Itinerary

Day 1: Tbilisi
Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. (Many flights come in very early in the morning) The morning is free to relax and recover from yesterday’s long transit. After lunch on your own, we meet mid afternoon and drive to for the old religious center of Mtskheta, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its many ancient monuments. Mtskheta is Georgia’s most vital religious center, the shrine of pagan idols for centuries and the site where Christianity in Georgia originated, proclaimed as the state religion in 317. Mtskheta remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church. Here we’ll visit the 6th-century Jvari Monastery and 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, significant monuments of Georgian Christian architecture and landmarks in the development of medieval architecture throughout the Caucasus. In the evening we have a traditional Georgian welcome dinner in an open-air restaurant on the banks of the Mtkvari River.
D… Hotel Kopala


Day 2: Exploring Tbilisi
We set out on foot again this morning to explore more of the Tbilisi’s delights. The word “tbili” means “warm,” and refers to the hot sulphur springs in the city center, below the commanding position of the 4th-century Narikala Fortress. Forst we pay a visit to the Semaba Cathedral - the largest and very majestic church in Georgia.  We’ll the see the Narikala Fortress, the Sioni Cathedral, Georgia’s oldest Orthodox worship site, and the architectural delights of Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s favorite strolling promenade. As we stroll, we discover the charms of the city’s small teahouses and traditional bakeries that turn out pointed bread loaves. We wander into classic carpet shops, and admire the many churches with their characteristic pepper-pot domes. We’ll visit are the Art and Treasure museum and the Old Bazaar, where local residents go to shop for daily staples such as fresh meat, fruits and vegetables. After Lunch you are on your own - you have an option to treat ourselves to a dip in the hot springs at the city’s oldest thermal bathhouse. Once we are thoroughly relaxed, we return to our hotel to get ready for dinner at an excellent local restaurant.
B, L, D… Hotel Kopala


Day 3: Tbilisi to Shatili
This morning we board Mashutka buses and start our drive northeast to the mountains. Our route follows initially the old Georgian Military Highway, a 200km road leading from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz in the Russian Federation. The route has existed for centuries, always the main invasion path for steppe nomads from the Eurasian plains traveling southward into the Caucasian valleys and farming civilizations of the Middle East farther south.  Driving ever upward into the high-alpine grasslands, we arrive at the small village-citadel of Shatili, near which we make camp near Mutso.
B, L, D... Camping outside Shatili


Day 4: Shatili / Mutso / Spring Camp Below Atsunta Pass
Early this morning we leave Shatili and head for Atsunta Pass. En route there is a chance for an optional side hike to Mutso (2 hours round trip), one of the oldest and most beautiful villages in Khevsureti. It stone buildings tumble like blocks down the side of a steep mountain with broad views below, ideal for fortification to protect the townspeople against the Dagestanians. Many victorious battles against invaders were fought here, with Mutso gaining the advantage from its strategic location. Along the way we’ll pass the ancient alkdamas grave site, marking the location where people would go to from the village when they had the plague, during Europe’s infamous Black Death of the 14th century. Mutso marks our last civilized location in Khevsureti before we enter the Tusheti region. We fuel up with a hearty lunch to energize us for this afternoon’s ascent: we’ll hike 3 -4 hours near a natural spring  2 hours before the Atsunta Pass, where we set up our high-altitude camp. Far from any vestige of civilization, we eat dinner under the stars and share stories with our guides.
B, L, D... Wilderness Camping

Day 5: Spring Camp below Atsunta Pass / Kvakhidi, Tusheti
This morning we crest Atsunta Pass, drinking in the sharp, clear air above timberline at 11,200 feet. Our descent takes us into Tusheti, an equally stunning though culturally distinct mountain region. We enter the Kvakhidi Valley, following the blue-green headwaters of the Alazani River coming off the icy mountains above us.  As we hike for 6-7 hours today before pitching camp for the night, it’s evident that this is a region frequented by very few tourists; in fact, we’re unlikely to encounter any besides our own small group.
B, L, D... Wilderness Camping at Kvakhidi

 

