Tbilisi - Mtsheta - Gori - Kazbegi - Telavi - Gurjaani - Sighnaghi - David Gareji

7 pv Hinta 580 € / henkilö 

Hintaan sisältyy:

• majoitus hotellissa kahden hengen huoneissa, Tbilisissä 5 yötä ja Telavissa 1 yö
• aamiaiset hotelleissa
• kuljetukset ja retket ja matkaohjelman mukaisesti
• englanninkielinen opastus retkillä

Lisämaksusta:

• majoitus hotellissa yhden hengen huoneessa 125 €
• lennot Suomesta Tbilisiin
• museoiden sisäänpääsymaksut (ks. matkaohjelma)
• matkavakuutus alk. 24 €
• puolihoito (lounaat tai illalliset) 90 €
• täysihoito (lounaat ja illalliset) 180 €

Day 1 Arrival in Tbilisi.
Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 2 Tbilisi - Mtskheta tour (100km)
Drive to Mtskheta (UNESCO Heritage Site), an ancient capital of the Georgian Kingdom from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. Jvari Monastery (6th c.); Svetitskhoveli Cathedral built in the 11th century. Drive back to Tbilisi. We will visit the Old Tbilisi Sulfur Baths, Georgian Orthodox and Armenian Gregorian churches, and a Jewish synagogue and a Turkish mosque side by side, reflecting Tbilisi's acceptance and tolerance of different religions. We can also see a recent monument, the Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Caucasus. Tour includes following sights: Metekhi Church is erected on the cliff, overlooking the Mtkvari River. There is a statue of King Vakhtang Gorgaslani, founder of Tbilisi, in front of the church. The church dates back to the 12th century and has a diverse history, connected with Mongol invasions and political repressions of the Soviet Empire. The colorful Darejani Palace is also situated on the cliff, like the nest of a swallow. The Sulfur Baths are located in Old Tbilisi, on the other side of the river, opposite Darejani Palace. Tbilisi was named after the natural Sulphur springs. Have lunch in Georgian restaurant. The Orthodox Narikala St. Nikolas Church is in the same district. The church is furnished with frescoed portraits of martyrs and scenes from the Bible. It is wrapped in a defensive Narikala fortress, established in the fourth century. We can walk up the stairs of the fortress and overlook Tbilisi. Walk down the path from the hill and on cobbled Leselidze Street, we come across the 13th century Armenian St. George Church and a Jewish synagogue with an elegant facade.On the opposite side of the street is Sioni Church, leading to the bank of the Mtkvari. Here you discover Shardeni Street with its fashionable cozy cafes and art galleries. Walking we will come across the Anchiskhati church, the oldest church in Tbilisi keeping the miraculous icon of Jesus Christ. Finally the tour takes you to Rustaveli Avenue, where attractions such as the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Parliament, Rustaveli Theatre, different art galleries and cafes will draw your attention and provide a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Drive to Open Air Ethnographic Museum, place, where are built all kinds of Georgian national old country-houses and castles (entrance fee: USD 1, 70).
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 3 Tbilisi/Gori/Tbilisi (160km)
After breakfast drive to Gori. The city was founded by one of the greatest kings of Georgia, David the Builder (1089–1125). On the way visit Samtavisi, an 11th century Georgian Orthodox cathedral. The first monastery on this place was founded by the Assyrian missionary Isidore in 572 and later rebuilt in the 10th century. Visit The Joseph Stalin Museum in Gori (entrance fee: USD 6). Afterwards visit Uplistsikhe (entrance fee: USD 1, 70), "the lord's fortress", which is an ancient rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia. Built on a high rocky left bank of Mtkvari River, it contains various structures dating from the 2nd ML BC to the Late Middle Ages, and is notable for the unique combination of various styles of rock-cut cultures. Lunch in the restaurant. Back to Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 4 Tbilisi /Kazbegi/Tbilisi (300km)
After breakfast drive to Kazbegi. A stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River will bring us to Kazbegi – the main town in the region. On the way we pass Ananuri Castle and Jinvaly water reservoir of amazing beauty. From Kazbegi a leisurely 1.5 hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland leads us to Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170m. Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047m). We walk back to the town and before returning to Gudauri drive to Dariali Gorge. (NOTE: to drive to Dariali Gorge or Trinity Church we need 4X4 cars, and in case of the group travel, when group is travelling by bus, we can rent 4X4 cars on the spot and price is USD 15 per person to drive both sights). Lunch at local family. From Gudauri we drive to Tbilisi. En route visit village and see how locals make different hand made things (thick felt, embroidery, iconographic painting). Drive back to Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 5 Tbilisi/Telavi
Today we make Wine tasting Tour in Kakheti region. We drive to Telavi. Visit residence of the King Erekle the II (entrance fee: EURO 2; working hours 10:00 – 18:00, every day accept Monday). Afterwards visit Tsinandali Wine cellar and Al. Chavchavadze house museum (entrance fee: from EURO 3 to EURO 10, with 6 sorts of wine tasting; working hours 10:00 – 19:00, every day). The next spot is Gremi Monastery the 16th century architectural monument – the royal citadel and the Church of the Archangels – in Kakheti. Afterwards we drive to Nekresi Monastery complex, located in an amazing nature and finally drive to local Restaurant in Telavi to taste most delicious local dishes and wines.
Overnight in Telavi.

