+44 (0)20 8741 7390 The once ancient kingdom of Colchis, Georgia has long been linked with the Greek legends attributed to Jason and his band of Argonauts. Sandwiched between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, this mythical land today provides us with one of the last hidden gems left in Europe. This journey through its western landscapes takes you from its charming capital, Tbilisi and through forested valleys and snowcapped mountains of the Svaneti Mountains, where ancient cave towns and clustered rural villages testify to a rich heritage that can trace its origins back to late antiquity. Enjoying an opportunity to partake of some of the region s famous spicy cuisine, the journey visits some of Georgia s most famous and important religious sites including Mtskheta and Gelati, as well as the stunning cave towns of Uplistsikhe and Vardzia. You ll also pay a visit to Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin, and journey into the World Heritage landscapes of Upper Svaneti to trek amongst the villages and mountains of one of the last untouched regions of Eastern Europe. HIGHLIGHTS: Walk to clustered Svaneti villages with their interesting defensive towers Enjoy a city tour of Tbilisi, taking in the Narikala Fortress and Metekhi church See the impressive ancient cave city of Vardzia and Uplistsikhe Marvel at the frescoes of Gelati Monastery, the best in Georgia Trek to the unforgettable sight of Ushba Glacier and nearby waterfalls TOUR INCLUDES: 2 nights in four star hotels, 3 nights in three star hotels and 5 nights in guesthouses 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners Private guided sightseeing Private driver and vehicle Entrance fees included as per itinerary Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: TBILISI Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to your hotel. Then embark on a city tour of the capital. Walk through the narrow streets past colourful houses and patterned balconies to the 13th Century Metekhi church. Continue to the 4th century Narikala Fortress on the hill overlooking the city before finding yourself at the historical domed sulphur bath area - connected with the name of our city. Finish the tour at the historical museum (closed Mondays) to discover why Georgia is known as the land of the Golden Fleece. DAY 2: TBILISI - MTSKHETA - GORI - UPLISTSIKHE - KUTAISI This morning drive to the area of Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and the centre of Christianity in the country. It was here that St Nino converted the royal family to Christianity in the 4th century, visit the hill top Jvari church dating from the 4th century and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral from the 12th century. Drive on to the town of Gori, the birthplace of Stalin and where there is a museum about his life. Drive on to the 6th Century BC Uplistsikhe Cave - lying on the route of the Great Silk Road. After lunch continue to Western Georgia, arriving in to Kutaisi, the second largest city, in the early evening. (B) DAY 3: KUTAISI - ZUGDIDI - BECHO In the morning head north towards Svaneti, make a stop in the city of Zugdidi, home to the Dadiani Palace (closed Mondays), home to the 19th century Royal family of the region and set in the botanical gardens. There will also be time to look around the large market and have some lunch in a local restaurant before continuing on to Svaneti, the region of the highest mountains, glaciers and ancient traditions. Drive to Zugdidi and continue up to the village of Becho to check into your guesthouse accommodation. (B,D) DAY 4: BECHO - USHBA GLACIER - MESTIA Today explore the neighbouring village of Shikhra and then walk through the woods to the foot of Mt. Ushba (4700m) and the Ushba glacier. You will see several waterfalls cascading down the mountain slope, an unforgettable sight. Choose to walk to the base of the large waterfall or head up to the top and gaze down from above at the picturesque Dolra River Valley. In the late afternoon drive on to Mestia, the centre of Upper Svaneti, where you will enjoy a Svanetian meal in your guesthouse. