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 the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. You will stay in a central location near the old town where you can explore the delightful streets of Old Tbilisi. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. No meals included.

Day 2 - Tbilisi

A guided walking tour around old Tbilisi, taking in the fascinating history of this long-overlooked region. You spend the day discovering sites such as the National Museum, home to many of the treasures that inspired the legend of the Golden Fleece, as well as the Narikala citadel, Metekhi Temple and the Sioni Cathedral, among other sites. Later this afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the atmospheric streets at leisure. Tonight, enjoy traditional Georgian food at a local restaurant. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. (BLD)

Day 3 - Tbilisi – Signagi – Kakheti – Telavi

(Approximate driving time: four-hours)

An early start today at 8am. Drive to Signagi, with its defensive wall of megalithic proportions, built in 17th – 18th centuries. Visit Kakheti, Georgia’s famous wine district which lies due east from Tbilisi in a land dotted with grandiose old churches and vineyard after vineyard. After enjoying a lunch with delicious home-made food, you also visit a winery and taste some of Georgia’s best wine. We visit Tsinandali Estate, the residence of the 19^th century noble family. Continue to Telavi. Overnight Old Telavi or similar. (BLD)

Day 4 - Telavi – Alaverdi – Omalo (Tusheti)

(Approximate driving time: five-hours)

Your departure will be early at around 8am and the journey heads into the spectacular Greater Caucasus range. Before the climb into the mountains, visit the magnificent Alaverdi Cathedral (11^th Century), noted for its glorious high dome. You then continue into the foothills: quickly the journey becomes incredibly scenic and you will stop at various points to stretch your legs and soak up the views and also to enjoy a picnic lunch. The journey into Tusheti is a true adventure passing first through lush forests, then gorges and canyons carved by raging torrents. There are also numerous waterfalls to admire and in Spring endless carpets of a myriad of wildflower species. After crossing the spectacular and vertiginous Abano Pass (2927m), you continue down into Tusheti. Approaching Omalo, the sheer beauty of this wild region is immediately apparent. On arrival in Upper Omalo check in to the guesthouse and then take some time to explore the imposing medieval watchtowers that stand sentinel over the valley. Later enjoy an evening meal of traditional Georgian fare, prepared by your local 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 you start to explore this incredibly beautiful and wild region. Your walk from Omalo takes you through the delightful village of Shenako and on to Diklo. In these remote villages you can truly appreciate the traditional architecture and the stupendous views of the High Caucasus. From Diklo, continue for a short distance to the old fortress which is about as close as you can get to the border with Russia. Later you return to the guesthouse for dinner. (BLD)

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 journey into a different valley to the village of Dartlo, situated at 1900 metres. Admire the interesting architecture of the local houses and the watchtower. There is a cafe next to a picturesque stream where you can take some tea and coffee amidst the splendour of the surroundings. Continue by car to the next village of Chesho and start a beautifully scenic walk to the village of Parsma through the valley. The walk follows a stunning river and also affords views of many medieval watchtowers that were built to warn of invaders from the Northern Caucasus. At Parsma enjoy a picnic lunch before returning by car to Dartlo. Back in Dartlo, it is possible to visit an abandoned village, clinging tenaciously to the mountainside above Dartlo with an eerie watchtower precariously teetering over the abyss. The views from here 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 you have the option to simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Upper Omalo; perhaps take your camera up to the watchtowers and immerse yourself in the ever-changing light and cloud formations. For those that wish to be more active, it will be possible to do a walk and this can be discussed with the guide. Our hosts at the guesthouse will also provide a demonstration of traditional Georgian cookery. Overnight local guesthouse. (BLD)

Day 8 - Tusheti National Park – Tbilisi

(Approximate driving time: seven to eight-hours)

Depart early at around 8am for the journey back to Tbilisi once again traversing the majestic Abano Pass. Depending on the road conditions, expect to arrive back in the Alazani Valley by approximately 1pm. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant overlooking the valley before continuing through fine scenery and over the Gombori Pass back to Tbilisi. Tonight, enjoy local Georgian food at a local 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.