Day 6: Kvakhidi / Girevi
We break camp at 9 am and walk 6 to 7 hours down valley to the village of Girevi. Our long but easy route along the flat valley floor takes us through Chontio, the first village we encounter in the Tusheti region, though no one lives here permanently anymore. Harsh living conditions prompted the abandonment of the village, though horse keepers still come here in the summer to stay for about four months. This remote area was once home to a group of Orthodox monks, who found an idyllic environment for contemplative spiritual practice.
B, L, D... Camping outside Girevi


Day 7: Girevi / Dartlo
Our hike today follows the banks of the rushing Pirikriti River. We pass the stone villages of Parsma and Chesho, arriving after 4-5 hours at Dartlo, mentioned in old chronicles as one of the most ancient villages in Georgia. We admire its impressive stone towers, built for protection against enemy attacks and used as homes by wealthy residents during peacetime. The most famous Georgian king, David the Builder (1073-1125), used to pay many visits to Dartlo, enjoying quiet reverie in the hospitality of the locals. High up the steep mountainside, perched above Dartlo like an eagle’s aerie, is Kvavlo. For those who have the energy, the optional short (2 hours) but tough side hike offers rewarding views. We overnight in Dartlo at a local guesthouse.
B, L, D... Local guesthouse in Dartlo


Day 8: Dartlo / Omalo
As we set out from Dartlo today, we trek to the village of Omalo. Omalo is Tusheti’s largest settlement and considered the center of the region. This is an easy hike (5 – 6 hours), and we are certain to meet many local people along the way. Once we reach Omalo we can take a tour of the striking castle tower at Keselo, overlooking the wide Gometsari Valley. The surrounding landscape is dotted with dozens of villages that seem to climb up the mountainsides, the sturdy buildings perched tenaciously on the green slopes.
B, L, D… Local Guesthouse in Omalo

Day 9: Omalo
This is a day of rest and celebration as we take pride in our high mountain traverse from Khevsureti to Tusheti, two distinctly different mountain regions of the Caucasus. For those who have the extra energy we drive 1/2 hour to Shenako to and hike to Diklo and the Dagestani Border to admire its stone towers and stunning views. On the drive back from Shenako we stop at the Tushaeti National Parks Visitors center near Omalo.
B, L, D…Local Guesthouse in Omalo


Day 10: Omalo / Laliskuri
Our return journey is by 4-wheel-drive vehicle, as our expert drivers convey us over the heights of Abano Pass to Kakheti, a 4-hour drive down a thrilling steep mountain road. After lunch at our local guesthouse in Laliskuri, we have time to relax. In the late afternoon we have a chance for an optional hike to the nearby Tskarostavi Church where there is a great voew of Kakheti.  This evening, another traditional supra, or Georgian feast, is in store. Bring on the revelry!
B, L, D…Local Guesthouse in Kakheti

 

Day 11: Kakheti Wine Tour
As if we had not enjoyed enough fine Georgian drink already, this day is dedicated to discovering Georgia’s famed Kakheti wine region. The wines of the world were born in central Georgia, where more than 350 different varietals are produced. We visit a couple of wineries where we will sample several varietals with exotic names such as Mukuzani, Kondoli, Saperavi and Kindzmarauli, to name just a few! On the return drive to our guesthouse, we visit medieval Alaverdi Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is part of an 11th-century Orthodox monastery. Georgia’s highest cathedral (soaring over 150 feet), Alaverdi’s spare facade dominates the surrounding river valley, set against the snowy backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains.
B, L, D…Local guesthouse in Kakheti

Day 12: Laliskuri / Tbilisi

Departing early this morning, we make our final drive into Tbilisi, a journey of 2 to 3 hours. We check into the Hotel Kopala around noon, with the rest of the day free to explore, shop and enjoy the capital of Georgia at your leisure. Lunch is on your own; our guide will offer some excellent restaurant suggestions. Our grand Caucasian adventure concludes tonight with a Farewell Dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant.
B, D... Hotel Koppala

Day 13: Tbilisi / Flights home
An early morning group transfer to the airport is provided today, where we connect with homeward flights.
B, L, D... Return home

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