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Uplistsikhe Tour with Stalin Museum & Medieval Churches

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Tbilisi, Georgia
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from $91 per person

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Samtavisi Cathedral (11th century)
Samtavisi Cathedral (11th century)
Wine Cellar of Samtavisi Cathedral
Ateni Sioni (7th century)
View from Ateni Sioni (7th century)
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
9 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Private full day trip to Uplistsikhe from Tbilisi includes visiting 11th century Georgian Orthodox cross-in-square cathedral of Samtavisi with unique ornaments, museum and house of soviet leader Joseph Stalin, Ateni Sioni which is 7th century Georgian Orthodox "Jvari-type" cross-domed tetra conch church and Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town and one of the oldest urban settlements (3rd millennium BC). Two options are available for the tour. Tour with Lunch option includes tasting the best meals from local cuisine and tasting local endemic wines. Private tour to Uplistsikhe is suitable for people who are interested in medieval monasteries, birthplace of Soviet politician and pagan and Christian architecture in an ancient cave town of Georgia. Total drive 215 km (135 miles).

What's Included

  • Private transportation with A/C
  • All entrance tickets
  • Bottled water
    See 1 more

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup point

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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    Samtavisi Cathedral

    Samtavisi is an 11th century Georgian Orthodox cross-in-square cathedral built in 1030 by a local bishop and architect Hilarion, the son of Vache Kanchaeli, who also built a wine cellar in 1050. The first temple was built by Vakhtang Gorgasali in 472 and was later rebuilt in the 10th century, but neither has survived. Assyrian missionary Isidore came in the monastery in 6th century. Earthquakes caused the dome, western wall and the pillars to collapse. The inscription on the western façade above the window, says "The secondary builder of the temple was the daughter of king and the wife of Amilakhvari Gaiane". The cathedral was first partially reconstructed in the 15th-16th centuries
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    40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Stalin Museum

    Joseph Stalin Museum (1957) is dedicated to the life of Joseph Stalin, Soviet leader born in Gori. Museum has a small wooden hut, in which Stalin was born in 1878 and spent his first four years. Stalin's father Bessarion Jughashvili, a local shoemaker, rented a room here and had a workshop in the basement.The main building was opened in 1951 as a museum of socialism, but became a memorial of Stalin, who died in 1953. The display concludes with a death mask of Stalin taken shortly after his death. Museum has Stalin's personal armored railway carriage that weighs 83 tons. It was used by Stalin from 1941 when he attended the Yalta and the Tehran Conferences. It was sent to the museum in 1985.
    Read more

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Ateni Sioni Church

    Ateni Sioni (Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary) is 7th century Georgian Orthodox "Jvari-type" cross-domed tetra conch church that stands on a 5th century classical basilica. The name "Sioni" derives from Mount Zion at Jerusalem. Ateni Sioni has entrance from the north and its dome base rests on three tromps, transitioned to the four apses of the tetra conch. The lower tromp is eight-faceted, the middle sixteen and the upper thirty-two-faceted. Original reliefs of the western façade depict deer hunting scene. Artist placed an empty ashlar to show distance of arrow flight. Another relief of two deer drinking from a rounded pool is on the northern entrance. The relief symbolizes believers drinking from the same source of faith.
    Read more

    40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Uplistsiche Cave Town

    Uplistsikhe ("the lord's fortress") is an ancient rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia in Shida Kartli. Built on a high rocky left bank of the Mtkvari River. Uplistsikhe is one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia (people lived here in 3rd millennium BC). It was founded by mythical Uplos, son of Mtskhetos, and grandson of Kartlos, ancestor of the Georgians. The complex is divided into three parts: south (lower), middle (central) and north (upper) covering 8 hectares. The rock-cut structures include houses, a large hall, called Tamaris Darbazi, pagan places of sacrifice, bakery, prison, cellars, and even an amphitheater, all connected by footways and tunnels.
    Read more

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Please let us know if you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions. We will use the information to offer a lunch to you if you booked Tour with Lunch option.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • 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.
    • Comfortable shoes are recommended.

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Uplistsikhe Tour with Stalin Museum & Medieval Churches?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+04). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-123892P6

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    2 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    2
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
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    1 star
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    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
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    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Uplistsikhe Tour with Stalin Museum & Medieval Churches?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+04).
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Private transportation with A/C.
    • All entrance tickets.
    • Bottled water.
    • Private English speaking guide.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Uplistsikhe Tour with Stalin Museum & Medieval Churches is as follows:

    • Please let us know if you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions. We will use the information to offer a lunch to you if you booked Tour with Lunch option.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Uplistsikhe Tour with Stalin Museum & Medieval Churches will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024
    Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
    A:

    Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

    Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

    If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

    Oct 2026

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Private transportation with A/C
    • All entrance tickets
    • Bottled water
    • Private English speaking guide

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Please let us know if you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions. We will use the information to offer a lunch to you if you booked Tour with Lunch option.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • 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.
    • Comfortable shoes are recommended.

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name