Holiday in Georgia, tailor made
Highlights
Tbilisi | Davit Gareja monastery complex | Mtskheta | Gori | Kutaisi | Caucasus Mountains | Gelati Monastery | Akhaltsikhe | Vardzia | Svaneti regionDescription of Holiday in Georgia, tailor made
This itinerary for a cultural and wilderness holiday in Western Georgia is packed with some of our suggestions for ways in which to tap into not only the ancient cultures but also the sacred and mythical aspects of this gem of a country. As well as being featured in Greek myth Jason and the Argonauts, the country's Caucasus Mountains and Black Sea shores are not only dramatic, but verging on epic. And definitely worth an odyssey of your own.This itinerary takes you through the country’s western landscapes, starting in its capital city, Tbilisi and then through the snow capped mountains and prolific forests of the Caucasus. Highlights include sites such as the ancient cave towns of Uplistsikhe and Vardzia as well as sacred marvels such as the monasteries at Gelati and Mtskheta, the latter being one of the country’s oldest , dating back to the 3rd century BCE, and still revered as the centre of the Orthodox Church.
We will point you in the right direction to sample some of the Western Georgia’s superb, and surprisingly spicy cuisine, and also experience the fascinating culture of the Svaneti region’s people, from their famous polyphonic singing to their medieval archicture, with dramatic towers protruding from ancient, remote villages such as Mestia.
The price of this holiday, with its suggested itinerary below, includes: 3 nights in 3* hotels, 8 nights in local guesthouse accommodation, 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, private expert guide, private driver, entrance fees, private airport transfers.
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
01273 823 700 Calling from outside the UK? rosy@responsibletravel.comDeparture information
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your holiday will help support conservation and local people.
On Day 3,4,5 and 6 we will stay in a homestay/guesthouse in the Svaneti mountainous region for a unique glimpse into the traditions and customs of local life. The homestay/guesthouse market, helps them to provide good, clean and interesting accommodation which in term allows them to educate their children, improve their standard of living and look after their ill. The wonderful thing about this kind of interactive tourism is that everyone gains – the families financially and us with the wonderful welcome and experience they give us. Wherever possible we stay in locally owned accommodation, eat in locally owned establishments and purchase supplies from the local nomads.Using no carbon transport such as walking not only gives you a slower paced experience, but also cuts environmental damage and tourist carbon footprint. We are committed to low-level tourism impact and we keep group sizes to a maximum of 12 to avoid huge tour bus loads of tourists, which increases environmental damage but also is less likely to be welcomed by locals. Slower travel also allows for more chances to interact with people from another culture. Walking in the Svaneti mountains is a wonderful experience to take in the incredible views, ancient Svan towers and preserved way of life. Meet locals along the way and at guesthouse accommodations.
The Impacts of this Trip
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 families’ 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!
The best way to share stories and meet new people is over a plate of great food and a glass of wine in hand, this is especially cultural significant in Georgia. On Day 3,4,5 and 6 in Svaneti, we will be eating with or at the table of our guesthouse owners’ accommodations. Georgia is known for its hearty, home-cooked food and guesthouses provide some of the best. Supporting the local food industry in Goergia not only maintains the cultural identity of the country but connects cultures through the most ancient of pastimes, eating and drinking!
On Day 3,4,5 and 6 we will stay in a homestay/guesthouse in the Svaneti mountainous region for a unique glimpse into the traditions and customs of local life. The homestay/guesthouse market, helps them to provide good, clean and interesting accommodation which in term allows them to educate their children, improve their standard of living and look after their ill. The wonderful thing about this kind of interactive tourism is that everyone gains – the families financially and us with the wonderful welcome and experience they give us. Wherever possible we stay in locally owned accommodation, eat in locally owned establishments and purchase supplies from the local nomads.Using no carbon transport such as walking not only gives you a slower paced experience, but also cuts environmental damage and tourist carbon footprint. We are committed to low-level tourism impact and we keep group sizes to a maximum of 12 to avoid huge tour bus loads of tourists, which increases environmental damage but also is less likely to be welcomed by locals. Slower travel also allows for more chances to interact with people from another culture. Walking in the Svaneti mountains is a wonderful experience to take in the incredible views, ancient Svan towers and preserved way of life. Meet locals along the way and at guesthouse accommodations.
