Mountainous experience

Mountainous experience

Once you want to escape the horizons, the city lifestyle that is tiring sometimes, this is the best choice, as the tour is full of nature and unique local things. You have a chance to visit the greenery and try local authentic mountainous food. You can even make the most popular Georgian dish on your own. Meet the people who really loves the "guest" and are happy to show their hospitality.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Ananuri Fortified Castle Ensemble, Georgian Military Highway, Ananuri Georgia

Ananuri - Driving to Kazbegi region along the Military Highway of Georgia, at the edge of blue-colored water of Jinvali reservoir is standing Ananuri complex, a 16th century citadel of Lords(Eristavis) of Aragvi. Inside the walls there are two 17th-century churches, a bell tower, Khevsurian tower, citadel, tunnel and prison-hole. Mein church is adorned with rich décor from outside and inside there are few well-reserved and very important frescoes, the rest was whitewashed during the Soviet occupation. There is amazing view from the complex on Jinvali reservoir which changes the color and water level according the season and during the winter when water reaches its minimal level even the remnants of the old churches are visible at the bottom of the dam – more than 14 villages were sacrificed to this project in 80s of XXc.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Zhinvali Reservoir, Georgia

Zhinvali water reservoir is the main from where capital city gets water. Before reservoir here was the village named Jhinvali and the settlement can be visible during winter season, when the level of the water is very low.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Gudauri, Gudauri, Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region

Gudauri is one of the most popular sky resorts in Georgia at 2196m. It is 120km from Tbilisi and has various kinds of slopes. The season starts in December and finishes at March. Here are some other services also: paragliding, spa, driving snowmobiles, active night life and different festivals during the season. At summer it is very quiet and peaceful place to stay and charming also due to the alpine flowers on the slopes. Have a stop at the monument of friendship and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Stepantsminda, Stepantsminda, Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region

Stepantsminda, this tiny town is the center of region. Once it is the closest place from Gudauri and from the border its infrastructure is well developed. Here are hospital, banks, pharmacies, markets, restaurants, bars, tourism information centers, school, University, Justice House and etc. On the opposite side of it vil. Gergeti is located. Both settlements are full of hostels and guest-houses with the great views. Here are some special families and hostesses who held the masterclasses of local dishes: Khinkali, Khachapuri and etc. Here must be mentioned the old ladies too, who are felt masters and make amazing pieces of textile goods from it. They also show and teach it to any interested person in the art of felt making. Enjoy authentic homemade lunch with homemade chacha and wine. Try your culinary skills and make your dumplings on your own.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gergeti Trinity Church, Stepantsminda Georgia

Gergeti Trinity Church – One of the most popular icons of Georgia was built in 14th century at an elevation of 2170 meters, overlooking the small town of Stephantsminda, also reffered to as Kazbegi. During invasions at different times in Georgia's history the national treasure was hidden there, since it was hardly reachable for enemies. Nowadays, visitors can reach it by taxi in 30min. or on a 1-1,5hour climb. The church is active, monks live there and nearby to it in an monastery shelters. It has a separate bell tower, some interesting decorations on the facades and lies on the way to Mount Kazbegi. The location adds another charm to it - surroundings of the church are magnificent all around the year - the green and white Caucasus Mountains, below the summit of Mt Kazbegi. During Soviet occupation in Georgia, religious services were banned, but now many couples, including foreigners, ascend the mountain specifically to hold their wedding ceremonies there.

Duration: 1 hour