Explore Georgia 9 Days Trekking – Tusheti Province This is a trip to really unique and one of the most beautiful parts of Georgia – Tusheti province. Of all the regions of Georgia, Tusheti is the most ecologically unspoiled and still unexplored by travelers due to the remoteness and poor road. These ancient settlements are known for their medieval watchtowers, still preserved rituals and customs, fascinating views of snow caped mountains, alpine meadows, roaring rivers and waterfalls. Unique textiles of this region are famous with beautifully embroidered stars and crosses symbolizing sun -the cult of ancient Georgia. This tour will introduce the history, culture and traditions of the people who managed to preserve its national originality, religion and culture, often fought to maintain their independence over the centuries. Better to see it once with your eyes then hear about it a hundred times! Day 1/ Arrival Arrive to Tbilisi International Airport, transfer to hotel. (/-/- /) Day2 / Tbilisi – Omalo Meet with guide and driver from Explore Georgia. Drive to Alvani, change car to 4X4 vehicle and continue to Tusheti province over Abano pass 2926m. Abano Pass (2995 m) the highest pass in Georgia that can be reached by only 4WD vehicles and ending in Omalo. Picnic Lunch en route. The scenery of this journey is unforgettable and there are always lots of birds like golden eagles, falcons and etc. nestled on the rocks along the road and flying in very close distance from cars and big tracks. Arrive to Omalo. Dinner and overnight at local guesthouse. (B/L/D) Day 3/ Omalo – Shenako Breakfast at guesthouse. Morning visit to Keselo middle age towers located on the top of the hill above Omalo. Tour continues to Shenako village. Shenako is one of the few still populated villages of Tusheti overlooked by Mount Diklo and contains a series of buildings of Georgian folk architecture and the old church of the Holy Trinity (5-7 hours). Dinner and overnight at local guesthouse. (B/L/D) Day4/ Shenako – Sonekhi Pass - Dartlo After early breakfast trek to Dartlo village over Sonekhi Pass 2400m. Picnic lunch en route. Descent to Pirikita Alazani valley, continue to Dartlo-one of the well-kept middle age village of Tusheti (6-8 hours). Dinner and overnight at local guesthouse. (B/L/D) Day5/ Dartlo – Kvavlo – Dano – Chesho After breakfast climb up to abandon village Kvavlo. After cross to Dano village, visit local holy place (very small stone temples decorated with hunted animal horns) in the village which just only males are afforded to visit. The women should avoid very close walk to them, because it is strongly believed among the natives that if any female touches this temple the good weather will immediately turn into a dangerous rain shower with lightning and storm. Afterwards descent to the Alazani River and continue to Chesho (5-7 hours). Dinner and overnight at local guesthouse. (B/L/D) Explore Georgia Day 6/ Chesho – Girevi - Chesho Trek along Alazani river to the last populated village of the valley Girevi. Explore area, retrace back to Chesho. (B/L/D) Day 7/ Chesho – Abano Pass – Pshaveli – Telavi After breakfast drive by track to Abano Pass; from Abano pass continue to Telavi. Dinner with home-made Kakhetian wine and overnight at the local guesthouse in Telavi. (B/L/D) Days 8/ Telavi – Wine Tour – Tbilisi After breakfast sightseeing tour and wine exploration of Kakheti region famous with vineyards and wine producing villages. Drive to the royal town of Sighnaghi, built in 18th century by the Kakhetian king Erekle II. The town is surrounded by a defense wall with 23 gates in it through which Georgia was connected to Asia by numerous trading routs. Fascinated view opens on Alazani valley from the small and cozy streets of Sighnaghi. Visit local wine cellar “Pheasant Tears” for wine degustation and dinner for wine tasting and lunch, depart to Tbilisi. Firewall dinner at traditional Georgian restaurant in Tbilisi. Overnight in hotel in Tbilisi (B/L/D) Day9 / Departure Transfer to Tbilisi international airport 2 hours earlier before departure flight. End of the services. (-/-/-) Package Includes: Transportation: By comfortable car, mini bus or middle bus according to group size; 4X4 WD car(s) for Tusheti. 4WD vehicle(s) or Horses - for luggage transportation in Tusheti Accommodation: Tbilisi – (2 nights) at the best available 3* hotel; Omalo – (1 night) / at local guesthouse; Clean and nice rooms with shared outdoor/indoor WC; Chesho – (2 nights) / at local family house; Clean and nice rooms with shared outdoor WC; Shenako - (1 night) / at local guesthouse; Clean and nice rooms with shared outdoor/indoor WC; Dartlo - (1 night) / at local guesthouse; Clean and nice rooms with shared indoor WC; Telavi – (1night) / at local guesthouse; Clean and nice rooms with shared indoor WC; Explore Leader: English speaking trekking/cultural guide from Explore Georgia Ltd. Meals: As listed per day to day itinerary; B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner; Breakfast X 7; Lunch X 7; Dinner X 7; Wine degustation in Sighnaghi Package Excludes: Airfares, beverages, single room supplement, meals not on the menu, insurance, items not indicated in the detailed itinerary; Practical Information: Season: Season for this tour is limited. Start from the middle of June, though summer and till the end of September. Visa Information: NO VISA is required for travelers from European countries. Explore Georgia Food and Drink: There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in Tbilisi with traditional and European cuisine in some of the remoter places in countryside meals can be provided at simple local restaurants – though these often provide the best food. Clothing: Pack essentially for hot conditions. Weather is changeable in the north and mountains; it may be cool especially at night. Bring warmer jacket/fleece. Raingear is essential all the times. For visiting churches it is recommended to wear long skirts and trousers. Footwear: Comfortable shoes for visiting sites and hilly towns; Sandals, lightweight walking/trail boots for day walks. Equipment: Torch, sunhat, sunglasses, sun cream. Tap water: Safe to drink in most of the areas, spring water in mountains is even safer. Bottled mineral or carbonated or still water is a good alternative to tap water which is obtainable in the cities; Personal Expenses: You’ll also need some extra money to cover the meals not included in the tour price. Optional sightseeing, souvenirs, and items of a personal nature as a laundry. Cash is the preferred method of payment in Georgia. Visa, Master card is not much expectable outside Tbilisi. For more information and/or booking the trip, please contact us at: [email protected] www.exploregeorgia.com Explore Georgia .