Georgia

The once ancient kingdom of Colchis, Georgia has long been linked with the Greek legends attributed to Jason and his band of Argonauts. Sandwiched between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, this mythical land today provides us with one of the last hidden gems left in Europe. This journey takes you from its charming capital, Tbilisi and through forested valleys and snow-capped mountains, where ancient cave towns and clustered rural villages, rich in heritage that can trace its origins back to late antiquity. You will visit some of Georgia’s most famous and important religious sites including Mtskheta and Gelati, as well as the stunning cave town of Vardzia. You’ll also pay a visit to Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin, and journey into the World Heritage landscapes of Upper Svaneti to trek amongst the villages and mountains of one of the last untouched regions of Eastern Europe.

The Caucasus region occupies an unusual position both geographically and culturally, intertwining elements of Russia, Persia, the Ottoman Empire and Central Asia. This comprehensive tour visits Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, formerly tucked away within the Soviet Union but now easily accessible to the curious traveller. The highlights here are diverse; we start in Azerbaijan and visit its unique geological phenomena – flaming mountains and bubbling mud volcanoes – which has given rise to the nickname ‘land of fire’. In the mountains we visit unique communities and historic towns packed full of ancient mosques and mausoleums where the past never seems too far away and villagers welcome us into their homes with traditional Azeri hospitality. Moving into Georgia we head into the High Caucasus Mountains, visiting the mythical Mount Kazbek, reputedly the site of the Greek fable to Prometheus, then move on to Mtskhehta, the spiritual heart of the country with some

Georgia’s beauty is legendary and takes many forms. From the cobbled streets and hidden squares of old Tbilisi to the rock hewn monasteries at Vardzia and the breathtaking Caucasus mountains, it is a varied destination and bound to delight even the most hardened of travellers. This trip takes in the highlights of the country along with some of the lesser known gems, allowing you to explore ancient churches, wander through picturesque mountain towns, marvel at the opulence of the Georgian State Museum and sip world-class wine in the vineyards of Kakheti. There’ll also be the opportunity to drive a newly repaired stunning route through the Lower Caucasus to Akhalsikhe from Tbilisi and also to visit the remote Davit Gareja desert complex, near the border with Azerbaijan. Add to this mouth-watering cuisine, friendly locals and great hospitality and you have the makings of a truly memorable trip…