Jvari Monastery Mtskheta

Mtskheta, half an hour from Tbilisi, was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Iberia and the place where Georgia adopted Christianity in the fourth century. Its historic monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jvari Monastery, built at the end of the sixth century, sits on a rocky hilltop above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers; watching the two colours of water meet below is one of the best views in Georgia. Afterwards, drive down into town for Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the spiritual heart of the Georgian Church, and the craft stalls on the lane outside.

The two sites fill a relaxed half day and pair well with an afternoon in Tbilisi. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.