Adventures with Purpose: Georgia
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Steeped in the legends and stories of the classical era, Georgia has absorbed the influences and traditions of everyone from Eurasian monarchs and Persian kings, to Ottoman Turks and Soviet imperialists. A land with a long and fascinating heritage, Georgia is nonetheless a relative newcomer when it comes to sustainable tourism initiatives. However, it is making good progress and over the next decade, the country aims ...
Steeped in the legends and stories of the classical era, Georgia has absorbed the influences and traditions of everyone from Eurasian monarchs and Persian kings, to Ottoman Turks and Soviet imperialists. A land with a long and fascinating heritage, Georgia is nonetheless a relative newcomer when it comes to sustainable tourism initiatives. However, it is making good progress and over the next decade, the country aims to develop and promote eco-tourism across the board, with many of its initiatives focusing on preserving its traditional crafts and protecting its unique landscapes and archaeological treasures. This is something that we at Wild Frontiers are very keen to highlight and encourage.
Beginning in its capital, Tbilisi, you will venture across a landscape of sublime beauty, crossing a countryside liberally bedecked with traditional villages and historic old towns, all set against the magnificent backdrop of the towering and mysterious Caucasus Mountains. Along the way you will experience the vibrant life of daily markets, learn to make bread and Georgian sweets and discover a wealth of social enterprise projects that are aimed at promoting and preserving traditional customs and skills, as well as empowering local communities across the region.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Tbilisi
Day 1 Arrive Tbilisi
Located at the historical crossroads of the ancient European and Asian trade routes, the Georgian capital is steeped in the cultural traditions and influences of the Silk Road. Home to some 1.5 million people, the country’s largest city provides the perfect starting point to this extraordinary adventure. On arrival you will be met by your Wild Frontiers representative and transferred directly to your hotel for a three-night stay.
Day 2 Tbilisi: Historical Sights
Day 2 Tbilisi: Historical Sights
Spend the day enjoying a tour of the charming narrow streets of old Tbilisi, built along the twisting valley of the Mtkvari River. A captivating pastiche of colourful houses and patterned balconies, the heart of the old city is a wonderful mix of domed sulphur baths, atmospheric markets and an architectural heritage that reflects its rich and complex character. Exploring the city on foot makes for a more eco-friendly and inclusive tour, taking in some of its most beautiful sites before delving into its historical museum to discover why Georgia is known as the Land of the Golden Fleece. This evening has then been set aside to experience something of the city’s artistic and culinary delights, beginning with a visit to the renowned Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre, before moving on to sample some of the country’s finest cuisine and wine at one of our favourite local restaurants.
Day 3 Tbilisi: Culinary Backstreets and Architectural Highlights
Day 3 Tbilisi: Culinary Backstreets and Architectural Highlights
Today begins with a visit to a local farmers’ market, where you will meet your local culinary hosts. Under their expert guidance you will immerse yourself into the colour and clamour of the fascinating ‘Dezerter Bazaar’, the largest farmers’ market in Tbilisi. After enjoying shopping and bartering with the locals, you’ll then join your hosts back at their home, where you’ll cook a traditional Georgian meal together, washed down with some exceptionally fine Georgian wine. The perfect way to experience first hand some of the local culture and the local cuisine, after lunch you then set out to discover some of the city’s finest examples of Soviet and Art Nouveau architecture. Led by a specialist guide who grew up in the city during the Soviet era, this afternoon promises to be a fascinating insight into this significant period in time.
Day 4 Tbilisi – Kakheti Wine Region: Social Enterprise & Traditional Wine Experience
Day 4 Tbilisi – Kakheti Wine Region: Social Enterprise & Traditional Wine Experience
To the east of the capital, amongst the landscapes of the Alazani Valley, lies Telavi and Kakheti Province, one of the world’s oldest wine-making regions. Famed for its fine vintages, as well as its great food and spectacular mountain views, it provides the perfect backdrop to a visual and culinary treat that very much has its emphasis on hospitality and the preservation of traditional crafts. Visit the Nukriani Workshops, a social enterprise scheme that was recently set up to support local communities and encourage the preservation of traditional Georgian crafts. From here continue on to the fortified town of Sighnaghi, with its wonderfully preserved 18th century architecture and its spectacular views over the Caucasus Mountains. The visit will be followed by lunch with a local family who will introduce you to some of the region’s most delicious dishes. The afternoon is then rounded off with a visit to a local winery where your host will give you an insight into the wine-making process, using some of rarest and highest quality grapes in the Kakheti region. After your visit, continue on to Telavi for the evening.
