Historical Tour of Georgia "Fortified Georgia"

Embark on a historical tour of the fortresses in Eastern Georgia: 17 fortresses spanning the regions of Kakheti, Kartli, and Samtskhe-Javakheti.

Discover fascinating legends and relive great battles amidst enchanting views and exhilarating trails. Explore abandoned cities and delve into the remarkable history of a resilient nation fighting for its survival. Throughout its long and storied existence, Georgia has consistently fought for its right to exist.

As a sovereign state and an Orthodox country, every monastery and city in Georgia served primarily as a fortress. The remains of hundreds of fortresses are scattered across the country, each shrouded in its own legends. Some have become legendary in their own right, inspiring books and films.

With a few exceptions, most of Georgia's fortresses require a gentle uphill hike, as they perch atop peaks or hills. Yet, these short climbs are manageable for anyone in good physical health.

The view that greets you from the base of each fortress, not to mention the awe-inspiring towers themselves, is truly breathtaking. It is an experience well worth the effort.

So, let's get going!

Tour Program:

✅ Day 1 - "Hello Again!"

Arrival day. Check-in at the hotel. If you arrive early and are ready for a short walk by 2-3 pm, we'll arrange a brief city tour. From 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, we gather at a cozy outdoor restaurant for a "Welcome Dinner."

📌 Depending on the airport of arrival (Kutaisi or Tbilisi), the schedule for the first day may vary for tour participants.

✅ Day 2 - "The Three Guardians of the Iori Valley"

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and hiking attire. We set off on the old Kakheti road (through the Gombori Pass), where three formidable fortresses await us:
The almost completely ruined Verona fortress with a picturesque trail leading to it (a 3 km uphill walk) and magnificent views.
The city-fortress of Bochorma, perched above the Iori Valley, with its remarkably serene Church of St. George and a trail through the dense "enchanted" forest (a 5 km uphill hike).
The fortress of Udzharma, standing as a guardian right by the road, descending with its fortification walls and towers to the river flowing deep into the gorge.

Between these mini-hikes, we'll have lunch at a roadside restaurant or have a picnic (by consensus). In the evening, we'll enjoy dinner in Tbilisi with a view of the Mtkvari River and the city at night.

📌 Verona, Bochorma, Udzharma fortresses, Gombori Pass, picnic.

✅ Day 3 - "The Pearls of Kizikia"

Early wake-up call. Today, we embark on perhaps the longest journey of our tour as we head to ancient Kizikia. We'll encounter the 2nd millennium BCE and the captivating fortress of Hornabuji, worth our efforts. From its upper part, breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley and the Eastern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains unfold. The particularly adventurous and physically fit can climb to the hidden and less-visited Western part of the fortress amid the thickets.

Afterward, we'll have a picnic at the fortress, followed by a visit to a monastery and a beautiful cliffside church. And yes, these are the places associated with the Prophet Elijah! We'll provide more detailed information about them!

We'll witness the sunset on the shores of the salty Lake Kochebi, which is incredibly beautiful and romantic. Slowly, we'll make our way back to Tbilisi. However, halfway through, we'll have a stop - dinner at a Kakhetian restaurant "in the heart of Kakheti!"

📌 Hornabuji Fortress, Elijah Monastery, remnants of the Paratetis Sea - Lake Kochebi.

✅ Day 4 - "Legends of Shida Kartli"

No early morning rush today. We won't depart at 7-8 am like the previous days; instead, we'll leave around 10 am. On the fourth day of the tour, we'll hear a legend about a royal stableman who became a powerful prince, courtier, and founder of a noble family that lasted until the dissolution of the Russian Empire.

We'll begin the day with a visit to the proud Skhvilo Fortress, overlooking the Transcaucasian Highway from East to West. Then we'll stroll through the ancient castle and estate, marveling at the grandeur and the incredible stone carvings of the Ascension Cathedral in Samtavisi. Afterward, we'll head to the legendary fortress of Ksani in Georgia.

Here, we'll hike a bit uphill (beauty demands sacrifices), and at the very top of the fortress, we'll hear the legend explaining its name.

Next, we'll explore the well-preserved Nizhvisi fortress and have dinner at a wine-maker's place, who specializes in producing medicinal wines and infusions.

