Georgia - Wild Tusheti

Georgia - Wild Tusheti

20 Views
10 Days From

$2747

Georgia - Wild Tusheti

10 Days Starting and ending in Tbilisi

Visiting: Tbilisi, Signagi, Omalo, Georgia

Tour operator:

Undiscovered Destinations

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 11

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Sightseeing

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $2747

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Georgia is one of the least known nations of Europe – in fact most people aren’t entirely sure whether it is actually in Europe. Hidden away and often eclipsed by its monumental neighbour it hides a wealth of diverse secrets. This trip encompasses the very best of the country: we spend time in Tbilisi and marvel at the numerous and diverse cultures that have left their mark on this city, from Ancient Persia and Medieval European crusaders to Imperial Russia and Ottoman Turkey and explore its delightful old city. We travel into the High Caucasus to the wild and untamed province of Tusheti where age old traditions are still entrenched into the culture. We explore the cave monasteries of David Gareji where 14 centuries of Georgian Christians have crafted an impressive rock-hewn monastic foundation. For lovers of wine we will also visit the ancient wine region of Kakheti, arguably the original home of all viticulture and taste the exquisite wines produced there. Our travels then take us over the dizzying heights of the Abano Pass, only seasonally open and a gateway to some of Europe’s most isolated villages. We spend time getting to know and understand the area and its tenacious and proudly isolated people, enjoying the wholehearted hospitality of family run guesthouses. Our exploration of the incredibly isolated and often seasonal Tush villages will include the option of some relatively straightforward, but highly rewarding walks where the beauty of the alpine-meadows contrasts with the awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Georgia is renowned for its local hospitality so travel with us on this cultural and historical adventure and discover the furthest reaches of this intriguing and stunning country where few outsiders tread.

Highlights

  • Head off the beaten track in wonderfully scenic Tusheti province

  • Enjoy walks and village visits in the shadow of the High Caucasus mountains

  • Explore the impressive rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex of David Gareji

  • Visit the magnificent cathedral of Alaverdi

  • Wander through the delightful old town of Tbilisi

  • Enjoy the friendly local hospitality of Georgian family run guesthouses

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kalasi or similar

Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. You will stay in a central location near the old town where you can explore the delightful streets of Old Tbilisi. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. No meals included.

Day 2 : Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kalasi or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A guided walking tour around old Tbilisi, taking in the fascinating history of this long-overlooked region. You spend the day discovering sites such as the National Museum, home to many of the treasures that inspired the legend of the Golden Fleece, as well as the Narikala citadel, Metekhi Temple and the Sioni Cathedral, among other sites. Later this afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the atmospheric streets at leisure. Tonight, enjoy traditional Georgian food at a local restaurant. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. (BLD)

Day 3 : Tbilisi – Signagi – Kakheti – Telavi

Location: Signagi

Accommodation Name: Old Telavi or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An early start today at 8am. Drive to Signagi, with its defensive wall of megalithic proportions, built in 17th - 18th centuries. Visit Kakheti, Georgia’s famous wine district which lies due east from Tbilisi in a land dotted with grandiose old churches and vineyard after vineyard. After enjoying a lunch with delicious home-made food, you also visit a winery and taste some of Georgia’s best wine. We visit Tsinandali Estate, the residence of the 19th century noble family. Continue to Telavi. Overnight Old Telavi or similar. (BLD)

Day 4 : Telavi – Alaverdi – Omalo (Tusheti)

Location: Omalo

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse in Upper Omalo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your departure will be early at around 8am and the journey heads into the spectacular Greater Caucasus range. Before the climb into the mountains, visit the magnificent Alaverdi Cathedral (11th Century), noted for its glorious high dome. You then continue into the foothills: quickly the journey becomes incredibly scenic and you will stop at various points to stretch your legs and soak up the views and also to enjoy a picnic lunch. The journey into Tusheti is a true adventure passing first through lush forests, then gorges and canyons carved by raging torrents. There are also numerous waterfalls to admire and in Spring endless carpets of a myriad of wildflower species. After crossing the spectacular and vertiginous Abano Pass (2927m), you continue down into Tusheti. Approaching Omalo, the sheer beauty of this wild region is immediately apparent. On arrival in Upper Omalo check in to the guesthouse and then take some time to explore the imposing medieval watchtowers that stand sentinel over the valley. Later enjoy an evening meal of traditional Georgian fare, prepared by your local hosts. Overnight guesthouse. (BLD)

Day 5 : Shenako And Diklo

Location: Omalo

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse in Upper Omalo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you start to explore this incredibly beautiful and wild region. Your walk from Omalo takes you through the delightful village of Shenako and on to Diklo. In these remote villages you can truly appreciate the traditional architecture and the stupendous views of the High Caucasus. From Diklo, continue for a short distance to the old fortress which is about as close as you can get to the border with Russia. Later you return to the guesthouse for dinner. (BLD)

