The Tale of Georgia

In the deep past on the land of Transcaucasia, people began to establish mountains, plains, rivers and lakes. The tribes that called themselves the descendants of Kartlos dispersed throughout the Caucasus. They founded a new culture, which to this day we in the land of Kartlos call "Sacchartvelo", and the outside world know it as: Georgia, Georgia. Do you know this world? The world where they first began to grow grapes, to engage in winemaking 8 million years ago? Where 8,000 years ago there was already ceramics, where there were thousands of warriors for the possession of these lands, but in vain. The land that was given by God to the Kartli tribes is defended with all its might and all the customs and traditions that were founded here since time immemorial are preserved. Want to immerse yourself in the legends of the ancients and feel like a piece of ancient civilization?

During your 11 days in Georgia, you will visit 12 regions out of 17. Get acquainted with the history and culture of the country, we will conduct a master class on the preparation of Georgian dishes, wine, sweets. Learn to dance and sing Georgian songs. Make new friends and get in touch with the ancient history of our people.

The tour program is designed for the average level of physical fitness. In difficult places, there is an alternative to transport or small trekking tours. The main part of our journey is cultural and educational. The main task is to learn Georgian culture, folklore, a little history, traditions, a lot of nature and beautiful places, a lot of Georgian cuisine. We eat local dishes, try everything, get acquainted with the tradition of winemaking in the country, its culture and identity.

Tbilisi – Legends of the Ancient World

Day 1 - Gamarjoba Sakartvelo! (Georgia)

• Meeting at the airport (Tbilisi, Kutaisi) with a sign - individual
• Who arrives in Vladikavkaz – a meeting at the airport with a sign, transfer to the hotel (it is advisable to choose this route a day before the start of the tour). Meeting in Vladikavkaz is not included in the tour price
• transfer to the hotel from the airport, check-in from 14:00
• In the afternoon at about 15:00 – walking tour of Tbilisi. Get acquainted with Tbilisi and its history, climb the cable car to the fortress of Narikala, visit the area of sulfur baths, old streets of Tbilisi and its ancient architectural sights. After an impressive walk around the city, with a lot of information we move to the Georgian feast.
• General welcome dinner, gather at the same table, learn to say toasts, Georgian traditions of feast, traditions of Georgian cuisine, dances and songs.

Day 2 - Kazbeg - Above mountains, only mountains

• Breakfast at the hotel from 8:00 to 10:00. Departure from the hotel towards Kazbek at 10:00, meeting in the hotel lobby at 9:45
• Today we will see beautiful panoramas of the Caucasus Ridge, the famous military-Georgian road. The way lies outside the city on the western exit from Tbilisi, the first stop at the Zhinval reservoir. A beautiful view will open before you merging rivers into one beautiful lake between mountains covered with furry forest, emerald water shines through the sun’s rays and golden sun. Beautiful photos for lovers to capture nature. You can try on local accessories of local national clothes and take memorable photos.
• At the beginning of the reservoir, a fortress of unprecedented years rises above the azure coast, as a guard between the mountain road. Ananuri Fortress remembers many historical events and the beautifully preserved upper fortress will tell us about the events that happened here several hundred years ago. This fortress is called Ananuri – as an impregnable wall protecting the northern gate of the country.
• After the historical story, we head higher into the mountains and meet the confluence of Black and White Aragvi. Based on the season, the merging two rivers have different colors and the confluence of contrasting water is a small miracle on our way.
• We pass along the road the famous ski resort of Gudauri, previously there was a post office for replacing horses. The resort is new, but the most developed ski resort in modern Georgia.
• We will pass a little and stop at the observation deck “Friendship of Peoples” – the creation of Z. Tsereteli’s hands rises above the canyon with the beginning of the Aragvi River. We reached the highest point of our journey of 2932m above sea level. - Cross pass, velour meadows, the beginning of Terek and summer pastures for sheep. After the pass, we go down to the gorge to the sleeping Kazbek volcano.
• At the foot of the mountain, an urban-type settlement – Stepantsminda – opened up. The last settlement before the border with North Ossetia (Alania). Beautiful views of the mountain range - gives the opportunity to expand this town and build different hotels. We do not stay in the town, but rush to a height of 2200 m. to the temple of St. George. The Gergeti Trinity. This is a male monastery complex since the 14th century at the foot of the majestic Kazbek.
• After a breathtaking look, we begin to return to the hotel. But we'll stop for dinner on the way. Return to Tbilisi takes more than 3 hours.

