Georgia horse trekking holiday
Highlights
Tbilisi | Mtskheta | Abano Pass | Lake Oreti | Verkhovani | Dadikurta | horse riding on high plains and ancient trails | visit with local farmers, shepherds and winemakersDescription of Georgia horse trekking holiday
The Georgians have a saying that when God gave out land to the various nations of the world the Georgians were too busy drinking to attend – but ended up being given God's favourite spot when they smooth-talked the Almighty about being late due to drinking his health!Exploring this stunning and on foot and horseback you may well agree this might just be the best bit of the planet. And Georgia's famous wine-making heritage (arguably the oldest in the world) means you'll have something special to toast it with too! You'll also get to make delicious local cheeses on a day out with local shepherds.
You'll discover spectacular mountain vistas and high plains on fantastic local horses, while also visiting ancient villages in the remote and characterful Tusheti region, where a warm and vibrant Georgian culture beats strong amid Tolkienesque towered hamlets, flower-strewn meadows and snow-capped peaks.
Visiting the UNESCO-listed wonders of the ancient capital Mtskheta before enjoying lunch with a farm family – with time in a 300-year-old wine cellar. Then cross the 3000m Abano Pass to visit the centuries-old villages of Shenako and Diklo.
Other days you'll saddle up to ride to the turquoise blue Lake Oreti one day, then ford rivers en route to the hamlet of Verkhovani that is famed for historic watchtowers (you'll stay in one). Another day, ride an old herders trail to one of Europe's highest villages.
End your trip exploring old Tbilisi – perhaps taking in the famous muscle-easing sulphur baths after which the capital is named.
Price includes all activities/equipment, tour leader, local guides, drivers, meal plans, mineral water, all transport as outlined in the itinerary, all accommodation and all entrance fees as per itinerary.
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.com
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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.The leaders are not guides – they’re not there to shepherd you around. Instead, they’ll let you know which local restaurant serves great value food – without running the risk of travellers’ tummy. They’ll allow you to avoid hour-long queues at train stations and attractions.
We like to think of small group travel as the Goldilocks option. It is independent travel without the fuss, worry and bunk beds – and organised travel without the coaches. And it’s cheaper than a tailor made tour. It’s sits somewhere in the middle – and we think it’s just about right.
Have big, life-enriching experiences that would be impossible to organise without lots of time and insider knowledge.
Simplicity
Make the most of your holiday time by letting someone else do the hard work and boring logistics!
Peace of mind
Small group tours take care of the security aspects – and provide a safety net should anything unexpected happen.
If you don’t have three months to spend exploring, small groups trips let you cover more ground in less time. Your days are not spent queuing for tickets or finding hotels – so you can squeeze more into your holiday.
Solo travellers who’d like company
Likeminded travel companions plus peace of mind for those travelling alone. Single supplements are usually available – providing privacy if you want it.
Less confident travellers
Stray from the tourist trail without worrying about getting lost, and meet local people without dealing with the language barrier.
Couples and friends have private rooms, and you can choose to eat alone or not. Single supplements give solo travellers their own room.
“There won’t be any free time”
Free mornings or afternoons let you explore on your own, or just relax.
“The accommodation will be basic”
Trips are as high or low end as you like. Though off the beaten track destinations won’t have luxury hotels, this is all part of the adventure.
“I won’t like the other travellers!”
Tour operators try to create groups with a similar demographic – age, families, activity levels... Chances are, you’ll even make new friends.
“Will we be following an umbrella?”
No.
Responsible tourism
Responsible tourism: Georgia horse trekking holiday
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 the slated Tusheti region where conditions are harsh and there is limited opportunity for earning an income. By visiting local families, such as the wine-makers on day two, and staying in local villages 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!
All our tours employ the services of local guides, horsemen and drivers, stay in locally owned hotels and guesthouses, which diverts important funds directly into the area.
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.
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