Georgia 2013 10 days

INCENTIVES & CONGRESSES

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GEORGIA

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Georgia Despite limited size of its territory, Georgia is rich in natural diversity that matches every requirement of travelers looking for specific type of leisure and entertainment. We offer our clients group and individual tours in order to introduce them to the oldest pre- and Christian culture and history, the Black Sea coast or mountain resorts. While hiking tours to the Caucasus Mountains will make you enjoy inviolable nature, winter resorts offer high standard skiing tracks and off track skiing. Georgia and its wonderful people meet their guests with one of the most delicious cuisines of the world. Visitors have an opportunity to attend wine-making ceremony and learn about oldest technologies used in the homeland of delicious beverage. They will be offered a chance to taste several hundred types of wine and witness the oldest ethnographic traditions of Georgia.



Excursions and Day Trips:

Day 1Tbilisi City Sightseeing Tour

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia. It was founded in the fifth century AD and its name derives from the word “Tbilisi” which means “warm” in Georgian. Tbilisi really justifies its name being one of the rare cities to make an unforgettable impression on its visitors. This is a location of historic Silk Road where Europe and Asia meet each other and form a specific cultural blend with Oriental markets, narrow streets, and marvelous samples of European architecture, sulfur baths and Persian style Caravanserai. More important, in Tbilisi you will meet unique people who are open, hospitable and love life. Tbilisi is a city where different religions, confessions and nations coexist in a peaceful way for many centuries. For those looking for nightlife the city offers European style clubs and discos, traditional Georgian restaurants and much more.



Abanotubani (“district of baths”) is the oldest part of Tbilisi. Baths built in the 17th-18th centuries have been preserved and function nowadays. Their utmost merit is so-called “hot without fire” sulfur springs. Baths have existed on this territory already in the 27th-1st centuries BC. At different times the famous baths of Tbilisi were visited by well-known European and Asian writers, poets, and even Kings. Tbilisi baths represent an example of Islamic architecture.

Narikala - the old citadel of the town, main fortress or Kala, has been called Narikala since the end of the 18th century.

Metekhi - Many events of the history of Tbilisi are related to Metekhi Plateau and the Virgin Mary Church on atop. A legend credits King Vakhtang Gorgasali responsible for founding a church here. The religious tradition, however, maintains that the first church was built here in the 7th century after the body of Saint Shushaniki (a Christian martyr) was brought from Tsurtavi and buried here.



Rustaveli Avenue: The first avenue in Tbilisi, the construction of which started in the beginning of the 19th century. Parliament, Opera House, Shota Rustaveli Theater, First Gymnasium and Kashveti Church are located here. Sameba Cathedral – the biggest temple of Holly Trinity that was built in 1996 – 2004

Optional: • S. Janashia State Museum of history, golden fund

that performs collection of ancient masterpieces of jewelry

• Museum of Ethnography that performs nice collection of traditional Georgian houses and dwellings from different corners of the country



Day 2Day Trip to Kakheti – Wine Region

Day trip to Kakheti – wine regionGeorgia is considered the cradle of wine, which is confirmed by numerous archaeological, ethnographic, and linguistic materials. Ancient sorts of domestic grapevine have been discovered during archaeological excavations, dated 6th-5th millennium BC. Many ceramic vessels used to wine-making and storing purposes have been unearthed too. According to experts, the progenitor of domestic grapevine – Usurvazi – grew in the wild on the territory of Georgia. The Latin term for wine, “Vino”, is said to derive from the Georgian word for wine, “Ghvino”. The Caucasus had been the very place from which domestic grapevine spread to Europe, first to Italy and then to France, North Africa, and Spain.



TsinandaliTsinandali, the historical home of Alexandre Chavchavadze and his family, is one of Georgia’s most important cultural sites. As a museum and cultural center, it can offer an extraordinary experience for the general public, tourists, educators, students, and researchers. No better place exists to tell the story of the powerful family that left a lasting mark on Georgia’s history, to expose visitors to traditional as well as contemporary Georgian arts and values, and to inspire both Georgians and international visitors to consider the possibilities for the future of their nations and world.