Days 2 and 3 can be changed for technical reasons.

Day 3 - Wine Tour "In Search of the Tree of Life"

• Breakfast at the hotel from 8:00 to 10:00
• Departure for the tour at 10:00. Hotel lobby meeting at 9:45
• In the morning, after a noisy evening, we must once again be ready to receive a new stream of information, experiences and natural beauty. Today, our way lies in the region, famous for its winemaking, as well as Alazan Valley wine, but we will not drink this wine in Georgia, and we will focus on premium quality vintage wines. The way to the winery is long and it lies through the Gombor Pass (height 1692 m above sea level) and 2 hours of moving. For those who do not get along with serpentine, the path is not easy. The first city in Alazan Valley is Telavi. We will drive through the city streets of the old city, but we will not linger. Visit the most ancient Platan, which is more than 900 years old, remember the film MIMINO and again behind the Tree of Life.
• Do you know what the “tree of life” is for Georgians? No, we'll talk about that throughout our tour and especially today.
• Tsinandali is the estate of the Chavchavadze family, the first winery in Georgia since 1841. We will walk around the estate, visit the museum the house of the prince, the enoteka of Alexander Chavchavadze and continue the way to get acquainted with Georgian wine further.
• Wine factory Shumi or Graneli - tasting premium wine class. Wine tasting at the manufacturer's factory, the cost is the best on the spot.
• After extensive tasting, it is worth eating by the end of the day before returning to Tbilisi. We try excellent kakhetian dishes, danu and not only.
• Return to Tbilisi – 2 hours on a straight road.
• (The second and third days can change places based on weather conditions)

Day 4 - Kartlos, Mtskhetos, Uplos...

• Breakfast in the hotel from 8:00 and departure with things towards western Georgia at 10:00, meeting in the hotel lobby at 9:45
• Today is a day of active history, legends and legends. The fairy tale of Georgia continues and continues our tale of ancient kings and queens, heroes and conquerors. People who have lived and defended their land for thousands of years.
• The city of Mtskheta is located near Tbilisi, 40 km from the center of the capital. The first stop we will visit the Jvari Monastery complex – we read poems about it as a child, told about the merger of the legendary Aragvi and Kura. Thanks to M. Lermantova, this place is on everyone’s lips, but not everyone knows about the real history of this place, even in Georgia. Visit the Jvari Monastery, which towers over the merger for 1500 years. Georgian culture was born here and continues to amaze the audience to this day with its impregnable and calm appearance.
• Mtskheta is the ancient capital of Georgia, since the time of ancient people was the center of attraction of religions, trade. The creation of the Kartli tribes and their spread throughout all regions of modern Georgia begins from here. We will visit the Cathedral of Svetitskhoveli – the temple of the “Life-giving pillar”, which is protected by UNESCO.
• Uplistsikhe is a cave city of ancient Georgia since the 8th century BC. this place attracted people and prayed to different gods, places of temples and sacrifices, ancient culture mixed with Christianity. The whole history of religions, cultures, kings and myths about heroes. How people lived in cave towns with water utilities, sewerage systems and structured government. We will talk about all this in more detail on the spot (a visit to the cave city requires the presence of sports shoes, we will climb the mountain)
• After a long walk and tasting of local wine, you can eat. We have a 1.5-hour move ahead.
• Borjomi is a balneological resort in Georgia, one of the most popular resorts with spa treatments. Walk through the historic park, try the cold and hot natural Borjomi. The place is small, we will not stay here, but continue our journey. If it's raining or not, we'll come here the next day.
• Checking into a hotel in the town of Akhaltsikhe, here we stay at Malkhazy. Our favorite guest house with the most hospitable hosts. We can enjoy dinner with fresh trout and local traditional dishes. You will need to order only in the morning so that the owners can prepare.