Day 5 Kakheti Wine Region - Tusheti National Park
Day 5 Kakheti Wine Region - Tusheti National Park
This morning you head deep into the heart of the Great Caucasus Mountains and through arguably the most beautiful landscapes in the entire country as you head for the Tusheti region. Recognised as a protected landscape, the region is managed by the Tushetian people and here you will get the chance to enjoy local hospitality and sample some typical home-made food (including its famous cheese). This provides a rare opportunity to not only contribute directly to the preservation of this unique area, but also to experience village life first hand. The Tushetian people live very much off the grid, with your guesthouse being run off solar panels. Your visit here too will be very much low impact, with much of the time spent walking through this captivating landscape.
Day 6 Tusheti National Park: Ancient Towers & Wild Woodland
Day 6 Tusheti National Park: Ancient Towers & Wild Woodland
Set off into this stunning landscape today as you follow rivers, cross wooden bridges and pass through forest to reach the small but striking village of Shenako. A traditional mountain village occupying the southern slopes of the Priqiti ridge, Shenako is filled with historical and geographical appeal. Rarely visited by outsiders and scattered with typical Tushetian towers, it is home to the 13th century Russian built Church of the Holy Trinity. Continuing on through pine wooded valleys, the road eventually leads up to Diklo, the last Georgian village before the Russian border. Infused with legend and folklore, it provides an atmospheric setting for the night and a walk up to the moss-covered ruins of its old fortress provides some stunning views out across the surrounding countryside.
Day 7 Tusheti National Park: Remote Villages & Epic Landscapes
Day 7 Tusheti National Park: Remote Villages & Epic Landscapes
Today you head up to the nearby village of Ghele, from where the trail continues up into the mountains, to provide some unforgettable views of the Tushetian villages below. The highest point of the day’s journey takes you up to 2950 metres, before beginning the descent back down to the waiting vehicles. The drive back to Omalo then takes in the village of Bochorna, which at some 2345 metres above sea level is not only the highest inhabited place in the country, but also one of the highest in Europe.
Day 8 Tusheti National Park - Kakheti Wine Region
Day 8 Tusheti National Park - Kakheti Wine Region
Departing the Tushetian region this morning you head back towards Telavi today, stopping off en route to visit a local ceramic studio. Here you can see how the traditional clay jars, called Qvevri, are made. These particular style of jars have been used in Georgian winemaking for millennia. As with many of the social enterprise projects that the Georgians are keen to promote and encourage, this one teaches locals how to work with ceramics, helping to preserve a tradition that has flourished here for generations.
Day 9 Kakheti Wine Region: History & Traditions
Day 9 Kakheti Wine Region: History & Traditions
Today you will get the chance to explore this wonderful wine region in more depth, a great reward after your more active adventures in Tusheti. Beginning with a visit to a local farmers’ market, you’ll then visit Alaverdi Cathedral. Dating from the 11th century, at 50m high, this was the tallest church in the country for over 900 years (until the building of the modern Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi). Also make a stop at Gremi, once a mighty capital of the Kakheti Province and now a beautiful museum with a picturesque church and bell tower. Continue to Kvareli for lunch with a local family where you can sample delicious homemade Georgian dishes using fresh ingredients from your host's garden, before learning how to make the famous Georgian sweets - Churchkhela.
Day 10 Kakheti Wine Region – Ananuri – Kazbegi National Park
Day 10 Kakheti Wine Region – Ananuri – Kazbegi National Park
Set off along the Georgian Military Highway today as you soak up the wonderful views of the Great Caucasus Mountains. This is the main road running for 220km from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz in Russia, a spectacular highway that winds its way through sheer mountains. So named by Tsar Alexander I, this route actually dates from before the 1st century BC and is still important as one of the only links to Russia through the Caucasus Mountains. En route visit the Ananuri castle complex on the Aragvi River in Georgia, before ending in Stepantsminda, your base for exploring Kazbegi National Park. On arrival you will be treated to a delicious cooking class in the company of a local expert, who will teach you about some of Georgia’s most famous dishes which you can enjoy for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a climb up to the spectacular Holy Trinity Church for some magnificent views, before settling into your hotel for the evening.