Day 6 : Omalo – Dartlo – Parsma – Omalo

Location: Omalo

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse in Upper Omalo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning journey into a different valley to the village of Dartlo, situated at 1900 metres. Admire the interesting architecture of the local houses and the watchtower. There is a cafe next to a picturesque stream where you can take some tea and coffee amidst the splendour of the surroundings. Continue by car to the next village of Chesho and start a beautifully scenic walk to the village of Parsma through the valley. The walk follows a stunning river and also affords views of many medieval watchtowers that were built to warn of invaders from the Northern Caucasus. At Parsma enjoy a picnic lunch before returning by car to Dartlo. Back in Dartlo, it is possible to visit an abandoned village, clinging tenaciously to the mountainside above Dartlo with an eerie watchtower precariously teetering over the abyss. The views from here are tremendous. Return to Omalo by car. Overnight guesthouse. (BLD)

Day 7 : Omalo

Location: Omalo

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse in Upper Omalo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you have the option to simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Upper Omalo; perhaps take your camera up to the watchtowers and immerse yourself in the ever-changing light and cloud formations. For those that wish to be more active, it will be possible to do a walk and this can be discussed with the guide. Our hosts at the guesthouse will also provide a demonstration of traditional Georgian cookery. Overnight local guesthouse. (BLD)

Day 8 : Tusheti National Park – Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation Name: Kalasi Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart early at around 8am for the journey back to Tbilisi once again traversing the majestic Abano Pass. Depending on the road conditions, expect to arrive back in the Alazani Valley by approximately 1pm. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant overlooking the valley before continuing through fine scenery and over the Gombori Pass back to Tbilisi. Tonight, enjoy local Georgian food at a local restaurant in Tbilisi. Overnight Kalasi Hotel or similar. (BL)

Day 9 : Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation Name: Kalasi Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a final day at leisure for you to enjoy wonderful Tbilisi at leisure and reflect on the epic trip into Tusheti. Overnight Kalasi Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 10 : Departure From Georgia

Location: Georgia

Meals Included: Breakfast

On due time, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. (B)

What's Included

  • Arrival and departure transfers in Tbilisi

    Transfers to and from the airport in Tbilisi are included.

  • Overland transport throughout with professional driver

    All transportation throughout the tour is provided, including the services of a professional driver.

  • All accommodation

    Accommodation for the duration of the tour is included.

  • Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader

    The tour includes the services of an English-speaking guide or tour leader.

  • Meals as listed

    Meals are included as specified in the itinerary: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner.

  • Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

    Entrance fees for all sites listed in the tour itinerary are included.

What's Not Included

  • International flights

    International flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.

  • Any airport taxes

    Airport taxes are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended for all travelers.

  • Visa – when required

    Visa fees are not included and travelers are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas.

  • Items of personal nature

    Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs are not included.

  • Tips (Discretionary)

    Tips for guides and drivers are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Georgia with ease, courtesy of included airport transfers and overland transport. A professional driver navigates the scenic routes, ensuring a comfortable journey across the diverse landscapes of this stunning country.

Accommodation

Experience the warm hospitality of Georgian family-run guesthouses, offering a cozy and authentic stay. Each location provides a unique charm, from centrally located hotels in Tbilisi to quaint guesthouses in the heart of the Caucasus mountains.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is included in the Wild Tusheti tour?

    The Wild Tusheti tour includes arrival and departure transfers in Tbilisi, overland transport throughout with a professional driver, all accommodation, services of an English-speaking guide/tour leader, meals as listed in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), and entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary.

  • What are the highlights of the Wild Tusheti tour?

    The highlights of the Wild Tusheti tour include heading off the beaten track in wonderfully scenic Tusheti province, enjoying walks and village visits in the shadow of the High Caucasus mountains, exploring the impressive rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex of David Gareji, visiting the magnificent cathedral of Alaverdi, wandering through the delightful old town of Tbilisi, and enjoying the friendly local hospitality of Georgian family-run guesthouses.

  • What type of accommodations are provided in the Wild Tusheti tour?

    The Wild Tusheti tour provides accommodations in family-run guesthouses and hotels such as Hotel Kalasi or similar, Old Telavi or similar, and a guesthouse in Upper Omalo.

  • Where does the Wild Tusheti tour start and end?

    The Wild Tusheti tour starts and ends in Tbilisi.

  • What is not included in the Wild Tusheti tour?

    The Wild Tusheti tour does not include international flights, any airport taxes, travel insurance, visa fees when required, items of personal nature, and tips (discretionary).

  • What countries does the Wild Tusheti tour visit?

    The Wild Tusheti tour visits Georgia.

  • I’m a single traveller – will I feel out of place?

    In a word, no. We get a good mix of single travellers and couples on our group tours.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    We are happy to allocate a twin room to two single same-sex travellers. If there is no one else to travel

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, sorry this is not possible.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We offer fully transferable group tour deposits (excluding any flight payments which are always non-refundable). You can change your group tour booking up to 10 weeks before departure and not lose your deposit – we will put your deposit towards any new group booking as long as you travel within 2 years of the original departure date.

  • Can I alter the tour?

