Georgia Roundtrip

Georgia is a distant, mysterious and romantic country full of legends. This is the land where Yazon found the Golden Fleece, where Prometei was nailed to the Kazbek rocks having stolen the fire from the gods and where the childless tribe of the Amazon has lived near Terek River. On the tour we visit the capital Tbilisi. In the narrow streets of the old town you will find a unique mixture of different cultures: churches built next to mosques, east-orthodox priests walking next to Armenian Jews and more. Further on we continue via the old capital Mtskheta on the old cut in the mountain road to the town of Gudauri, situated in the foot of the high peaks of Caucasus. We visit the cultural center of Georgia – Kutaisi. We stop to visit the unique cave city Uplistsikhe carved in the rocks in the early Christianity.
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Tour Highlights:
♦ The charming capital Tbilisi that has preserved its small-town tranquility
♦ the numerous churches situated in picturesque spots throughout the country
♦ the awe-inspiring mountain views of the Caucasus Mountains 
 

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Trip plan:

Day 1. Airport (Tbilisi) - Tbilisi
Arrive in Tbilisi. Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.
(-/-/-)

Day 2. Tbilisi Sightseeing
Today, we will explore the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi.Wander in the old districts of the city which are structured like
terraces, as well as take a walk in the narrow streets to enjoy colorful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful
samples of modern architecture. We will start the tour from Metekhi church (13th c) facing the magnificent views of
old Tbilisi. A stroll along the winding little streets takes us to the main sights of the city. Afterwards, we will take a
cable car to enjoy the panoramic views of the whole town and through the ancient Narikala fortress (4th c), find
ourselves in the historical domed sulphur bath area – connected with the name of our city. Dinner at the restaurant.
Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.
(B/-/D)

Day 3. Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Kutaisi 
Today we visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta and see its historical places: Jvari Monastery (6th c.) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Continue to Kutaisi and visit to Gelati Monastery (12th c.) - UNESCO World Heritage Sight. Visit the splendid Bagrati Cathedral (11th c.) that has been recently renovated. Overnight and dinner in Kutaisi in a guesthouse with shared facilities.
(B/-/D)

Day 4. Kutaisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Gudauri
From Kutaisi we drive along the Great Silk Road to the town of Gori. We visit Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC) – one of the main points on the great east-west trade route. Once a flourishing city, Uplistsikhe now offers a walk among the ancient streets, rock-carved theatre, royal halls and pharmacy, while the remains of granaries and large clay wine vessels give us some clue as to the daily life of the inhabitants. Then drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway in the Great Caucasus Mountains. On the way visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th c.). The two churches and the fortress overlooks the Zhinvali reservoir. The drive is very scenic through high Caucasus Mountains. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Gudauri (2200m, ski resort).
(B/-/D)

Day 5. Gudauri – Stepantsminda – Gudauri 
A stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) – the main town in the region. We walk up for about 3 hours through beautiful valleys and forests to the Gergeti Trinity church (14th c.) located at 2170 m. If the weather permits it, we will also have a chance to enjoy the view of one of the highest glaciers of the Caucasus – Mt. Kazbegi (5047m). In the evening return to Gudauri.
(B/-/D)

Day 6. Gudauri - Sighnaghi - Tsinandali - Kondoli - Telavi
We travel to Kakheti – the famous wine-growing region. First we visit the Bodbe monastery (4th c.). Next we will visit fortified town of Sighnaghi (18th c.) with stunning views of the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. On the way to Telavi we visit local Duke's estate from 19th c. in Tsinandali. The park and the house used to be the gathering place of all poets and artists of the 19th century. Later, visit a local family for BIO wine tasting. Drive to Telavi.
Dinner and overnight at a family hotel in Telavi.

(B/-/D)

Day 7. Telavi - Alaverdi - Gremi - Kvareli - Tbilisi
In the morning we will have an opportunity to visit a typical farmer's market in Telavi. Then we’ll drive to visit Alaverdi cathedral (11th c.) and Gremi fortress (16th c.). Then we drive to Kvareli, where we will have lunch at local family with home made dishes and shashlik. Drive to Tbilisi, the evening is free. Overnight at a hotel.
(B/L/-)

Day 8. Departure 
Transfer to the airport and departure.

Practical information
Most days include anywhere from 3 to 6 hours of riding in the bus. On day 5 there is a 3-hour hike. The walk is not demanding and most people can handle it, but for those who would rather ride a car up, this is possible to arrange on spot (against an additional payment).

Rcommended travel period of the year: May - September

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Price Includes:
7-night accommodation (incl. early check in) in a double room at 3*** hotels in Tbilisi and Gudauri and guesthouses in Kutaisi and Telavi
meals as above (B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner)
1 bottle of water per person/per day
transport and entrance fees (museums are closed on Mondays and public holidays) as per program
transfer from/to the airport
local English speaking guide

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Not Included:
Flight tickets to/from Tbilisi
drinks and meals not mentioned
insurance
tips
personal expenses

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Additional Services:
Surcharge for 2 persons travelling together: on request

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Gallery

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