Starts from: Kutaisi
Available: All year through Rikoti pass (through Zekari pass May-OCT)
Type: Private city break 2 days
Total Distance: 376 km
Two-day private Samtskhe-Javakheti tour from Kutaisi is available to run in all seasons. In summer, we offer round trip through two passes: Rikoti (995 m) on the Likhi range and Zekari (2,182 m) on Meskheti Range. In winter, when Zekari pass is not passable, we conduct this tour through Rikoti in and out without skipping any attractions (except Zekari pass).
Tour covers main cultural highlights of Samtskhe-Javakheti region: Borjomi Park, Akhaltsikhe Castel in Rabati, Astrophysical Observatory in Abastumani and Vardzia caves. Visit two wineries – Valodia’s cottage on the first day and Vartsikhe Marani in Bagdadi on the second day.
Have a great trip!
Driving Distance: 210 km (3 h 52 min)
The tour starts at 09:00
The guide will pick you up from the lobby of Kutaisi hotel.
Drive east through the picturesque Rikoti Pass between the Likhi Range, a natural watershed of river basins of the Black and Caspian seas. On the way, we can make a short stop at the honey, mushroom and pottery market in the village of Shrosha. Within a few minutes from the pottery market, visit the Ubisa Basilica (9th c), painted by the great local master Damian in the 14th century. These gorgeous frescoes are the best and rare example of Palaeologus art in Georgia.
The ride to the Rikoti Pass takes about an hour and ends through a 1,772 m long tunnel. After tunnel, locals call the area East Georgia. Drive along the river Mtkvari to the spa-town Borjomi. Borjomi is famous for Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and its mineral waters. Take a walk in the Central Park, taste bubbling mineral waters coming right from the springs.
Continue the trip to Akhaltsikhe, the main town in Samtskhe-Javakheti municipality. Visit historical district Rabati, Castle and fortress. Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum is located inside the fortress and has wonderful collection of manuscripts, archaeological, numismatic and ethnographic artifacts. The tour will take about forty-five minutes.
Follow the road along the river Mtkvari. We can see ruined mediaeval fortresses on the way – Atskuri and Tmogvi. Make a stop for pictures at well preserved Khertvisi Fortress.
The next site to visit today is Vardzia caves. Established in the 12th century, Vardzia cave monastery represents the culmination of spiritual inspiration during the reign of lady King Tamar, Goldan age of Georgia. The frescoes from that time depicts her together with her father, king George III Bagrationi dynasty.
In the evening check in at Valodia’s cottages, surrounded by family farm.
Wine tasting and dinner will be served by hosts.
Overnight in Vardzia.
Driving Distance: 166 km (4 h 50 min)
Breakfast at the guesthouse. Check out and leave for Abastumani.
The health resort and spa town Abastumani (1,340 m altitude) is surrounded by forested mountains. This place was chosen for construction of first observatory in early Soviet times because of the clear sky and stable weather conditions. Guided tour will take about 30 minutes.
If Zekari Pass is open, start the gravel, unpaved serpentine through the Meskheti Range, Lesser Caucasus, bordering the Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions. From October to late May, this road is generally impassable. The highest point of the path is 2182 m above sea level, from where a fantastic panorama of the whole Georgia opens up to the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
Next stop is Vartsikhe Marani in Bagdadi municipality. This wine cellar is prominent for Organic, high-quality wines, which are based on traditional technology, fermented and aged in qvevri (the pitcher burred underground).
In the evening drive back to Kutaisi.
Drop off to the hotel.
Transportation:
Staff:
Accommodation:
Meals:
Wine tasting:
Other:
Group size | Price per adult |
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Solo | 651 $ |
2 - 2 people | 404 $ |
3 - 5 people | 350 $ |
6 - 7 people | 298 $ |
The above prices (except for solo) are based on two people sharing a twin/double room accommodation.
There is additional fee for single room accomodation that you can select at checkout.
Child Policy |
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0-6 years - Free |
7-12 years - 50% |
12 years and above - Adult |
*Online booking deposit will be deducted from the total tour price.
The balance can be paid in one of the following ways:
For a larger group or custom itinerary please contact us at info[at]georgianholidays.com
Tips for booking procedure:
How to know which “Operator” to select?
You only need to select the Operator name if you have previously communicated with one of our sales agents via phone or email, otherwise please leave it at default.
OPTIONAL SERVICES:
To arrange airport transfers and hotel overnights, contact us at info [at] georgianholidays.com
1 person from the group will be FREE of charge if 10 and more adults are traveling together
Cancellation is free of charge prior to 5 days of the starting day.
If the Tourist cancels the booked tour for some reasons not depending on Tour Operator, the following sums are kept back as a fine: