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why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
What’s new?
be inspired
why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
Suitable for Family, Group, Senior
OVERVIEW
Discover a spiritual and historical odyssey on a 10-day Jewish Heritage Tour of Georgia, the ancient land in the Caucasus known for hosting one of the world’s oldest continuous Jewish diasporas, tracing its roots back over 2,600 years to the Babylonian exile. Your journey begins in the vibrant capital, Tbilisi, where you will immediately immerse yourself in the heart of the community, visiting the magnificent Great Synagogue (built by Georgian Jews from Akhaltsikhe) and the David Baazov Museum of the History of Jews of Georgia, a treasure trove of artifacts that document the unique, centuries-long peaceful coexistence between Georgian and Jewish peoples. Beyond the capital’s historic Old Town, including the charming Sulphur Bath district and Narikala Fortress, the itinerary dedicates time for essential community encounters at local centers, providing a firsthand perspective on contemporary Jewish life, its recent challenges, and the ongoing efforts toward cultural and religious renewal.
This comprehensive mission extends beyond Tbilisi to the historic regional centers vital to Georgian Jewish history, including a journey west to Kutaisi, the second-largest city, to explore its significant Synagogue and historic Jewish Quarter, and traveling further to Oni, home to one of Georgia’s largest and most impressive synagogues built in the late 19th century. You will also journey to the Samtskhe-Javakheti region to explore the former Ottoman-era Jewish settlement in Akhaltsikhe, which housed an old synagogue and Jewish cemetery, often combined with a visit to the Rabati Fortress. Interspersed with these profound Jewish heritage sites are explorations of Georgia’s broader cultural treasures, such as the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Mtskheta’s ancient churches and the breathtaking mountain scenery of Kazbegi, offering a full appreciation of the beautiful country that has served as a safe haven and enduring home for the Georgian Jewish community for millennia.
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) and transfer to your accommodation. Your journey begins with a walk through the charming Old Town, exploring the narrow streets, the famous Sulphur Bath district (Abanotubani), and the Meidan Bazar. Take the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, which offers a perfect orientation to the capital. Conclude the day with a traditional Georgian Supra (feast) and a welcome dinner.
Dedicate the day to Tbilisi’s profound Jewish history. Visit the magnificent Great Synagogue (also known as the Georgian Synagogue) and the smaller Ashkenazi Synagogue, both active houses of worship. Continue to the David Baazov Museum of the History of Jews of Georgia to delve into the community’s 26-century-old story. In the afternoon, engage in an essential community meeting at a local Jewish center to gain a firsthand perspective on contemporary Jewish life, its culture, and traditions.
Travel to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is historically significant as a reported settling point for early Jewish arrivals following the Babylonian exile. Visit the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Next, drive to Gori to learn about its local Jewish history, visiting its active synagogue (if possible) or the old Jewish graveyard, before seeing the Gori Fortress and the Stalin Museum.
Cities Head west, stopping first at the unique Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town that was a key pagan center on the Silk Road. Continue to Kutaisi, Georgia’s former legislative capital and another hub of Jewish life. Settle in and begin exploring the city’s Jewish quarter, culminating in a visit to the historic Kutaisi Synagogue.
Embark on a scenic day trip to the mountainous Racha region. The highlight is the stunning Oni Synagogue, a monumental and beautifully preserved structure, one of the largest in Georgia, reflecting the importance of the historic Jewish presence in this remote area. The drive through the mountains offers spectacular views of the Georgian countryside.
Return south to visit the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery Complex near Kutaisi before driving to Akhaltsikhe. Upon arrival, explore the meticulously restored Rabati Fortress. In the old Jewish quarter, seek out the historical sites, including the exterior of the 18th-century synagogue building and the centuries-old Jewish Cemetery, to understand the impact of the Sephardic influx and Ottoman rule on the local Jewish community.
Start the day with a visit to the magnificent Vardzia Cave Monastery, an impressive rock-cut complex carved into the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain. This 13-story complex is a true architectural wonder of Georgia’s Golden Age. After exploring the caves, begin the scenic drive back towards Tbilisi, enjoying dinner upon arrival.
Take a day trip to Kakheti, Georgia’s world-renowned wine region, known as the “Cradle of Wine” for its 8,000-year winemaking tradition. Visit the charming fortified town of Sighnaghi and experience a tour and tasting at a local winery to learn about the unique qvevri (clay jar) method, a non-Jewish cultural experience that provides context to the land the Jewish community has called home.
Embark on a breathtaking journey along the Georgian Military Highway into the dramatic High Caucasus Mountains. Stop at the Ananuri Fortress complex before reaching the village of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). The spiritual climax of the day is a 4×4 ride up to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high on a hill overlooking the town and framed by the majestic Mount Kazbek, offering one of Georgia’s most unforgettable views.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping for local crafts and souvenirs before your transfer to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) for your departure, concluding your immersive Jewish journey through Georgia.
Accommodation
The Tbilisi Marriott is an architectural landmark with a unique, circular design. But its century-old facade isn’t the only glimpse of the past on offer. This is a hotel with stories to tell. Step into the scene-stealing Great Room, the restored ceiling playing tribute to the hotel’s 1915 opening.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
This experience is fully customizable. We will create your personal dream experience!
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