Cycling the Hidden Trails
A small ancient settlements are scattered throughout this wild landscape with medieval watchtowers and fascinating views of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, roaring rivers and waterfalls. Still inhabited dwellings are recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Exploration of this remote part of the world and its preserved traditions will leave you with unforgettable pleasant memories!
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Full Board
All Accommodation
All Domestic Transfers
Biking Guide
Guide Assistants
First Aid Kit
Basic Bike Fixing Tools
Support Car/Trailer for Carrying Bikes
Snacks/Dry Fruits/Water
Details:
Regions: Tusheti – Kakheti - Tbilisi
Duration: 8 nights
Food: Full Board
Accommodation: 3xHotel & 5xGuesthouses
Best Season: From May to late October
Group Size: Limited
Total Trekking Distance:
Elevation:
Overview
The tour starts from the Eastern part of Georgia, Kakheti province, famous for vineyards and wine producing villages. After reaching village Alvani the nearest starting point to drive over Abano pass 2926 m. change vehicle to 4WD minibus and off-road drive over the pass. The scenery of this journey is unforgettable as a narrow unpaved road climbs to the top of the mountain. The off-road trip is full of mesmerizing views. While driving, one can observe lots of birds like golden eagles and falcons nestled on the rocks along the road.
After reaching the pass the great experience of enduro-type mountain biking begins. The route is full as of downhill so intense uphill stages. Route is planned in such a manner to ride through the most interesting and ancient villages of Tusheti. These places are half abandoned. For the enthusiastic participants it is possible to explore the lifestyle of local people, who live in a farmhouses only during the summer. An ancient holy places and shrines are often met en-route.
Leaving together in a farmhouses with locals, sharing table with them, gives unforgettable experience.
The trip ends with wine tour in Kakheti region. Visit wineries and family wine cellars. Where brief lecture about the development of viniculture in Georgia will be narrated.
All participants will have chance to taste various sorts of wine together with picante dishes.
Better to see it once with your own eyes then hear about it a hundred times!
Tour Map
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival 1
Arrive in Tbilisi. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 – Drive to village Alvani
After breakfast transfer directly to the village Alvani. Change the vehicle to 4WD minibus and continue journey over Abano Pass 2926 m. the highest pass in Georgia that can be reached by car. From Abano pass start biking towards Tushetian village of Shtrolta. Dinner and overnight at the local guesthouse. Cycling: 4 hr / 25km.
Day 3 – Bike to the Center of Tusheti
After breakfast bike to Omalo – the center of Tusheti region. Ride consists of total 10 km, within 2 km steep uphill. Excursion to Keselo towers and visit Omalo museum exhibited at the local family. Dinner and overnight at the local guesthouse. Cycling: 4-6 hr / 22 km
Day 4 – Bike through the Medieval Villages
After breakfast explore the villages of Shenako and Diklo by bikes. Shenako is one of the few still populated villages of Tusheti. Visit St. George’s church. Ride back to Omalo. Dinner and overnight at the local guesthouse. Cycling: 5-6 hr / 25 km
Day 5 – Settlements of Pirikita Alazani Valley
After breakfast bike towards Dartlo and Chesho villages – a wonderful old settlements in Pirikita Alazani valley, adorned by the towers built for defense purposes. Arrive in Chesho. Dinner and overnight at the local guesthouse. Cycling: 4-6 hr /25 km
Day 6 – The Last Inhabited Villages of Tusheti
Bike along the Alazani river to explore the last inhabeted villages: Parsma and Girevi. Return to Chesho for dinner and overnight in guesthouse. Cycling: 4-5 hr / 20 km
Day 7 – The Last Ride over Abano Pass
After breakfast off-road drive back to Abano Pass 2926m by 4WD minibus; from the top point continue ride towards Telavi - the center of Kakheti region. Dinner and overnight at hotel. Cycling: 3-4 hr / 40 km
Days 8 – Wine Tour in Telavi
After breakfast sightseeing tour and exploration of Kakheti region. Visit 11th century Alaverdi cathedral. Explore one of the wineries, taste different sorts of wine. Drive to the royal town Sighnaghi, built in 18th century, surrounded by defence wall with 23 gates in it linking Georgia to Europe and Asia by numerous trading routes, notable that town was related to the great Silk Road route; Transfer to Tbilisi.
*Optional visit at Sulfur bathhouses, for recreational massage and SPA procedures.
Overnight at hotel.