Gallop Through the Past
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 accommodations
All domestic transfers
4WD car service
Tour Guide
Horseman
Horses with saddle
First Aid Kit
Horse riding instruction
Details:
Regions: Tusheti - Kakheti – Tbilisi
Duration: 11 nights
Food: BB/HB in Tbilisi, FB in Countryside
Best Season: From June to September
Group Size: Limited
Accommodation: Hotel – 5 nights; Guesthouse 6 nights
Important
Explore Guides have passed special training courses of EMS (Emergency Medical Service) Center in Georgia and are capable to provide First Aid assistance. However, please be aware that they are not eligible to use any medication for general therapy. Therefore, we would expect that all group members have their personal First Aid Kits with needed drugs during the trip.
Overview
The tour combines cultural treasuries with adventure on horseback. Starting with exploration of Tbilisi with its turbulent history and remarkable architectural monuments destroyed and restored through centuries, the real ride begins after getting to Tusheti region. Changing mode of travel from 4WD to horseback in the center of Tusheti - Omalo village, an unforgettable 6 days ride begins. Galloping through the medieval villages of mind-blowing landscapes and closeness to nature amuses a rider.
After 6 full days galloping through the past, returning back to civilization needs to be soften by glass of wine. Accordingly, the third part of the trip begins with wine tasting in Kakheti region – the center of viniculture. Here visitor will taste traditional cuisine, homemade wines and listen to the Georgian famous polyphonic songs!
Planning purposely this trip to attend numerous Tushetian festivals like “Lasharoba” or “Beer Brewing” will add incredibility to your adventure.
The joyful trip ends in Tbilisi.
Tour Map
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival 1
Arrive in Tbilisi. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 – Tbilisi Sightseeing Tour
Breakfast in hotel. Full day sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. Walk through old town, visit important historical, cultural and architectural monuments. Visit museum of Fine Arts and Georgian History Museum. Welcome dinner at traditional Georgian restaurant with folk performance. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 – Drive to Kakheti region
Breakfast in hotel. Drive to east Georgia Kakheti region to David Gareja semi desert area and monastery complex founded by one of the so-called holy Syrian fathers David in 6th century. For centuries the monastery has been significant religious center. Visit 6th century Lavra monastery and hike up to the edge of the natural boarder (Georgia and Azerbaijan) to explore the frescos of unique importance dated from 9th -14th centuries, all carved in rocks. After lunch drive to Telavi – the center of Kakheti region, with short sightseeing and wine tasting. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 4 – Drive to Tusheti
Breakfat in hotel. Drive by 4WD vehicle to Tusheti, crossing Abano pass at 2926m is the highest in Georgia reachable by car. Late afternoon arrival small beautiful village Shtrolta, nestled on top of a hill. Dinner and overnight at guesthouse.
Day 5 – Gallop to Omalo
Breakfast in guesthouse. Ride through Omalo – the center of Tusheti province. Continue ride to Shenako village, one of the few still populated villages of Tusheti highland, overlooking Diklo mountain and containing a series of buildings of Georgian folk architecture and the old church of holy Trinity. Overnight at guesthouse in Shenako. Riding: 5-6 hr
Day 6 – Exploring Local Dwellings
Breakfast in guesthouse. After 2 steady hr of climbing mountain paths, ride across the Sonekhi Pass 2400 m. Walk down to valley and continue ride to Chigo village, popular for its “Lasharoba” festival, held in July. Continue ride to Dartlo village. Dinner and overnight at guesthouse. Riding 5 – 6 hr
Day 7 – Changing valleys
Breakfast in guesthouse. Start riding towards the small villages of Pirikita Alazani River Kvavlo and Dano. Continue to a half abandoned village Chesho. Overnight in guesthouse. Riding 4 - 5 hr
Day 8 – Last Populated Villages
Breakfast in guesthouse. Follow up the Pirikita Alazani River to the last populated villages Parsma & Girevi. *Optional ride to turquoise colored Larovani Lake, created as a consequence of landside. Return back to Chesho for dinner and overnight. Riding 5 – 6 hr
Day 9 – Back to Omalo
Breakfast in guesthouse. Ride through wooded path to upper Omalo village, explore the area. *Optional hike up to Keselo towers and museum. Dinner and overnight at guesthouse in Omalo.
Day 10 – Drive to royal town Sighnaghi
Breakfast in guesthouse. Return via Abano pass to Kakheti region. En-route visit winery in Alvani village. Depart to the royal town Sighnaghi, built in 18th century on the top of the hill with fascinating open views on Alazani valley. Stroll in a cozy and charming streets of the town, optional visit at local museum. Free time for own arrangements. At the evening taste exotic “Qvevri” wines. Overnight in hotel.
Day 11 – Back to the Capital
Breakfast in hotel. Visit Bodbe nunnery and taste herbal tea and picante assortments of jams made by nuns. Transfer to Tbilisi. *Optional cognac tasting at D.Sarajisvhili factory. Free day for own arrangements. Farewell dinner at traditional restaurant, with toasts. Overnight at hotel.