Overview
- Unearthing Tbilisi's fusion of history and modernity
- Cycling the Silk Road trails through Algeti National Park
- Encountering Dashbashi Canyon's grandeur and Vardzia's enigmatic caves
- Pedaling through Svaneti, a UNESCO site, exploring medieval towers of Mestia and Ushguli
- Biking to Ushguli, Europe's highest village, under Mt. Shkhara's gaze
- Reveling in Georgian hospitality and savoring diverse regional cuisine
- Exploring the captivating depths of the Prometheus Cave
Unravel the vibrant tapestry of Georgia, a Eurasian gem, on a thrilling 11-day cycling expedition. This journey ignites in the historic heart of Tbilisi, where cobbled streets and ancient fortresses whisper tales of yore.
Saddle up to venture beyond city limits towards the ethereal landscapes of Algeti National Park and feel the echoes of the Silk Road beneath your wheels. Biking routes unveil the grandeur of Dashbashi Canyon, the mystery of Vardzia's caves, and the tranquility of Abastumani resort. Pedal further to the historic city of Kutaisi, once Georgia's proud capital.
The cycling trail then leads you into the heart of the majestic Svaneti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bike through Mestia, where medieval towers stand like age-old sentinels. Push forward to Ushguli, the highest inhabited village in Europe, cradled under the towering gaze of Mt. Shkhara, the highest peak of Georgia.
Each day in this journey is punctuated by the warm-hearted Georgian hospitality that radiates from the locals, their enthusiasm permeating the language barriers and adding to the country's charm and safety.
Evenings are a gastronomic delight, offering regional Georgian flavors that leave an indelible mark on your palate. From hearty Khinkali dumplings to tangy Khachapuri cheese bread, every meal is a cultural experience.
This journey of pedaling through Georgia’s rich landscapes winds down with a visit to the awe-inspiring Prometheus Cave before culminating in Tbilisi. Immerse in the burst of culture, nature, history, and gastronomy this biking tour offers. Gear up for this Georgian expedition and let the rhythm of your pedaling sync with the pulsating heart of Georgia!
Itinerary
- Touchdown in Tbilisi
- Discover and Adapt
- From Urban Bustle to Ancient Silk Routes and Natural Wonders
- From Serene Landscapes to Historical Cave Towns and Local Charm
- From Historic Castles to Serene Resorts and Enchanting Cities
- From Ancient Cities to Svaneti's Alpine Beauty
- Ascend to the Mesmerizing Koruldi Lakes
- Waterfalls, Glaciers, and Cultural Treasures
- From the Shadows of Tetnuldi to the Rooftops of Europe
- Journey from Europe's Highest Village to the Secluded Passes and Quaint Towns
- A Return to the Capital with a Touch of Subterranean Wonder
- Farewell to Georgia
Touchdown in Tbilisi
Greetings from Georgia! As you land at Tbilisi International Airport, our dedicated team will be there to greet you and guide you to your accommodation. After journeying far and wide, take some time to unwind and acclimatize to the city's pulse. Feel free to explore the local dining scene at your own pace. Your first night in Georgia will be spent comfortably in your Tbilisi hotel.
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Discover and Adapt
Welcome to Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, rich with history and charm. We'll start our day meandering through the vibrant old town. Our journey takes us to the Narikala Fortress, an ancient sentinel overlooking the city. We'll then visit a hidden city waterfall, Freedom Square, and finally, Rustaveli Avenue's National Museum, taking a deep dive into Georgia's historical tapestry.
In the afternoon, we transition from cultural exploration to outdoor adventure. At Lisi Lake, we'll collect our bikes, make necessary adjustments, and test them on a relaxed 5km ride around the lake.
As dusk falls, enjoy free time to indulge in Tbilisi's lively evening scene. Overnight stay is in Tbilisi.
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From Urban Bustle to Ancient Silk Routes and Natural Wonders
Our adventure begins at 9am as we convene at your hotel, followed by a one-hour drive from Tbilisi to the Traileti Ridge, situated near Manglisi. As we ascend to an altitude of approximately 2000 meters (6560 feet), our biking journey kicks off.
We pedal our way along the historic Silk Road, once a bustling hub of global trade until the 17th century. This path leads us to Manglisi, cutting through the heart of the Algeti National Park. Here, the raw beauty of nature engulfs us in its expansive wilderness.