Day 6 Telavi/Gurjaani/Sighnaghi/David Gareji/Tbilisi
After breakfast drive to Gurjaani wine cellar and also visit Gurjaani All Saints Church, which is the only two domed church in Georgia. Drive to Sighnaghi Love town, visiting on the way Bodbe monastery of Saint Nino. After lunch in Sighnaghi the part of the group should be delivered to Azerbaijan border near Lagodekhi, guide and driver will accompany this part of the group, the rest of the group will be offered different activities with the local guide and driver: 1) free time in Sighnaghi; 2) trip to David Gareji desert Monastery; 3) traditional dinner with the local peasant's family. David Gareji is one of the most important landmarks of Georgia. This site is characterized by a unique combination of historic architecture, prehistoric archaeological sites, rich paleontological fields and important bio-geographical features widely spread within the arid and semiarid landscape of the river Iori plateau. The dozens of cave monasteries decorated with unique frescoes are the best examples of harmonious interaction of man-made structures with the dramatic landscape. They bear the traditional principles of sustainable living and are considered as the masterpieces of Georgian Medieval art. In the evening driver and guide will pick you up in Sighnaghi and deliver back to Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 7 Transfer to the airport.
Departure

Matkapäivät 2012:   20.–25.09.  ja  04.–09.10.

6 pv Hinta 555 € / henkilö 

Hintaan sisältyy:

• majoitus hotelleissa kahden hengen huoneissa, 5 yötä
• aamiaiset hotelleissa
• kuljetukset ja retket ja matkaohjelman mukaisesti
• englanninkielinen opastus retkillä

Lisämaksusta:

• majoitus hotellissa yhden hengen huoneessa 125 €
• lennot Suomesta Tbilisiin
• museoiden sisäänpääsymaksut (ks. matkaohjelma)
• matkavakuutus alk. 24 €
• puolihoito (lounaat tai illalliset) 50 €
• täysihoito (lounaat ja illalliset) 100 €

Matkaohjelma:

It has been archaeologically proven that the roots of Georgian viticulture are between 7000 and 5000 BC, when peoples of South Caucasus discovered that wild grape juice turned into wine when it was left buried through the winter in a shallow pit. This knowledge was nourished by experience, and from 4000 BC Georgians were cultivating grapes and burying clay vessels, kvevri, in which to store their wine ready for serving at perfect ground temperature. When filled with the fermented juice of the harvest, the kvevris are topped with a wooden lid and then covered and sealed with earth. Some may remain entombed for up to 50 years. Wine and grapevine have both acquired special meaning for Georgian nation. They both became indivisible part of their culture. Wine bears important role for Orthodox Christianity. It is associated with Jesus Christ's blood during fulfillment secret of commune. This tradition takes its authorship by Christ when he shared his "blood and meet" (wine and bread) with 12 apostles on secret feast. Grapevine is an important element even in the legend of Georgian Christianity. The saint Nino who brought Christianity in Georgia, was armed with Grapevine Cross tied by her curls. Georgia is well known by its folklore also and many of them glory vine. I would highlight "You are Grapevine", the hymn composed by Demetre, son of Georgian king David the Builder. One can find vine ornaments on the walls and facades of Georgian churches and monasteries.