The Impacts of this Trip
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 families’ 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!
The best way to share stories and meet new people is over a plate of great food and a glass of wine in hand, this is especially cultural significant in Georgia. On Day 3,4,5 and 6 in Svaneti, we will be eating with or at the table of our guesthouse owners’ accommodations. Georgia is known for its hearty, home-cooked food and guesthouses provide some of the best. Supporting the local food industry in Goergia not only maintains the cultural identity of the country but connects cultures through the most ancient of pastimes, eating and drinking!
6 Reviews of Holiday in Georgia, tailor made
Reviewed on 11 Oct 2019 by Sandra Hollinghurst
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Stunning scenery in the Svaneti Region especially Ushguli
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are arriving early morning as we did, be prepared that you will not be able to go to your hotel until later in the day e.g. to get changed and freshen up. It's
off the plane and straight into the city tour.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used lots of local guides so that must have benefited the local economy.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic experience, we loved it all.
Reviewed on 18 Sep 2019 by Philip Tepper
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Svaneti - walking to the Shkhara glacier, enjoying the beautiful views, pathside gentians and butterflies. Spending time getting to know Tbilisi. Visiting the Stalin Museum. Hearing the beautiful singing in the churches we visited.Sampling Georgian cuisine.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Vegetarians and vegans will have no problems finding acceptable, delicious food.
Be prepared for some very bumpy roads!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We hope so, we spent money in restaurants and on locally produced souvenirs. We did a bit of litter picking (plastic bottles) in Ushguli (this may become an
increasing problem if tourist numbers continue to rise).
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good indeed. We had an excellent guide who was most helpful, and a good safe driver well able to cope with the eccentricities of Georgian traffic! Altogether good value for money.
Reviewed on 09 Jun 2019 by Sheila Jelfs
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything we saw and did was memorable, although visiting the Svaneti region was a highlight. We have come home with a real insight into the fascinating culture and history of the country.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Avoid the summer months; it can be uncomfortably hot. Embrace everything Georgia has to offer, and try to learn a few words and phrases before you go. You need to be reasonably physically fit to get the most out of the trip.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We felt that local people benefitted greatly in the Svaneti region in particular.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Probably the most enjoyable and interesting holiday we have ever had. We advise everyone to visit Georgia.
Reviewed on 16 Jul 2018 by Phil Stevens
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The food, the landscape and the flowers and birds.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Use the local guides they are completely reliable and great company.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people but not sure about the other two.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An excellent mix of culture and nature.
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for taking the time to submit your feedback and we are delighted you had such an enjoyable time in Georgia.
We are so glad that the nature of your trip and the style of guesthouses you chose trip meant benefits to the local people.
Not every trip can have a big impact on environmental impacts and supporting conservation, although your few days spent at Vashlovani National Park, which is a protected area you helped support the continued protection of that area.
Many thanks again for your feedback and we hope to welcome you on another trip soon!
Reviewed on 23 Jul 2018 by Martin Holley
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trekking in Svaneti and enjoying the relaxed evenings in Tbilisi and Batumi
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
There are lots of great activities to do in Georgia, Don't just go with the standard offering from the tour companies.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local guides and drivers in particular. Tourism is currently helping to rebuild Georgia
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A good holiday but there could have been a greater variety of activities for us to enjoy.
Read the operator's response here:
Reviewed on 15 Jun 2017 by Giles Harvey
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Time in Svaneti and trip to Ushguli
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be ready for long drives over rough roads
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental Impacts or supported conservation?
hopefully benefitted local people without harming the environment
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
it gave us an in depth insight into history, religion and cultures
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