Undiscovered Georgia: Soviet Stories & Beyond
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
The birthplace of the most famous dictator of the Soviet Union, Georgia was transformed during the Soviet era into an industrial urban complex. Despite this, Georgia’s traditional culture remains today, with ancient wine making methods, World Heritage religious monuments and unique culinary delights. During this week-long itinerary you will delve deeper into the wonders of Georgia, before and during the Soviet Era, discovering a number of hidden gems along the way.
The journey ...
The birthplace of the most famous dictator of the Soviet Union, Georgia was transformed during the Soviet era into an industrial urban complex. Despite this, Georgia’s traditional culture remains today, with ancient wine making methods, World Heritage religious monuments and unique culinary delights. During this week-long itinerary you will delve deeper into the wonders of Georgia, before and during the Soviet Era, discovering a number of hidden gems along the way.
The journey begins in Georgia’s charming capital, Tbilisi, where you will study the remaining Soviet Era architecture, accompanied by a guide who lived in Georgia during that period in order to hear their personal experience of the time. Also see the historical houses of the old town before heading to Gori, Stalin’s hometown, where you can visit his old house and museum.
Go off the beaten track at the cable cars of Chiatura, the imposing pillar of Katskhi and the eerie Soviet spa resort of Tskaltubo, before visiting a traditional Georgian winery and the UNESCO churches of Mtskheta, Georgia’s religious centre. Back in Tbilisi, enjoy a cooking class in a local home, explore the Soviet industrial town of Rustavi and visit Stalin’s hidden propaganda printing house.
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
On arrival into Tbilisi you will be greeted by your Wild Frontiers representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check in.
Day 2 Tbilisi: Soviet & Art Nouveau Architecture - Gori
Day 2 Tbilisi: Soviet & Art Nouveau Architecture - Gori
Today you will go on a full day tour of Tbilisi's architectural wonders, before and after the Soviet Union. Led by an older citizen who lived here during the Soviet era, you will begin taking a ride on the Georgian Metro to the headquarters of the South Caucasus Soviet Army, from which the Soviet Union ruled Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijan armies. Stop at other buildings built during the Soviet times and at beautiful Soviet Mosaics, once used as propaganda by the state. Then you will tour the older architecture of the city in Sololaki district. Explore the 19th century homes with their hidden courtyards and beautifully carved wooden balconies, before seeing the European Art Nouveau style buildings of Aghmashenebeli Avenue. Finally, drive to your hotel in Gori.
Day 3 Gori - Kutaisi: Stalin, Wine History & Soviet Heritage
Day 3 Gori - Kutaisi: Stalin, Wine History & Soviet Heritage
Gori is the birthplace of Georgia's most infamous son, Joseph Stalin. Although one of the cruellest dictators of modern times, you might hear a different version in the Stalin Museum, where you can also visit his house and private train cart. From Gori, set off to visit a century old wine cellar in the mountain village of Sachkere, before continuing to the nearby town of Chiatura. The old mining town is host to 20 rusting, Soviet style cable cars, which are still used today by some very brave locals. Closed to tourists, the cable cars still make for an interesting stop, alongside the concrete Soviet architecture that remains in the town. Finally, continue to your accommodation in Kutaisi.
Day 4 Kutaisi: Tskaltubo Soviet Architecture – Prometheus Cave – UNESCO Gelati
Day 4 Kutaisi: Tskaltubo Soviet Architecture – Prometheus Cave – UNESCO Gelati
You will be taken to Tskaltubo today, the main spa resort in the whole of the Soviet Union during the 60s and 70s, with trains from Moscow arriving daily. Tskaltubo was known for its healing mineral waters from enriched springs, used during treatments. Following the fall of the Soviet Union, many of the lavish buildings were abandoned until refugees from Abkhazia settled here in 1992. Spend some time exploring beautiful old buildings that have been reclaimed by nature, creating a haunting yet calming atmosphere and fantastic photography opportunities. From here you then move on to the impressive Prometheus Cave, home to an array of unique stalactites and stalagmites. Later on return to Kutaisi to visit the UNESCO Gelati Monastery, founded in the 12th Century by the most famous Georgian King, David the IV, the Builder (1073 - 1125). The frescoes are very impressive here, as well as the peaceful hillside location.
Day 5 Kutaisi - UNESCO Mtskheta - Tbilisi
Day 5 Kutaisi - UNESCO Mtskheta - Tbilisi
Set off to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, to see the UNESCO 6th century Jvari church and 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Arrive back into Tbilisi where you can pay a visit to the Chronicle of Georgia, where 16 impressive pillars show scenes from the life of Jesus and the history of Georgia and it`s rulers. If there's time, stop by the Tbilisi Automuseum, a small but impressive private collection of vintage Soviet vehicles.
Day 6 Tbilisi: Culinary Delights, Soviet Industries & Propaganda
Day 6 Tbilisi: Culinary Delights, Soviet Industries & Propaganda
Today you will travel the short distance to the town of Rustavi, founded 70 years ago and a major industrial centre for metalwork. During the Soviet era many towns were built around large industries and factories, which soon disappeared under a new economy after the fall of the Soviet Union. Here you can see some of the old Soviet architecture and also visit one of the last operational plants left operating - Rustavi Metallurgical Plant. Return to Tbilisi late morning and jump on the old metro to visit the colourful Dezerter Bazaar, the capital's oldest food market, named after the soldiers who sold their equipment here at the beginning of the 20th century. Meet your local culinary host, who will show you which ingredients to buy before welcoming you into her home for a cooking class in Georgia cuisine. After lunch, enjoy your last stop at Joseph Stalin's Underground Printing House, where a young Stalin printed communist propaganda between 1904 and 1906.
Day 7 Depart Tbilisi
Day 7 Depart Tbilisi
Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Astoria Tbilisi, Tbilisi
Close to the quiet centre of the ancient city, Hotel Astoria Tbilisi is locatednear to the main avenue and medieval attractions, as well as a subway station and the funicular. Enter the marble lobby, with grand floor detailing, before heading to your well-appointed room, designed in a simple yet elegant style. The mood-lit bar is open all hours and serves excellent Georgian wine from different regions of the country. In the basement is the dining room, serving European, Asian and American dishes. There is a swimming pool and fitness room for guests to use in a neighbouring building.
Grand Opera Hotel, Kutaisi
A great new addition to Kutaisi, the Grand Opera Hotel offers excellent upper mid-range accommodation in the heart of the city. Set within a beautiful traditional building, the hotel's decor includes tasteful, modern furnishings and artwork, and the spacious rooms and suites all offer en suite facilities and good amenities. There is a hotel restaurant serving up delicious Georgian food and guests can also access the hotel's wine cellar to sample some local wines.
Gori Inn, Gori
Gori Inn is an excellent mid-range hotel recently added to Gori's collection, offering extensive facilities and modern amenities. There are a range of rooms and suites which are spacious and comfortable, some with balconies. The restaurant also offers a diverse menu of Georgian and international cuisine for lunch and dinner and there is a generous breakfast. Guests can also enjoy a well-equipped fitness room and there is a well-sized indoor swimming pool, as well as a spa with multiple treatments available and a sauna and hammam. Wine lovers can also enjoy some on-site tasting from their collection.
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.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED
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EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
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.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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Natalie is our Causcaus expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258