Caucaseastan

Day 1 Tbilisi and Mount Mtatsminda

We start our first day by morning sightseeing in Tbilisi. The observation of main highlights begins with city exploration: enjoy the view from the ancient and strategically located Narikala Fortress dating back to the 4th century located on the top of natural Abanotubani sulphur baths and Botanical garden. Then continue exploration of magical Old Tbilisi starting with grand Metekhi Church built in the 12th century, one of the city’s architectural masterpieces. Kala medieval center and various historical museums will reveal you the turbulent past of Georgia, full of dramatic and dynamic history. Afternoon transfer to Turtle Lake at Mtatsminda Mountain. Get familiar with Tbilisi in adventurous way, feel the capital city’s wild nature on a 15 km single track downhill ride! Late afternoon we head towards Telavi, the capital of Georgia’s wine country, Kakheti. Getting ready for further exploration of Tusheti area located on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Overnight at hotel in Telavi.

Overnight: Hotel in Telavi Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 2 Abano Pass and Rustic Omalo

Today we are leaving the civilization behind for 4 days! Drive to Abano Pass, the highest drivable mountain pass in Caucasus at 2,850 m. The scenery on our way changes from rolling hills and plains to lush forests and later alpine meadows.  The biking distance for the day is 45 km. From Abano Pass connecting two regions of Kakheti and Tusheti, we take a long and enjoyable downhill ride to the valley. We reach the village Khiso, cool off and enjoy the scenery around and the twists and turns of Alazani river. Then ride uphill to village Omalo, where we can rest and immerse in the breathtaking views of Tusheti highland area, one of the most ecologically clean regions in the Caucasus. We spend a night at a local Tush guesthouse.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Omalo Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 3 Tush Lifestyle and Nature

The day starts with a visit to the 17th century Kesolo fortress located on the mountain top with superb views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Jeep transfer or bike to village Ilurta to experience the Tush lifestyle. Optional activity: riding a horse to a traditional farm to observe traditional Tush activities - sheep and cattle breeding and production of famous Gouda cheese (followed by cheese tasting). Back on your bikes and take a ride through winding roads, following the course of Alazani River. Feel the cool breeze and see the idyllic picture of sheep crossing the river. At the end of this adventurous day (48 km biking), we are back to Omalo guesthouse for overnight

Overnight: Guesthouse in Omalo Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 4 Wild Vistas and Charming Villages

The day is dedicated to biking from Omalo to Shenako and Diklo, overall biking distance is 35 km. Get ready and start the downhill ride in the valley of Pirikiti Alazani. Severe nature of this area inevitably attracts you and leaves unforgettable impressions of its wild spirit far away from civilization. Afterwards we continue to cycle uphill to Shenako, a beautiful village with traditional Tush watchtowers. Majestic Diklo Mountain overlooks the village containing a number of Georgian folk architectural buildings and an ancient church of Holy Trinity. Biking on to Diklo, experiencing the charm of pine forests and ancient but amazingly well-preserved watchtowers. As the evening approaches, it gets cooler and it’s time to return home. Transfer to Omalo, a well deserved farewell dinner featuring local delicacies.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Omalo Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 Medieval Chesho, Parsma and Girevi

Today we shall have a 45 km biking distance starting with cycling to Pirikiti Alazani valley and stop at Dartlo, perhaps the most charming village in Tusheti, rich in medieval tower houses and other elements of traditional lifestyle. On to Cheshno - another fine example of traditional Tush village worth exploring and a chance to enjoy the majestic view of Mount Komito (4200m).  Free time to explore the village and take photos. Continue to Parsma and Girevi, unique villages leaving unforgettable impressions due to amazing medieval towers attached to almost every house. Back to Chesho, in case you are tired remember the vehicle backup is there, otherwise ride straight to your local house.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Chesho Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 6 Farewell to Tusheti, on to Kakheti