Day 1 Tbilisi – David Gareji – Sighnaghi
Today we depart to east Georgia. Visit David Gareji cave complex (UNESCO heritage). The complex was founded in the 6th century by David (St. David Garejeli), one of the thirteen Assyrian monks who arrived in the country at the same time. His disciples Dodo and Luciane expanded the original lavra and founded two other monasteries known as Dodo's Rka (literally, "the horn of Dodo") and Natlismtsemeli ("the Baptist"). The monastery saw further development under the guidance of the 9th-century Georgian saint Ilarion. The convent was particularly patronized by the Georgian royal and noble families. The 12th-century Georgian king Demetre I, the author of the famous Georgian religious hymn Thou Art a Vineyard, even chose David Gareja as a place of his confinement after he abdicated the throne. Afterwards drive to Sighnaghi Love town. On the way visit Bodbe monastery of St. Nino. According to Georgian tradition, St. Nino, having witnessed the conversion of Georgians to the Christian faith, withdrew to the Bodbe gorge, in Kakheti, where she died c. 338-340. At the behest of King Mirian III (r. 284-361), a small monastery was built at the place where Nino was buried. The monastery gained particular prominence in the late Middle Ages. It was particularly favored by the kings of Kakheti who made choice of the monastery as the place of their coronation. Pillaged by the troops of Shah Abbas I of Persia in 1615, the Bodbe monastery was restored by King Teimuraz I of Kakheti (r. 1605-1648). With the revival of monastic life in Bodbe, a theological school was opened. The monastery also operated one of the largest depositories of religious books in Georgia and was home to several religious writers and scribes. In Sighnaghi we will visit Local wine cellar "Pheasant's Tears", where we taste 4 sorts of wine and 1 sort of "Chacha" with bread and cheese. Drive to the village Tibaani nearby to visit local farmer's cellar and visit family wine cellar with wine and "Chacha" tasting. Have dinner there and drive back to Sighnaghi. Sighnaghi and its environs are home to several historical and cultural monuments and has been specifically protected by the State since 1975. The town is walled with the remnants of 18th-century fortifications. There are two Georgian Orthodox churches in the town itself - one dedicated to St. George and the other to St. Stephen. The local Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum dating from the 1950s was upgraded and developed into a modern-standard exhibition - the Sighnaghi Museum - in 2007.
Overnight in Sighnaghi.

Day 2 Sighnaghi – Gurjaani – Telavi
From Sighnaghi we drive to Gurjaani. On the way we make some sightseeing, visit Gurjaani All saints' Church, which is the only two domed church in Georgia. Visit Gurjaani wine cellar. We will make Excursion, with tasting of 2 sorts of wine and "chacha", Georgian bread "Shoti", Imeretian cheese "Sulguni" and season fruit. There is 2 centuries old press (equipment used for wine squeezing), which is until now used for the purpose of making wine and which presents the pride of our cellar. Here you can also see old earthen crocks ("kvevri"), where different types of wine are stored. Wine house produces its own vintage wine (Kvevri), which is decorated with appropriate etiquette and production history. Guests can bottle wine which they take out of "kvevri" with their own hands and purchase it in a sealed condition. Professional (certified) sommelier lead the wine tasting for you. Afterwards drive to one of the most famous wine factories in Georgia "Teliany valley". Make Excursion, tasting of 2 sorts of wine, Georgian bread "Shoti", Imeretian cheese "Sulguni and fruit. Drive to Telavi city. First archaeological findings from Telavi date back to Bronze Age. One of the earliest surviving accounts of Telavi is from the 2nd century AD, by Greek geographer Claudius Ptolemaeus, who mentions the name Teleda (a reference to Telavi). Telavi began to transform into a fairly important and large political and administrative center in the 8th century AD. Interesting information on Telavi is provided in the records by an Arab geographer Al-Muqaddasi of the 10th century, who mentions Telavi along with such important cities of that time's Caucasus as Tbilisi, Shamkhor, Ganja, Shemakha and Shirvan. Speaking about the population of Telavi, Al-Muqaddasi points out that for the most part is consisted of Christians.
Overnight in Telavi.

