11D8N AMAZING MEAL PLAN 08 BREAKFASTS 08 LUNCHES 08 DINNERS 24 TOTAL MEALS

GEO11

TBILIBI – – TSINANDALI – – KAZBEGI – GORI – – KHERTIVISI – VARDZIA CAVE TOWN –

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RUSSIA Rustaveli Avenue, the main thoroughfare running through the city. You may explore the avenue during your free time, where

PMEE AE AE 1 you can find small stores to big name and international brands, A wide range of eateries, from inexpensive cafe to fine dining. 1 A ANAN • This evening, enjoy a wine-and-song filled Georgian dinner at NANAL 2 M AAN a traditional restaurant. 3 L NA AALE Lunch | Dinner AM 2 GEORGIA TURKEY DAY 3 AZERBAIJAN ARMENIA SIGNAGHI GURJAANI TSINANDALI TBILISI N • Depart for Georgia’s famous wine region, . NIGHT STAY • Visit Bodbe Nunnery with their tranquil cloister garden, which BY FLIGHT is located in 2 km from the Town of Signagi. It was founded BY COACH on the grave of St. Nino, the Illuminator of Georgia (4th c). Therefore, the whole area is regarded sacred by all the devout Christians in Georgia. DAY 1 • Visit the fortified town ofSignaghi, which is located on a hilltop SINGAPORE TBILISI and overlooking the Valley with stunning views of the Welcome to a unique experience! mountains. • Assemble at airport for departure. • Visit a private winery in the village of Velistikhe. • Enjoy lunch with homemade dishes, wine tasting and learn how DAY 2 ‘churchkhela’ (Georgian sweets) is made. TBILISI • After lunch, visit Tsinandali Estate, which once belonged to • Embark on a city tour of Tbilisi. the 19th century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze. • Walk up to the Virgin Mary (outside view • Return to Tbilisi for dinner in a traditional restaurant. only) - the first church of Tbilisi, located on the left bank of Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner the river Mtkvari, on the cliff plateau where the monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali watches over the city. DAY 4 • Proceed to Meidan Square, the heart of beautiful Old Tbilisi; TBILISI MTSKHETA GUDAURI stroll through charming corners, cozy pedestrian streets and KAZBEGI# () inner courtyards lined with artists fair and sourvenirs stalls. • Depart for sacred Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religion • Visit the famous bakery before walking on to Sioni Cathedral, centre of Georgia. which claim to fame for its sacred cross of St. Nino which • Visit Sveti-Tskhoveli Cathedral (UNESCO), the first Christian according to legend is made from vine branches bound with church to be built in Georgia and also the largest functioning the saint’s own hair. cathedral. It is believed that the Robe of Christ is buried here. • Continue to Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater and the • Visit the beautiful 6th century Church of (UNESCO) unique clock tower (twice a day at noon and at 7pm, the tiny which is perched on a cliff overlooking the city and confluence puppets inside the tower will play “The Circle of Life” show). of the Rivers Mtkvari and Aragvi. • After lunch, see the Synagogue and the bath houses which • Drive north towards the famed Georgian Military Highway. have been a favorite place of Tbilisi residents and visitors for Completed in 1817, it is the main transport artery linking over a century. Georgia with Russia into the mountainous provinces of the • Visit Sameba - Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral; listed among . the largest Orthodox churches in the world and is the biggest • Continue on for another hour’s drive to Gudauri; at 2,196m cathedral in Georgia. the highest location of any village along the route and a popular • Picture stop at Peace Bridge. winter mountain resort. • Enjoy lunch at Gudauri.