Two of the most important and most beautiful architectural monuments of Kakheti are the Dzveli ("old")and Akhali ("new" ) Shuamta Monasteries. Both of them stand in a forest of deciduous trees which makes them look even more fascinating. Its consists of a 5th century basilica, one of the most curious examples of Christian Georgian architecture;

Gremi was the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti in the 16th and 17th centuries. Founded by Levan of Kakheti, it functioned as a lively trading town on the Silk Road and royal residence until being razed to the ground by the armies of Shah Abbas I of Persia in 1615. The town never regained its past prosperity and the Kings of kakheti transferred their capital toTelavi in the mid-17th century.



Visit to family winery in Gurjaani, where guests will be engaged in different kind of activities, such as:

• Degustation of homemade Georgian wine• Participation in chacha making (zavodoba) • Participation in Georgian bread-making• Participation in Georgian dishes culinary

(barbeque)

Back to Tbilisi



Sighnaghi(110 km from Tbilisi)The medieval city, which is declared the city-museum currently, is located on the hill and looks over Alazani Valley. The city is still surrounded by the wall that was constructed in the end of the 18th century, during the reign of the King Erekle II. 23 towers of the wall are named after nearly located villages. Each of them was bearing the fortification function. From Sighnaghi you can enjoy the fascinating views of Alazani Valley and Dagestan Mountains (North Caucasus).

After visiting Sighnaghi drive to wine factory „Khareba“ to visit the famous wine tunels, here wine is kept in the 7,7 km long tunel cut off in the stone mussif of Coucasian Mountain range. The massife includes granit surounded by shale lyers. At any time of the year, the temperature is 10-11 C. Wine is being aged there in the oak barrels.

Wine degustation



Day 4

4WD tour to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi region – Great Caucasus) along Georgian military highway via Jvari Pass (2395m above the sea level)Ananuri(Dusheti, 70 km from Tbilisi)The Fortress on Georgian Military Highway was built in the 17th century representing the residence of “Aragvis Eristavi” (Dukes, rulers of the region) then. The complex unites two churches and observation tower. The western façade is adorned with the remarkable carving. In the 80-ies of the 20th century the reservoir has been constructed near the fortress, and it adds the beauty to the surrounding landscape.Gudauri – ski resortThe alpine skiing resort Gudauri is located at the altitude of 2000 meters above the sea level, on the south slope of the central part of Great Caucasus, 84 km north from Tbilisi. Due to its unique location, the 1.5-2 meter snow cover lies here from December till April. The weather is mainly sunny and windless. There are 4 downhill tracks, which are in a perfect condition and are quoted by the FIS. All four tracks (2,000-3,000 meters above the sea level; total length – 16 km) are equipped with the cable way.

Gergetis Sameba(Stepantsminda, 157 km from Tbilisi)Gergetis Sameba is the only cross-domed church in the region (Khevi); it was built in the 14th century. The church is located on the elevation and opens the fascinating view on Stepantsminda settlement and Mkinvari Peak in the sunny and cloudless weather.



Horse & Jeep riding up to the hill with the church

Gergetis Sameba(Stepantsminda, 157 km from Tbilisi)Gergetis Sameba is the only cross-domed church in the region (Khevi); it was built in the 14th century. The church is located on the elevation and opens the fascinating view on Stepantsminda settlement and Mkinvari Peak in the sunny and cloudless weather.

Lunch at a local family in Kazbegi (Khincali cooking class)



Rafting on the Aragvi River (White water) – Dusheti region

Depart to Pasanauri for rafting (it takes about 4-4.5 h incl. driving)

Lunch in the restaurant “Tevri” https://www.facebook.com/people/Tevri-Restorani/100000728952788?sk=photos

Day 5Rafting

https://www.facebook.com/people/Tevri-Restorani/100000728952788?sk=photos

https://www.facebook.com/people/Tevri-Restorani/100000728952788?sk=photos



Day 6Mtskheta – old Capital

Jvari(9 km from Mtskheta)Jvari monastery is located on a top of small hill opening the fascinating view of the city Mtskheta – old capital of Georgia. At this place, in the prehistoric epoch, the vanity was located. After declaring Christianity the state religion in Iberia (Kartli), the cross (in Georgian – “jvari”) as the symbol of new religion had been erected there, later, in V-VI AD, the Church was built. It is the first cross-domed church in Georgia and is on the UNESCO List of the World Cultural Heritage.

