(This trip is full and cannot accept any more applicants)
Overview: This 12 day trip is foremost a hiking tour although there will be many opportunities to enjoy historical and cultural sights en route. Scenery in the areas visited on this tour are spectacular and diverse, ranking from snow capped mountains, to narrow valleys surrounded by mountains, to flat agricultural plains on the eastern side of the Black Sea. Tour areas abound with ancient ruins, charming old but still-occupied villages with old defensive stone towers, little Byzantium churches, and open mountain vistas.
Trip Classification: Moderately Strenuous to Strenuous
This trip is limited to 10 people. The hiking trip will include many opportunities to enjoy small mountain villages, ancient Roman ruins, old Byzantium church art, and other historic and cultural spots along the way. Participants need to be in good physical shape with plenty of stamina. There are 7 consecutive days of hiking, although the first 2 days involve shorter, relatively undemanding hikes. Following are 5 consecutive hiking days with hikes lasting around 4-6 hours covering 4 to 8 miles and elevation gains/losses of 1500-2200’. Trails are clear but rocky and with roots. Some hikes will be along mountain ridges or glacial valleys which involve longer distances but less steep elevation gains. Forest and waterfall walks tend to have more elevation gain. Some hikes are point to point, meaning it is vital that hikers can cope with the distances and elevations. We will hike some portions of the Transcaucasian Trail: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210714-transcaucasian-trail-a-new-route-between-europe-and-asia
Overview: Participants on this hiking trip will see the following locations:
- Tbilisi the capital city of Georgia founded in the 5th century which is a mix of cobblestone streets, lovely small restaurants and shops, religious buildings, interesting museums of local artifacts and culture, and modern architectural structures.
- Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia situated at the confluence of two important rivers. Sites include an 11thcentury cathedral, roman ruins and bridges.
- Imereti-Samegrelo, once a separate kingdom known by the early Greek world as a center for gold, exquisite jewellery and weaponry production.
- Svaneti, a series of mountain valleys only accessible via a narrow gorge. Beyond offering awe-inspiring hiking with mountains, waterfalls, forests and glaciers, the area includes ancient Byzantium churches with unique fresco painting, charming little mountain villages with defensive stone towers dating to the 10th and 11thcentury, and a unique form of polyphonic chanting/singing.
- Colchis, a flat agricultural flood plain adjoining the Black Sea’s eastern shore with many historical-cultural sites while also being an important migratory route for birds.
Trip Cost: US$3,995 with a single supplement of US$495. This includes all hotels (double occupancy), three meals daily, admission to all sites on the itinerary, private coach transportation, in/out airport transportation, and handling of one medium sized suitcase per person.
Essential Documents:
Travel Insurance: Travel health insurance covering all medical emergencies is required and must be organized by the participant.
Tour Operator: John Graham Tours (based in Georgia). www.JohnGrahamTours.com
1818 Trip Coordinator: Carolyn Winter winter.carolyn@gmail.com
