Author's historical tour "In Pursuit of the Golden Fleece"

...The magnificent golden ram, the savior of Phrixus,
was offered as a sacrifice to Zeus by King Aeetes:
"Let the golden fleece be forever preserved,
within the sacred grove of Ares, the god of war and battles.
May a fierce dragon stand guard over the fleece,
never resting, neither by day nor in the dark of night.
Let all fear its dreadful three-headed jaws,
for it shall tear apart anyone who dares to approach."
Apollonius of Rhodes - Argonautics

For countless centuries, the debate has raged on: truth or fiction - the myth of the Argonauts. Mr. Schliemann, upon discovering Troy, proved that the "myths and legends of Ancient Greece" should be approached with great attention. In 1984, Tim Severin retraced the "hypothetical" journey of the Argonauts, from the Greek port of Volos to the Georgian city of Poti, located at the mouth of the Rioni River (ancient Phasis), and further upstream to the city of Vani.

A meticulous reading, pencil in hand, of all available sources, encompassing the entirety of ancient Greek epic; an exploration of a not particularly extensive collection of iconographic material, including the "reconstructions" of the Argo created by later scholars, artists, and sculptors, has allowed for the recreation of an ancient ship, the vessel of the epic heroes.

Throughout the journey, Severin's team relied solely on the navigation methods available in the 13th century BCE - keeping the coast within sight and observing the stars. In a span of 2.5 months, covering over 1000 nautical miles, Severin conclusively demonstrated the feasibility of the ancient Greeks' voyage in pursuit of the "Golden Fleece."

Our tour, aptly named "In Pursuit of the Golden Fleece," offers a captivating adventure through Western Georgia, the ancient Colchis, where the formidable Aeetes reigned, where the dragon guarded the Golden Fleece within Ares' oak grove, and where the romance of Jason and Medea began.

We will strive to see the land of Colchis through the eyes of the Argonauts and retrace their path across the lands of Colchis. And who knows, perhaps among our esteemed guests, there may be a new "Schliemann" who will discover the palace of Aeetes and the very oak tree on which the Golden Fleece was hung.

Tour program:

✅ Day 1 - "Γεια σου γη Κόλχοφ - Hello, Land of Kolkhs!"

Arrival day. Check-in at the hotel. The starting location of the tour is the port city of Poti. Therefore, the schedule for participants arriving through the Batumi, Kutaisi, or Tbilisi airports will be different. However, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, we all gather at a cozy restaurant in nature to begin the "Dinner-Meet and Greet" event. Transfers will be provided for participants arriving late.

📌 Poti, city walks, dinner-meet and greet. Depending on the arrival airport (Batumi, Kutaisi, or Tbilisi), the schedule for the first day may vary for tour participants.

✅ Day 2 - "The Golden River and the Pheasant"

Poti, ancient Phasis, the outpost of Ancient Greece in Colchis. According to legend, it was here that the famous "Argo" docked, and it is from here that we will try to trace the path of the Argonauts through Georgia. We will start our tour from the Poti Lighthouse, which is said to have already existed at this location during the time of the Argonauts, guiding seafarers to Phasis.

We will have a tour of the city and visit the beautiful Lake Paleostomi. Then we will head to the capital of Samegrelo, the city of Zugdidi, where we will visit the Dadiani Palace, take a walk in the huge garden surrounding it, visit the lively and very colorful Zugdidi Market, and head to Martvili to see the ancient archaeological site of Nokalakevi.

📌 Poti, Lighthouse, Cathedral, park, Lake Paleostomi, Zugdidi, Dadiani Palace, market, Nokalakevi Archaeological Site, Guesthouse in Martvili

✅ Day 3 - "Canyons and Waterfalls"

Today, we will encounter the breathtaking nature of Samegrelo - canyons, waterfalls, mountains, gorges... There is a high chance that the Argonauts saw Georgia just like this: a land of untouched nature and hospitable people. We won't reveal all the beauty we will visit today, but we will definitely explore the Martvili Canyon and admire the waterfalls of the Abasha River.

