Day 1 : Arrival Tbilisi
Arrive at Tbilisi airport where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel.
Meal plan: n/a
9 days
Ask us for pricing
This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Intro
Get under the skin of Georgia at its most rustic. This tour, thoughtfully themed to place you in the thick of rural Caucasian life, straddles the mountains to find villages and settlements that cling to a long-held way of life. Along the route, you'll find abandoned ones, too.
This is community-based, sustainable travel at its purest. So pure, in fact, even the water in this homestay holiday tastes somehow more sustainable. We take you into the heart of Georgia's backcountry: on foot along its winding trails to behold a parallel world of multi-coloured glacial lakes, nomadic villages, and much more. Themed to give you the most of rural home stays, you'll see Georgia as Georgians do.
You'll graduate seamlessly from one world to the next in this imaginative itinerary. One moment learning folk songs in your host's home; the next gazing up at UNESCO cathedrals in the old capital of Mtskheta.
On this cultural tour that finds time to take in the wilder places, you'll taste the ways of the country kitchen. What's more, you'll even rediscover the lost art of bread-making. If you like your holiday adventures up close and personal, you'll surely love this one.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- A magical warren of 19th century streets and Oda-style wooden balconies.
- Immerse yourself in the well-preserved “town museum” of Sighnaghi
- A chief settlement of 10,000 inhabitants in the Kakheti district.
- A pretty little waterfall set within the Pankisi Gorge.
- Telavi, one of Georgia's most ancient cities.
- Intricate Georgian architecture of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
- Green, blue and white mountain tarns high in the Caucasus
- The abandoned village of Shatili, with its bizarre and boxy dwellings lost in time.
Places Visited
Tbilisi - Sighnaghi - Jokolo - Sagarejo - Khadori Gorge - Telavi - Mtskheta - Abodelauri Lakes - Shatili
What's Included
Arrival & departure transfersGround transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks
Day 2 : Tbilisi
Following breakfast, lace up your shoes for a fascinating walking tour of the old quarter. A charismatic hotchpotch of everything from late Ottoman wooden fretwork to European Baroque, Tbilisi’s old town is a living museum of stylistic influences paraded along narrow, cobbled streets. An absolute must for the first-time visitor. Stopping at key historical landmarks, what better way to contrast a tour with a more rural theme.
A fitting end to a fulsome first day sees you dining with a local family. And even trying your hand at making Georgian sweets.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Tbilisi’s old town stands in the shadow of Mother Georgia’s silvery statue, perched on a hill overlooking a mosaic of multi-coloured houses constructed in the 19th century. Nestled together on narrow streets, the homes feature wooden balconies that allow residents to revel in the fresh air. Established in the 4th century and fortified over hundreds of years, the ruins of Narikala Fortress also tower over Georgia’s capital, offering visitors spectacular panoramic views.
Tbilisi, formerly known as 'Tiflis', is Georgia's capital and the largest city of Georgia. It lays on the banks of the Mtkvari River and has a population of roughly 1.5 million people. Founded in the 5th century by the monarch of Georgia's ancient precursor, the Kingdom of Iberia, over the centuries the city was taken by successive invaders. Historically diverse, an increase in the Armenian population was noticed in the 19th century. Tbilisi has many narrow streets and a mixture of religious and secular architecture. The old city features many churches, synagogues, mosques and 19th-century houses with multi-coloured wooden balconies. For outright weirdness Tbilisi also has a street named in honour of ex-president, George W Bush.
Tbilisi, formerly known as 'Tiflis', is Georgia's capital and the largest city of Georgia. It lays on the banks of the Mtkvari River and has a population of roughly 1.5 million people. Founded in the 5th century by the monarch of Georgia's ancient precursor, the Kingdom of Iberia, over the centuries the city was taken by successive invaders. Historically diverse, an increase in the Armenian population was noticed in the 19th century. Tbilisi has many narrow streets and a mixture of religious and secular architecture. The old city features many churches, synagogues, mosques and 19th-century houses with multi-coloured wooden balconies. For outright weirdness Tbilisi also has a street named in honour of ex-president, George W Bush.
Day 3 : Tbilisi - Sagarejo - Sighnaghi - Gavazi - Jokolo
Starting out from the capital, this activity-packed day heads first to Kakheti, the birthplace of wine cultivation and home to Georgia’s honey production. From there we go to the romantic hilltop settlements of Sighnaghi and Gavazi, where locals will show us the art of bread-making.
After breaking the bread with them, we venture on to meet the ethnic Chechen Kist tribe. Evening and night spent in the company of a Kist, at their homestay in Jokolo, where you’ll help make dinner from traditional recipes.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Sighnaghi was once the cultural centre of Eastern Georgia and, following extensive renovation, has reclaimed its heritage as a hub of workmanship and trade. This town is famous for wine and carpet-making. Known as a 'town museum', its unique architecture has been either preserved or recreated. Enjoy walking through Sighnaghi's narrow streets in the shade of balconies richly decorated with lacey-carved ornamentation. Sighnaghi was instrumental in defending King Erekle II from the Lekis in the 18th century due to its geographic location and its city wall, whose 23 towers span nearly 5 kilometres. A short climb up the restored portion of the wall provides a sweeping panorama of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.
