Georgia: Wonders On The Crossroads Of Civilizations

Arrival. Transfer to the hotel.  
 
Overnight in Tbilisi.  

Full board.
Today we will discover one of the oldest and most remarkable cities in the world: Tbilisi. Situated on the crossroads of East and West, the city comprises the colourfulness of the East and refinement of the West.  During a walk, you will discover the main sites: historic buildings with the most beautiful facades, districts with colourful terraces, typical houses with carved balconies, narrow and beautiful streets, but also amazing examples of modern architecture. On the way up the cable car towards Narikala Fortress and its panoramic view, the entire city will unfold in front of your eyes.  

You will stop in the heart of a traditional patio and while tasting a homemade lemonade you will enjoy a musical performance.

Overnight in Tbilisi.  

Full board.
Scenic drive passing through the city of Tsalka will lead you to the region of Djavakheti. Over the kilometres, you will be able to admire the incredible landscapes of the Minor Caucasus where volcanic plateaus, large blue lakes and green valleys stand alongside. You will also see shepherds with their herds there. 
 
You will visit Poka monastery located by the Paravani Lake, the biggest lake in Georgia. According to the legend, Poka is the place where St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia in 4th century, entered Georgia.  A beautiful basilica is dedicated to it.  
For lunch, you will enjoy a tasty picnic along the way.  

Then, in the village of Gorelovka, you will meet Doukhobors, a religious community exiled from Russia in the mid-19th century. On site, you will be invited to taste their homemade herbal teas and sweets. 
By taking the road again, you will be seduced by the magnificent valley of Mtkvari and its terraced cultures inherited from the Middle Ages. A stop at the impressive Khertvisi Fortress will allow you to admire all its beauty. 

Your route will continue to Vardzia, a remarkable troglodyte town carved out of Erusheti mountain. A marvel of Georgian medieval architecture, Vadzia is not to be missed. Among the impressive remains of the city, you will discover the Church of the Virgin Mary which contains unique frescoes, representing King Tamar, a key figure in Georgian history. You can leave the city through ancient medieval tunnels. 
 
Overnight in Vardzia.  

Full board.
This morning you will take the road to Saro, a picturesque village perched on a high cliff. Here you will find megalithic ruins from pre-Christian times, underground shelters, and a charming little church dating from the 7th-8th centuries. 
Arrived in Chobareti a delicious lunch will be served by locals in a traditional Meskhetian house. The opportunity to create special moments of sharing and discovery with the inhabitants. 
Then in Aspindza, you will visit a local brewery and taste uniquely crafted beers fermented in Qvevris, traditional Georgian clay vessels. 
The day continues in Akhaltsikhe where you will visit a medieval fortress, Rabati, which features an ancient mosque, madrasa, Christian church and an archaeological museum. 
 Road to the town of Borjomi where you will spend the night. 

Full board.
After breakfast, you will visit the magnificent and bucolic Borjomi Park, known in particular for its famous mineral water spring. 
Then you will take the direction to the ancient Georgian capital, Mtskheta. Here you will visit two sacred places: Jvari Monastery where you can enjoy a sublime view of the region, then Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an exceptional example of ecclesiastical architecture and where according to legend the robe of Christ is buried. Both sites are on the UNESCO Heritage List. 
After a typical lunch at locals served in a beautiful garden, you will taste homemade wines, Chacha (Georgian grappa) as well as homemade murabas (Georgian jams). 
Driving along the Georgian Military Route - the historic name of this route, built by the Russian military to connect Georgia and Russia - you will discover the majestic Greater Caucasus Mountains adorned with lush green fields, alpine meadows and sparkling rivers. 
Last stop of the day: a visit to the ecclesiastical fortress of Ananuri which overlooks the magnificent crystal clear waters of the Zhinvali dam. You will observe in particular the delicacy of the engraved facades of its main church. 
 
Overnight in Stepantsminda.  

Full board.
In the morning, you will set off for a hike on a picturesque forest path (3h30 walk) which will take you to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country, Gergety Trinity church. Perched at an altitude of 2,170 meters, the site offers an incredible view of the green and steep region. On sunny days, you can see the imposing Kazbegi summit and its eternal snow. During the hike, you will surely have the chance to observe birds of prey, which are numerous in the region. 
In the afternoon, you will meet a local master, specialized in felt. During the visit, you will discover her know-how as well as the long tradition that she is carrying on. 
 
Drive to Tbilisi.  
Overnight in Tbilisi.  

Breakfast at the hotel. 
Transfer to the airport and departure.