A day trip from Tbilisi to Uplistsikhe and Gori

Uplistsikhe

People lived here from the end of the 2nd millennium BC. The cave town covers about 8 ha and is cut into the rock above the Mtkvari. It has pillared halls with carved ceilings and a 6th-century basilica. A three-nave church from the 9th to 10th century stands on the summit, and a tunnel was used to carry water up from the river. In the 8th to 10th centuries, while Tbilisi was under Arab rule, Uplistsikhe became an important stronghold again. It emptied after the Mongol raids.

Entry is 15 GEL, an audio guide another 15 GEL and a guided tour 45 GEL. It is open roughly 10:00 to 19:00 in summer and until 17:00 in winter, but check the hours in advance. Wear good shoes, as the rock can be slippery.

Tour

Uplistsikhe and Gori

1 day≈ 7 hfrom $205from €185from ₾535

The Stalin Museum in Gori

Stalin was born in Gori, and the museum covers his life. It has documents, personal items, gifts and his death mask. You can also see the small house where he was born and his armoured railway carriage. Since 2010 a room in the basement has been given over to the Stalin-era repressions.

The official price for the whole exhibition with a guide is 15 GEL, though some visitors report paying more. The museum is open 10:00 to 18:00, until 17:00 in winter.

Gori Fortress and Ateni Sioni

The fortress on the hill in central Gori is open around the clock and free. From the top you get a good view of the town and valley. Ateni Sioni, a 7th-century church with 11th-century frescoes, stands 10 to 12 km south of Gori in a gorge.

Getting there

Minibuses to Gori leave Didube bus station every 15 to 30 minutes, take 1 to 1.5 hours and cost 5 to 7 GEL. The train to Gori takes about an hour. From Gori, Uplistsikhe is about 20 minutes by taxi. Expect roughly 15 GEL one way or 30 to 50 GEL there and back with waiting.

With a driver the three places fit easily into one day without changing transport, and you can stop in Mtskheta on the way from Tbilisi. See our Uplistsikhe and Gori tour and the guide to Mtskheta in half a day.