Day 5 - Colchis

• Breakfast at the hotel from 9:00, departure at 10:00
• In the morning we visit the largest fortress of the Javakheti region - Rabat Fortress - the largest restored fortress in Georgia, the scale of the work will not leave anyone indifferent. The traditions and history of the Meskhita region is very rich and one of the first to adopt Christianity in the 1st century AD. The rebuilt trading city at the crossroads of the Silk Road tells us about the mixing of Muslim and Christian culture.
• Moving to Kutaisi on the Rikota Pass.
• Kutaisi is a 3,500-year-old city, the former capital of Georgia and the center of the Colchis civilization. The ancient Greeks wrote myths and legends about their gods and famous heroes. The change of the city in different eras left a mark on the culture of these places. All this can be seen in archaeological excavations around the city, in stories and visiting local sights.
• A sightseeing walk through Kutaisi - under the evening lights will leave a pleasant aftertaste after a long move.
• Hotel check-in

Day 6 - Svaneti

• Breakfast at the hotel from 8:30 and we are getting ready to leave as early as possible with things.
• Departure from the hotel at 9:30, we are not preparing for a long move, but rather run to the market for cheeses, spices, churchkhelas and fresh fruit. This is the most delicious market in the whole country. Spices can be stocked first hand and the freshest. Take with you pebbles with a snake, we still have a long drive, and the spices smell so delicious!
• The first acquaintance with the mythical hero Prometheus, he is in Georgia Amiran. According to legend, he was chained to the Caucasus Mountains, and the locals remembered the exact location of the Greek hero. And under these mountains there are a huge number of caster caves in which Georgian stories related to these same heroes were born. Prometheus Cave is a caster cave 1450m long. Walking through the cave.
• Martvili Canyon - an unforgettable walk along the canyon gives a lot of impressions, for lovers of photography amazing pictures. Emerald water of the river Abasha will not leave your eyes without admiration. A boat trip is possible in good weather and if the water level is not raised. The rays of the sun making their way through the thick leaves of the forest cover above the canyon give this place a mystery.
• After an amazing walk along the canyon, we will go to the city of Zugdidi, there will be a small stop for a snack before the long but charming road of Svaneti. There is a Dadiani family palace in the city, but we will visit it on the way back and pay attention to it later.
• The road to Svaneti, one of the most beautiful roads in our country, is worth seeing and feeling. For those who do not tolerate the road better stock up against motion sickness. But this road is worth paying attention to. We will stop several times to admire the beauty of nature and relax along the way. It takes about 3 hours to travel from Zugdidi, and on the way you will watch themed films.
• Checking into the hotel and be ready we can not get to the hotel. We will be met at the foot of the mountain, where the old part of the city of Mestia is located. This is the oldest corner built since the 8th century, among the Svan towers there are houses and hotels in an authentic style. Our hotel is opened by the owner of the house where his family has lived since the 8th century. We will be surrounded by towers of the 8th and 9th centuries, and the modern interior and amenities in the room will create a unique coziness. We will arrive in the evening, perhaps already dark, you can have dinner at the hotel, there is also a delicious restaurant for the whole area.