Day 4 : Jokolo - Khadori Gorge - Duisi - Jokolo
Homemade breakfast will set you up for a morning in the glorious elements. At Khadori Gorge we’ll see the waterfall, after which there is the choice of horseback or a ramble in the Gorge.
Our rural theme deepens with a visit to a local family for non-alcoholic beer. After stopping in at a village mosque, we round off the day with Kist folk songs at our home stay.
Continue your homestay in Jokolo.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Lying in the east of Georgia, The Khadori Gorge in a waterfall set within the pretty Pankisi Gorge. The gorge is home to ethnic Chechens, who brought Islam with them across the great Caucasian divide in the 19th century. This sub-region is characterised by leafy forest, plunging ravines, green mountain slopes, and alpine meadows. Abandoned stone towers mysteriously dot the landscape, and unlike elsewhere in this predominantly Christian country, mosques can be found here. The history of Pankisi, in a sense, is not unlike the white villages of the Alpujarra in the Spanish Sierras.
Day 5 : Jokolo - Telavi - Tianeti - Mamkoda - Mtskheta - Roshka
Traversing Tbilisi’s stunning National Park, we head for the rugged province of Khevsureti. Entailing a adventurous journey on mountain roads, we leave early via the Telavi farmer’s market. The showpiece of this day’s sightseeing is Georgia’s spiritual capital, Mtskheta.
Seeing Mtskheta’s very own UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Church will help you appreciate why Georgia ranks as the third earliest nation to adopt Christianity as the state religion.
We end the day driving deeper into the Caucasus mountains to unite with our next home stay family in the village of Ardoti.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Telavi is a historical city in Kakheti, an eastern region of Georgia and is considered to be one of Georgia’s most ancient cities. With fascinating museums, well-preserved religious buildings and a castle, Telavi offers visitors a unique insight into Georgian history and culture.
Mtskheta is one of Georgia’s oldest cities, located roughly 20 km north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Within the city (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia’s largest places of worship. The site, surrounded by a defensive wall, has housed churches since the 4th century, but the standing building was constructed in the early 11th century and artfully restored in the 1970s. According to Biblical canon, Christ’s robe was carried to Mtskheka after his crucifixion and buried beneath the cathedral. Inside, a painting illustrates the buried garment and the miracle of a pillar rising into the air during the church’s construction.
Mtskheta is one of Georgia’s oldest cities, located roughly 20 km north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Within the city (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia’s largest places of worship. The site, surrounded by a defensive wall, has housed churches since the 4th century, but the standing building was constructed in the early 11th century and artfully restored in the 1970s. According to Biblical canon, Christ’s robe was carried to Mtskheka after his crucifixion and buried beneath the cathedral. Inside, a painting illustrates the buried garment and the miracle of a pillar rising into the air during the church’s construction.
Day 6 : Roshka - Abodelauri Lakes - Shatili - Ardoti
Here in the Pshav-Khevsureti National Park we start our activities properly by following the trail from Roshka to the multi-coloured glacial lakes on Mt Chaukhebi. A morning’s exertion followed by a welcome lunch at our family home stay in Ardoti.
In the afternoon we’ll keep winding through the Caucasus, crossing the Datvijvari pass en route to the abandoned village of Shatili to explore its ghostly remains.
Overnight at your home stay in Ardoti.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
The Abodelauri Lakes are colourful alpine lakes of green, blue and white that form the headwaters of the Abodelauri river. Sitting at an elevation of 2,600m in the Khevsureti part of the Caucasus, these lovely lakes are a 7km trek from the village of Roshka.
A surreal time capsule in the Dusheti district, and a testament to the longevity of settlement in this area. Abandoned to the extreme mountain elements in the Pshav-Khevsureti National Park, the ex-village of Shatili sits by the river looking like an oddity forgotten in time.
A surreal time capsule in the Dusheti district, and a testament to the longevity of settlement in this area. Abandoned to the extreme mountain elements in the Pshav-Khevsureti National Park, the ex-village of Shatili sits by the river looking like an oddity forgotten in time.
Day 7 : Ardoti - Andaki - Orchilo - Ardoti
The morning has us setting out on a stiff, 10k walk to and from the remote mountain village of Andaki, inhabited seasonally by only one nomadic family. After a lunch cooked by them, depending on how you’re feeling, we’ll hike onward to Orchilo before turning back for home in Ardoti.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Ardoti is another of the lost villages perched high in the mountains of the Pshav-Khevsureti Nationall Park.
Another of the abandoned, or near-abandoned, villages of the Pshav-Khevsureti National Park system. Andaki is seasonally occupied by a single family of transhumance herders.