📌 Martvili Canyon, Martvili Monastery, Okatse Canyon, Guesthouse in Zeda Gordi

✅ Day 4 - "I Bring You Fire"

We wake up early to witness the rainbow, not from a summer rain but from the mist of the Okatse Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia. Today, we will leave Samegrelo and enter Imereti, where Zeus once bound Prometheus in the mountains. We will visit the caves of the ancient Greek hero who brought fire to humans. For overnight stay, we will settle in the resort town of Tskhaltubo.

📌 Okatse Waterfall (Kinchkha), Churchkhela Factory, Lord's Catholic Church in Akhalsheni, Lunch at a Winemaker's, Prometheus Cave, Guesthouse in Tskhaltubo

✅ Day 5 - "Medea's Domain"

On the fifth day of our journey through Colchis, we reached the walls of the capital city of the fearsome "Eeta" - the city of Kuteta (Kutaisi). And we have reached it too, but... before entering the city, we will visit Sataplia Park and marvel at... Dinosaurs! Could paleontologists be wrong? Did some dinosaurs survive long enough to guard the "Golden Fleece"? In any case, the beautiful nature and magnificent views are worth our time. The second half of the day will be spent in the city of Kutaisi.

📌 Sataplia Park, Lunch at a Winemaker's, Bagrati Cathedral, Zelenyi Cvety Tower-Fortress, Royal Quarter, Okros Chardakhi, Hotel in Kutaisi

✅ Day 6 - "Deer Gorge"

We will start the morning with a visit to the colorful bridges of Kutaisi, with a special focus on the White Bridge. Then we will take a look at the city from the Ferris wheel and head to the oak grove, where, according to legend, the Fleece was hidden, guarded by a fearsome Dragon. Perhaps there is a "new Schliemann" among you who will find that very oak tree! Then we will visit a castle and a male monastery, enjoy mineral water and deer, have dinner surrounded by beautiful nature, and return to Kutaisi.

📌 White Bridge, Cable Car, Gabashvili Park and Ferris wheel, Old Oaks (the Golden Fleece was hidden on an oak tree), Geguti Castle, Mayakovsky House-Museum, Kviriqi Male Monastery, Sairme Mineral Waters, Hotel in Kutaisi

✅ Day 7 - "Back to the Sea"

We will start the morning with water procedures - sulfur baths on the riverbank near the city of Vani. It was here, according to one version, that the Argonauts arrived. By the way, the Argo, commanded by Tim Severin, also made a stop in Vani. In ancient times, Vani was a large city, located at the crossroads of trade routes, flourishing and wealthy. During the excavation of the Svan fortress, a figurine of the "Boy with a Horn" was discovered, dating back 3000 years, later named "Tamada from Vani" and becoming a symbol of Georgian winemaking.

📌 Sulfur Baths in Vani, Vani Archaeological Museum, Argo's Landing Site - Tim Severin, Dendrological Park, Miniature Park, Dinner by the River in the Gorge, Hotel in Shekvetili

✅ Day 8 - "Legend Under the Fish"

Morning. Black Sands Beach. The sea. You won't want to leave, just take a leisurely stroll along the beach, enjoy the clean air of the pine forest by the shore... Until lunchtime, we'll do just that. But then, it's time to hit the road again. Another ancient outpost on the shores of Colchis - the fortress city of Petra. And next to it, a fantastic place for a photoshoot and swimming - the "Secret Beach". We'll take photos and head to Batumi. A walk along the evening Seaside Boulevard, attractions, music, and the noise of the crowd will gradually bring us back from antiquity to the present time. And a farewell dinner at a charming Batumi restaurant will finally make it clear - the adventures, history, and legends have come to an end, the "Argonauts" are returning home! We hope that each of you will find your own "Golden Fleece" in this tour, which will bring you much more happiness and joy than it did to Jason and his companions.

📌 Black Sands Beach, Petra Fortress, Secret (Hidden) Beach Tsikhisdziri, Evening Walk in Batumi, Farewell Dinner, Hotel

✅ Day 9 - "Farewell to Gold"

For early flights - packing and departure. For later flights - there is time for a walk, souvenir shopping, or shopping. Guides are nearby and ready to assist you, provide advice, or organize an additional excursion.

📌 Preparation for departure may include a city tour, souvenir shopping, or free time, depending on the flight schedule. Transfer to the airport.
📌 The Days 8 & 9 itinerary may vary for participants departing from Batumi, Kutaisi or Tbilisi Airports.

❗️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.

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.