Day 7 - Svaneti - Ushguli

• We came to the stone jungle, in the harsh life of the night, nothing is visible in the area, but you know that around you rise the tops of the mountains. Morning. We do not get up very early, but to rest after a difficult journey, looking out the window in front of you open snow-covered peaks of furry mountains and many towers, standing like tin soldiers, guarding their homes and surnames.
• Breakfast in the hotel from 9:00 to 11:00, but we will not waste time to have time to enjoy as much as possible from this charming region. Today we are waiting for a new member of our team, local guide wonderful man Jemali. We will get acquainted with local traditions, history, stories about local life. Our way now lies on jeeps to the Ushguli community. This is the farthest place in the world. We will visit the temple of St. Lamaria (Mother of God) against the background of Mount Shhara. This is the highest mountain that rises above the mountains of the Caucasus Range in the territory of Sakatrvelo. (Excursion to Ushguli is not included in the price)
• Hiking to the swing of Heshkili after the jeep tour will give you the opportunity to recover a little and admire the still unforgettable place near Mestia.
• Observation deck on Mount Ushba, a cafe over mountain peaks and bottomless gorges.
• We will return to the hotel to gather strength in the evening and share our impressions.

Day 8 - Road to the Tropics

• How wonderful to sleep in the fresh air, but it's time to get up and go down for breakfast. Breakfast at the hotel from 9:00 After breakfast we are going to 10:00 for departure. I want to stay, but the sea is waiting for us. Remember that you need to cross the road again into the lowlands, but the descent is always easier to climb.
• Moving to Batumi departure from 10:00 – 10:30 On the way we will stop at the largest arched hydroelectric power station – Engurska HPP, it took the fifth place in the world in terms of its scale. On the way, we will see more than once a beautiful reservoir with green and milk water. This river Enguri together with their children, small rivers gathers and the hydroelectric power plant rises to a height of 300 m. (At the hydroelectric power plant make the possibility of a tourist visit, if upon your arrival it will be possible for additional payment of tickets, we will organize you a visit, if desired)
• We will continue our journey, and if today is not Monday we will visit the princes of Dadiani. The beautiful palace of the 19th century should go for restoration, I hope this season we still look at the interesting rooms and household items of the owners, here is the death mask of Napoleon. How she got here we will learn on excursions in the palace or near it. The palace also houses unique exhibits of the gold fund of different periods of the country. The most important thing is the shirt of the Virgin. We learn a lot about the Mother of God and her patronage of our country, but in the meantime, we continue our journey on our sheet of paper.
• We have 2 hours to drive to Batumi, you can eat and taste the beautiful Mengrel cuisine again. You won’t try the same thing anywhere else. Arriving in Batumi check-in to the Old Batumi hotel, which is located in the old city, we release you and you have the right to do what you want, if you still have the strength. Night Batumi in the season is very attractive and we advise you not to stay in the rooms, and enjoy a walk.

Day 9 - Batumi

• Breakfast at the hotel from 8:00, here we advise you to get up early and grab the sun, the beach. By the way, 800 meters from the hotel perfectly equipped beach.
• Free morning, sea, beach. after the beach you can quickly snack before the excursion.
• Morning and afternoon Adjara and its waterfalls.
• Sightseeing tour at lunchtime 2 hours.
• Free evening

Day 10 - Batumi

• Breakfast at the hotel from 8:00, do not miss the chance to plunge into the clear sea in the morning.
• Free evening

Day 11 Transfers

• Our program has come to an end and we are grateful to you for traveling the whole country with us from East to West. Our fairy tale has come to an end, but we will prepare another fairy tale for your next visit. Our team is always happy to see you in our circle and we can already, after such a trip, afford to say “We welcome guests, and see off friends”!
• In spring and autumn, return to Tbilisi for the 10th day of the tour.

See you soon!

The car returns to Tbilisi and leaves Tbilisi in the morning after breakfast and ends at Tbilisi Airport.

What's included in the price:

• Accommodation in hotels 3*-4* and guest houses with breakfast
• Guide, driver services
• Transfers throughout the route
• Entrance tickets by places of visit
• Transfers from/to Tbilisi Airport
• First Welcome Dinner by Tour Authors

The price does not include:

• Flight tickets
• Meals (lunches, dinners - on average per person $ 15-20)
• Personal costs
• Health insurance
• Excursion to Ushguli

Additional services:

• Transfer from Vladikavkaz - $50
• Additional night in the hotel Tbilisi or Batumi – $ 85 in a double occupancy