Time to say farewell to medieval towers, wild nature and warm people of Tusheti. Today a 40 km biking distance includes Chesho - Abano Pass – Pshaveli - Telavi. After breakfast we leave our house in Chesno and start our bike trip to Abano Pass. By vehicle and cycle we continue to Pshaveli, administrative center of Tusheti. Here, you will be stunned by unparalleled views as your bike tours on dramatic mountain passes. Continue to Telavi, the capital of wine region Kakheti, rest and overnight at hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Telavi Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 7 Wine, Сulture and Love in Kakheti

We begin our last day with wine tasting and sightseeing in the lash valleys of Kakheti. Visit famous Enoteca wine respository at the estate of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze. Continue to Alaverdi Cathedral, dated to the 6th c, one of the highest religious buildings in Georgia (about 55 m). Feel the mystical atmosphere of this place of worship. Next stop is Signagni, a highly popular charming city, called “Town of Love”. Consisting of narrow streets, the town is often compared with Verona. You can find here the museum of world-famous primitivist painter Pirosmani, originally from Kakheti. Back to Tbilisi in the evening, overnight at hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi Meal plan: Breakfast

Full board (all meals)	Low Price: €123
Description All breakfasts, lunches and dinners included
Half board (all breakfasts and dinners)	Low Price: €70
Description All breakfasts and dinners included
Single supplement	Low Price: €165
Description This option guarantees you a single room in all the hotels throughout the tour. If you are a single traveller, then you may share a twin room with other single travellers in the group. If we do not have any other single travellers at the time of your booking, then you will need to add this supplement to your tour price (this can be refunded to you later if other people book who you can share with).

1. Special notes
The information in these Special Notes covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. In remote destinations unexpected conditions can prevail at any time, and all adventurous holidays can therefore be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary.

2. Travel health and insurance
No vaccination is required for traveling in the Caucasus. The region's climate is very pleasant, with no health risks. Water is very clean and safe. However, travelers usually prefer bottled spring and mineral water, which can be found in shops and supermarkets.
There are registered pharmacies in all cities and towns with all basic medications. Travelers with special needs are advised to take a supply of those medications that they are likely to require. Medical facilities are numerous with many qualified doctors practicing in all specialties. Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for their services. Travelers are advised to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that it cover medical expenses including emergency repatriation and personal liability. We also strongly recommend that the policy cover loss of luggage and personal effects.

3. Physical preparation and tour grade
This trip is classified "Off-road", grade B, 7 days of biking, average 20km/day, 100% vehicle support.

Grade B - tough
For fit and experienced bikers, with some technically demanding single track ascents and descents and sections where we may have to push or carry our bikes. Biking in remote areas, support vehicle (4WD) is always available.

4. Money
You will need to allow enough money for meals as well as optional activities. An average meal in a restaurant should cost between EUR 8-10. Tipping is customized and not compulsory. You should be aware that Caucasus is still a cash-only economy and credit cards are not accepted in the majority of shops and restaurants. There are several ATM machines in major cities where you can obtain cash.

5. Communication during the tour
If you need to be contacted while traveling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road. Email cafes are common and are the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch.
If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on an AdvenTour trip we recommend that they contact our operator by phone + 374 10 48 22 71 or E-mail: adventour@netsys.am.

6. Accommodation
We choose hotels/guesthouses that combine comfort and great service with unique ambiance and appreciation of the natural beauty of a region. The emphasis is on location and practicality.
Our tours are based on 3 star properties. In capital cities and other places where higher-class accommodation is available you can upgrade if you wish. Your tour leader will help arrange this and the extra cost will be paid by you. In areas where hotels are not available, particularly in small towns in the regions, the group will stay at a local guesthouse (often with shared facilities). Some campsites we stay in are equipped with showers, toilets, electricity and a common eating area. Where no campsites are available we go wild camping (no facilities). These are limited to once or twice a tour and are in areas where you can enjoy the scenery. All other nights will be in campsites/hotels as described above.

