Protected Areas/Jeep Tour

Arrival in Tbilisi. You will be meet your guide and transferred to the hotel. Check-in at noon. Free time 1 hour. Afrerwards start your journey in Georgia with Tbilisi city tour at Metekhi church and the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi. Take a cable car to Narikala Fortress to enjoy breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Walk down to the district of Sulphur bath houses passing by the only mosque in Tbilisi. Stroll through the Sharden area full of narrow streets with cozy cafés, wine tasting bars, souvenir shops, and breathe in the living past. Visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the clock tower of famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Cross the Bridge of Peace to Rike Park. In the evening, visit a local restaurant to taste dishes of traditional Georgian cuisine. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.

After breakfast departure from Tbilisi to Mtskheta. Jvari Monastery – VI century church and monastery, located in the east of Mtskheta, at the mouth of the river Mtkvari and Aragvi, on the rocky mountain peak. Jvari Monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Upon adoption of Christianity, King Mirian raised a high wooden cross on this territory, which was worshiped by other Caucasian Christian nations. Guaram, the leader of Kartli, built a small church next to the cross nowadays known as “a small cross”. At the end of VII and VII century, Guaram’s son – Stepamoz I built a big temple next to a small cathedral, nowadays known as Jvari monastery. The wooden cross got covered up by a temple. The Mtskheta church of Jvari is the first sample of the cross-shaped type churches, it is a new thing in the architecture. Other structures around the monastery (tower, fence) are much older. On the facades of the temple, you can see religious and historical persons, there are old inscriptions too. Afterwards come down and visit Mtskheta city. Town is restored in historical-architectural style. Here you will find houses, restaurants, bazaar, souvenirs and many touristic places. But most important is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, located in city center. It is main patriarchal cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the Mother Cathedral of Georgia, the place of enthronement (enthronement) of the Georgian Catholicos-Patriarchs, the burial of many kings of Georgia, their family members and patriarchs from the great cathedrals. Monument of Georgian architecture of the XI century, one of the four great cathedrals (Oshki, Bagrati Temple, Alaverdi). Svetitskhoveli is the largest historical church building among the survived ones in Georgia. It has been the religious center of Christian Georgia for centuries. On the advice of St. Nino, King Mirian, who converted to Christianity in the 4th century, built the first church here that has not survived and reach us. In 1970-1971, during the repair and restoration works (supervised architect V. Tsintsadze), traces of its foundation were found. Also, the plan of the basilica built here was completely outlined, which Vakhtang Gorgasali in the second half of the 5th century built here, after the demolition of Nino’s Church. The Catholicos of Kartli Melkisedek built a new church on the site of the damaged basilica in the XI th century. He invited Arsukisdze as an architect. Construction began in 1010 and was completed in 1029. During its existence, Svetitskhoveli has been renovated many times. In 1283 the temple was damaged by an earthquake. In the 14th century, Giorgi Brtskinvale restored the dome of the temple. The same century, the cathedral was damaged by the invaders. At the beginning of the 15th century, King Alexander the Great rebuilt the temple. In 1656, under the leadership of King Rostom and Queen Mary, the dome was restored. Dinner in Mtskheta. After dinner continue tour to Tbilisi National Park. Tbilisi National Park is the first national park in Georgia, created in 1973. After certain period the area lost the status of a national park and on the basis of the former national park and Saguramo Nature Reserve it was created again. It is located on southern slopes of Greater Caucasus Range Saguramo-Ialno ranges and their branches, which stretch latitudinal from river Mtkvari to river Iori, at an altitude of 600-1,700 above sea level. The area amounts to 21,036.14 ha. Afterwards return to the hotel. Overnight in Tbilisi.

