Description
Day 1
Arrival in Tbilisi. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in to the hotel.
Sightseeing tour in Tbilisi: Old Town (Abanotubani – the ancient part of the city, known for its sulfuric baths, Meidan square – the place where the Georgian Orthodox Church, Mosque, Synagogue and Armenian Apostholic Church are located several meters away from each other, Metechi Church, Narikala Castle, Shardeni Street with its wine cellars, cafes and art galleries). Mtatsminda (Holy Mountain), St. David Church (XIX c). Sameba Cathedral – Holy Trinity Cathedral – the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world.
Lunch at the traditional Georgian restaurant. Master class of baking Georgian bread “shoti”
Departure to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia: Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral which are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a brief walk along picturesque streets of Mtskheta. Drive back to Tbilisi. Dinner, free time. Overnight in Tbilsi.
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Kakheti, steep rise to Ujarma Fortress (III-IV cc), Shuamta Monastery Complex, ancient Academy of Ikalto, where according to a legend the famous 12th century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied; Alaverdi Monastery (XI c), lunch at the “Matsoni House” near Alaverdi, Batonis-Tsikhe Fortress in Telavi. A house-museum of Alexander Chavchavadze and park in Tsinandali. Wine tasting and master classes of “khinkali” making and “shoti”(traditional Georgian bread) baking, excursion to the museum of “kvevri’ (alarge earthenware vessel used for the fermentation, storage and ageing of traditional Georgian wine) and “kvevri” wine in Twins Wine Cellar (Napareuli). Drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Kazbegi. En route medieval Ananuri Fortress, situated on the Georgian Military Road. Gergeti Church XIV c. (trekking up to 3 km). Lunch at the Rooms Hotel (Stepantsminda).A newly opened monastic complex located near the Dariali Gorge (close to the Georgian-Russian border) with its own trout farm. DrivetoKutaisi.Checkintothehotel. Overnight in Kutaisi.
Day 4
Breakfast at the hotel. Bagrati Cathedral (XI c), named after Bagrat III, the first king of the united Georgia (XI). Gelati Monastery, a monastic complex founded in XII c by King David IV the Builder. Bagrati and Gelati are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Motsameta Monastery (VIII c) is located on a cliff. The name of Motsameta derives from Georgian name ”martyrdom ” and is connected to two brothers David and Konstantine. The Sataplia Nature reserve, established in 1935 to protect the Sataplia Cave and Dinosaur fotprints found in the area. Okatse Canyon with an exciting 630 m long walkway and viewing platform. If the canyon is closed due to bad weather, you will drive to the spectacular Martvili canyon where you can enjoy boating. Departure to Svaneti. Overnight in Mestia.
Day 5
Breakfast at the hotel.House-museum of the Margiani family located in the Svan tower. Departure to Ushguli, the highest inhabited village in Europe. It is situated at an elevation of 2,200 metres above sea level. En route you will see the Tower of Love. Trekking to Lamaria Church, built in IX-X cc. There you can enjoy horse riding. Departure to Batumi. Overnight in Gonio, 12 km south of Batumi.
Day 6
Breakfast at thehotel. Trekking in Batumi Botanical Garden, established in 1912. Located 9 km northe of Batumi at Green Cape it contains flora form 9 phyto-geographic areas. Batumi sightseeing tour: Seaside Boulevard, Piazza Square, Sculpture of Love “Ali and Nino”, 145 m high Alphabet Tower, dancing Fountains). Free Time; Overnight in Gonio.
Day 7 Breakfast at the hotel. Free time.