After soaking in the charm of Manglisi, our driver will escort us to Tsalka. Known for its tranquil landscapes, Tsalka is home to the awe-inspiring Dashbashi Canyon, a natural spectacle featuring stunning waterfalls and a unique biodiversity.
A day teeming with exploration concludes with a retreat to the warm hospitality of Hotel Tsalka. Today's cycling journey spans approximately 20km (12.4 miles) and is expected to last around 2 hours.
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From Serene Landscapes to Historical Cave Towns and Local Charm
We kick-start the day with a one-hour drive from Tsalka to Akhalkalaki, set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes. Our cycling adventure commences from the quaint village of Kirovakai, leading us to the historical wonder that is the cave town of Vardzia.
Built under the auspices of Queen Tamar in the 12th century, Vardzia is an intriguing network of caves carved into the Erusheti Mountain. We'll take time to delve into the secrets of this extraordinary site.
Following our exploration of Vardzia, we pedal onwards towards the village of Khertvisi. From here, our driver whisks us off to Akhaltsikhe, our rest stop for the night.
After a day filled with cycling across roughly 40km (about 25 miles), we'll unwind at a charming local hotel in Akhaltsikhe (Hotel Rabat or similar), ready to dream of the adventures that await us the next day.
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From Historic Castles to Serene Resorts and Enchanting Cities
We'll greet the morning by exploring the impressive Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe, a testament to Georgia's multicultural history with its diverse architectural styles.
From Akhaltsikhe, we embark on a 1.5-hour drive to the serene resort town of Abastumani, known for its therapeutic climate. Our journey continues to Zekari Pass, a breathtakingly beautiful location surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty.
We then drive through Zekari Pass on a 40km (approximately 25 miles) route to the health resort town of Sairme, renowned for its medicinal mineral waters. Here, we'll take a leisurely walk in the local park, savoring the crisp mountain air and sampling the beneficial waters.
Our day concludes with a drive to the historic city of Kutaisi, once the capital of Georgia. We'll spend the evening strolling through the city's charming streets, immersing ourselves in its unique ambiance.
After a day of exploration and discovery, we'll settle in for the night at a comfortable local hotel in Kutaisi.
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From Ancient Cities to Svaneti's Alpine Beauty
Day five beckons us towards Svaneti, the highland region of Georgia famed for its stunning landscapes and unique towers. Departing from Kutaisi in the early morning, we'll enjoy a 2.5-hour scenic drive.
En route, we'll stop at the impressive Enguri Dam, one of the world's highest concrete arch dams, a testament to engineering prowess nestled amidst the magnificence of nature. From Enguri, we'll mount our bikes and embark on a 40km (approximately 25 miles) journey towards the quaint village of Khaishi.
Once our cycling adventure concludes in Khaishi, our driver will escort us through the wild beauty of Svaneti to Mestia, a journey of about two hours. Mestia is a cultural treasure trove, showcasing Svan towers, ancient churches, and the characteristic hospitality of the Svan people.
As the day winds down, we'll settle into a cozy local guesthouse in Mestia (Nino Ratiani or similar), falling asleep under the stars of the beautiful Svaneti sky.
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Ascend to the Mesmerizing Koruldi Lakes
We're swapping our bike pedals for hiking boots today as we embark on an incredible trek from Mestia to the Koruldi Lakes. These ethereal bodies of water lie in the shadow of the formidable Mt. Ushba, their crystal-clear surface reflecting the stunning surroundings.
The hike covers approximately 8km (roughly 5 miles) each way, with an elevation gain of around 1350 meters (approx. 4429 feet). The climb, though challenging, rewards us with unparalleled panoramas of the Svaneti region's rugged beauty. You'll be reminded with each step why Georgia's landscapes are etched in the hearts of all who visit.
As the day ends, we descend back to Mestia, and the warmth of our guesthouse welcomes us once more, providing a comfortable space to rest and recoup for the next day's adventure.
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Waterfalls, Glaciers, and Cultural Treasures
Our seventh day invites us to further explore the majestic Svaneti region, starting with a morning drive from Mestia to the tranquil village of Mazeri. From here, we'll set out on foot to marvel at the Shdugra waterfall, a hidden gem of natural beauty. This relatively short hike, covering around 4km (2.5 miles) both ways, immerses us in the serene wilderness of the region.
