Travellers can combine sightseeing with a traditional meal, local wine tasting or a visit to nearby countryside areas. This makes Mtskheta suitable for visitors who want more than just historic monuments.
4 Days in Georgia – Culture, Wine and the Caucasus
Spend four memorable days discovering some of Georgia’s most fascinating destinations. Begin in Tbilisi, exploring the Old Town, Metekhi Church, sulfur baths, Narikala Fortress, the Bridge of Peace, Sameba Cathedral and the Mtkvari River. In the evening, enjoy traditional Georgian food, live music and national dancing. The following day, travel to Mtskheta and Jvari to discover Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Samtavro Monastery and Jvari Monastery, with beautiful views across the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.
Continue into Kakheti, Georgia’s famous wine region. This is where you can visit Ujarma Fortress, Telavi, the Alazani Valley, Sighnaghi and Bodbe Monastery, with the chance to enjoy local wine tasting and a traditional Kakhetian lunch. On the final day, head towards Kazbegi along the Georgian Military Highway, stopping at Zhinvali Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress before reaching Stepantsminda and Gergeti Trinity Church. This 4-day journey combines Georgian history, culture, wine, food and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Caucasus.
Why Book a Trusted Local Guide?
A trusted local guide can explain the history and meaning behind Mtskheta’s churches, monasteries and traditions. Without local knowledge, visitors may see the buildings but miss many of the stories that make them important.
A private guide can also organise the visit around your interests. You can spend more time at Jvari, explore quieter streets, discover local food or combine Mtskheta with other nearby attractions. Most importantly, a friendly local guide can help visitors understand Georgian culture while making the day more relaxed, personal and enjoyable.
Whatever you choose to do in Georgia, it will be a unique and memorable experience of a lifetime, with a Guides4me guide. Who will look after you and by the end of the trip you’ve made a best friend.
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