After breakfast departure from Tbilisi to Vashlovani National Park. Vashlovani National Park located at an altitude of 100-900 m above sea level. It consists of the Vashlovani State Reserve, Vashlovani National Park and several natural monuments. Founded in 2003. Its area is 25114 hectares. The climate is dry and moderate. On the territory of the national park you will find open fields, desert and gorges. Takhti Tepha and Kilakupra mud Volcanoes are inorganic natural monuments and located near Dali Mountain. Takhti Tepha and Kilakupra mud Volcanoes is different from everything that can be seen in Georgia. The visitor, who saw mud volcan, has a feeling that he is not just in another country, but is on another planet. The volcano is a white hill that constantly erupts. From the crater, constantly erupting and leaking gas, oil and mud with medicinal properties. On the surface, there are separate species of halopites: Kalidium caspicum, Suaeda sp. Petrosimonia brachiata, Gamenthus pilosus, Limonium meyeri, and others, while the slopes of the volcano are covered with semi-desert phytocenosis. Fishing in the park area. Lunch in Vashlovani. Afterwards departure from Vashlovani to Telavi. Check-In hotel. Overnight in Telavi.

After breakfast departure from Telavi to Tusheti. It is historic region in Georgia 900-4800m above sea level. Omalo is the administrative center of Tusheti. Tusheti is inscribed in the tentative list of the UNESCO world heritage. Tusheti is distinguished with its stunning summits, such as Tebulo (4492m above sea level), Diklo ( 4285m above sea level) and Borbalo ( 3294m above sea level). In Tusheti the unique cultural heritage sites, the ancient settlements, samples of folk handicrafts, items of everyday culture, are still preserved. Along with the surrounded historical and cultural landscapes, the traditions and customs of inhabitants are also preserved. In Tusheti, the village Bochorna is situated, which is the highest settlement in Europe above sea level. Day tour around Omalo, Keselo Fortress. It is a small medieval fortress. The site is surrounded by the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.  Traditionally Tush peoples abandoned their villages and used towers as temporary shelters during raids on their villages. Keselo was constructed during the Mongol invasion of Georgia in 1230s. It originally had 13 towers. The inhabitants of old Omalo used the towers to protect themselves from the invading Mongols and later raids by Daghestani tribes. By the 20th century, most of the towers were in ruins. However, in 2003, work began to rebuild five towers of the medieval fortress. The restoration was done in accordance with the medieval Tush techniques of constructing fortified towers. During the work, an array of archaeological artefacts, such as ancient rock art motifs and Bronze Age axes and jewellery, were discovered. Continue tour to villages – Shenako and Diklo. Shenako is one of the few still populated villages in highland Tusheti. The village is overlooked by Mount Diklo and contains a series of buildings of Georgian folk architecture and the old church of the Holy Trinity. Diklo is one of the beautiful village in Tusheti. You will enjoy the beautiful views of the Caucasus and Tush architecture. After visiting Diklo departure to the hotel and Check-In. Overnight in Omalo.

After breakfast drive to village Bochorna. Bochorna is the highest inhabited place in the country and one of the highest in Europe at 2,345 metres above sea level. Bochorna had a permanent resident population of only one man at the time of the 2014 national census. Continue tour to Village Dartlo which is known for its historic stone towers and houses, and the Dartlo church. The church of Dartlo is a hall church (12.5 X 8.5 m). It was built with sandstone during the 19th century. The structure of the church is very damaged currently. Village Dartlo is one of the most remarkable places in Tusheti owing to its architecture and overall landscape. An automobile road goes from Village Dartlo up to Village Dano, from where it leades to Village Kvavlo. The tower with a pyramid shaped roof overlooks the trail. The village is built on the rocky slopes of the mountain. Sections of it are connected with each other with paths built with stones and rock-cut pathways. Afterwards departure from Tusheti to Kutaisi. Dinner on the route. Check-In hotel. Overnight in Kutaisi.

