Full Itinerary and Tour details for

The Best of 8-day Cultural Small Group Tour

Prices starting from. Trip Duration. Max Passengers. 915 € 8 days 12

Start and Finish. To/from

Experience. Tour Code. Small Group Tours Europe #B1/2452 The Best of Georgia 8-day Cultural Small Group Tour

Tour Details and Description

One of the oldest wine regions of the world, Georgia is a country at the intersection of Europe and Asia. A former Soviet republic it is home to Mountain villages and Black Sea beaches.

On the fertile valleys of the South Caucasus, according to historians, the culture of the wine was originated in the Neolithic period. The territory of modern-day Georgia was inhabited by Homo erectus since the Paleolithic Era. The proto-Georgian tribes first appear in written history in the BC. The earliest evidence of wine to date has been found in Georgia, where 8000-year old wine jars were uncovered.

Archaeological finds and references in ancient sources also reveal elements of early political and state formations characterized by advanced metallurgy and goldsmith techniques that date back to the 7th century BC and beyond. In fact, early metallurgy started in Georgia during the 6th millennium BC,

The capital, Tbilisi, is known for its diverse architecture and the maze-like, cobblestone streets of its old town. Also famous for , a sprawling

cave monastery dating to the 12th century, and the ancient wine-growing region .

This country has plenty of surprises in store that can really defy your expectations. Travel through medieval towns, charming countryside, unique mountains and enjoy the tasty food.

Included in the Georgia Small Group Tour: • Airport transfers • Transport as per program • English speaking tour guide

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• Accommodation: 2 nights in Tskaltubo, 2 nights in Tbilisi, 2 nights Gudauri, in Alkhalsihke • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary • Entrance fees to: cable car in Tbilisi, national museum of Georgia, cave town, Borjoni Park, Vardzia, Prometheum cave • 1 degustation of white/red wines and chacha in Guramishvili caveComplimentary water (1 bottle per day) Not included in the tour:

Flights to Georgia Travel insurance Alcoholic beverages Entrance fees not mentioned in the program Tips and personal expenses Meals not included in the program

Note:

Ladies will require a headscarf when entering the Georgian Orthodox Churches and in some churches require to wear a skirt. Short trousers are not allowed Itinerary in churches

Day 1

Arrival in Tbilisi. Pick up from Tbilisi international airport. Hotel accommodation and overnight in Tbilisi (-/-/-)

Day 2

Tbilisi city tour After breakfast at the hotel start a few unforgettable hours of familiarization with the capital. A charming town built in the 5th century along the twisting valley of Mtkvari River. All the places of interest are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. Start our excursion from (13th century) plateau, before taking the cable car to Narikala Fortress which dominates the skyline of the

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Old Town. Proceed to explore brick-domed (310 km.) After breakfast at the hotel, proceed along underground sulphur baths (17th century) – the the Silk Road and arrive in Gori - the birthplace of the districts of naturally hot mineral waters and discover Soviet leader Stalin. Photo-stop at the museum of the hidden waterfall. Afterwards proceed to cafe Stalin. Visit the cave town Uplistsikhe (1st millennium street Shardeni and walk across the Bridge of Peace BC) - one of the first cities in Georgia carved into the which is a stunning design as well as convenient rock. The caves were the site of pagan rituals before crossing between the newly constructed Rike Park Georgia became a Christian country. Afterwards and the Old Town. It also provides superb views over proceed to famous for its mineral waters. the city. Visit National museum of Georgia that Visit mineral water park, quick stroll and savour the displays the country’s principal archaeological famous water of Borjomi. Arrive in . findings. The Museum houses hundreds of thousands Dinner and overnight in Akhaltsikhe. (B/-/D) of artefacts of Georgia’s and the Caucasus’ archaeology and ethnography. Dinner in Georgian Day 5 restaurant followed with folk show. Hotel accommodation and overnight in Tbilisi. (B/-/D) Akhaltsikhe – Khertvisi – Vardzia – Akhaltsikhe (120 km.) After breakfast start our drive to Vardzia – the Day 3 magnificent cave town of the Golden Age. En route photo-stop at Khertvisi Fortress (10th century). Arrive Tbilisi – - Kazbegi - – in Vardzia (12th century). The cave complex Gudauri (190 km.) After breakfast at the hotel, start stretching over half a kilometre once was a hiding our very scenic drive up through the High Caucasus place for 50 000 people. It has got a church hewn out Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway in rock with unique 12th century . The towards Kazbegi region. En route visit Ananuri complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall - architectural complex (17th century) overlooking a type churches, refectories, wine cellars, etc. Drive reservoir on the Aragvi River. On the way we will back to Akhaltsikhe. Hotel accommodation and drive across the Cross Pass (2 395m.) and along the overnight in Akhaltsikhe. (B/-/D) Tergi River that brings us to Kazbegi – main town in this region. From the centre of Kazbegi a leisurely 4 Day 6 hours walk through beautiful valleys and woodland that leads us to Gergeti Holy Trinity church (14th Akhaltsikhe – Gelati - Prometheus caves – Tskaltubo century), stunningly located on a hilltop (2170 m.) (220 km) After breakfast in the morning proceed to both overlooking the surrounding snowy peaks of the Complex and Academy (12th Greater Caucasus Mountains. (You can also hire the century) once a major centre of enlightenment in 4X4 vehicle to reach Gergeti Trinity Church – € 35 Georgia, founded by King David the Builder in 1106 per car 6 seats). Here we will enjoy unique nature that represents the flourishing mediaeval architecture with beautiful panoramic views of Caucasus, in Georgia. The complex is UNESCO World Heritage including mount Kazbegi (5047m.). Dinner and site. Drive to explore magnificent Prometheus Caves overnight in Gudauri. (B/-/D) – one of Georgia’s natural wonders providing visitors with breath-taking examples of stalactites, Day 4 stalagmites, curtains, petrified waterfalls, cave pearls, underground rivers, and lakes. Drive to and Gudauri – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe visit the city centre and the local market. Dinner and

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overnight in Tskaltubo. (B/-/D)

Day 7

Tskaltubo – Saguramo – – Tbilisi (280 km) Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to Saguramo and enjoy the hospitality of the local people and sample some home-made food and wine. Drive to Mtskheta – an ancient capital of Georgia, important religious centre and city-museum which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along the way we will stop to visit the Monastery (6th century). This well-known monastery is located on the top of the mountain, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Then head to (11th century) which is known as a place where Christ’s robe was buried. Walk along the narrow streets of Mtskheta with souvenir shopping possibility. Arrive in Tbilisi. Hotel accommodation and overnight in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Day 8

Departure Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport and departure at 13:10. (B/-/-)

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