Day 3 Telavi surroundings
Today we will visit palace Museum of Georgian King Erekle the 2nd. The penultimate king of the united kingdoms of Kakheti and Kartli in eastern Georgia, his reign is regarded as the swan-song of the Georgian monarchy.[3] Aided by his personal abilities and the unrest in the Persian Empire, Erekle established himself as a de facto independent ruler and attempted to modernize the government, economics, and military. Overwhelmed by the internal and external menaces to Georgia's precarious independence and its temporary hegemony in eastern Transcaucasia, he placed his kingdom under the formal Russian protection in 1783, but the move did not prevent Georgia from being devastated by the Persian invasion in 1795. Erekle died in 1798, leaving the throne to his moribund heir, George XII. Visit also Alaverdi Cathedral, which was the highest church before building Tbilisi St. Trinity Church. Architecture of Alaverdi is one of most outstanding examples of Kakhetian and Georgian Architecture. The monastery was founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph (Yoseb, Amba) Alaverdeli, who came from Antioch and settled in Alaverdi and then a small village and former pagan religious center dedicated to the Moon. At the beginning of the 11th century, Kakhetian King Kvirike the Great built a cathedral, today known as Alaverdi Cathedral, in the place of a small church of St. George. At a height of over 55 meters, Alaverdi Cathedral is the second tallest religious building in Georgia, after the recently consecrated Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral. It is the focus of the annual religious celebration Alaverdoba. Visit Ikalto Academy, which was founded in 11th 12th centuries and first rector of this academy was Arsen Ikaltoeli, who moved here from Gelati Academy located in Kutaisi. Afterwards drive to "Shumi" wine factory, where we will taste 3 sorts of wine. Wine Company Shumi was once more successful at the Internationl Wine Competion held in London-"International Wine Challenge 2008". The following wines were awarded: "Shumi" (dry white) – Certificate; "Tsinandali" (dry White) –Certificate; "Shumi" (dry Red) – Bronze; "Saperavi" (dry Red) – Bronze. Afterwards visit one of the most famous wine factories in Georgia "Telavi wine cellar". After excursion and wine tasting we drive to local farmer's cellar and restaurant "kakhuri Ezo" – Kakhetia Yard. Have welcome dinner with local cuisine. In case of a group of 10 pax, guests for additional payment of USD 25 can take part in bread baking, "Mtsvadi" and "Churchkhela" making and of course in Khinkali preparing and enjoy dinner prepared by their own hands. They will also see how is made Georgia "Chacha"..
Overnight in Telavi.

Day 4 Telavi – Lopota – Napareuli
Hangover with Georgian "Chacha" and Chinkali and drive to Gremi Monastery. Gremi was the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti in the 16th and 17th centuries. Founded by Levan of Kakheti, it functioned as a lively trading town on the Silk Road and royal residence until being razed to the ground by the armies of Shah Abbas I of Persia in 1615. The town never regained its past prosperity and the kings of Kakheti transferred their capital to Telavi in the mid-17th century. The town appears to have occupied the area of approximately 40 hectares and to have been composed of three principal parts – the Archangels' Church complex, the royal residence and the commercial neighborhood. Afterwards drive to Lopota Lake, where we will visit local cellar and taste red and white wines form "Qvevri" and take some time for rest and fishing on the lake. There are woven baskets for fishing in front of the lake, home to white amur, carp, and trout. Lapota has fishing rods available and you can have hand-caught fish for lunch. Afterwards drive to Napareuli village, where we will taste wine from "Twins old Cellar", enjoy dinner and overnight in the boutique hotel which overlooks the vineyard. The ancestors of kakhetian man, twins Gia and Gela Gamtkitsulashvili, returned to their base, restored the ancestral wine cellar in Kakheti, village Naphareili, the place where river Lopota joins river Alazani. They cultivated Georgian vine and revived forgotten tradition of making "Bio wine" in clay vessels. The best Kakhetian white and red wines are made in this wine cellar..
Overnight in Napareuli.

Day 5 Napareuli – Tsinandali – Tbilisi
After breakfast drive to "Schuchman wines Georgia" wine factory. On his travels, wine connoisseur Burkhard Schuchmann discovered Georgia and its longstanding wine tradition. He soon recognized the potential of the Caucasus-sheltered grape varieties such as Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, Ojaleshi, and Kisi - to name but a few - from which great wines are made. Having traveled countless kilometers across Kakheti and surveyed scores of vineyards along with viticulturists and other experts, he worked out a plan to both ensure and even enhance to European standards the quality of Georgian grapes by applying "sustainable wine-growing and wine-aging methods". The Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, together with the Ministry of Economic Development and the National Investment Agency, have jointly held the Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Competition the purpose of which was to determine the best company of 2008 in the field of small and medium business. Have excursion and wine tasting and drive to Tsinandali. Visit house museum of Prince Aleksandre Chavchavadze, with beautiful garden and wine cellar, where we will taste 5 sorts of wine. Alexander Chavchavadze inherited this village, lying in the Alazani River vally, from his father, Prince Garsevan. He refurbished the estate, constructed a new Italianate palace and built a decorative garden in 1835. It was the place where Chavchavadze frequently entertained foreign guests with music, wit, and – most especially – the fine vintages made at his estate winery (marani). Familiar with European ways, Chavchavadze built Georgia's oldest and largest winery where he combined European and centuries-long Georgian winemaking traditions. The highly regarded dry white Tsinandali is still produced there. Drive back to Tbilisi. Evening Tbilisi city tour..
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 6 Transfer to the airport
Departure