Routes Silk Road, which, this year, will be held for the first time instead of Routes CIS, will take place 6-8 July in Tbilisi, the beautiful and historic capital of Georgia, hosted by the United Airports of Georgia.

Located at the crossroad of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a unique and diverse country with a land area of only 70,000 square kilometres mixing an ancient, rich culture with beautiful natural landscapes. Georgia boasts 12,000 historical and cultural monuments, 14 strict nature reserves and 8 national parks. In addition the country is one of the oldest Christian countries and the birthplace of the first European civilisation with the discovery of 1.8 million year old human remains in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains.

In addition to the core business elements of Routes Silk Road, there is a programme of tours available to delegates generously sponsored by the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA). The GNTA’s mission is to ensure sustainable tourism development through positioning Georgia as a unique travel destination on the international tourist map, improving visitor experience and maximising their expenditures to significantly contribute to the national economy by effective cooperation with strategic partners. Their vision is to showcase Georgia as an undiscovered unique travel destination to the world, encouraging exploring once and inspiring to come back; we recommend all delegates make the time to explore Tbilisi and the surrounding areas.

The tour programme includes:

Mtskheta Tour

Taking place on Saturday 5^th July this full day tour will provide a real insight into the local history. Mtskheta is an ancient town of extraordinary importance to the Georgian nation, located about 20km out of Tbilisi. It was the capital of the eastern Georgian kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD and was the site of Georgia's adoption of Christianity in 334AD remaining the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church. This tour includes a visit to the Jvari Monastery (6th-7th cc), Svetitschoveli cathedral (11th c), Mtskheta Village, the historic and architectural complex of Jvari and Svetitschoveli Cathedral- one of the most sacred places in Georgia where the sacred robe of Jesus Christ is buried.

Tbilisi City Tour

Founded in the 5th century AD by Vakhtang Gorgasali, the Georgian King of Kartli (Iberia), Tbilisi, which became the capital in the 6th century, is a significant industrial, social, and cultural centre. This complimentary city tour which takes place on the morning of 6^th July will include a transfer to the historic part of Tbilisi where delegates will begin a walking tour from Leselidze Street Drive up the hill to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of the city. A walk further down the street will allow exploration of the sulphur baths dating back to Arab invasion of Georgia and a visit to Metekhi Church and Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral. There will also be a chance to walk around Shardeni area with its open terraces, shops, art galleries and Bridge Of Peace along with Rustaveli Avenue, home to Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Parliament and Rustaveli Theatre.

Click here for more information and to secure your place on one of these tours, or register now for Routes Silk Road 2014