THE NATURAL CARPET OF GEORGIA
Out of the world’s 6000 different species of flora, 4100 are found in the Caucasus. Of these more than 20%- are endemic to Georgia. They spread themselves across Georgia’s remote and undeveloped pastures and gorges. Among Georgia’s endemic species is the famous Galantus which in spite of its short life can be found from January through to June. Other well known species such as Campanula and Primula are common across Georgia.
This tour is intended for those attracted to untouched nature and the beauty of wild flowers. Amateur naturalists will discover some outstanding flora preserved in Georgia’s stunningly beautiful landscape. Our botany expert will provide a full background on all the plants; their location, blooming and fruit bearing periods.
At the same time the tour will explore the full variety of the Caucasian landscape with its remarkable variety of vegetation. This moves from high mountain alpine zones to sub alpine valleys, to sub tropics and a semi desert. In between are many 100 years old oak, walnut and birch forests – as well as a rich resource of herbs now being re-marketed in a new medical industry.
Over eight days you will also encounter a wide variety of wildlife – as found in Georgia’s magnificent mountain highlands – such as the Kazbegi region, the Lesser Caucasus; Samtskhe-Javakheti province; Borjomi –Kharagauli National park, the Bakuriani area & Tabatskuri Lake. The journey ends at David Gareja – a splendid semi-desert region with its extraordinary sand-stone colors and plethora of birdlife and flowers.
Better to see it once with your own eyes then hear about it a hundred times!
DRAFT ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Walking tour through Tbilisi, visit botanical garden. Depart to Gudauri via Mtskheta
Day 3 - Explore Kazbegi region. Hike to Gergeti Triniti church
Day 4 - Drive to Lesser Caucasus. Explore Bakuriani mountain resort
Day 5 - Full day tour to Javakheti Plateau. Drive to Tabatskuri Lake via Tskhratskaro Pass
Day 6 - Explore the Borjomi- Kharagauli National Park. Return to Tbilisi
Day 7 - Day trip to David Gareja semi desert
Day 8 - Departure
GENERAL
The tour provides package service, BB/HB in Tbilisi, FB in countryside. The program is also flexible and can be adjusted to clients’ demands and requirements.
Accommodation & Meals
Guesthouses/Hotels BB(1 night) HB(2 nights), FB(4 nights) as listed in the detailed program.
Mode of travel: coach/minibuse/on foot.
Tour Staff & Support: Explore Leader, Botany tour Expert, driver (s) and some local guides.
Group size: Not Limited
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Typical alpine flora: Rhododendron caucasicum, Rhododendron luteum, orchid species, Daphne glomerata,
Sea buckthorn, wild service tree, endemic flower Arabis kazbegi;
Mediterranean landscapes: Georgian Iris (Iris iberica). Christ thorn, hawthorn, wild pomegranate, Celtic, wild rose;
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: Endemic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), cherry laurel (Laurocerasus officinalis), holy (Ilex aquifolium), bladdernut (Staphilaea), stone gooseberry, butcher’s broom (Ruscus colchicus) etc;
Semi desert wild nature: Red juniper, wild pomegranate, berberis, celtis, wild pear, fig, smoke three, Christ thorn, iris (Iris iberica);
Tbilisi sightseeing tour;
Old Town; Narikala Fortress 4th century; Metekhi church 13th century; Sulfur bathes; Sioni Cathedral;
Mtskheta – an ancient capital of Georgia/UNESCO World Heritage Site/;
David Gareja Monastery complex from 6th century, with 9-14th centuries frescoes;
Georgian Military Highway;
Jvari Pass 2379 m;
Darialy Canyon –one of the exciting gorges;
Gergeti Trinity church 14th century;
Uplistsikhe cave city from 1st mill BC;
Botanical gardens in Bakuriani and Tbilisi;
Tabatskuri Lake;
Tskhratskaro Pass 2154 m;
For detailed program and practical information contact at: info@exploregeorgia.com
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