Our journey continues with a drive into the Chalaadi valley, from where we'll embark on a brief hike, approximately 1.5km (just under a mile) each way, to behold the grandeur of the Chalaadi glacier. This awe-inspiring spectacle, framed by towering peaks, is a testament to the enduring power of nature.
Post our tryst with natural splendors, we'll delve into the cultural richness of Svaneti with a visit to the Mothers Monastery. Here, we have the unique opportunity to explore a traditional Svan tower, a vertical wonder with 6-7 floors. Our cultural exploration culminates in a visit to the National Museum of Mestia, home to priceless artefacts that narrate the rich history of this region.
As the day winds down, we return to our guesthouse in Mestia, where restful slumber awaits us under the tranquil Svaneti sky.
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From the Shadows of Tetnuldi to the Rooftops of Europe
As the sun peeks over the horizon, we depart from Mestia, embarking on a drive towards the grand Tetnuldi Mountains. Upon reaching the mountains, we mount our bikes, prepared for a thrilling ride through Georgia's rugged highlands.
Our route will carry us to Ushguli, recognized as the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. Nestled at an elevation of around 2,100 meters (about 6,900 feet), Ushguli sits in the shadow of the mighty Mt. Shkhara, the highest peak in Georgia. Towering at an impressive 5,193 meters (approximately 17,040 feet), Shkhara stands as an enduring symbol of the country's spectacular mountainous landscape.
Our journey today spans 35km (approximately 22 miles), charting a path through some of Georgia's most awe-inspiring natural beauty. The day concludes with a well-earned rest at a charming local guesthouse in Ushguli, where the peaceful mountain air and the stunning silhouette of Shkhara await us.
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Journey from Europe's Highest Village to the Secluded Passes and Quaint Towns
With the break of dawn, we set out from Ushguli, embarking on an invigorating ride to the Zagaro Pass. This exhilarating ascent rewards us with stunning vistas and a palpable sense of accomplishment.
From the top of the pass, we'll begin our descent, a thrilling 40km (about 25 miles) ride towards the charming village of Mele. Here, amidst the blend of rustic beauty and tranquility, our driver will meet us for the next leg of our journey.
We'll journey to the picturesque town of Lentekhi, nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of the Svaneti region. As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll settle into our accommodation at the lovely Hotel Svaneti, reminiscing about the day's adventures and anticipating what's yet to come.
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A Return to the Capital with a Touch of Subterranean Wonder
As we greet the morning in Lentekhi, we're ready for our return drive to Tbilisi. The journey offers one last chance to drink in the beauty of Georgia's landscapes, a scenic tapestry of verdant valleys and soaring peaks.
Midway, we pause our journey in the tranquil town of Tskaltubo. Here, we explore the renowned Prometheus Cave, a marvel of natural architecture. This vast subterranean realm, adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers, casts an otherworldly spell on its visitors, making it a worthy pit stop on our return journey.
Upon our arrival in Tbilisi, we settle in for the night at a comfortable city hotel, reminiscing about our journey and savoring our final night in this remarkable country.
The next morning calls for an early departure to Tbilisi International Airport, signaling the end of our adventurous Georgian sojourn, but certainly not the end of the memories we've made.
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Farewell to Georgia
As the first light of day spills over the skyline of Tbilisi, our final morning in Georgia arrives. It's time for an early departure to Tbilisi International Airport. As we make our way, we can't help but reflect on the incredible journey we've experienced, from the bustling streets of Tbilisi to the highest inhabited village in Europe, Ushguli, and from the serene beauty of Koruldi Lakes to the depths of the Prometheus Cave.
This day signifies the end of our adventurous Georgian sojourn, but it is certainly not the end of the memories we've crafted. As we board our flights home, we leave with our hearts full of Georgia's unbounded natural beauty, rich history, and the warmth of its people. Farewell, Georgia, until we meet again on another journey.
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Our tour program's list of attractions is a guide, not exhaustive. Unlisted sites may be visited, and listed ones might be viewed from a distance. Conditions like operating hours, weather, or local rules may affect access. Thank you for your understanding.