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: MESTIA - USHGULI - MESTIA A morning drive takes you up to the highest permanent village in Europe - Ushguli (2200m). Ushguli and generally the whole Upper Svaneti region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is famous for its abundance of watchtowers. Visit the 12th century complex of Lamaria and wander these twisting ancient alleys between houses. (B,L,D) DAY 6: MESTIA - MULAKHI - MESTIA A full day's trek in the mountains takes you between the tiny villages and through wooded valleys. In the morning we set off for Mulakhi by car, where even today centuries-old towers stand, whose history of construction is shrouded in mystery. Here one can behold amazing landscapes any time throughout the year. After passing the wild mountain meadow covered with flowers and forested areas, we head to Mestia to stay in a family run hotel. (B,L,D) DAY 7: MESTIA - TSKALTUBO - KUTAISI Today you will leave the mountains and transfer back to Kutaisi, on arrival in the area you can visit a beautiful grotto (closed Mondays) with grand chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites formed thousands of years ago. You can enjoy some free time in Kutaisi to see the old city and the river as well as seeing the controversial renovations at the Bagrati Cathedral. (B,L,D) DAY 8: KUTAISI - GELATI - AKHALTSIKHE This morning visit Gelati, a cathedral and Academy started by King David The Builder as the most important centre of learning in Georgia, he is buried here as well and the church has some of the best frescoes in Georgia. Next head towards Akhaltsikhe, a small town with the impressive fortress of Rabat, one of the few Ottoman buildings in the country. The fortress has been completely renovated and houses an interesting museum showing the archaeological finds from the area. Please note the Rabat fortress is closed on Mondays. (B) DAY 9: AKHALTSIKHE - VARDZIA Drive to the small fortress of Khertvisi set on a hill top by the road, this fortress has not been restored and you can scramble around the walls and turrets. Move on to the cave city of Vardzia, once an important area to Queen Tamar, a complex of around 500 caves where once there were 3000, the rock hewn church still exists along with the frescoes. Take the pathways to see the ancient dwelling places and tunnels. Arriving at your guesthouse for lunch, you may like to spend the afternoon resting by the river which flows through the property or perhaps take one of the bicycles or walk in the valley. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: VARDZIA - TBILISI Your journey back to Tbilisi will take you across the high plateau in the south with views across to Turkey, pass lake Parvani and many Armenian settlements before descending in to the forested valleys and back to Tbilisi. There will be some free time this afternoon to wander the old city or perhaps visit a museum. (B) DAY 11: TBILISI Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION AKHALTSIKHE LOMSIA HOTEL In the centre of Akhaltsikhe, the Lomsia is a modern three star hotel, recognizable by its clock feature overlooking the entrance. The restaurant and bar are have large windows, allowing in plenty of light, and a delightful pavement terrace leading out onto the pedestrianised street. At the end of a long day sightseeing, enjoy a glass of Georgian wine on the terrace with views of the illuminated fortress at night. The hotel is tastefully designed with careful use of marble, deep carpets and dark wood. Rooms are comfortable and well furnished with extras such as kettles, satellite television and bath tubs. BECHO JENA'S GUESTHOUSE This guesthouse offers some of the best available accommodation in Becho with simple rooms, shared bathroom facilities and homemade cooking. There are a limited number of rooms available with private facilities, otherwise toilets and showers can be found in a deparate outbuilding block. KUTAISI BOUTIQUE ARGO HOTEL Boutique Argo is a modern hotel located perfectly in the historic centre of Kutaisi, only a three minute walk from white bridge. The hotel is decorated with Lali Zambakhidze s paintings and the works of contemporary photographer Mamuka Kakauridze. The rooms are spacious and come with all modern conveniences, as well as views of the mountains, gardens or city. Superior rooms have the added luxury of a spa bath. The restaurant provides traditional Georgian cuisine and features music in the evenings from the piano or DJ booth. VARDZIA VALODIA'S COTTAGE Valodia Cottage Resort has a lovely, large garden area in which holds the three buildings of the accommodation. Amongst the flowers there also is a summer bar and small private seating areas around the ponds. Enjoy a wine tasting event in the resorts own wine cellar used to produce Mesketian, a local wine, stored in traditional Georgian Pitchers, Qvevri. Stay in either a pretty wooden cottage or in a room within the stone buildings. The balcony rooms provide even more opportunity to take in the stunning natural surroundings and colourful garden, which grows all the ingredients for the kitchen. The restaurant is spacious and serves fresh produce in delicious Georgian cuisine, perfect with a glass of Mesketian wine! Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com