Svaneti Mountains walking holiday in Georgia holiday

Planet

By keeping the group size to a maximum of 12, we can also minimise the human impact on the fragile sites and ecosystems we visit.
We attempt to reduce plastic bottle use wherever possible by promoting use of reusable and filtered water bottles. Our partnership with Water-To-Go provides a discount on filtered water bottles to our clients. We do not provide water from plastic bottles to our clients in country but always ensure there is regular access to drinking water on our tours.
On Day 4,5,6,7 and 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.

People

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 4,5,6,7 and 8 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 Georgia not only maintains the cultural identity of the country but connects cultures through the most ancient of pastimes, eating and drinking!
On each Group tour we use local ground handlers. This means that all operational costs go directly into the local economy and help improve employment opportunities in remote regions. Such support can also be seen in our incorporation of homestays, locally owned hotels, family run restaurants and the services of local guides and drivers into our itineraries, which ensures that the money you spend with us goes directly into the local economy and local community.