Walking holiday in the Caucasus, Georgia

COUNTRY:
Georgia
LOCATION:
Caucasus
DEPARTURES:
2013: 20 Jul, 5 Sep
PRICE:
From £1265 - £1295 (9 days) excluding flights
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MORE INFO:
Price includes all activities/equipment, full services of one of our company tour leaders, with local guides and drivers, meal plan as detailed in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D = Dinner) with mineral water as required, all transport as outlined in the itinerary, all accommodation and all entrance fees as per itinerary
VOUCHERS:
Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday
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Walking holiday in the Caucasus, Georgia

Walking holiday in the Caucasus, Georgia

What this trip includes
Trips are on full board basis, and include transport as outlined in itinerary, twin-share accommodation, mineral water and entrance fees.

How Walking holiday in the Caucasus, Georgia makes a difference

Environment

In the Caucasus - and in particular in Georgia - we have developed unique relationships with many of the mountain peoples of the region and through our form of interactive tourism with a social conscience we have helped them by providing an important additional income. On this trip we travel through regions where conditions are harsh and there is limited opportunity for earning an income. By visiting local families we are able to put much needed funds directly into the local communities. In addition all foods are produced locally so several members of the village benefit financially, which improves several familys’ standard of living. The great thing about this kind of interactive tourism is that everyone gains – the locals financially and us from the fuss they make of us!

We have a strict environmental policy to make sure that the fragile eco-system of the mountains is not damaged or spoilt in any way. Our guides are trained to uphold this policy and all clients are fully briefed on appropriate/responsible behaviour whilst in wilderness areas. Our “Leave No Trace” ethic is applied to all trips in all regions, and as tour operators is something we are careful to promote.

In addition we sponsor the following project:
Children of the Caucasus is an excellent charity, set up and run by the British Georgiaphile and author Peter Nasmyth, dedicated to helping the young people of the region, many of whom have been displaced, orphaned or traumatised by civil war.

When you take one of our trips, we also make a contribution to Carbon Clear – an organisation devoted to ‘offsetting’ or ‘neutralising’ harmful greenhouse gas emissions caused by your flight. This is done by funding projects across the world that will reduce greenhouse gases on your behalf through sustainable energy or rainforest restoration.

Community

In Georgia and Azerbaijan we use local ground handlers who in turn book locally run hotels, providing employment for a number of members of staff and support families. The ground handlers also use local drivers and camp staff, and ensure that all supplies are purchased locally for the journey. This means that all the operational costs go directly into the local economy and helps to improve employment opportunities in remote regions.

The Caucasus have suffered over a decade of civil war and turbulence, and have been left with an abundance landmines and UXO in several areas. All landmine casualties place additional strain on the already overburdened health care system that has been damaged or destroyed by decades of conflict. We support the Adopt-A-Minefield project, an NGO that saves and improves lives by raising funds to clear landmines and help landmine survivors around the world.

We also support several NGOs around the world such as the Hope Foundation, A-Cet and Adopt-A-Minefield, which are all carefully selected to improve the standard of living for the communities we visit.

Walking holiday in the Caucasus, Georgia

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The story of the provider of Walking holiday in the Caucasus, Georgia

This adventure holiday company specialises in ethically responsible small group holidays and tailor-made trips, to some of the most fascinating and unusual places on the planet. Branded one of the most innovative adventure travel suppliers on the market, they have won highly coveted awards from Wanderlust, Conde Naste and National Geographic, as well as being the recipient of the Best Ethical Travel Company accolade at the 2012 Guardian Observer Annual Travel Awards. They have also been awarded a five star responsible tourism accreditation from AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators). Their wide-reaching portfolio of trips focus on sustainable tourism, with trips that incorporate both regional high-lights and hidden gems, and that are designed to give something back to the local community. All tours are fully inclusive and with the group sizes limited to 12 travellers, their trips offer an intimate and authentic opportunity to explore each region.

Holiday provider no: 407

Walking holiday in the Caucasus, Georgia

Reviewed 07 Jan 2012 by Monica Filkova4 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


The fantastic views from the escarpments and a chance visit at a local school during the TESFA walk, the view over the twin of Ayers Rock from the Ghiralta lodge, seeing the Axum stelae and the rock churches of Lalibela and Ghiralta, the dinner with a local family in Lalibela and New Years bonfire and fireworks on the shores of lake Tana.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Not all goes according to plan or the itinerary but it will be memorable. I would suggest taking more time out and adding on a trip to other regions of the country - this trip is varied and interesting but there's more to see and do!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


Yes, except perhaps for the plastic water bottles.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


Very good with much more included than most trips to the North.
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