Day 1 Helsinki – Riga – Tbilisi
Flight Helsinki – Riga 20.25-21.25. Connection from Riga to Tbilisi 23.00
Day 2 Tbilisi
At 03.25 we arrive in Tbilisi – transfer and check-in at the hotel. Rest until 13.00.
3.5 hour walking tour of Tbilisi. The historic part of Tbilisi is located at the foot of Narikala Fortress. The village charms visitors with its romanticism, narrow streets and beautiful facades. The picturesque juxtapositions of Metekh Church, the Synagogue, Zion Cathedral, the Peace Bridge, Anchiskhat Church and the famous Sulphur Baths. Free time and overnight stay.
Day 3 Tbilisi – Bodbe – Signagi – Kvareli – Telavi 205 km (A,I)
After breakfast we depart for the Kakheti wine region. We visit the fortified town of Signagi, also known as the city of love. The town has preserved its original appearance and now offers visitors a spectacular view of the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. We also visit the Church of St Nino in the village of Bodbe (4th century), home to the Nino Chapel, which has been converting Georgians to Christianity since 337 AD.
From here we continue to Kvarel, the home of Kindzmaraul wine. Wine making has been part of the history of the place since 6000 years before the dawn of time, so the tradition goes back a long way. The ancient Georgian way of making wine in underground clay vats is unique and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip also includes a wine tasting in the Kindzmaraul vineyard.
Later, a visit to the 1500s fortress of Gremi. Dinner and overnight at the Telavi guesthouse.
Day 4 Telavi – Alaverdi – Omalo 100km (A, PL ,I)
After a late breakfast, visit one of the largest cathedrals (11th century) in Georgia – Alaverdi. We continue driving over Abano Pass (2 926 m), the highest mountain you can reach by driving from Caucasus to Tusheti. This unique place is located on the northern slopes of the Great Caucasus Mountains on the border of the Russian republics of Chechnya and Dagestan. The villages in this area are remote from the rest of civilisation and even today there is no contact with the villages for 7-8 months during the winter season. Due to the invasions of the North Caucasus, the houses were built as defensive structures.
After four hours of off-road driving, we arrive in the village of Omalo in the centre of Tusheti province. We check in at a local guesthouse, followed by a walk around Omala and an exploration of the local culture.
One night and 3 nights in a guesthouse in Omalo (2 000 m).
Day 5 Omalo – Dartlo – Chesho – Parsma – Girevi – Omalo 60 km (A,PL,I)
On the third day of the tour, we explore the lifestyle of the local people, the unique architecture, local traditions and enjoy the stunning scenery of the region.
After breakfast, jeeps take us to the Prikiti Gorge and we visit the beautiful villages of Tusheti, where you can walk on your own, meet the locals and enjoy the breathtaking atmosphere. Drive back to Omalo. Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse.
About 3 hours walk and 8 km distance
Day 6 Omalo – Shenako – Aguerta – Omalo 25 km (A, PL ,I)
Note: On this day we have two options, either drive to Chaghaman Gorge or Gometsari Gorge depending on weather conditions.
After breakfast, we continue by car towards the Chagman Gorge. Our first stop is at the village of Shenako. This village attracts visitors with its beautiful scenery. We will also explore the surroundings, e.g. the Holy Trinity Church, built in the 20th century. The ruins of Ageurta village are also a short walk away. Return to Omala for dinner and overnight stay.
About 2 hours walk and 6 km distance
Day 7 Omalo – Tbilisi 190 km (A,PL)
Drive to Tbilisi. Free time and overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 8 Tbilisi (A)
Free time.
Day 9 Departure (A)
Transfer to the airport and flight home, Tbilisi – Riga 04.10 – 06.35, connection to Helsinki 08.05 – 09.05.
Accommodation:
Tbilisi – Hotel Gureli http://hotelgureli.com/
Telavi – guest house http://hotelzuzumbo.com – room with private toilet and shower
Omalo – guest house Biliki
