Imereti-Kartli-Kakheti2

"THROUGH STEPPES AND VOLCANOES"/ 26.10-4.11.2023

Day 1 (October 26)

After picking up from the airport (around 1:00 pm depending on which city you are arriving from) in Kutaisi, exchanging money (from euros or dollars to lari), buying SIM cards we will head towards the village of Tskaltubo. Tskaltubo during the Soviet era was famous for its sanatoriums and swimming pools, where Soviet prominents and other Russian residents came in crowds to relax. We will visit the sanatoriums, which have fallen into disrepair, but still delight tourists with their deteriorating architecture. Not far from Tskaltubo is the Tetra Cave, where during the tour we will have the opportunity to taste the wines stored there and learn about Georgia's 8,000-year-old history and wine tradition. For dinner and overnight we will arrive in Kutaisi.🕍

Day 2 (October 27)

We will depart from Kutaisi after breakfast on the introductory road to Tblisi. On our route there will be a stop to visit the rock city of Upliscyche, which is considered to be the oldest urban settlement and dates back to the 5th century BC. Here, as part of the entrance ticket purchased, there is an opportunity for wine tasting in beautiful natural settings. From Upliscyche we will head towards the former capital of Georgia, Mccheta, where we will visit one of the most beautiful and important Georgian monasteries, Sveti Tsakhoveli. From Mccheta we will reach Tbilisi in the evening, where dinner and overnight stay await us.🏛️

Day 3 (October 28)

After breakfast we will leave Tbilisi for the Kakheti region. Our first stop will be Chachuna National Park, which runs on both sides of the Iori River for 70 km. It is a unique place because of its flora, steppe vegetation, dry clear forests, semi-deserts and wetlands. Mud volcanoes are also common in Georgia, which we will have the opportunity to see at Qila Kupra and Takhti-Tepha. Takhti -Tepha is an inorganic natural monument located at an altitude of 620 m. The largest diameter of the mud crater is 3.5-4 m. The mud craters, along with small open vents, are constantly active, spewing mud, oil and gas, which we will be able to admire together. For the evening we will visit the village of Dedoplisckaro.

Day 4 (October 29)

In Dedoplisckaro we will take care of the formalities for arranging passes to the Vashlovani National Park. Note that the park is located on the border with Azerbaijan, so passports are required!!! On this day, we will start our adventure through the steppes and rocks by visiting the Eagle Gorge (Artsivi Kheoba) natural monument located at an altitude of 762 meters above sea level. Eagle Gorge is a unique complex that consists of two sites. One part is a limestone rocky canyon, and the other is a nearby forested area where the Khornabuji Fortress (5th century) is located. More than sixty species of birds can be found here. Among them nest - black stork and griffon vulture. This is an ideal place for bird watching. On the rocky slopes of the canyon you can see rare/protected plants that are not found anywhere else in Georgia. The reserve is home to such animal species as the Anatolian leopard, striped hyena, brown bear, gray wolf, lynx, wild boar, and you may have a chance to meet them. The area has a dry semi-desert climate, so the park is hardly inhabited by people! Since the entire Vashlovani park covers 25114 hectares of land, on this day we will pass the first viewpoint and for the night we will visit the lodges guarded by local rengers. So there will be a real overnight stay in the semi-desert.

Day 5 (October 30)

After breakfast, we will continue to traverse the miles of steppe and desert trails of the park with our Delica. We will see magnificent views from the Mijniskhure viewpoint. This is the easternmost part of Georgia, right on the border with Azerbaijan. That day we will spend the night in bungalows on the banks of the Alazani River. The perfect place at the end of the world to enjoy the wilderness, no range, just us and nature. 🌴

Day 6 (October 31)

From Vashlovani Park we will set off on our return trip to Dedoplistskaro. Our main attraction for the day will be a visit to the abandoned Soviet military base of Shiraki. Old runways, airplane hangars, all remnants of the USSR army. Now you can find cattle grazing here, and the hangars are used as agricultural warehouses. It's a treat for Urbex and photography fans, maybe we can find the last aircraft abandoned there.😎 For dinner and overnight we stay in Dedoplistskaro.

Day 7 (November 1)

From Dedoplisckaro we will go to visit Bodbe Monastery, which is an important religious center in Georgia, attracting numerous pilgrims. Then our merry bus will set off for the city of love Sighnaghi. We'll take a stroll through the town's narrow streets for an unhurried tour of this Georgian Tuscany. The vineyards and cypresses stretching to the horizon are deceptively reminiscent of Italian landscapes, and the small cafes and wine bars complete the atmosphere. In Sighnaghi there is a registry office, where you can take a quick wedding. For those wanting an adrenaline rush, a tyrolean ride is possible. We will stay in Sighnaghi for the night.

Day 8 (November 2)

On this day we will leave the Kakheti region to travel to Tbilisi. We will devote this day to penetrating the capital of Georgia and its greatest monuments, including taking the Narikala Fortress by train, entering the tallest cathedral in Georgia that is Cminda Sameba, exploring the old city, the Peace Bridge and other attractions. Those willing can try taking a bath in the city baths in the Abanotubani district (advance reservations apply) or take a boat ride on the Mtkwari River. We will also visit the city in the evening, when it is most beautifully illuminated. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 9 (November 3)

From Tbilisi we will make our way back to Kutaisi. This day we will have a tour of the ancient capital of Colchis. On the schedule, among others: Bagrati Cathedral, the White Bridge over the Rioni River, the Kolchida fountain, the old town and shopping at the Green Bazaar. Be sure to buy churchuela and Svaneti salt as travel gifts. In the evening a last supra together in an enchanted place in the middle of Kutaisi at the home of our friend Tina and an overnight stay overlooking the city skyline.🍷

Day 10 (November 4)

After breakfast we will already go to Kutaisi airport.✈️

The plan is quite detailed, but it is always subject to change if only due to weather conditions or temporary road closures. You have to remember that Georgia, as beautiful as it is, is also unpredictable, but you love it for that.❤️

Georgia, located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, will always be both familiar and exotic to us. On the one hand, the famous Georgian hospitality, on the other hand, the culture and traditions that are not fully understood for us. We guarantee that you will fall in love as we did with Georgian cuisine, wine, mountains and people. 🇬🇪❤️🇬🇪

Price✨

50 EUR (booking advance) on account + 800 EUR payable on the spot upon arrival (total 850 EUR).

Those who are determined should first of all buy air tickets. This is a guarantee of the trip for us. Then, after sending confirmation of ticket purchase, a reservation deposit is required within 7 days, in case of cancellation the deposit is non-refundable).

Number of places strongly limited, only intimate groups. The minimum number of people on the tour is 4, the maximum is 6.

What the price includes:

🚐 Transportation with Georgian driver and English-speaking guide (transfer from and to the airport and a comfortable minivan for exclusive use during our entire trip).
🏡 Accommodation in family-run mesthouses/hotels in 2-3 bed rooms and 2 nights in bungalows in Vashlovani Park
🥐 Food (breakfast and dinner)
💃 care of a Polish certified tour manager
🍷 supra last night in Kutaisi

What the price does not include:

🏛️ entrance fees to sightseeing places such as: cave, rock city, entrance fee to Vashlovani Park, etc.
✈️ airline tickets (Wizzair), we will help you buy tickets
🚷 tourist insurance (everyone insures individually)
🥐 other meals on the route

Feel free to contact.