An undiscovered country with stunning scenery, friendly people and excellent wine (and food..)

Sailaway Travel Club are offering 10 day escorted tours this summer including flights, transfers, tour guide and trips from only £1,499 as a Special Members Price.

 

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, which was founded in the 5th century is where we start and the tour is based. We visit the medieval Church of Metekhi (13th century), followed by a cable car ride to the Narikala Fortress, which majestically overlooks the old quarter of the city. We continue exploring the old city: the district of sulphur baths (17th century); the capital's name is inspired by these hot sulphur springs, as 'Tbili' means 'hot' in Georgian. Next, we visit the Sioni Cathedral (16th century) and Anchiskhati (6th century), the oldest church in the city.

 

 

Other trips include the city of Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, an important religious center and museum city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we will visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), where they say the Mantle of Jesus Christ is buried. Then we will visit the Jvari Monastery (the Temple of the Cross, 6th century) – a famous temple located on the top of a mountain. Then we head north, to the Main Caucasian Ridge. We leave for the city of Gori. There's a photo stop at the personal carriage and the house-museum of Joseph Stalin. After that, the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe (1st millennium BC). Uplistsikhe is distinguished by the fact that a trade route passed through here. Uplistsikhe caves are one of the oldest places in the Caucasus, founded in the Bronze Age.

 

There's a day dedicated to discovering the Kakheti wine region, located in the east of the country and renowned for its hospitality. We head southeast to the desert steppe of David Gareja, recognised by National Geographic magazine as one of the 17 most beautiful places in the world. Visit the monastic complex founded in the 6th century by the Assyrian monk David, who settled in a cave in the desert. The place is characterized by a unique combination of architecture. This is a unique monument of Georgian Christianity in Kakheti. Then, we stop at a traditional Georgian wine cellar in the village of Kakabeti for an organic wine tasting. The tasting will be followed by a typical lunch.

 

Further details including accommodation types, meals, flights, and extended stays and visits to other sites and beauty spots are available shortly to Sailaway Travel Club members.