Georgia
Wild Tusheti Tour

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Georgia – Wild Tusheti Tour – a 10 day Small Group Tour.

Travel into the High Caucasus to the wild and untamed province of Tusheti where age old traditions are still entrenched into the culture. We explore the cave monasteries of David Gareji where 14 centuries of Georgian Christians have crafted an impressive rock-hewn monastic foundation.

For lovers of wine we will also visit the ancient wine region of Kakheti, arguably the original home of all viticulture and taste the exquisite wines produced there.

Our travels then take us over the dizzying heights of the Abano Pass, only seasonally open and a gateway to some of Europe’s most isolated villages

We spend time getting to know and understand the area and its tenacious and proudly isolated people, enjoying the wholehearted hospitality of family run guesthouses.

Our exploration of the incredibly isolated and often seasonal Tush villages will include the option of some relatively straightforward, but highly rewarding walks where the beauty of the alpine-meadows contrasts with the awe-inspiring mountain scenery.

Georgia is renowned for its local hospitality so travel with us on this cultural and historical adventure and discover the furthest reaches of this intriguing and stunning country where few outsiders tread.

Tour ratings.

Fitness
Off the beaten track
Culture

History
Wildlife

Tour pace

Busy

Tour style

Traveller

Relaxed Pace

Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.

Moderate Pace

Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.

Busy Pace

A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.

Pioneer Class Tours

On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.

Traveller Class Tours

Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Tbilisi

Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to hotel accommodation located near the Old Town. Depending upon flight schedules there may be time to explore independently. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. No meals included.

Day 2 - Tbilisi

Today we take a guided walking tour around Old Tbilisi. Highlights include the National Museum, home to treasures that inspired the legend of the Golden Fleece, the Narikala citadel, Metekhi Temple and the Sioni Cathedral. In the afternoon there’s free time to explore Tbilisi’s atmospheric streets independently. Dinner tonight is traditional Georgian cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. (BLD)

Day 3 - Tbilisi – David Gareji – Signagi – Kakheti – Telavi

(Approximate driving time: four-hours)

There’s an early start today for the drive to Signagi where we explore its immense defensive walls dating from the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Afterwards we continue to the impressive 6^th century David Gareji Monastery complex, partly hewn from the living rock, situated in the Gareji semi-desert 75km southeast from Tbilisi. Highlights include Lavra and Peristsvaleba monasteries, and the walk up to Udabno Monastery known for fine 8^th to 13^th century frescoes and unique cave architecture. Afterwards we drive to Kakheti, Georgia’s famous wine region, which lies due east from Tbilisi in a landscape characterised by grandiose old churches and vineyard after vineyard. After lunch of delicious home-made specialities, we visit a winery and taste some of Georgia’s best wine. Continue to Telavi. Overnight Old Telavi or similar. (BLD)

Walking guidance – walking shoes/boots are recommended to make your way up on some of the steeper slopes up to the Udabno. (It depends on fitness as to how long it will take to reach Udabno caves, but it is approximately a 40-minute walk up, roughly a similar space of time to see caves and descending back to the vehicle will take around 45 minutes.)

Day 4 - Telavi – Alaverdi – Omalo (Tusheti)

(Approximate driving time: five-hours)

This morning we drive into the spectacular Greater Caucasus range. Before climbing into the mountains, we visit the magnificent 11^th century Alaverdi Cathedral, noted for its glorious high dome. Continuing into the foothills, the route to Tusheti quickly becomes incredibly scenic, passing first through lush forests, via waterfalls, then through gorges and canyons carved by raging torrents. We’ll stop at various points to stretch our legs, soak up the views and enjoy a picnic lunch. In Spring the landscape is covered by endless carpets of myriad wildflower species. After crossing the spectacular and vertiginous 2,927m Abano Pass we continue down into Tusheti. Approaching Omalo, the sheer beauty of this wild region is overwhelming. On arrival in Upper Omalo we check-in to our guesthouse and then take time to explore the imposing medieval watchtowers standing sentinel over the valley. Later, we enjoy an evening meal of traditional Georgian fare prepared by our hosts. Overnight guesthouse. (BLD)

Please Note – the guesthouse in Omalo is simple but comfortable but phone reception is patchy and at the time of inspection there is no WiFi.