📌 Skhvilo Fortress, Ksani (Klemomchame), Nizhvisi Fortress, Samtavisi Monastery, Amilakhvari Princes' Castle, winery.

✅ Day 5 - "The Guardians of Borjomi"

Another early wake-up call and a long journey await us as we head to the birthplace of the world-famous Borjomi mineral water - Borjomi itself. But these places are known not only for their mineral water and the beautiful nature of the Borjomi Gorge but also for a chain of fortresses stretching from the beginning of the Borjomi Gorge to the distant Vardzia. Of course, we won't be able to see them all in one day (there is a separate three-day tour specifically focused on this chain of fortresses, concluding with a visit to the cave city of Vardzia), but there are still some interesting things awaiting us.

Firstly, there is a legend about a fortress with a young man walled into its walls. Secondly, there are the fortresses of Slesa and Atskuri, guarding the city from the south, on its distant approaches. And, of course, we'll visit a natural mineral spring, the Devil's Wheel, and a cable car, all with breathtaking panoramic views of nighttime Borjomi and the Kura Gorge.

📌 Surami, Sami, Slesa, Atskuri fortresses, Borjomi Park, winery.

✅ Day 6 - "Defenders of Tbilisi"

After a somewhat tiring journey to Borjomi, we'll let you get some rest and depart around 10:30 am towards... Tbilisi. Today, we'll explore the fortresses that defended the capital of united Georgia. We'll start with the symbol of the city - the Narikala Fortress. Then, we'll drive to Kodjori, where we'll stroll to the Kor-Ogly Fortress (Azeula), strategically located at a height to protect and oversee almost all southern roads leading to the capital. We'll see the monument to the Yunkers who died defending the city against the 11th Red Army. On our way back, we'll have lunch in the shade of trees at a lovely outdoor restaurant.

Next, we'll visit the Jvari Monastery, praised by Lermontov, and the ancient capital of Mtskheta with its pearls - the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Samtavro Monastery. And finally, we'll see the defender of the northern entrance - the Bebris Tsikhe Fortress (Fortress of the Elder).

Well, our journey through the fortresses of Eastern Georgia has come to an end. Tomorrow, we'll say our goodbyes at the airport. But today, we have a "Farewell Dinner" in the cool and picturesque Armasi Gorge.

📌 Narikala Fortress, Azeula Fortress, Bebris Tsikhe Fortress, monasteries: Jvari, Samtavro, Svetitskhoveli, Yunker monument, farewell dinner.

✅ Day 7 - "See You Again!"

You're leaving Georgia, but now you're a little more familiar with it, leaving a piece of your heart here and taking with you immense respect for this small country and its proud people who fought for their country and faith throughout the centuries.

Have a safe journey, and come back again!

📌 Preparation for departure may include a city tour, souvenir shopping, or free time, depending on the flight schedule. Transfer to the airport.
📌 The Day 7 itinerary may vary for participants departing from Kutaisi Airport.

❗️Don't forget to bring:

• Passport
• Backpack
• Non-slip footwear (preferably hiking boots)
• Windbreaker jacket
• Warm sweater
• Raincoat
• Buff/hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal hygiene items
• Individual first aid kit

❗️Tour rules:

1. The tour will be guided by knowledgeable guides.
2. All participants are required to follow the guide's instructions to ensure a safe, organized, and equally comfortable tour for everyone.
3. Participants are not allowed to arrive at the meeting point under the influence of alcohol. Those in such a state may be excluded from the tour at the guide's discretion.
4. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in the transportation vehicle during the journey is prohibited.
5. The use of headphones while walking is prohibited.
6. Let's keep the environment clean and refrain from picking flowers.
7. Pets are not allowed on the tour.
8. To avoid potential conflicts, we refrain from discussing topics such as a) politics, b) religion, and c) football during the hike.
9. In case of unforeseen circumstances, the guide reserves the right to change the tour route.
10. As a bonus, there will be photo and video sessions, drone footage, smiles, warmth, and our love.

❗️The tour program provided is a promotional outline. Due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, certain elements of the program may be substituted with equivalent alternatives. 

❗️The average cost of the tour is indicated for two people. The final price will be determined based on your specific requirements regarding hotel standards, restaurants, and group size. A detailed tour itinerary and list of services will be sent to you via email after registration on the website or upon request.

❗️If you have allergies to specific plants, animals, food products, or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.