Essential Georgia
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"MIR is the best travel company we have ever toured with - the attention to detail, the experiences planned, the quality of the staff and the wonderful surprises MIR has planned"
Connie Kincheloe
Culpeper, VA
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The tiny country of Georgia, hugging the shore of the Black Sea in the shadow of the Caucasus Mountains, was a formidable power in the ancient world. Today, after regaining its status as an independent nation, Georgia is celebrating its unique national identity.
Days 1-3: Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Ananuri
Rooted at the crossroads of East and West, the Georgian people have maintained their own traditions and beliefs. Walking the Old Town in Tbilisi, admire the 13th century Metekhi Church of the Virgin and the Old Caravanserai, the oriental-style structure built to house the city's merchants. Roam the open-air Museum of Georgian Folk Architecture and study the Gold Fund at the Museum of Fine Arts. Visit a small museum dedicated to a Georgian painter and meet a modern-day local artist. Outside of Tbilisi, appreciate the exquisite monastery of David Gareja, UNESCO-listed Mtskheta, capital of the early kingdom of Iberia, and the 17th century Ananuri fortress complex.
Days 4-5: Telavi
Visit local markets and learn about the age-old grape harvesting and winemaking traditions still practiced in the Kakheti region.
Days 6-11: Gori, Bakuriani, Vardzia, Batumi, Kutaisi
Traveling overland across the country, explore cave towns of pagan and Christian influence, admire fortresses and cathedrals and visit Stalin’s hometown, Gori. Nearing the Black Sea, the landscape changes to reveal palm and lemon trees and lush tea plantations set along the narrow curving roads. On the coast, experience the traditional sounds of Adjarian mountain music.
Days 12-13: Tbilisi
Back in Tbilisi, visit the Dry Bridge Market where local people sell carpets, woodcarvings, paintings, and embroidered hats. Enjoy a wine tasting and a farewell dinner, savoring the last opportunities to experience fabulous Georgian wine at the source.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
13 Days |
| Departures in 2008: |
Weekly departures every Wednesday in 2008 |
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| Land Tour Cost |
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| 2-16 travelers |
$3,495 |
| Single Supplement |
$595 |
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MIR Signature Features
- Learn about grape harvesting traditions and how to make churchkehla,
a local sweet made from grapes
- Roam Rustaveli Avenue and browse through markets filled with antiques and
handicrafts
- Make your way to the shores of the Black Sea to discover the polyphonic sounds
of Adjarian mountain music
- Experience Georgian hospitality in local villagers' homes
Map
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Days 1-3:
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Tbilisi with day trips |
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| Day 4: |
drive to Telavi |
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| Day 5: |
drive to Tbilisi |
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| Day 6: |
drive to Bakuriani via Gori |
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| Day 7: |
Bakuriani, day trip to Vardzia |
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| Day 8: |
drive to Batumi |
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| Day 9: |
Batumi |
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| Day 10: |
drive to Kutaisi |
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| Day 11: |
drive to Tbilisi |
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| Days 12-13: |
Tbilisi |
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Suggested Extensions
Extend your stay and visit Armenia or Azerbaijan, or combine
with Reflections of Russia: Moscow & St. Petersburg.
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