Day 5 - Omalo - Shenako and Diklo - Omalo

(Approximate trekking time: four-hours. Approximate driving time: one-hour)

Today we further explore this incredibly beautiful and wild region. Our walk from Omalo encompasses the remote villages of Shenako and Diklo. Here we appreciate the traditional architecture and the astonishing views of the High Caucasus. From Diklo we continue for a short distance to the old fortress, about as close as we can approach the Russian border. Later we return to Omalo. Overnight guesthouse. (BLD)

Please Note – for those that do not wish to walk to Diklo then you can be driven there via Shenako with the driver.

Day 6 - Omalo – Dartlo – Parsma – Omalo

(Approximate trekking time: one-and-a-half-hours)

This morning we trek to a different valley and the village of Dartlo, situated at 1,900 metres, again characterised by unique architecture of the local houses and watchtowers. Next to a stream there’s a small café where it’s possible to drink tea and coffee amid the mountains’ natural splendour. We continue by car to the next village of Chesho and take a short but scenic walk through the valley to the neighbouring village of Parsma. The walk follows a clear mountain river and affords memorable views of many medieval watchtowers built to warn of invaders from the Northern Caucasus. At Parsma we have a picnic lunch before returning by car to Dartlo. Back in Dartlo, it’s possible to visit another now abandoned village, clinging tenaciously to the mountainside, where a forgotten watchtower teeters precariously over an abyss. The views are tremendous. Return to Omalo by car. Overnight guesthouse. (BLD)

Walking guidance (Parsma) – the walk to the village of Parsma is an easy grade, following a dirt road through the valley. The return journey distance on foot is around 5km and of course there will be plenty of time for stops to admire the wonderful scenery. The last 5-10 minutes involves a moderate ascent into the village of Parsma.

Walking guidance (Dartlo) – the optional walk from Dartlo to the abandoned village is a constant steep incline and takes around 40 minutes up and around 25 minutes down. Only those with good fitness and good footwear should attempt it. It is also not suitable for those with vertigo issues. Those that do not wish to do this walk can relax in Dartlo.

Day 7 - Omalo

Today is free to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Upper Omalo, perhaps taking a camera to the watchtowers and observing the ever-changing light and cloud formations. For those wishing to be more active, it’s possible arrange a trek which can be discussed locally with the guide. Overnight guesthouse. (BLD)

Day 8 - Tusheti National Park – Tbilisi

(Approximate driving time: seven to eight-hours)

This morning we drive back to Tbilisi, once again traversing Abano Pass. Depending upon the road conditions, we expect to arrive back in the Alazani Valley by 1.00pm. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant overlooking the valley, before continuing through fine scenery and over the Gorombi Pass back to Tbilisi. Tonight, we enjoy Georgian food at a restaurant in Tbilisi. Overnight Kalasi Hotel, or similar. (BL)

Day 9- Tbilisi

Today is a final day at leisure for you to enjoy wonderful Tbilisi at leisure and reflect on the epic trip into Tusheti. Overnight Kalasi Hotel or similar. (B)

Note – Please let us know if you would like to an extra day guided sightseeing and we can provide options and prices on request.

Day 10 - Departure from Georgia

On due time, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. (B)

Dates & Price.

Dates and Prices

Tour Notes

Minimum Group Size

This group tour operates subject to a minimum group size of 2 travellers.

Flights

Return flights from London to Tbilisi start at £250. Contact us for a quotation.

Single Supplement

Main tour single supplement from £215.

Extra Accommodation

Extra night accommodation pre and/or post tour in Tbilisi costs from £40 per person, per night sharing a twin/double room and £70 per person in a solo occupancy room.

Please note that the prices quoted above are for the category of accommodation and hotel used for this particular tour. Depending on the hotel eventually confirmed there may be some difference in the rate advertised by the hotel, and the prices available through Undiscovered Destinations. It should be noted we will not apply a surcharge should more expensive accommodation be used. At the same time in the event that a lower rate is available for the confirmed hotel we are unable to offer a refund.

Georgia - Wild Tusheti Private tour

Kindly note that if you do not wish to travel as part of a group, this tour can also be arranged on a private basis. Prices start at £1495 per person based on 2 people travelling and sharing a room. Larger private groups or a private solo tour can be also arranged on request – contact us for details.

If you wish to have your own Georgia experience tailored to your requirements please get in touch with Mark Huggins who will be pleased to design your perfect tour.

Extra arrangements in Georgia or the wider Caucasus region

Georgia is a wonderful country with so much to offer. Speak to one of our team about possible extra arrangements that can be arranged in Georgia or indeed perhaps venture into nearby Armenia or Azerbaijan.