Cycling Georgia: Svaneti, the heartland of Caucasus
Georgia by bike. You can smell the scent of hand-mowed grass in the deep, green ravines, above which rise pointed rocks. On them rise medieval towers or early Christian churches with sacred frescoes from the 10th century. The stone villages still retain the look and feel of medieval settlements. The lives of their inhabitants flow as they once did, and the tall defensive towers show the wealth and pride of each Svan family. This is Svaneti. Svaneti by bike.
Our bicycle tour takes us through the most important parts of this high mountain region. To make the trip easier, we will be accompanied by a car, which will not only carry our luggage from one overnight stay to another each day, but will help the cyclists in case of any difficulties. Thus, we will be able to take advantage of the freedom offered by cycling, admire the beauty of nature and get to know the hospitality of the Georgian people.
We will spend the nights in remote villages with the Svans - trying their food and learning about their way of life. They will cook for us, tell us about the old days, and maybe sing. For moments we will become part of Svaneti. Finally, we will rest at the Black Sea.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1-2
Meet at the airport, fly to Georgia. After breakfast, we will depart for Svaneti. Visit the Gelati monastery complex (UNESCO) and the smaller, but equally picturesque, Motsameta Monastery. On the way, we will stop in Zugdidi, where, if we are willing and the weather is nice, we can stroll through the botanical garden. We will then drive to the Enguri Dam, one of the world's largest arch dams on Georgia's unrecognized water border with separatist Abkhazia. We reach the village of Khaishi, where we will prepare the bikes for departure and where a traditional Georgian supra awaits us.
DAY 3-4
We embark on a tour in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus. On the first day, via the Becho River gorge, we will reach the picturesque village of Mazeri, located at the foot of the magical twin-peaked Ushba (4,700 meters above sea level), which has attracted mountaineers from all over the world for decades. The next day, we will ride to Mestia, the capital of Upper Svaneti. Approaching the city, the landscape will be complemented by the characteristic medieval defense towers. In the afternoon, for those who wish, we will ride up the steep paths to Mount Dzhvari (2,200 meters above sea level) or take a walk in and around Mestia.
DAY 5
The tour continues, culminating in the UNESCO-listed highest village in Europe - Ushguli (2,200 meters above sea level), the heart of the Svaneti region. On the way, visit to the early Christian churches with preserved colorful frescoes and icons, among them Lagurka (Sts. Kvirike and Julita) - a small Orthodox church rising on a steep rock.
DAY 6
Stay in picturesque Ushguli, where time has stopped and you can still sense the medieval era in the air. The perfect climate to let yourself get lost in the maze of stone towers and fortifications. An additional highlight of the day will be a pleasant, non-strenuous ride to the glacier at the foot of Georgia's highest mountain, Shkhara (5,068 meters above sea level) and majestic Jangi-tau (5,058 meters above sea level).
DAY 7-8
We will start the day with a 7-kilometer ascent to the highest point of our trip - Zagar Pass (2,623 meters above sea level). The hardship of the uphill climb to the pass will surely be compensated by the 63-kilometer descent to Lower Svaneti and its capital Lentekhi. The next day, moving along the Rioni River, which the Argonauts sailed in search of the "golden fleece," we will pass, among other things, the village of Khvanchkara - famous for producing the semi-sweet red wine of the same name, known not only throughout Georgia. Access to Ambrolauri.
DAY 9
Drive through the mountainous region of Racha. We will head to Gelati. On the way we will visit Nikortsminda Monastery. We will take a rest on the beach of Lake Shaori. After recuperating, we will continue sightseeing. We will drive to the mining town of Tkibuli, which was built by German prisoners after World War II. In the evening a concert of Georgian music.
DAY 10
Morning departure from Gelati to the village of Kvariati. On the way we will stop in the village of Ureki. We will bathe in the Black Sea and relax on the magnetic sands. In the afternoon we will drive to our destination. Rest on the most beautiful Georgian beaches and in eucalyptus groves.
DAY 11
Relax in subtropical Ajara. In the village of Kvariati we will stay in a charming place located on a hillside overlooking the sea, about 5 minutes from the beach. Those who are willing will be able to go hiking in the surrounding hills covered with subtropical vegetation. In the evening we can visit the restored, atmospheric Batumi, one of the most famous resorts on the Black Sea. The atmosphere of the place will help to capture the evening stroll along the 5-kilometer long, boiling with life, seaside boulevard. For those willing, there is an opportunity to take a bicycle trip to the Batumi Botanical Garden and the Mtirala or Machakhela national parks.
DZIEŃ 12
Return to Kutaisi. Sightseeing of the historic center of the city and Bagrati Cathedral. Possibility to buy local products at a typical Georgian market, which captivates with richness of colors and smells. Return to Poland.
PRICE INCLUDES:
• return flight ticket with all fees
• transportation of a bicycle and personal belongings (as one piece of luggage)
• care of an English-speaking guide
• transportation in Georgia (minibus, bicycle transport, assurance car)
• 9x accommodation in guest houses in Svan families plus 2x overnight stay on the Black Sea
• half board (breakfasts and dinners in Svaneti), breakfast on the Black Sea (rest of the meals on their own)
• a compulsory travel insurance policy
• information packages
• insurance for accident insurance and KL + luggage insurance up to 200 Euro
• a mandatory fee for the State Tourist Guarantee Fund (TFG) for each person
• mandatory payment to the state Tourist Fund for Assistance (TFP) for each person.
• insurance against contracting the virus (COVID-19) while abroad
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• additional food not included in the price (about EUR 50)
• Covid-19 test (if applicable)
FLIGHT:
The place of departure is WARSAW. In case you wish to travel from another destination or book flights on your own, please contact us for price quotation for this trip.
ACCOMODATION:
In guest houses in double or triple or quadraple rooms (bathroom shared by all rooms). Basic conditions, as the tourist infrastructure is still developing in remote villages of Svaneti.
BOARD:
Breakfast and dinner (supra type) included (excluding dinner at the Black Sea). While cycling, it is possible to buy local products (khachapuri, shashlik, beer, fruit, etc.)
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
We will have our own car with a driver to carry our luggage, so we are taking a small carry-on pack on the bike. The car will also be available for possible injury or indisposition of one or two participants. Daily distances are 50-80 km. The entire route we will cover by bicycle covers about 400 km. Daily altitudes are from 400 to 1,000 m. The highest pass is about 2,700 m above sea level, which we will overcome during the ride from Upper Svaneti to Lower Svaneti.
ROUTE:
Part of the road is covered with newly laid asphalt or concrete, the remaining part is a stone or gravel road of different quality. We recommend a mountain bike, although the route can also be traveled by trekking bike.
GROUP:
We travel in small groups. The minimum number of people on the trip is 7, maximum 15/16.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• The itinerary may change depending on the date of departure, weather and other factors.
• Learn more about general conditions of participation and find out how to sign up for a trip.
• Attention! In case of the introduction of restrictions that prevent the implementation of the tour, we will refund 100% of the money paid up to 7 days from the date of cancellation of the tour.
• The tour operator is Active Travel Agency Barents.pl