Day 11 Kazbegi National Park: Valley Walks & Felt-Maker
Day 11 Kazbegi National Park: Valley Walks & Felt-Maker
Setting off through the spectacular Sno Valley this morning, you’ll travel on to the remote village of Juta (2165m). Cut off for six months of the year and surrounded by glorious mountain scenery, Juta provides an unforgettable glimpse into traditions and times long past. It is also the starting point for a pleasant four hour circular walk to the foot of Mount Chaukhebi. Relatively flat, and not particularly challenging, the walk takes you up to around 2550 metres and provides some magical vistas along the way. If you prefer to opt out of the walk and prefer instead to soak up the ambiance of the village, there are a number of charming cafes at which to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. The final visit of the afternoon will be to a traditional felt-maker, where you can learn about this absorbing art over a cup of tea and local honey.
Day 12 Kazbegi National Park – Tserovani – Mtskheta - Tbilisi
Day 12 Kazbegi National Park – Tserovani – Mtskheta - Tbilisi
Head back south towards Tbilisi today, first stopping off at the refugee village of Tserovani, set up to house refugees fleeing the aftermath of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. In 2012 a member of Georgia’s Traditional Craft Association set up a social enterprise scheme to offer employment opportunities and professional development, and your visit here can help support these efforts. Here you can meet with a local family and learn more the development of this area, before continuing on to the ancient capital and religious centre of Mtskheta. Over 3000 years old, the site still holds historical and cultural significance to many Georgians and is home to the impressive Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finish the day back in Tbilisi for your final evening.
Day 13 Depart Tbilisi
Day 13 Depart Tbilisi
You will be transferred back to the airport today for your return flight home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Rusiko's Guesthouse, Telavi
Located on the top of a hill, overlooking views of Telavi and the surrounding mountains, is Rusiko’s Guesthouse. A short walk from the centre of the town, this family-run property is on a residential street with rooms to the back of the building. This is a comfortable and simple, local guesthouse where you can get a feel for Georgian culture and sample good home cooking on the terrace with vines above you and the mountains standing tall on the horizon. All of the twenty-two rooms have twin beds and private facilities. What the guesthouse lacks in luxury, it makes up with homely hospitality.
Hotel Zeg, Tbilisi
Hotel Zeg is a beautiful property centrally located in the heart of the city, just a 5-minute walk from Freedom Square. The modern design with colourful artwork is complimented by traditional touches, and guests are treated to a number of good quality facilities and amenities throughout the hotel. Rooms are spacious with well-equipped bathrooms, and some rooms come with a balcony. The on site restaurant serves European cuisine, with a number of top restaurants within walking distance. This is an excellent higher-end mid-range hotel and a great base from which to explore the capital.
Hotel Stancia Kazbegi, Stepantsminda
The Hotel Stancia Kazbegi, located on the edge of the small town with the Terek River flowing behind it, was renovated by the local family who run it, providing a trendy and cosy accommodation option in the middle of the Kazbegi mountain ranges. Many rooms come with a private balcony and all include standard amenities. Wooden floors and furniture commonly found in the guest rooms and simple, trendy décor provide plenty of warmth during your stay. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor terrace looking out to the surrounding mountain scenery create a ski chalet ambience whilst the hotel’s décor draws on Scandanavian and European influence to give a stylish, contemporary feel throughout. There is a quaint on-site restaurant and bar that serves both Georgian and western European dishes, with many other dining options a short walk from the hotel.
Omalo Guesthouse, Omalo
Staying in local family-run guesthouses in remote Georgian villages provides a unique insight into rural life. You can eat the home-cooked local foods, see local traditions up close, and experience Georgia's famous hospitality. Rooms and facilities are basic, the latter often shared, but this is more than made up for with the great views of the surrounding mountains.
Diklo Guesthouse, Diklo
The humble guesthouse is found in a small community at the end of the road leading to Diklo, nearby Old Diklo and the fortress. The typical stone and wood structure has plenty of character, furnished with simple, locally-made pieces. There is a garden and outdoor seating area that is surrounded by green mountains on all sides, making it a great place to relax or walk around within peaceful Georgian countryside. The guesthouse has just five rooms, all of which have hot water and basic amenities. There is a communal kitchen for guests use as well as a dining room where the hosts can serve homemade Georgian fare, and a continental breakfast each morning. Basic creature comforts, proximity to Diklo and Georgian hospitality make it the perfect place to rest your head whilst in the area.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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WILD MILES
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Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Natalie
Natalie is our Causcaus expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258