Single Supplement
Should you want more privacy during your trip, you can upgrade by the requesting your own room, often at a little extra cost.

Pre / Post-Tour Accommodation
If you require additional accommodation either before or after the trip, we can book this for you. Please contact AdvenTour for current prices.

7. Transport and private transfers
The mode of transport we use is chosen to suit the environmental aspects and local infrastructure. During tours we use comfortable, air-conditioned cars, minibuses and buses as well as some local transport that is well-maintained and supplied with a first-aid kit. In fact, we often use more than one type of transport per trip. And just in case you are wondering - we also travel by foot.

Airport transfers are not included in the cost of the trip. Please, let us know at the time of booking if you would like us to arrange a private transfer for you.

8. Staff and support
While on AdvenTour trips, you will be accompanied by a tour leader/driver. The tour leader is in charge of general organization of your trip making sure that you have a most enjoyable time. He/she has broad general knowledge of the places visited, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. The tour leader is able to provide suggestions on what to do and see and can recommend great local eating venues. Local guides are an important part of AdvenTour team, they are trained by us and support our groups in sites and locations where their special knowledge of the trails, particular activities or communities will add to the enjoyment of the tour.
Biking guide
No biking guide is provided for this tour. However, you can request one at the time of booking.

Luggage handling
All your gear is carried for you on this tour; you carry only a daypack.

9. Meals
The tour cost includes bed and breakfast in the hotels and guesthouses. Meals, when included, will feature local cuisine. For other meals, you are left to choose what and where to eat, though your tour leader will be on hand to suggest venues and arrange where necessary. This can be one of the great joys of this trip as the food in Armenia is superb. Vegetarians should have no problems on this tour.

10. Laundry
Facilities are offered by most hotels for a charge.

11. Visas
Citizens of EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a number of other countries can obtain Armenian visa upon arrival at the airport or land border. All other nationals are advised to consult Armenian Embassy in their country of residence. Georgian visa is not required for EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand citizens. All other national are advised to consult the Georgian Embassy in their country of residence. Turkish visa is obtained upon arrival at the airport or land border. Iranian visa support is provided by AdvenTour through local parters in Iran. Visa regulations can and do change without notice. Please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

12. Travel luggage
Because of limited luggage space on transfer vehicles, we limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack (the size not more than 75cm x 45cm x 25cm, the weight no more than 20 kg) and one day bag. The daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. Please note many hotels in the regions do not have porters and you will need to carry your own luggage.
Travel tip 1: On some tours, if you wish, it is possible to leave surplus clothes and other personal equipment in hotels where you will return after your circular trip. Please bring a small bag to pack excess items in and leave the bag at the hotel. Mark your luggage with your name and arrival date. Please ask your tour leader to advise where this may be possible / advisable.
Travel trip 2: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!

Bring with you: biking helmets, gloves and shorts, eye protection/sunglasses, water bottles and spare inner tube (unless hiring a bike), waterproof jacket, sun cream and lip salve, warm jacket for evenings, small day sack and favorite energy snacks.

Local Bike Hire
Bikes are available for hire in Armenia and should be requested at the time of booking.

Bringing your own bike
Many people choose to bring their own bikes. If you wish to bring your own bike, please note that we cannot guarantee against small scratches and paintwork damage involved in the loading and unloading from support vehicles.

13. Safety
We always recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. All the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which can be used to store your valuables.

14. Responsible tourism
Tourism can be a real help to local communities providing income, positive cultural exchanges and the financial incentive to protect the natural environment. Our trips are designed to use family-based guesthouses in the regions, buy local food, hire local guides, drivers and rent trucks to ensure that as much money as possible is retained within the local economies.

15. Feedback
After your travel, we would like to hear from you. Within two weeks after your departure we will send you a feedback form to complete.

Information in this document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and AdvenTour.