Sighnaghi, Gareji & Bodbe: Day Tour from Tbilisi

David Gareja is a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex located on the half-desert slopes of Mount Gareja. The complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refect David Gareja Lavra monastery ories and living quarters hollowed out of the rock face. Part of the complex of David Gareja (Bertubani Monastery) is located on the Azerbaijan–Georgia border and has become subject to a border dispute between the two countries. The area is also home to protected animal species and evidence of some of the oldest human habitations in the region. The complex was founded in the 6th century by David (St. David Garejeli), one of the thirteen Assyrian monks who arrived in the country at the same time. His disciples Dodo and Luciane expanded the original lavra and founded two other monasteries known as Dodo's Rka (literally, "the horn of Dodo") and Natlismtsemeli ("the Baptist"). The monastery saw further development under the guidance of the 9th-century Georgian saint Hilarion the Iberian.

The Monastery of St. Nino is a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex and the seat of the Bishops of Bodbe. The monastery now functions as a nunnery due to its association with St. Nino, the 4th century female evangelist of Georgians. The extant church – a three-nave basilica was originally built between the 9th and 11th centuries. Both exterior and interior were restored in the 17th and 19th centuries.

Sighnaghi located on a steep hill, overlooks the vast Alazani Valley, with the Caucasus Mountains visible at a distance. Word Sighnaghi in Turkic language means shelter or trench. Signagi as a settlement is first recorded in the early 18th century. In 1762, King Heraclius II of Georgia erected a fortress to defend the area from marauding attacks by Dagestan tribesmen. Signagi is known as the "City of Love" as couples can get married here 24/7.