I arrived into Tbilisi Airport at 4am from Istanbul, but this time unlike Istanbul I had arranged accomodation and collection from the airport. This meant I was able to get 5-6 hours sleep before I spent 24 in Tbilisi, Georgia. I had booked an airport hotel for less than 15 pounds and this included free airport pick up. This made me very happy as I greeted Georgi in the arrivals hall. It was basic, but comfortable and the next day I walked the 2km back to the airport to get the #37 bus. This got me into Station Square in less than an hour and cost 24 pence.
I arrived at Station Square feeling refreshed and ready to explore what Tbilisi has to offer. I headed straight for the metro station, bought a metro card and travelled the 2 stops to Marjanishvili to drop my bags off at the hostel. I had chosen to stay at Hostel Violet located near to the train station and a private room with shared bathroom cost me less than 5 pounds. I was in need of some food before I started so back at Station Square I went into one of the many cafes that surround it and ordered Khinkali and a coffee. Being a massive foodie trying local foods when I travel is a must and these meat filled dumplings with dipping bowl of spicy sauce were just incredible!
Refuelled and ready to go I made my way through the cobbled side streets of Tbilisi to Mtkvari River where you will find the cable car taking you up to Narikala Fortress, which is known for its history as well as its fantastic views over the entire city. Crossing the Metekhi Bridge I also got to see the beautiful river views as well as the Metekhi Church and the Statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who was Tbilisi’s founder. Once across the river the cable car station is on the left hand side. The cost of travelling one way to Narikala Fortress is 2.5 lari (around 50p) and it takes a matter of minutes to reach the top. The views are absolutely breathtaking as I got higher and higher, it was a bit of a shame the ride didn’t last longer.
I arrived at Narikala Station and it was 10 minute walk around the edges of the fortress walls before heading uphill where I was greeted by St. Nikolai Church that was situated within the walls of the fortress. The church was open to have a look inside and there was a small shop where you were able to buy souvenirs from as well. The rest of the time I used to carefully climb the fortress walls and the surrounding hills to soak up the incredible views. Established in the 4th century its an ancient symbol of the cities defence and definitely worth the trip.
Once I was ready to make my way down I went back past the cable car station to the Mother Georgia Statue that stands tall over the hillside and walked the steps back down to Tbilisi Old Town. En route there are a number of good opportunities to see more views of the city as well as some other churches and monasteries. I highly recommend taking the cable care up and then travelling back down on foot. En route back to Station Square to find somewhere for dinner I walked along the rivers edge to see a Tbilisi landmark, the Bridge of Peace. A phenomenal glass and steel structure, this pedestrian bridge connects Tbilisi Old Town with the new district. I continued on past another of Tbilisi most famous sites, the Anchiskhati Church of St. Mary. This 6th century church is the oldest surviving in the entire city.
After a full day of exploring Tbilisi I made my way through the back streets of the old town just before it got dark and found a restaurant on Station Square to enjoy dinner and a very much well deserved beer to finish off the day in style. Even though it was a short visit to a country and city I have wanted to explore for a while it was a great taster into Georgia’s history and I will most certainly be back to the capital one day as well as exploring more of the country. My short time here was however not over just yet. I returned to my hostel for the night to get an early night ready for a day trip by train to Gori, which is abut an hour outside of Tbilisi and is known for being the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. The journey in Georgia continues.