38 Exotics by Dynasty Travel Holy Trinity Church Kinetic Monument of Love - Ali & Nino Tbilisi

• Cross Jvari Pass, this at 2,395m is the highest point on the Military Highway. # During winter months (November to March) due to • Arrive at Kazbegi, now officially namedStepantsminda, a closure of mountain pass, Kazbegi will not be included : valley town at about 1750m altitude, just 15km short of the Russian border. DAY 4 • Check in hotel. Rest and relax in this beautiful mountain village TBILISI MTSKHETA TBILISI environment. • Depart for sacred Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religion centre of Georgia. Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner • Visit Sveti-Tskhoveli Cathedral (UNESCO), the first DAY 5 Christian church to be built in Georgia and also the largest KAZBEGI (STEPANTSMINDA) GORI functioning cathedral. It is believed that the Robe of Christ BORJOMI is buried here. • In the morning, hop on to a 4WD vehicle (5-6 people in one) • Visit the beautiful 6th century Church of Jvari and drive through beautiful valleys and woodland of Gergety (UNESCO) which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Village to visit Tsminda Sameba Church (Gergeti Trinity city and confluence of the Rivers Mtkvari and Aragvi. Church). This little church is located in a beautiful and solitary • After lunch, return to Tbilisi for some free time to explore spot on top the mountain at 2170m. When weather permits, the capital or go on a shopping spree. Perhaps you would you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the like to try a Sulphur Bath ? Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047m). • Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi. • Return to hotel, get onto our tour coach and continue our Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner journey to Gori, the birthplace of . • Visit the museum which traces his life from his humble DAY 5 beginnings to his death. The house where he was born and TBILISI GORI BORJOMI raised (in front of the museum itself) and Stalin’s private train • Depart for Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. carriages. • Visit the museum which traces his life from his humble • Approximately 5 hours’ drive to Borjomi, a resort town beginnings to his death. The house where he was born and in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region famous for its mineral raised (in front of the museum itself) and Stalin’s private water industry (which is the number one export of Georgia). train carriages. Archaeological excavations have revealed the existence of • Arrive Borjomi for dinner and the night. stone baths in the area, proving that these mineral waters have Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner been utilized by people for thousands of years. • Dinner and overnight in Borjomi. Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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DAY 6 DAY 8 BORJOMI AKHALTSIKHE VARDZIA KUTAISI BATUMI CAVE TOWN BORJOMI • Visit the local market of Kutaisi. • Depart for a full day excursion arriving firstly atAkhaltsikhe, • Proceed to Kumistavi Village and visit Prometheus Cave, the capital of Samtskhe-Javakheti region. one of Georgia’s natural wonders and one of ’s richest • Visit Rabati (old town) Castle Complex, with its multicultural caves, providing tourists with breathtaking examples of architecture. Rare examples of darbazebi (traditional Georgian stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, petrified waterfalls, cave houses) cluster around the castle, which was built in the pearls, underground rivers, and lakes. There are 15 halls with 12th century and houses a Mosque, the ruins of a Medrese, a maximum height of 21m and average temperature of 15 a Synagogue, an Armenian Church and a Catholic Church. degree celcius. The walking route for tourists is about 1km (Closed on Mondays and public Holidays) (comfortable walking shoe is needed) with a short boat ride in the underground lake (280m). (Opens from 10am till 5pm in • Enjoy lunch in a private farm house restaurant by the river winter and 6pm in summer. Closed on Mondays. Please note Mtkvari that boat ride is strictly subject to availability). • Continue to visit 12th century Vardzia Cave Town, built by • Continue our journey to the beautiful coast region Queen Tamara, the greatest queen of Georgia, reigned during of . the Golden Ages of Georgia history. At 1300m above sea level, the complex is carved into the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain • After dinner, enjoy a panoramic tour of Batumi Boulevard with caves that stretch along the cliff for some 500m and used and Musical Fountains, striking parks and breathtaking to have as many as 13 stories. (Note: Climbing of uneven path, steps monuments, of one which is the famous “Statue of Love”, a 7m and stairways required. Walking stick is advisable for elderly tourists.) steel sculpture of a man and a woman at the seashore boulevard • Return to Borjomi for dinner and the night. of Batumi. The figures move toward each other and merge into one piece every 10 minutes. Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner • Overnight in Batumi. DAY 7 Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner BORJOMI KUTAISI DAY 9 • In the morning, take a stroll to Borjomi Park and visit the spring that produces the carbonated mineral water. BATUMI • Continue to Kutaisi – the capital of ancient where • After breakfast, proceed with Batumi sightseeing tour, starting the epic legend of the Argonauts was acted out and where from the seaside park and the old city district with lots of cafes, the Golden Fleece was kept. Ancient Colchis held the secret shop, churches, and old streets decorated with ornaments of of how to obtain gold; the discovery of this secret and the nameless mythical creatures. acquisition of the Golden Fleece was the Argonauts’ quest. • Visit Europe Square with astronomical clock and Medea statue; • Visit (UNESCO World Heritage site), a Visit Piazza Square, one of the most beautiful squares in whole medieval monastic complex which is also a masterpiece of the Georgia. Distinguished by its painting, as well as by its exquisite Georgian founded in 1106 by King IV of mosaics and stained glass windows. Georgia. • Drive on to visit Gonio Fortress, connected with the myth • In the evening, take a walking tour in old part of Kutaisi and see of Jason and the Argonauts (closed on Mondays and public the interesting city fountain. holidays). • Dinner and overnight in Kutaisi. • Some free time in the afternoon for shopping and self exploration. Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

40 Exotics by Dynasty Travel Prometheus Kumistavi Cave Colchis Fountain Traditional Georgian Candy

DAY 10 DAY 11 BATUMI SINGAPORE ARRIVE SINGAPORE • Morning at leisure. We hope that you have had an enjoyable vacation with Dynasty • Meet and transfer to Batumi Airport for your onwards flight. Travel and look forward to bring you to your next holiday destination. Breakfast Recommended Optional Tour: Note: Batumi Botanical Garden – enjoy spending half a day in this 100 - The sequence of the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice. During major conferences, fairs and festivals, accommodation may be located years old garden set on cliffs overlooking the Black Sea. outside the city or in an alternate city without prior notice.

OUR PREFERRED HOTELS :

THE BILTMORE, TBILISI ROOMS HOTEL – KAZBEGI SHERATON HOTEL, BATUMI

https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/tbilisi/ https://roomshotels.com/kazbegi/ http://www.sheratonbatumi.com/ the-biltmore-hotel-tbilisi/

HOTEL BORJOMI HEALTH * SPA BEST WESTERN, KUTAISI

http://bwkutaisi.com/en

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