This four-hour Old Tbilisi walking tour with Narikala views starts at 10 am outside Avlabari Metro Station, runs in English and finishes near the Bridge of Peace at approximately 2 pm. The one-way route covers Metekhi Church, Europe Square, the Rike cable car, the Mother of Georgia statue, Abanotubani’s sulfur-bath district, Jumah Mosque, Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, Sioni Cathedral and a Georgian bakery stop.
The itinerary combines walking with an uphill and downhill cable-car journey between Rike Park and the Narikala area. Civitatis currently lists only the English-speaking guide as included, even though the route description mentions the cable car. Do not assume that either ride is prepaid unless it appears in the selected rate and electronic voucher. The guide may also modify the hilltop section when the cable car is closed because of weather, maintenance or operating conditions.
The bakery stop is described as a tasting of a Georgian pastry or hot snack with lemonade, but the exact item is not published and the inclusion box does not confirm that the food and drink are covered by the reservation. Bring a card or Georgian lari for any amount requested locally and ask the guide before ordering. This activity is not a wine tour despite the legacy wording that may still appear in the supplier URL.
The tour uses cobbled streets, slopes, stairs and a spiral staircase around Narikala and Leghvtakhevi. Civitatis does not currently publish a confirmed wheelchair-accessible version of the complete route, and pets are not permitted. Interior access to Metekhi Church, Jumah Mosque and Sioni Cathedral can also depend on worship, opening conditions and local restrictions.
The Old Tbilisi walking tour booking calendar shows current departure dates, participant prices and the services attached to the selected rate. Reservations remain available until departure when places remain, while free cancellation currently requires at least 48 hours’ notice.
How the Old Tbilisi Walking Tour Works
The group meets outside Avlabari Metro Station, on the eastern side of the Mtkvari River. Check the electronic voucher for the guide-identification instructions and arrive before 10 am, as the tour begins walking shortly after the scheduled meeting time.
The activity lasts approximately four hours and follows a one-way route. It does not return to Avlabari Metro Station. The final part of the itinerary reaches the Bridge of Peace and Rike Park area at around 2 pm, although the supplier does not publish a separate exact finishing address.
An English-speaking guide is the only service explicitly named in the official inclusion list. Hotel pickup, transportation to Avlabari, sulfur-bath admission, meals, drinks and entrance tickets to separately charged attractions are not listed as included.
The tour description uses the Rike cable car twice, first to reach the Narikala hill and later to descend. The cost is not identified in the inclusion list. Confirm the payment arrangement with the guide before entering the cable-car queue and keep a contactless card or local currency available.
The cable car reduces the climb but does not make the route step-free. Participants still walk between the upper station and Kartlis Deda, descend toward the bath district and cross cobbles, stairs and sloping lanes. Wear footwear with reliable grip and bring water, particularly during warm weather.
The activity has no published minimum-participant requirement or fixed maximum group size. It should not be assumed to be private or limited to one family. The pace is set for a shared four-hour departure.
Religious buildings remain active throughout the day. Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is appropriate for possible entry, while photography and access can be restricted during services. Follow the guide’s instructions rather than assuming that every named church or mosque includes a full interior visit.
Metekhi, Europe Square and the Narikala Cable Car
Metekhi Church and King Vakhtang Gorgasali
The first section leads from Avlabari toward Metekhi Church, which stands on a rocky bank above the Mtkvari River. The present church dates principally from the 13th century, although the site has older royal and religious associations.
The equestrian monument beside the church represents King Vakhtang Gorgasali. A popular foundation legend connects him with the discovery of Tbilisi’s warm springs, but the guide should distinguish that traditional account from the documented development of the city.
The churchyard and nearby public areas provide views toward the Old Town, Narikala and the bath district. A complete interior visit is not separately guaranteed by the reservation and may depend on worship or local access conditions.
Europe Square and Rike Park
The route continues toward Europe Square and Rike Park, where the lower cable-car station stands beside the river. The square also contains a fragment of the Berlin Wall presented in connection with relations between Georgia and Germany.
The memorial is a modern addition rather than part of medieval Tbilisi. Its inclusion helps show how the historic centre has continued accumulating political and architectural layers beyond its churches and wooden-balcony houses.
Rike Cable Car
The Rike cable car travels approximately 500 metres from the riverfront to the Narikala hill. The journey takes only a few minutes but provides a clear view of the Mtkvari, Metekhi, the Bridge of Peace and the roofs of Old Tbilisi.
The ride is part of the published route but is not named in the official inclusion box. Participants should be prepared to purchase the required fare unless the guide confirms that it is covered.
Strong wind, maintenance or operational restrictions can interrupt the cable-car service. When this happens, the guide may change the itinerary, use a walking route or omit the upper section. The booking does not guarantee uninterrupted operation.
Mother of Georgia
Kartlis Deda, commonly called the Mother of Georgia, stands above the Sololaki district. The aluminium figure holds a cup of wine in one hand and a sword in the other, representing welcome for guests and resistance to enemies.
The statue is reached by a short walk from the upper cable-car station. The surrounding paths provide views over the Old Town, but clear visibility is not guaranteed during fog, rain or haze.