After breakfast departure from Kutaisi to Tskaltubo. Natural monument Prometheus Cave is 1,8 km and is formed within the depth of 40 meters. The Prometheus Cave is a notable beautiful natural monument of the world. It is about 60-70 million years old. This beautifully shaped karst cave with stunning strips of stalactites and stalagmites once again will convince you of the enormous power of nature and will travel you in the fairy world. In the cave are found 22 halls, from which for tourists is opened only 6. In the cave, it is possible to walk through the length of 1420 meters, see the halls and travel by boat on the river flow. In the Prometheus Cave, you will meet a lot of real masterpieces of nature – stalactites, and stalagmites, beautiful forms of it leave the impression of the fairy environment. Also, When walking in the cave, there are “petrification waterfalls,” “hanging stone curtains,” helictites and etc. After visiting Ptometheus Cave drive to Martvili. Martvili Canyon – is the monument of nature. This monument of nature represents the ravine, created by the river Abasha, cut out through the limestone rock sides. The length of the canyon is 2400 meters, and the depth of carving is 20-30 meters, and as for the width, – 5-10 meters. In the middle reaches of the canyon, there are arising 12-15 meters long waterfalls, with a small falling. One section is highly distinguished, as it is really charming. It is called Ophutskhole, which is also known as the “Dadiani Bathe” as well. From the entrance starts the tournament footway path, which is cobbled with stones and in total, is 700 meters long. It leads you to the Dadiani historical by-path. There are placed two bridges, 3 panorama platforms, and a huge, chalk-stoned, man-made historical, 30 stepped stairway. You can also take a walk or row down the river Abasha. This “trip” is about 300 meters long interspace, (one way) and take pleasure in the extremely beautiful and pretty views of the river and canyon. Afterwards drive to local restaurant and dinner. After dinner visit to Martvili Monastery. Martvili Monastery Complex is early medieval Christian church and monastery complex in Georgia. The monastery is enclosed. The main temple is named after the Assumption of the Virgin. And the Megrelian name Chkondidi originated from “Didi Chkoni” – big oak. In the past, the high hill of Chvenia, on which the monastery stands now, was decorated with millennial trees of “Chkoni” (oak). The buildings included in the Martvili monastery complex are a fence, rectangular storeroom, main temple, Chikvanebi church, bell tower, chapel. In the Middle Ages, Martvili was a large cultural and educational center, where many famous scribes worked and many unique manuscripts were kept. The central temple is cross-domed. The facades of the temple are carved. The figures and plant ornament form a whole picture and depict the scenes from the Old Testament and the Gospels. The paintings of the XIV-XVI and XVII centuries are preserved in the temple. Next to the main temple is a two-story church of the X century. To the west, near the main temple, stands a high pillar on which is the church-room of the pillarist. The last pillarist monk lived here in the early 20th century. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Kutaisi.

After breakfast departure from Kutaisi to Kolkheti National Park. Kolkheti National Park located on the Black Sea coast, near Lake Paliastomi. The aim of the park is to protect the entire complex of relict wildlife and fauna characteristic of the Kolkheti Lowlands. The reserve has great scientific-research and historical significance. Different types of landscapes, individual ecosystems, and cenoses are represented here. Its total area is 44308.5 ha, of which the sea area is 15276 ha. Inside of the National Park area in the rivers as well as on Paliastomi and Golden Lake, it is possible to plan boating and kayaking, and then you will be able to visit the Kolkheti forest and unique swamps. After visiting Kolkheti National Park dinner at the local restraurant and then departure from Samegrelo to Batumi. . Batumi is a wonderful seaside city with glittering beaches and attractive surroundings. The territory of Batumi was even populated in the Bronze Age. There was life during the antiquity period here, and the population had trade links with neighboring and distant countries. Ancient history, light and dynamic architecture, sunny seaside, boulevard, Batumi Botanical Garden, delicious Adjarian cuisine and many entertaining places, cultural or leisure destinations make this city incredible and it attracts many visitors. It is very popular not only across the republic but also across the region. This sunny, seaside city is unimaginable without a boulevard, fountains, modern architecture, yachts and the landscape of sunset. You should start visiting Batumi by exploring its streets and the architecture of the XIX-XX centuries. You can visit all the main religious buildings (Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Islam, Judaism). After Batumi City Tour visit to Batumi Dolphinarium. Dolphinarium is one of the most favorite places of Batumi visitors. It is always crowded. You will find wonderful performances of dolphins here. The Batumi Dolphinarium was one of the largest dolphinariums in the world. Dolphinarium is a modern design architectural building, which is equipped with the newest technology, marine life opportunities for sea animals and amazing performances. After Dolphins Show departure to the hotel and Check-In. Overnight in Batumi.

