Tusheti is one of the most untouched, ecologically unspoiled regions – because of not developed infrastructure and weather conditions it is the place where even most of Georgian haven’t ever been. That’s why it’s one of the most interesting, beautiful and worth to visit places. The locals here have their individual perception of life closely related to nature, though they consider themselves Christians, much of their religion is made up of pagan elements, with animal sacrifice, deities and other special rituals. People’s life there is based on transhumance – coming up with their sheep in the summer pastures and going down to the lowland in winter, while just a few families stay there.
Together with an experienced and interesting guide you will have possibility to touch, feel, see, hear, taste, enjoy and to open undiscovered life of Tusheti mountains.
Tbilisi airport
Meeting at Tbilisi International airport, transfer to hotel, check-in. Tbilisi walking tour: Sameba Cathedral, Metekhi church, Rike Park, Peace bridge, cable way to Narikala Fortress, Tbilisi mosque, Abanotubani – sulphur baths district, Sioni church. Wine tasting at one of the oldest wine cellars in Tbilisi. In the evening – dinner at local Georgian restaurant with Georgian folk dances and music show. Overnight in Tbilisi.
After breakfast drive to Kakheti region – the cradle of wine. Visit to local Wine House in Kakhetian village where you will learn about Georgian wine history and making process while visiting Wine museum, taste local wines and have traditional lunch from fresh local products. After lunchvisit one of the most impressive Kakheti region historical objects: Gremi architectural monument – the complex is what has survived from the once flourishing town of Gremi when it functioned as a lively trading town on the Silk Road and Nekresi Monastery, located on the tophill with an amazing views to Alazani valley. Arrival to Telavi – the administrative center town of Kakheti region, sightseeing. Overnight in Telavi.
After breakfast drive to Omalo the centre of mountainous Tusheti region. Enjoy the majesty of mountains while going via mountainous road (100 km takes about 3-4 hour drive). Visit Shenako village where you will see very specific architecture of this region – tower-houses and visit Shenako St. George church – a wonderful architectural object – built in 19th century. Arrival to Omalo settlement – centre of Tusheti, check-in at the guesthouse. Lunch. After lunch, explore Omalo, including Keselo Fortress – a small medieval fortress just above the village of Omalo.
Dinner and overnight at guest house in Omalo.
After the breakfast at guesthouse, we start exploring the most amazing abandoned villages in the region of astonishing nature views. Each village is unique and worth discovery: Bochorma – the highest inhabited place in Europe (2345 m), Dochu village – the most preserved architectural site in Tusheti region, its three storied abandoned houses differ from rest ones in Tusheti, Jvarboseli village, trek to Ilurta village, where is located one of two active churches in Tusheti. During the explorings – enjoy lunch-picnic.Back to Omalo. Dinner and overnight at guest house in Omalo.
After breakfast drive Dartlo village which is the most astonishing place in Tusheti. It is located in the middle of the gorge sheltered under inaccessible Dano and Kvavlo villages. Except the ancient castles, houses and towers, there are also the ruins of Christian church. Visit to Chesho and Parsma villages. The last one is quite a big complex of ancient tower-houses. Lunch-picnic and trek to Girevi village after. Dinner and overnight at guest house in Dartlo.
After breakfast drive down to Tbilisi. On the way visit Sighnaghi – town of love and beautiful architecture. Sightseeing and wine tasting at winery “Pheasant’s tears”. Visit Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino – the female evangelist of 4th century, whose relics are shrined here. In the evening back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Our evening recommendation – relax in ancient sulfuric once beloved by literature classics Aleksander Pushkin and Aleksander Duma. There is a saying – if you haven’t been in Tbilisi baths means you haven’t been in Tbilisi. You can order a pot of tea or…massage and have a good time with your friends in a separate bath room (1 hour per room costs about 20-50 EUR).
Transfer to Airport with wish to come back 😉
Note, that “Ugo Travel” has the right for slight changes in the program or in its order due to temporal site construction, weather conditions or other reasonable obstacles.