Another of the abandoned, or near-abandoned, villages of the Pshav-Khevsureti National Park system. Andaki is seasonally occupied by a single family of transhumance herders.
Day 8 : Ardoti - Mutso - Tbilisi
Last full day of village excursions in the wild and haunting Pshav-Khevsureti Alpine region. We start by helping our maître d' milk the cows and make cheese. Later, we travel onward to the unconquerable hilltop settlement of Mutso. From there it’s down and out of the Grand Caucasus in the direction of Tbilisi. Once back in Tbilisi and settled into your boutique accommodation, you are encouraged to roam free for a final night exploring this fascinating little capital city.
Overnight in a hotel.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Another Alpine village, similar to Shatili, Mutso is a haunted reminder of a past where pastoralism played a much greater role in mountain communities that never survived the 20th century.
Day 9 : Departure
Checkout of your hotel to be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Or… you could extend your holiday in Georgia.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Hills and Mountain Villages of Georgia (1-10 days)
Hike the hills and mountain regions of Georgia
Mix and match Georgia (1-5 days)
Discover more of Georgia's quirks and hidden corners
Hiking in Svaneti (12 days)
Explore Georgia's stunning mountains on foot
Best of the Caucasus (15 days)
Charms & contradictions of Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia
Eastern Turkey & Georgia Explorer (14 days)
From Ancient Anatolia to the Heart of Georgia.
Armenia & Georgia Explorer (12 days)
Journey through the rich history of Armenia & Georgia
Around the South Caucasus (12 days)
Three small countries. All neighbours. All totally different.
Ancient World of the Caucasus (12 days)
Archaeology laid bare on Europe's balcony.
Hidden Treasures of Georgia (12 days)
Led by Bradt author Sophie Ibbotson
Georgia Explorer (9 days)
Unadorned monasteries, lofty peaks, ancient vineyards, and faultless hospitality.
Rural Georgia (9 days)
Experience local village hospitality in rugged backcountry
Six Days in Georgia (6 days)
Visit Tbilisi and the Khaketi wine region.
Three Days in Georgia (3 days)
Visit Tbilisi and the Khaketi wine region.
Pam Bowers & John Simpson , Best of the CaucasusWe had a fantastic time on our Best of the Caucasus tour. We loved eating with the families in Georgia and visiting the Molovan family in Armenia, definitely highlights of the trip. Our Georgian guide in particular was the best you could possibly have, giving a true insight into the country. He should be recommended for an award!
Valerie Newberry , Tailormade GeorgiaWe are a fairly fussy bunch of travellers, but this was one of our best trips. We were were impressed with the overall organisation, and our young and very capable guide was an excellent ambassador for her beautiful country.
Irwin Drangel & Linda Schain , Tailor-made Caucasus and Soviet FringesWe asked Travel the Unknown to come up with an unusual trip to 6 counties of the Caucasus and the ex-Soviet Union countries. They did so in a tour that flowed seamlessly the whole 38 days. The most impressive part was when Ukrainian Airlines cancelled our connecting flights from Kiev to Minsk, for 2 consecutive days. We contacted Travel The Unknown that morning and asked them to arrange an overnight train with a sleeping compartment. When arrived in Kiev, we were met at the airport, driven to the train station where tickets where waiting for us. They arranged for our pickup at the station in Minsk, as we left the train, and we went on our planned tours without losing a minute. That is what I call great service!
Margaret Small , Best of the CaucasusLoved the Caucasus with Travel the Unknown. I learnt of their ancient history and the current geopolitical significance of the cross roads between West and East. Another first class trip from Travel the Unknown with extremely knowledgeable guides and great hotels.
Doreen , Best of the CaucasusThe trip to the Caucasus was both illuminating and fun. It was particularly interesting to visit all three countries, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, to try to understand the area and the problems they face from each country's very different perspective. The scenery in the whole area is breathtaking. The tour introduced us to many local people who were all very hospitable and generous. They welcomed us warmly and joined in our enjoyment of "having a go" at various crafts, eg bread making, felt-making, learning a bit of Georgian script, etc. In each of the three countries, religion is fundamental to their lives and visits to mosques, temples, churches, monasteries and cathedrals were a large feature in the tour. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone who likes an activity-packed holiday in places that are off the beaten track.
The Martyn-Fishers , Best of the CaucasusOur private tour of the Best of the Caucasus was well organised with a varied and busy itinerary, knowledgeable and interesting guides and good transport. Everything ran very smoothly, gave us a wonderful introduction to the long, and at times traumatic, history of each country and was a lot of fun. Thanks!
The McGibbons , Armenia & Georgia ExplorerThe trip to Armenia and Georgia was interesting and fascinating. We had little knowledge of the region before we travelled. The guides in both countries gave us an in-depth understanding of the countries history and culture at a cross road between Europe and Asia. The people, guides and families we met were very welcoming and proud to share their fantastic food and culture with us. The places, monuments and landscape were grandiose. We made friends and will certainly return to this fantastic and fascinating region.