    On our scheduled departures this isn’t possible, simply due to the fact that you’ll be travelling with other people. However, if you like the look of one of our advertised trips but want to tweak it slightly, then we can offer tailor made itineraries just for you, to accommodate your specific requirements.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    There are no hard and fast rules about what type of people travel on Undiscovered Destinations’ group tours – we attract people from all ages, nationalities and walks of life. What you are likely to find though is that travellers share a similar outlook about travel. We tend to attract people with a curiosity about the lesser visited corners of our planet.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We have been going since 2004.

Reviews of this operator

Amelia Fish (Google Reviewer)  

Very many thanks to Mark...

15-Oct-2020

Very many thanks to Mark Huggins at Undiscovered for helping us to arrange a private tour of the best of cape Town/ wine lands followed by an unforgettable safari in Greater Kruger Park. Having been on safari before we can say that this part of the holiday was really exceptional with regards to Marks knowledge of location whilst also very good value for money. We will certainly be back for our next big holiday!

Veronica  

Albania Explorer

05-Apr-2022

We had a fantastic time touring the length and breadth of Albania. Despite Covid it actually felt like we were doing normal things for the first time in a long time! Amazing scenery, ancient towns and ruins, fabulous hotels and food and so cheap - we can't believe Albania isn't on more people's radar. This is the 2nd time we've travelled with Undiscovered Destinations and both times they've offered full flexibility in terms of changing dates. On this occasion we also switched to a different tour & country only a month beforehand - we were originally booked to go to Lebanon in 2020 and postponed to 2021, but we were offered full flexibility with our plans (go, postpone again, refund or book something else). Knowledgeable & helpful staff and great value for money. Highly recommend.

MattS,  

Oman - Desert to the Coast - Small Group Tour

14-Nov-2021

7 days travelling around the north of Oman with a small group. Muscat, turtles, forts, beautiful whaddi's, dhows, deserts, souks, abandoned villages, a "Grand canyon", jaw dropping mosque, sunset cruises. I could go on - just a brilliant country if you fancy an adventurous, well organised trip - heartily recommend the country and the tour operator.

Beth Sinclair (Google Reviewer)  

Had the most wonderful holiday...

08-Sep-2014

Had the most wonderful holiday in Madagascar with Undiscovered Destinations. Everything was planned very well, and to say it was stunning would be an understatement. I found it particularly relaxing knowing that all the details were taken care of. We had a detailed itinerary, with a mixture of animals, scenery, and history. Excellent and will definitely be organising another trip with this company.

Olivps  

Superb anthropology and ethnographic paradise found in Ivory Coast

14-Jan-2022

Fantastic cultural tour with diverse experience of multiple tribes in Western Africa. Undiscovered Destinations offers a very nice package of tours to Africa and other countries

Susan Talbot (Google Reviewer)  

We did an Undiscovered Destinations...

23-Jul-2014

We did an Undiscovered Destinations tour to Burma and it was excellent. When looking into trips we found most of the tours offered by the larger companies to be very similar. We wanted something different. This was our 3rd trip with UD, and we're already looking at number 4!

Jason  

Discovering Albania

05-Oct-2021

Travelled to the lesser explored Albania. Destroyed and rebuilt be successive conquerors, Albania is a gem. Exquisitely fertile, with a long and varied history. A generous country with a comfortable pace to travel. Efficient, responding to queries quickly. Well organised.tour.

JuliaK  

An immersive tailor made trip in lesser travelled parts of India staying in heritage hotels with superb wildlife experiences

20-Dec-2019

With a car and driver we travelled through Rajasthan and Gujarat , staying at beautiful hotels and experiencing varied local life . We visited temples and with local guides explored udaipur, Mount Abu and the temples of palitana. We had a number of jeep safaris to spot leopards, lions and wild ass, each safari a magical experience. Undiscovered destinations, worked with us to tailor make our trip based on a group tour they run. We were keen not have only one night anywhere and ensure the travelling each day was restricted to half a day. We gave a budget we could afford and they came up with an amazing experience, with one driver and being joined by local guides where appropriate.

Julia Johnston (Google Reviewer)  

We booked through UD for...

20-Aug-2020

We booked through UD for our first family worldwide trip to Sri Lanka. We have always been keen travellers, and what an introduction for our 6 year old son, to the amazing world of travel. The destinations, the recommendations, the guide, the itinerary, the balance, all was faultless for a memorable trip. The sound knowledge given by the UD consultant was what made us book, and on returning from the trip, has given us the confidence to book again. WE as a family are back on the travelling circuit.

Sarah Tinsley (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic tour...

06-Sep-2023

We had a fantastic tour of Madagascar with this company, really detailed itinirerary with lots of variety including animals, scenery and time to relax. The hotels they booked us into were not what we requested and all transfers private which was unnecessary. Other than that, great!

Want a private tour?

  • Personalise your trip

    Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method

  • Travel more exclusively

    Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group

  • Travel for a special occasion

    Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Saturday

Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$2747

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Undiscovered Destinations allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Undiscovered Destinations allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform undiscovered destinations, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Undiscovered Destinations requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of undiscovered destinations charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours