Georgia cultural holiday, Georgia Explorer
Optional Single Supplement: from £415.
Please note some itineraries are reversed.
Description of Georgia cultural holiday, Georgia Explorer
This Georgia cultural holiday takes you on a journey that is not only as complex and exciting as a Greek myth, but is also to the actual home of many Greek myths. Once known as the Kingdom of Colchis, it was the sought after destination of Jason and the Argonauts, and also the home of Medea. With dramatic backdrops such as the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, and a rich culture, it is truly one of the hidden gems of Europe.
This two week holiday takes you on a cultural circuit starting in the charming capital of Tbilisi, which straddles the Mt'k'vari (Kura) River and is nestled in the shadow of the South Caucasus. From here we go through prolifically forested valleys and omnipresent snow capped mountains, stopping at ancient villages, cave towns and Svaneti cultural hubs along the way.
Some of the cultural highlights in this itinerary include Georgia’s extraordinary sacred sites such as Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in Georgia dating back to 3 BCE and still the centre of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Also the UNESCO World Heritage site at Gelati Monastery, one of the largest medieval Orthodox monasteries in Europe, this was a vital centre of culture in ancient Georgia. The cave town of Vardzia is also an extraordinary place to visit, with its monastery carved into the slopes of Mount Erusheti.
We will also visit the town of Gori and explore the stunning Upper Svaneti region in the North West. Not only is this dramatic mountain terrain, with deep gorges and permanent glaciers, but it is also home to ancient Svan cultural heritage, where the Svani people are famous for their polyphonic singing, medieval towers protruding from remote mountain villages and inimitable hospitality.
The price of this holiday includes accommodation, meals, and activities as per itinerary, bottled water, all activities, tour leaders, transfers, entrance fees and local expert guides.
Map
Price information
Optional Single Supplement: from £415.
Please note some itineraries are reversed.
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Holiday information
Reviews
2 Reviews of Georgia cultural holiday, Georgia Explorer
Reviewed on 17 Oct 2023 by Larry staines
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The mountains in Sveneti
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be ready for some long minibus trips
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, in part. Be good to see a pitcher of tap water on the lunch table, rather than plastic bottled water. I drank tap water everywhere with no issues
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent
Reviewed on 30 May 2022 by Ann Christys
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Almost everything in Svaneti - the scenery, the towers, the walks and watching the film 'Dede' in the world's cosiest cinema
the time in Vardzia was a very close second
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Read the instructions! It is partly a walking holiday, so those who don't want to walk may have to amuse themselves. And take less luggage! The guide and driver were left to carry cases up and down stairs.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
At the ethnographic village near Zugdidi and at Vardzia we felt as though our visit benefited new enterprises combining farming with tourism. We were happy to stay in family-owned accommodation wherever possible. But driving more than 2000km cannot help the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the best. We enjoyed almost everything. The guide in particular was outstanding. We are hoping to return to Georgia and to visit Armenia.
Responsible Travel
Planet
CARBON REDUCTIONThis itinerary does not include any internal flights within Georgia. Travel between destinations is undertaken by road transport, including minibuses and 4WD vehicles in the Svaneti region.
The tour includes multiple opportunities to explore destinations on foot. Walking activities include the hike to Gergeti Trinity Church, the Enguri River and Shkhara Glacier walk, and the Lakhiri to Mestia hike, alongside walking tours in towns, villages and historic sites throughout the programme.
Transport is shared among group members, with a maximum group size of 12 travellers.
Several meals are prepared by local hosts, guesthouses and restaurants, including a home-hosted cooking experience in Tbilisi and a meal with a local family in Kakheti.
Travellers are encouraged to bring refillable filtered water bottles for use during the trip, helping to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
This journey includes visits to mountain landscapes, rural communities and protected natural areas across Georgia, providing opportunities to learn about the country’s cultural and natural heritage.
The itinerary includes several walking experiences through mountain and rural landscapes, including walks to Gergeti Trinity Church, along the Enguri River and in the Svaneti region. These activities allow travellers to experience many of the destinations visited on foot.
Travellers are encouraged to reduce their use of single-use plastic bottles by bringing a refillable filtered water bottle that can be used throughout the trip where suitable refill points are available.
Travellers will visit the village of Vardisubani to meet Zaza, a third-generation maker of traditional qvevri clay vessels used in Georgia’s historic winemaking traditions. This experience provides an opportunity to learn about a cultural practice recognised by UNESCO and the skills involved in preserving it.
Several stays are in locally operated guesthouses, including family-run accommodation in Ushguli and Mestia, where guests can experience regional hospitality and locally prepared food.
People
LOCAL ECONOMYThis itinerary includes stays in a number of independently owned and family-run accommodation providers across Georgia, including guesthouses in Ushguli, Mestia and Vardzia. These properties offer visitors the opportunity to stay in locally operated accommodation and experience regional hospitality.
Throughout the journey, travellers take part in experiences hosted by local residents and small businesses. These include:
A visit to a local market in Tbilisi followed by a cooking experience with local hosts in their home.
Lunch with a local family in the Kakheti region.
A visit to a traditional qvevri craftsman in Vardisubani to learn about Georgian clay vessel production.
A felt-making experience with a local craft specialist in Stepantsminda.
Visits to villages and cultural sites in the Svaneti region and an Ethno Village near Batumi.
Meals throughout the itinerary include traditional Georgian cuisine served in local restaurants, guesthouses and family homes. Several experiences feature regional produce and dishes prepared by local hosts.
EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
The tour incorporates the services of locally based guides where appropriate throughout the itinerary.
A range of local service providers contribute to the delivery of the trip, including accommodation staff, drivers, cultural hosts, craftspeople and restaurant teams. Travellers engage with local residents through cultural experiences, community visits and food-focused activities across different regions of Georgia.
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