Mountains and Wines
Dig into some of Georgia's greatest natural and cultural treasures
On this trip, we explore the Caucasus through a mix of day hikes, sightseeing and winery visits.
Stretching from the Black sea to the Caspain, the Caucasus is often seen as a dividing line between Europe and Asia. Almost at the very center of the landmass that makes up Asia, Europe and Africa, here you will find astonishing richness of nature, culture and history. You will see mountains reaching more than 5000 m into the sky, dense lush forests, thundering rivers and huge valleys.
All travel, unless stated otherwise is in a modern, comfortable minibus with air conditioning. This trip can be organised around arriving in Tbilisi or Kutaisi.
Sample itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tbilisi, travel straight to the hotel to rest if necessary. Walking tour of the city before dinner and a visit to one of the city's library-like wine bars.
Day 2: Depart Tbilisi for the Kakheti region. On the way we will visit family-owned independent wineries, showing the best of traditional and modern Georgian winemaking. The night will be spent in the small town of Lagodekhi, at the foot of the main ridge of the Caucsus.
Day 3: Hike along the Ninoskhevi valley to the Gurgeniani waterfall, 40 meters in height. Total distance is 16 km, with fairly gradual inclines. Spend the night in Sighnaghi, a beautiful old town perched on the edge of the Gombori mountain range.
Day 4: A longer day on the road, with a nice break in the middle. Travel by minibus first to the ancient capital city of Mtskheta featuring a monumental cathedral, a nicely preserved older town center. Further then to Oni, a mountain town in the less well-known but spectacular Racha region with its own winemaking culture.
Day 5: Two main options for the hike - an easier option of 14.3 km with altitude gain of 795 m, and drop of 613 m. The more difficult option is a 20 km hike, with 1500 m altitude gain and drop. In either case, you will enjoy the huge dinner and home-made wines provided at the guesthouse.
Day 6: A sightseeing day, based out of Oni. First we drive to the nearby village of Shovi where you will find a grand old wooden mansion that purports to be Stalin's summer house.
Day 7: Travel to the Soviet spa town of Tskaltubo, featuring natural hot springs, some working spas and some abandoned. This excellent website describes Tskaltubo as well as anyone possibly could. Stay in a local guesthouse.
Day 8: Tskaltubo to Borjomi. A spa town famous for its mineral water, whose source can be visited and sampled from. Situated in a beautiful valley, there are relaxing day hikes around the town, and plenty of chances for sightseeing, showing a modern town that still holds on to its Georgian traditions, it's imperial and Soviet legacies.
Day 9: Borjomi to Tbilisi
Day 10:
Why choose us?
Mountains and wines - this distils the essence of what motivated me to come here. The desire to share these incredible treasures with others is what drives me. I hope I can inspire others to take from these the same joy I do.
A sample of what you will see