After breakfast departure from Batumi to Gonio. Gonio Fortress, Apsaros – (1st Century) Historical Fortress in Adjara, Khelvachauri Municipality, seaside resort Gonio. The Gonio-Apsaros archaeological-architectural museum-reserve is located in the northern part of historical Chaneti, at the confluence of River Chorokhi to the black sea, 12 km far from the southern Batumi. The Gonio-Apsaros Fortress had unique strategic importance: it protected the entrances of the Chorokhi and Adjaristskali valleys, connecting inner regions of southwestern Georgia with the Black Sea coast. Because of its location, Gonio fortress became one of the pillars of the Roman Empire and then for Byzantine and Ottoman too. The Gonio fortress has been a museum-reserve since 2010. There are exhibits dated back from the early years of the nineteenth century to the 80’s. Continue our tour and visit to the greenery of Batumi Botanical Garden, with its diverse vegetation and beautiful sceneries, will definitely give you tranquility and admiration. Batumi Botanical Garden located on the coastline between the Green Cape and the River Chaqvistskali mouth. The garden is about 1 km southwest of the coastline and it spreads from 0-220 meters above sea level. Batumi Botanical Garden is one of the largest and richest botanical gardens in the world, it is situated on 111 hectares and was set up in 1912. The garden includes the Colchis Forest Reserve and many different floristic landscapes. There are many species and varieties of plants in the garden. The botanical garden is the best place for nature lovers. There is no similar botanical garden in the world in the sense that the species of plants derived from completely different climatic and landscape zones coexist in Batumi Botanical Garden. In this magical garden, both the palm of the Canary Finch and the Japanese Sakura are equally flourished. Return to Batumi and Cruise and dinner on the board. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Batumi.

After breakfast departure from Batumi to Mtirala National Park. This place is said to be the most humid place not only in Georgia, but also, in the whole Europe. The reason is that this place is very often visited by the rain and thick fog. These are the reasons, why this mountain was called -“Mtirala”, (“The Weeper” in English). The surroundings of the Mtirala National Park is rich with flora and fauna. There is widespread woody verdure, chestnut copses, beech forests, Colchis typed mixed woods. Here also you will come across Adzharian- Lazian very rare, endemic species, and those varieties of Georgian “Red List”, like Epigaea Gaultherioides, primrose, so-called “Medvedev’s Birch” and so on. There are different types of birds of prey indwelt in the forest: Booted Eagle, Buzzard, hawk, sparrow-hawk, coral, Windover. Also, night-birds: great eagle-owl, screech owl. From other species of birds, there are inhabited hoopoe, Woodpecker, raven, blackbird, oriole. Afterwards drive to Petra. Petra Fortress – a historic fortress-town in Adjara, Kobuleti municipality, in the territory of the village Tsikhisdziri. The castle was built by John Strathegos in 535. “Petra” is the Byzantine name of this fortress and “Castle of Kajeti” is Georgian one. It is supposed this is a castle which is mentioned in the poem of Rustaveli “The knight in panther’s skin.” The fortress-town is located on the Black Sea coast, 440 meters above sea level, 9 km from Kobuleti. Continue our tour to Kobuleti. Dinner at local restaurant in Kobuleti. After dinner visit to Kobuleti National Park. Kobuleti National Park created to preserve unique wetland ecosystems of international importance, especially waterfowl habitats, as a natural heritage site with high values. The national park covers the northeastern part of the Kobuleti seaside valley, is famous for its diversity of water birds and plants. The park is an important habitat for migratory, nesting and wintering waterfowl species. Botanists are very interested in the boreal species found here: sphagnum or white moss and the insectivorous drosera. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Batumi.

After breakfast departure from Batumi to Tbilisi International Airport.