Caucaseastan

Day 1 Old Tbilisi

Meet other group participants and tour leader in the morning, brief pre-tour orientation meeting. We begin our tour of Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of Georgia with a visit to Art Museum offering an exclusive collection - the icon of Zarzma Monastery, the Chalice of Bedia, Anchistkhati and Khakhuli Triptychs and much more. Providing an excellent introduction to the history of the city, the museum is an ideal place to start your exploration of Tbilisi, new and old. Walk in lively Kala, the medieval city center, small yards encircled by galleries, steep street stairs and houses with patterned balconies create picturesque images of Old Tbilisi. Kala also hosts some of Tbilisi's trendiest restaurants featuring local and international cuisine. Continue to The Holy Trinity Cathedral, the largest religious building in the South Caucasus. Walk along the Dry Bridge (Mshrali Khidi), open-air exhibition of paintings and artifacts. A unique option this evening is visit to Nabadi folk theatre where a show of music, dance and song about Georgian legends and culture awaits us.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 2 Old Tbilisi continued

Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to the tour of old Tbilisi. Best explored on foot our tour includes some of the most colourful sites of this ancient city - Metekhi Temple, Narikala Fortress with a marvelous panoramic view of the city, Sulfur Baths dating back to the time of Arab Khalifs, the Synagogue and Sioni Cathedral. Fine masonry with carved woodworks, arts and crafts workshops offer us an insight into the fascinating cultural diversity of Tbilisi. Continue to open air ethnographic museum of Tbilisi featuring 70 houses with traditional household furniture and utensils from various regions of Georgia. You have a bird's eye view of Tbilisi from Mtastminda Park, the highest entertainment park in city, located on the 800 meters above the sea level. And if you really want to feel Georgian... why not take a sulphur bath with massage in the evening (optional).

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 3-4 Ski Resort in the Caucasus Mountains

Travel the famous Georgian Miltary Highway and visit Ananuri Fortress. Arrive at Kazbegi, a lovely town nestled at the base of Caucasus Mountains. Enjoy the wildly beautiful views of snow-covered Mount Kazbek (5,047m), one of the six 5,000 m peaks of the Caucasus range where Prometheus was said to be chained. Visit magnificent Darial Gorge, Gates of Caucasus, one of the only two crossings of the Caucasus mountain range and on to village Sno where Patriarch of Georgia comes from. We will be based for two days in Gudauri Ski Resort boasting the largest ski area in the Caucasus. With some luck and good weather during these two days we will visit Gergeti Sameba (Trinity), a remote but enchanting church dramatically sited at the foot of Kazbek. In order to reach the church we will take a winding road uphill through untouched snow enjoying fantastic vistas of the area (driving in local jeeps). We spend two nights at a cosy alpine hut-style hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Gudauri Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 4 Skiing in Gudauri

Wake up to the freshness of the air, get ready for your first taste of untouched powder. Meet your instructor who provides you with essential equipment and details necessary for safe skiing. Gudauri's location at 2200 m at the heart of the Caucasus Mountains creates a snow sure ski destination. Getting our skis on we shall aim to explore as much of the dramatic terrain as possible, our tour leader will choose the best paths and we will enjoy the scenery of grand peaks and untouched snow. We will have a choice of tracks with distances varying from 1010m to 2310m and will take breathtaking rides downhill, enjoying the magnificent scenery of snowy slopes of Kazbek. Short nature viewing and learning about local legends is an added treat we cannot miss. Arriving back to Gudauri, it's time to enjoy free evening.

Overnight: Hotel in Gudauri Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 5 On to Bakuriani

Early in the morning we say good bye to Gudauri and start our journey to Bakuriani with some cultural visits en route. Arrive in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia founded 3000 years ago, Jvari Church built to house the robe of Jesus Christ and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, major pilgrimage site listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. Then proceed to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Visit the remarkable Stalin Museum re-creating surreal and revealing scenes from the life of the tyrant. A large statue of the "Leader of the People" used to dominate the square of Gori until last year. Stalin's bulletproof train carriage, which he used to travel to the Potsdam Conference in 1945 lies in the grounds of the museum. Arrive in Bakuriani for rest and overnight.