The route does not include a complete visit to Narikala Fortress. The fortress walls and reconstructed St. Nicholas Church are nearby, but additional climbing or exploration there should not be assumed within the four-hour schedule.
Abanotubani, Jumah Mosque and Leghvtakhevi
The Sulfur-Bath District
After descending from the Narikala area, the route enters Abanotubani, whose name means bath district. Naturally heated sulfur water has supported bathing traditions in this part of Tbilisi for centuries.
The low brick domes visible from the street cover underground or partly underground bathing rooms. Chreli Abano differs visually from many neighbouring bathhouses because of its tiled façade.
The tour views the bath district from outside. It does not include a private room, public bathing session, scrub, massage or admission to any operating bathhouse. These services require a separate reservation and can take one or more hours.
Jumah Mosque
Jumah Mosque stands near the foot of Narikala between Abanotubani and the Botanical Garden area. The present building serves Tbilisi’s Muslim community and is notable for accommodating both Sunni and Shia worshippers.
The route stops at the mosque, but interior entry should remain conditional. Visitors must respect prayer times, remove shoes when instructed and follow rules concerning clothing and photography.
Leghvtakhevi Gorge and Waterfall
A staircase and pedestrian path lead into Leghvtakhevi Gorge behind the bath district. The Tsavkisistskali River passes through the gorge before joining the Mtkvari, creating a waterfall within the historic centre.
The waterfall is often described loosely as part of the Botanical Garden. More precisely, the public gorge route approaches Leghvtakhevi Waterfall below the garden, while the upper river valley lies within the garden’s territory.
Water flow changes throughout the year. Spring conditions can produce a stronger cascade, while summer flow may be considerably lighter. The tour cannot guarantee a particular water level.
The gorge section can be wet and slippery, especially after rain. It also includes stairs and narrow pedestrian areas, contributing to the route’s accessibility limitations.
Sioni Cathedral, Georgian Food and the Bridge of Peace
Old Tbilisi Streets
The walk continues through the historic Kala district, where narrow streets, brick buildings and timber balconies reflect several stages of Tbilisi’s development. The present streetscape contains Georgian, Persian, Russian Imperial and Soviet-era influences rather than one uniform architectural period.
Cobbled and paved sections can be uneven, while residential balconies and houses are private property. Photograph buildings from public areas and avoid treating occupied homes as open visitor attractions.
Sioni Cathedral
Sioni Cathedral originated between the sixth and seventh centuries and was rebuilt after repeated periods of destruction. Its present appearance therefore combines several historical layers rather than preserving one unchanged early-medieval structure.
The cathedral served for many years as Tbilisi’s principal patriarchal church and remains one of the city’s most important Orthodox sites. It houses the Cross of St. Nino, a relic associated with the Christianisation of Georgia.
Sioni remains an active place of worship. Interior access, photography and the amount of explanation possible inside can change during services, ceremonies or periods of heavy attendance.
Georgian Bakery Stop
The published itinerary includes a stop at a Georgian bakery and describes a pastry or hot snack accompanied by lemonade. It does not identify the exact dish, permanent bakery or recipe.
The official inclusion list names only the guide. Confirm the cost before accepting the tasting, particularly when dietary requirements or allergies affect what you can eat. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergen-safe alternatives are not guaranteed.
The current product should not be marketed as a wine tasting. No wine sample, cellar visit or guided introduction to Georgian winemaking appears in the published itinerary.
Bridge of Peace
The final section reaches the Bridge of Peace, a glass-and-steel pedestrian bridge connecting the historic centre with Rike Park. Its contemporary design contrasts with Metekhi, Sioni and the older riverfront buildings covered earlier in the walk.
The activity finishes in this area at approximately 2 pm. It does not return to Avlabari Metro Station, although the station remains within walking distance across the river.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Old Tbilisi walking tour?
The tour lasts approximately four hours. It begins outside Avlabari Metro Station at 10 am and finishes near the Bridge of Peace at around 2 pm.
Is the cable car included?
The itinerary uses the Rike cable car, but Civitatis lists only the English-speaking guide under included services. Confirm whether the fare is prepaid and carry a payment method in case it must be purchased separately.
Is the bakery tasting included?
The itinerary describes a Georgian snack and lemonade, but the inclusion box does not confirm that they are prepaid. Ask about the cost before ordering or accepting the tasting.
Does the tour include a sulfur bath?
No. The group walks through Abanotubani and views the bathhouses from outside. Bathing rooms, scrubs, massages and spa services require a separate reservation.
Does the tour enter the churches and mosque?
Interior access is not guaranteed as a separate paid inclusion. Entry can depend on services, prayer times, opening conditions and instructions from the guide or religious staff.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Civitatis does not publish a confirmed wheelchair-accessible version of the complete route. The itinerary includes cobbles, slopes, stairs and a spiral staircase around Narikala and Leghvtakhevi.
Are pets permitted?
No. Pets are not permitted on the activity.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is currently available until 48 hours before departure. Later cancellations and no-shows are not refunded.
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