Tsalka Canyon Tour from Tbilisi with Poka Nunnery, Gorelovka and Asureti

Private full day tour includes visiting Manglisi Cathedral built in 6th-7th centuries, Poka Nunnery of St. Nino well-known with its organic products, village Gorelovka near Georgia - Armenia border to visit Ethnographic Museum of Dukhabors - Christian spiritual religious group of Russian origin, former German colony of Asureti (Elizabettal) and Tsalka (Dashbashi) canyon complex that includes a 1800-metre path to the canyon with the cascade of small waterfalls and unique 240-meter long glass bridge with a diamond-shaped café in the middle. Tour includes exploring lakes: Tsalka, Paravani, Saghamo, Bugdasheni and Madatapa. Two options are available for the tour. Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting option includes tasting the best meals from local cuisine and tasting local endemic wines. Private tour to Tsalka Canyon is suitable for people who enjoy exploring unique nature and stunning lake views and tasting organic food and endemic wines. Total drive 385 km (235 miles).

You will visit Manglisi Sioni Cathedral that was constructed in 6th-7th century. The first church was built in 4th century during the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion. Byzantine Imperor Constantine gifted to King Mirian abundant treasures and parts of the Holy Cross of Christ and sent Bishop John (Ioanne) to build churches in Georgia. Before he arrived in Mtskheta, he stopped in Manglisi and started building a temple.

You will visit Paravani Lake (2 073 m) is the largest lake with 38 sq.km area with depth of 3 meters. From mid-autumn to mid-spring it is covered with ice.

You will vist Phoka Nunnery of St. Nino where St. Nino stayed for two days after she entered Georgia via crossing the mountains of Javakheti. She started preaching the Christian faith, followed river Mtkvari and reached Mtskheta. The monastery has a missionary role, representing for years the only Georgian-speaking island in an alienated environment. The nunnery produces cheese, candles, cloisonne enamel and confectionery products.

You will visit village Gorelovka to visit Ethnographic Museum. The village was founded by Dukhabors, Christian spiritual religious group of Russian origin. They rejected the secular government, priesthood, the use of icons, and all church rituals. They do not follow any customs other than marriage. Women are equal to men in the family. They were relocated from Russia during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I and 5,000 Doukhobors were resettled to Georgia between 1841 and 1845.

You will visit Tsalka Canyon (Dashbashi Canyon) that has astounding cascading waterfalls that take exotic emerald colour and form dozens of small waterfalls. The canyon complex includes a 1800-meter path to the canyon river with stunning views and unique 240-meter long glass bridge over the canyon with a diamond-shaped café in the middle.

You will visit village Asureti where 7,000 German colonists settled in 1817. After living for almost 125 years, in 1941 Stalin deported Germans from Georgia to Central Asia. Only those who were married to Georgians were allowed to stay. The durability of the houses built without cement and nails, oak balconies, sulfur bath and wine cellar still amaze people. In Asureti there is an old Georgian vine variety "Shala" found in the forest by a German farmer Shalma. The village has a Lutheran church built in 1871 and a cemetery.

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Tsalka Canyon is closed during bad weather and the height of the visitor in the canyon must exceed 1.2 m. To reach the canyon guest need to hike around 30 minutes.
• Ladies need to wear head scarves and dresses in Georgian orthodox churches. Short trousers for men are also forbidden. Scarves and dresses can also be found near church entrances for men and women to enter churches.
• Standard Tour does not include lunch, but you will stop in a restaurant for lunch.

• Standard Tour
  Add
  Pickup included
• Tour with Lunch&Wine Tasting
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  Taste local food and wine
  Pickup included

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by SelectGeorgia-For Holiday.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tbilisi.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 4 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.