Tour Operated by AFG Tour Georgia with American Friends of Georgia September 20 October 1, 2018 Georgia is at the junction of Europe and Asia, and this has led to a diverse mixture of Asian and European culture developed over thousands of years. According to ancient tradition, when God was handing out land to the peoples of the planet, the Georgians were too busy eating and drinking and arrived late. God told them that there was no land left, and Georgians told him that they had been toasting his health. They invited God to join them, and God had such a wonderful time at the Georgians' table that he gave them all the land he had been saving for himself. Truly God's own country. A comparatively mild climate, a fertile soil, natural resources, a diversity of flora and fauna, has created in Georgia the advantageous conditions for the earliest inhabitants in human history. The inhabitants of Georgia have often fought to maintain their independence and national integrities over the centuries. In struggling with outside influences from Achamenid and Sassanian Persia, Greek and Roman, Persian and Arabs, Seljuk, Ottoman and Russia, Georgia managed to preserve its national originality and culture. Enclosed high valleys, wide basins, health spas with famous mineral waters, caves and waterfalls are combined in this land of varied landscapes and striking beauty. Georgia has a wonderful and highly distinctive tradition of polyphonic singing that is at least 2000 years old, predating Christianity which arrived in Georgia in 326 AD. Georgians are proud to live in the place where wine was born. Each part of Georgia has its unique cuisine with its special flavor. Georgia is increasingly attractive to travelers with its historic and architectural monuments, unique fine-art masterpieces from ancient cultures, and ancient traditions still preserved in the remote and inaccessible villages of its mountainous provinces. 1
The majestic Caucasus Mountains are studded with spectacular resorts and national parks; Georgia s cuisine is varied and delicious, and its wines are world-famous, as are its traditions and rituals of hospitality. We believe the tours we propose will let the travelers experience and discover Georgia beyond the ordinary. We are committed to designing programs that provide lifelong memories, and ensuring our travelers return from their holidays full of inspiration. Itinerary September 20: Arrival in Tbilisi. Meeting in Tbilisi International Airport, Arrivals Gate with Board: AMERICAN FRIENDS OF GEORGIA (immediately as you leave the luggage delivery lounge); Transfer and check-in at the hotel (No program), Free day September 21: Starting of the Tour, Tbilisi Excursions September 22: Tbilisi to Mtskheta, Dzegvi-Ananuri, Tbilisi September 23: Tbilisi Zugdidi -Mestia September 24: Svaneti Area September 25: Svaneti area September 26: Svaneti area September 27: Svaneti to Tbilisi, September 28: Tbilisi to Bodbe -Sighnaghi -Tsinandali September 29: Telavi Ikalto Alaverdi-Gremi September 30: Telavi to Tbilisi October 1: Departure from Tbilisi The Program Description Day 1: September 20 Free Day to rest and recover from travel Day 2: September 21 At the Hotel Tiflis Palace, or similar you will be met at the reception by a guide and AFG team. You will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Tbilisi sightseeing tour: We will be visiting the area of the old town of Tbilisi, Sulphur Baths, Narikala Fortress, ancient churches, exploring spirit of its history, architecture and people. After the sightseeing tour you will be taken for lunch at the restaurant Restaurant Gorgasali with Georgian fusion dishes. After lunch you will visit the National Museum. After the museum you pay a visit to the Mercy Center Hospice, Nursing School and Home Care Program (the first hospice and nursing school in Georgia supported by AFG) and meet with AFG s first partner, Mother Mariam, founder of the Hospice and Abbess of the Transfiguration Convent. Attend a dinner in the Restaurant next to the Convent hosted by Mother Mariam. 2
Back to Hotel and overnight in Tbilisi at luxury Tiflis Palace Hotel. Day 3: September 22 After breakfast, you will be picked up at 9:00 AM from the reception of the Hotel Tiflis Palace to leave for the 2,600-year-old town of Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Visit Jvari monastery, the masterpiece of early Christian Orthodox architecture dated VI century located on the hill top at the confluence of rivers Mtkvari and Aragvi and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards visit Svetiskhoveli Cathedral also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other historic monuments of Mtskheta. Svetitskhoveli, known as the burial site of Christ's mantle, has long been the principal Georgian church and remains one of the most venerated places of worship to this day. The current cathedral was built in the eleventh century though the site itself is even older dating back to the early fourth century and is surrounded by a number of legends associated primarily with early Christian traditions. Visit the Dzegvi Shelter/Community AFG project (a community shelter for mentally ill, disabled persons, former street children and abandoned single mothers). Meeting with Mother Mariam of Dzegvi. Special late Lunch will be prepared by the Shelter inhabitants and you will meet the Higher Education Program young adults (former street children now attending university supported by AFG). Continue on the way to Ananuri a castle complex on the Aragvi River in Georgia. Ananuri was a castle and seat of the Eristavis (Dukes) of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty which ruled the area from the 13th century. The 3