Overnight: Hotel in Bakuriani Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 6 Skiing, Snowboarding and Sledding

Welcome to Bakuriani, a mountain resort with an alpine charm and an unhurried, relaxed atmosphere within an unspoilt setting! The resort is located at 1700 metres and has high and consistent snowfall levels from November until April. Bakuriani is especially favored by beginners taking their first steps on ski and snowboard amateurs. An optional introductory ride on the snowy hills on snowmobiles. Then try snowboarding or downhill ride on one of the several tracks. Children can spend time sledding and having fun nearby. As a fitting finale for the day full of activities, we will hold a competition, the group will divided into two and snow fight will establish the winner of the prize! In the evening, traditional Georgian dinner with wine.

Overnight: Hotel in Bakuriani Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner

Day 7 Skiing at Kokhta

Today we continue our skiing with downhill ride from Kokhta mountain (2150 meters). "Kokhta" means cute in Georgian and once we are here we will see what has drawn people to this pristine place. On a clear day we may even be treated to an extraordinary view of the Caucasus Mountains from Kazbek to Elbrus in the distance. Ski tracks for beginners and professionals can be found here, with a two-seat ropeway and tow-ways serving the mountain. Choose the appropriate level and ski your way down wide open expanses of snow covered mountains. Fresh air hints us to make a tea break to warm up and plan evening activities. Possible pastimes before dinner are ice skating in the Park or a contest to build the funniest snowman in Bakuriani! After dinner time for rest and overnight.

Overnight: Hotel in Bakuriani Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch

Day 8 Sighnagi, the Town of Love

Farewell to Bakuriani and welcome to Kakheti, Georgia's wine region! Start deep into the heart of Alazani, a fertile valley boasting three hundred years of wine making. We reach romantic Signagi, UNESCO World Heritage site, cobbled streets and terra cotta tile-roofed homes with colorful carved balconies and breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley give it a very charming character. Explore the monastery of St. Nino in Bodbe. According to tradition, St. Nino witnessed the conversion of Georgians to Christianity in 4th century and then withdrew to this monastery. Rest and overnight in Sihghnagi hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Sighnaghi Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 9 Wine Cellar of Prince Chavchavadze

Early in the morning we make our way to Tsinandali, a historic village in Kakheti. This is the place where Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, the father of Georgian romanticism. Proceed to the Museum of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, father of Georgian romanticism. Walk in the beautiful garden of the estate and Enoteca, wine repository. Founded in the 19th c and housed in Chavchavadze's wine cellar, Enoteca features a unique collection of 70 Georgian and European wines including the oldest Polish Honey of 1814 and Georgian Saperavi of 1841. After wine tasting and Enoteca tour we say farewell to Kakheti and drive back to Tbilisi.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 10 Free Day

Free day for personal exploration, perhaps an opportunity to sample the legendary nightlife!

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi Meal plan: Breakfast

Tour Notes

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. Cross Country Skiing/Snowboarding/ Sledding/Snowmobiling/Winter Walking conditions
This trip is categorised as Grade A. It involves mountainous terrain. All steep and dangerous terrain will be avoided in the choice of routes. Each day the leader will carefully assess the situation and choose the route according to current conditions and those forecast, with the overriding priority being group safety. Our leaders are required not to proceed with any proposed route (including those mentioned in brochure or trip notes) if they believe the risk to be unacceptable.
Please note: the itinerary is to be used as an idea of how the trip will flow. Group dynamics, snow conditions and weather may alter our routes and objectives.
Grade A (moderate)
Involves some longer walks and skiing generally at low altitudes.
Weather
Bakuriani winter resort is located at an elevation 1,700 metres above the sea level. The winters are cold and experience significant snowfall. The average temperature in January is -7.3 degrees Celsius.
Gudauri is located at elevation 2,200 metres above the sea level. The average winter temperature -10 degrees Celsius.
Snowshoeing/winter walking in the south: In winter months and beginning of spring (March) snow covers the slopes of the mountains of The Great Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia providing an attractive backdrop and extended periods of fine, settled weather.

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.

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 Georgia 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!

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.