Guide to Mtskheta
A virtual tour of Mtskheta
Just 20 kilometers north of Tbilisi, you'll find the spiritual capital of the country, Mtskheta. It's a small town with a population of only 8,000 people. The history of Christianity in Georgia begins here. On a hill at one of the city's borders, the Jvari Monastery (meaning "cross") welcomes thousands of pilgrims every year. It's a symbol of all Christians and was established by Saint Nino in the 4th century using a grapevine cross.
Continuing your exploration of religious landmarks, make sure to visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the 6th century. It holds great significance for many royal dynasties and served as the site of baptisms, weddings, and funerals for numerous Georgian rulers.
The Samtavro Monastery warmly welcomes pilgrims as well. It still preserves the remains of the first Orthodox kings of Georgia. In the vicinity of Mtskheta, there are about a dozen of the country's most important temples, which is why the city is part of UNESCO's World Heritage list.
However, the city is not just about cultural landmarks. While strolling through its quiet and cozy streets, you'll come across more than twenty restaurants catering to all tastes. There are also beer bars where young people can have a good time and playgrounds for tourists with children.
Photos of Mtskheta
Tours to Mtskheta
Mtskheta, as a landlocked city, is not the object of mass sales by travel agencies. The exception is last-minute trips lasting 3-4 days costing about 400-500 USD, useful for those who appreciate the sights of the cradle of Christianity. There is no point in ordering a tour to Mkhtseta through an agency, since the indicated travel cost will increase by at least 15%.
The cost of travel, with independent booking of air tickets and a hotel, will be from 390 USD for 4 days and three nights. The price will include a flight to Tbilisi and a transfer to Mtskheta, accommodation in a three-star hotel, meals, public transport, a minimum set of excursions.
Hotels usually offer only breakfast. Since Mtskheta is a relatively small city, it is more profitable to eat in cafes and restaurants here, and not bother with self-cooking.
Interesting places in Mtskheta
According to one of the legends about the name of the city, Mtskheta was founded by Meskheta, a descendant of Noah. The biblical character did not choose these places in vain - the valley of the confluence of two rivers gives peace and tranquility to everyone who gets here. Since then, the iconic personalities of the history of the Caucasus have repeatedly chosen Mtskheta for their accomplishments.
You can have a bite to eat in between exploring the city in one of the local restaurants with specialties.
And families with children will love the friendly atmosphere reigning in Mtskheta.
Flight ticket prices
There is no airport in the city. The nearest airport is located in Tbilisi (28 km from Mtskheta). The capital's airport hosts planes of more than 750 airlines, among which there are low-cost airlines. From the small domestic airport in the village of Natakhtari (9 km from Mtskheta) you can quickly fly to Tbilisi and Kutaisi.
From Warsaw and Krakow, ticket prices start at 90 EUR, from Paris at 140 EUR, from Madrid at 150 EUR, and from London at 130 EUR. Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, and Pegasus Airlines offer convenient flights with layovers. Prices tend to rise during peak season, so booking in advance is recommended.
The best hotels in Mtskheta
In Mtskheta there are 24 hotels of various classes from 1 to 4 stars.
In the center of the city there are several 3-star hotels that are popular with tourists: Golden Fleece, Akido, Hotel Cité. Staying at them costs from 22 USD per day per person.
Elite hotels are Zedazeni and Balcony. Prices in them start from 60 USD per day per person.
The most budget-friendly option is the Vertigo Hotel Yard. Adults can rent lodging here from $9 USD per night.
The most budget-friendly option is the Vertigo Courtyard.
Travel budget
Despite the fact that every year thousands of pilgrims rush to see the shrines of Mtskheta, the city is not spoiled by tourists. Most of the guests come by transfer buses purposefully to temples and monasteries. Therefore, the city has a wide selection of inexpensive housing, and local restaurants are much cheaper than similar establishments in Tbilisi.
We have calculated an approximate estimate of the rest, based on the following costs:
flight to the nearest airport in Tbilisi with subsequent transfer to Mtskheta;
Accommodation in a 3-star hotel including breakfast;
lunch and dinner at a restaurant;
visiting an excursion around Mtskheta.
| The budget for a trip to Mtskheta | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | from 110 USD | Accommodation | from 22 USD |
| Average check in a restaurant | from 9 USD | Excursions | from 40 USD |
| Total costs: From 390 USD for 1 person for 4 days of vacation. | |||
Airport
Mtskheta does not have its own airport. The nearest airports are located in Natakhtari village, domestic flights, (9 km) and Tbilisi (28 km). The capital's Shota Rustaveli Airport receives dozens of flights from different countries every day.
Transfer
The cost of transfer from Tbilisi airport to Mtskheta during the season is about 11 USD (27 GEL). You can book it on the spot with a 25-30% surcharge as well as online in advance. Compared to calling a cab, the transfer is 50% cheaper.
Car Rental
In Mtskheta there is a small selection of rental cars for 25 - 40 USD. In the city it will be enough to take a budget sedan. Tourists may need a Jeep for rent only for traveling from Mtskheta to the far corners of Georgia.
Transportation
City shuttles cost 1.5 GEL. The nearest large city of Tbilisi can be reached either by train for 1 GEL or by bus for 10 GEL. A cab for the same distance costs about 50 GEL.
Security
Mtskheta has only recently become a tourist center, so it is not yet spoiled by tourists. It is worth to plan a vacation there in advance through the Internet in order not to fall prey to local lovers of easy money.