castle was the scene of numerous battles. Within the complex, amongst other buildings, are two churches, one of which dates back to 16 th century. After the visit to Ananuri, you will continue on the road back to Tbilisi. On the way a dinner at Mtskheta Restaurant. Back to the hotel and overnight in Tbilisi. Day 4: September 23 After breakfast, at 9:00 AM at the reception (already checked-out of the hotel), the guide will meet you and you will leave for Svaneti - the high mountainous region of Northwestern Georgia. On the way in Zugdidi late Lunch in the Restaurant Diaroni. After Lunch continue your way to Mestia. Svaneti is an extraordinary and surreal land of towers, snow, craggy peaks, wine, and dancing; where gold was fleeced. The entire region is a UNESCO world heritage site. Situated on the southern slopes of the central Caucasus Mountains and surrounded by 3,000 5,000 meter peaks, Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus. Four of the 10 highest peaks of the Caucasus are located in the region. The highest mountain in Georgia, Mount Shkhara at 5,201 meters (17,059 feet), is located in the province. Prominent peaks include Tetnuldi 4,974m ( 16,319 ft), Shota Rustaveli 4,960m ( 16,273 ft), Mount Ushba 4,710m (15,453 ft), Ailama 4,525 m (14,842 ft), as well as Lalveri, Latsga and others. The travel will take around 3 hours. Before arrival in Mestia, check in at the Hotel Tetnuldi at the foot of Caucasus Mountains. Dinner at the Hotel with absolutely panoramic fantastic views over Caucasus Mountains. Overnight in the Hotel Tetnuldi. 4
Day 5: September 24 After breakfast at the hotel, around 10:00 AM you will start sightseeing tour of Mestia. After Mestia tour, Excursion to the Museum for History and Ethnography of Mestia, which is the largest museum in Svaneti. Among the greatest sights at the Museum are the old New Testament Gospels from the 9th to the 13th century as well as beautiful icons and crosses. The oldest icons there are dating back to the 9th century. Afterwards you will visit Khergiani Museum. This is another interesting museum, dedicated to the Svan mountain climbing legend Mikheil Khergiani (1932-1969) known as mountain tiger (British experts called him this for his ability to climb fast in difficult mountains). He was one of the world s greatest climbers, frequently winning big mountain climbing competitions. After the excursion to the museum you will have a late lunch - enjoying unique Svan cuisine. You will go up by cable car to the Restaurant Zuruldi. After Lunch you will visit a historical Svan dwelling house of the Margiani family. They possessed 8 towers from which remain only 4. Height of the towers and their quantity spoke about wealth and power of a sort. After visiting the house, you won t be able to leave it without having climbed to the top of the tower. The panoramic picturesque scenes leave you with unforgettable impressions of the beauty of Svaneti. After visiting the project you will have dinner at the Restaurant Bengurani. Day 6: September 25 After Breakfast, at around 10:00 AM you will have a short tour of the neighboring village of Latali where we will visit Matskhvarishi church with medieval frescoes. Back to Mestia. You will have lunch in one of the restaurants in Mestia. Afterwards you will leave for Becho. Optional walking tour to the surroundings of the hotel or Shikhra valley and views of mountains. Visit old dwelling house and meet local farmers with amazing skills of artisanal honey, wheat, bales of hay. Or cooking classes. Dinner at Grand Ushba Hotel. Back to the Hotel. 5
Day 7: September 26 After breakfast at the hotel, trip to Ushguli by special 4 WD car. Ushguli is one of the most beautiful places in Georgia and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Ushguli is actually the joint name of four small villages which are located at around 2,200 meters above sea level and is the highest inhabited settlement/village in Europe. North of Ushguli, the mighty Mount Shkhara rises to 5,068 meters and is the highest mountain in Georgia. Ushguli is renowned for its stone tower houses where people lived, and also used as guard towers. The most well-known towers in the settlement were Georgia s grand Queen Tamar s residential towers where she stayed at various periods. It is optional to hike up to Queen Tamar s towers. In Ushguli you will visit Ushguli Museum. After Museum excursion you will have Late Lunch in the village of Ushguli Café Koshki focused on Svan cuisine. In the very upper part of Ushguli, there is a former monastery which shows the way further on towards Mount Shkhara. During our trip to Ushguli, we will visit Lamaria church, tower museum, drive or walk towards mount Shkhara. Afterwards back to Mestia. Dinner at one of the Restaurants of Mestia. Day 8: September 27 After breakfast, you will start early at 9:00 AM the long way back to Tbilisi. On the way at around 2 PM, we will drop in to one of the Restaurants and have lunch. After lunch continue the way back to Tbilisi. It will take around 4 hours. In the evening we will arrive in Tbilisi. Check in at the Hotel and sometime later have dinner. Dinner at Azarphesha prepared by a well-known chef accompanied with polyphonic singers. Overnight at Rooms hotel. 6
