Essential Georgia

 

Tbilisi	Courtyard by Marriott	2 nights
Gudauri	Sport Hotel	2 nights
Kutaisi	See note below	1 night
Bakuriani	See note below	2 nights
Tbilisi	Courtyard by Marriott	1 night
Signagi	See note below	1 night
Tbilisi	Courtyard by Marriott	1 night

Outside the capital Tbilisi accommodation is limited.  Whilst we are able to name the hotel in Gudauri (although it will be subject to availability) in Kutaisi, Bakuriani and Signagi you will stay in comfortable 3 star properties which will be confirmed on booking.  All will have private facilities.

11 days from £1878

excluding international flights

DAY 1 - Arrival in Tbilisi.

On arrival in Tbilisi (in the early hours of DAY 2) you will be met by a representative of World Discovery outside immigration and customs. You will then be taken by private car direct to your hotel. Recommended flight from London: bmi from London Heathrow (see below). If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

DAY 2 – Tbilisi.

After a leisurely breakfast you will meet your World Discovery guide who will take you on a walking tour of Georgia's capital city, founded in the 5th century by King Gorgasili.  Highlights will include the 12th century Metechi Church, the ancient Sulphur Bath Houses, Sioni Cathedral, symbol of the city, the Narikala Fortress and the State Museum of Fine Arts.  Have dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 3 - Mtskheta.  Jvari.  Ananuri.  Continue to Gudauri.

A short distance to the northwest of Tbilisi lies the former capital Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has been populated since the second millennium BC and is regarded as the cultural and religious heart of Georgia.  Visit the stunning 6th century Jvari Monastery built on a hill overlooking the old capital, and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (pictured left), Georgia's most sacred religious site.  The afternoon drive brings you to the magnificent 16th and 17th century fortress and church of Ananuri.  The complex commands wide-reaching views and was an importantstrategic stronghold near the northern border.  The facade of the Church of the Assumption (1689) is decorated with beautiful engravings.  Continue in the afternoon along the Georgian Military Highway through increasingly spectacular mountain scenery to Gudauri.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 4 - Kazbegi.

An excursion today from Gudauri to the village of Kazbegi through wonderful mountain scenery.  Waether permitting you should have a good view of Mount Kazbek (literally 'ice-top'), the third highest peak in the Caucasus at 5,047 metres. A visit is made to the Gergety Trinity Church on the slopes of Mount Kazbek (this involves a two hour walk but is worth the effort!).
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 5 - Tsilkani.  Dzalisi.  Kutaisi.

Drive back south on the Georgian Military Highway to visit Tsilkani, whose 5th century church, one of the first built in Georgia, is famous for its icon of the Virgin painted by St Luke on a board from Christ's cradle.  Next head west to explore the archaeological site of Dzalisi, where artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age have been discovered, before reaching Kutaisi, a former capital which is today Georgia's second largest city.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 6 - Kutaisi to Bakuriani.

After breakfast take a walk in Kutaisi before driving to visit two nearby UNESCO World heritage sites - the monastery of Gelati (pictured left), set in beautiful countryside and renowned for its great 12th century Cathedral of the Virgin; and thecathedral of Bagrati (11th century), coronation and burial place of Georgian kings.  Continue to Ubisi where you will visit the 9th century cathedral with its excellently preserved 14th century murals.  A stop will also be made inthe spa town of Borjomi to taste the local mineral waters before ending the day in the mountain town of Bakuriani, a ski resort during the winter and an area of great natural beauty all year round.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 7 - Bakuriani, Vardzia.

An excursion will be taken today through the mountains to the cave-city of Vardzia, established in the 12th century by Queen Tamar, a place of great spiritual importance to Georgians.  The visit will involve 2 to 3 hours of walking.  Return to Bakuriani in the afternoon.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 8 - Bakuriani to Tbilisi via Timotesubani.

The mural paintings at the Church of the Virgin in Timotesubani, just north of Bakuriani,  are among the best examples of Georgian medieval art. They date from 1205-1215 and are the jewel in the crown of a group of frescoes from Queen Tamar's epoch. You will visit these this morning before heading through the fertile lands of Kartli Province on your return journey to the capital Tbilisi. Your route will take you through the town of Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 9 - Davit Gareja. Signagi.

This morning visit the important rock-cut monastery complex of Davit Gareja (pictured left), located in a virtual desert close to the border with Azerbaijan.  Founded in the 6th century by St David (one of the 13 Holy Syrian Fathers), the complex once boasted as many as 20 monasteries carved into the sandstone cliffs.  Frescoes still adorn many of the caves.  Continue into the Kakheti region, famous as the birthplace of viticulture and wine-making.  Wine is a symbol of Georgian hospitality, friendship and tolerance, and also regarded as a key to the mystery of Georgian longevity!  In the afternoon you will arrive at the picturesque Royal Town of Signagi, an important stopover on the ancient Silk Road.  Take a walk through the narrow streets in the shadow of wooden balconies richly decorated with carvings.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 10 - Gremi.  Alaverdi.  Tsinandali Winery.  Return to Tbilisi.

This morning you will visit some interesting sites close to the town of Telavi - the Gremi Architectural Complex, which includes the 16th castle and the Church of the Archangels, and the elegant 11th century Alaverdi Cathedral, built on what has been a holy place since pagan times.  Continue to the Tsinandali Family Estate, a 19th century winery which produces some of Georgia's best wines, and have lunch as a guest of a local family.  Return in the afternoon to Tbilisi, where in the evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner at a selected local restaurant.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 11 - Depart for home.

Private transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

International Flights.

We recommendthe direct non-stop services of bmi from London Heathrow. Flights operate on four days of the week throughout the year but only 2 will fit this particular duration - Sunday and Wednesday departures. Timings differ slightly from day to day; those shown below are for a Wednesday departure, returning on a Saturday:
Heathrow/Tbilisi. Depart at 17.05; arrive Tbilisi at 02.40 (next day)
Tbilisi/Heathrow. Depart at 08.50; arrive Heathrow at 13.00

Essential Georgia (Tour Reference: WDGA002)
2010/2011 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Departures on Sundays and Wednesdays	Price
2010
September and October	£1878
2011
May to October	£1990

Single Room Supplements on request.

The price includes:

• Hotel accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded or double rooms with private facilities.
• 10 full breakfasts 9 lunches and 9 dinners as shown in the itinerary.
• Private transportation throughout.
• All sightseeing as shown, including entrance fees.
• The services of a private driver throughout.
• The services of a private English-speaking guide for the included sightseeing.

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance.
• Optional sightseeing.
• International airport taxes.
• Tipping. We will be pleased to give guidance in this often sensitive matter.

A deposit of £250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your travel arrangements must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.