Day 9: September 28 After breakfast, (checked out from the hotel at 9:00 AM) you will travel to Kakheti - Georgia s largest wine region. Besides being the premier wine-producing area of Georgia, Kakheti is also rich in history: the picturesque hilltop town of Sighnaghi, and many beautiful churches, castles and mansions in the region. About 12:00 arrival in 9 th century Bodbe Convent that was reconstructed several times. It has been significantly remodeled especially in the 17 th century. The monastery now functions as a nunnery and is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia, due to its association with St. Nino, the 4th-century female evangelist of Georgians, whose relics are enshrined there. The tour continues to the stunning 18 th century town of Signaghi known as town of love. It is one of the country's smallest towns with a population of 2,146 as of the 2002 census. You will have Lunch at Pheasant s Tears. After lunch brief look at Pheasants Tears winery carpet shop & picture gallery. You will enjoy a short walking tour through the streets of Signaghi. Continue trip to the Tsinandali Estate, which belonged to Alexander Chavchavadze - the 19th-century aristocrat, poet and public-man. At the estate we will have a chance to visit the museum, park and taste a variety of Georgian wines. 7
Dinner at Chateau Mere restaurant where creative food is served in an artistic environment. Check-in and overnight at Hotel Chateau Mere. Day 10: September 29 Breakfast at the Hotel. Travel to Ikalto. Visit the monastic complex of Ikalto - situated 7-8-kilometers west of Telavi on the outskirts the village of Ikalto. The complex was founded by one of the Assyrian monks Zenon of Ikalto in the late VI century. Only three churches have been preserved from the complex. In spite of considerable reconstruction, one can still see parts of an older VI century domed church in the little Trinity church. These churches were restored so many times that their original appearance has changed extensively. All three churches, like most of the Kakhetian churches, are white, and against the background of green hills attract one s attention from far away. The remains of the academy and the refectory survive among other ruins of the monastery complex. According to a legend, the famous XII century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied here. The trip continues to Alaverdi Monastery and its 1,000-year-old wine cellar! This 6 th century facility has a wonderful story, and the few monks who still live there and the tradition of winemaking. At Alaverdi Monastery you will have a short historical presentation, and, of course, an opportunity to taste the liquid fruit of their labors wine tasting of Monastery wines at Alaverdi. Late Lunch at Chateau Mere with unique culinary interpretations of traditional Georgian dishes. Some free time. In the evening special dinner at the hotel Chateau Mere. Overnight at the Hotel Chateau Mere in Telavi. Day 11: September 30 After breakfast at the Hotel, you will travel to Tbilisi via the splendid Gombori pass. On arrival in Tbilisi you will visit the College of Decorative Gardening and Ecology, a project supported by AFG (the first landscaping college in Georgia). Lunch in the restaurant. Check in hotel in Tbilisi, free time before dinner. Optional: visiting various shops of souvenirs, carpets, jewelry, etc. 8
At 8:00 PM farewell dinner at the Funicular restaurant with spectacular and breathtaking views on Tbilisi. Day 12: October 1 Breakfast at the Hotel. Free time before departure. You will be picked up and transferred to Tbilisi International Airport. Departure from Tbilisi International Airport. Price structure is based per person double/twin room accommodation Price structure is based per person double/twin room accommodation 05 06 persons: USD 2870 per person 07 08 persons: USD 2655 per person 09 10 persons: USD 2400 per person 11 12 persons: USD 2155 per person Single room supplement: USD 525 per person Included: 2 x airport transfer 10 x transport service including fuel according to program by A/C comfortable coach 4WD vehicles for the trips to Ushguli 10 x English speaking guide service according to program 10 x lunches 10 x dinners with wine as per program (including Gala Dinner) 2 x wine tasting 6 x breakfast / overnight at luxury hotel in Tbilisi www.tiflispalace.ge or similar 2 x breakfast / overnight at luxury boutique hotel in Telavi area www.mere.ge or similar 4 x breakfast / overnight at boutique hotel in Mestia www.tetnuldi.ge or similar Guide & driver s accommodation outside Tbilisi Mineral water Entrance fees to all museums and sites as per program Local taxes Not included: Flights, travel insurance, single room supplement, alcoholic beverages except described in the program are extra and not included in the program. 9