Svetitskhoveli(Mtskheta, 24 km from Tbilisi)Mtskheta – is one of the most sacred places in Georgia. The first wooden church was built here immediately upon declaring Christianity the state religion (337). Current impressive temple was built in 11th century and it is one of the biggest churches built before 21st century in Georgia.According to the legend, the temple was built at the place where the shroud of Jesus Christ had been buried. During the centuries the temple has been seriously damaged and restored several times. Currently it is on the UNESCO List of the World Cultural Heritage.



Uplistsikhe (that is situated nearby town of Gori – birthplace of Josef Stalin)(Gori, 86 km from Tbilisi)The ancient city carven in the rock located 20 km east to Gori. It was spread on the historic Silk Road. At the edge of II and I millenniums BC, one of the tribes living on the territory used and arranged the natural caves existing there. In the VI-V centuries BC it was one of the most important cultural-political centers of Shida Kartli, and from II century BC it became the typical Hellenistic town. Uplistsikhe was the important trading centre till the 12th century AD. The remainders of the town built on the bank of the Mtkvari River still retaining the signs of Hellenistic epoch, make the unforgettable impression on the visitors.



Day 7

Borjomi Spa town

Borjomi is very popular with natural springs of mineral water that has curative features, though there is also the biggest Borjomi-Kharagauli national Park there with very interesting touristic routs of different duration.

Lunch in restaurant

Overnight in bakauriani



Zarzma Monastery of transfiguration

It is a medieval Orthodox Cristian monastery located at the village of Zarzma in samtskhe-javakheti region, southwest Georgia.The earliest church on the site was probably built in the 8th century, by the monk Serapion whose life is related in the hariografic novel by Basil of Zarzma. According to his source, the great nobleman Giorgi Chorchaneli made significant donation – including villages and estates – to the monastery. The extant edifice dates from the early years of the 14th century

Sapara monasgteryIt has existed from at least the 9th century, and has numbered among its monks many important figures in Georgian ecclesiastical history. At the end of the 13th century Sapara became a possession of the Jakeli family,

Day Akhaltsikhe Region



VardziaOne of the most famous ancient monuments of Georgia is located in Vardzia near the Armenian border. Built in the twelfth century, during the Golden Age of Georgia, by Giorgi III, this city of caves was originally intended as a military fortress. However, his niece Queen Tamara (the first female ruler, and beloved by her people) later converted it into a religious complex, where she herself lived for many years. Since that time it has been used as a monastery for most of its history. Vardzia is remarkable cave city, which in its heyday housed 50,000 people, was actually carved into the side of the rocky cliffs. The entire cave complex is situated high up in the mountains to keep it safe from invading hordes. Vardzia is a very special place, considered a cultural symbol and a source of pride to Georgians, and a must-see for tourists who travel to Georgia.

Day 8Khertvisi Fortress Khertvisi Fortress is one of the oldest forts in Georgia . It is located in the southern part of the country, north of Khertvisi . The Khertvisi Fortress stands on a rocky promontory, high above the river Mtkvari, guarding the path connecting the towns Akhalkalaki and Akhaltsikhe. The ruins preserved until these days belong to a fort built in the 10th century. However, there had been once a fortified stronghold from the 2nd century BC at this place. Two underground tunnels lead down from Khertvisi Fortress to the river. One tunnel was used for water supply, while the other served as an entrance to the fort.



Day 9KUTAISI_Imereti

One of the most beautiful cities of Georgia – Kutaisi, is located in Imereti - also rarely beautiful region. The city, as a settled place was born (founded) near the mouth where the River Rioni’s narrow and deep gorge outfalls to the plain. Kutaisi is considered as one of the oldest cities in the world. The old Greek history and mythology dates the city by the

In 1089 Davit the Builder became the king of Georgia. In 1122, he freed Tbilisi from Arabs and moved the capital. That is the time when the Kutaisi History, as a capital of Georgia is finished. During the period of David the Builder, the unique architectural monument – “Gelati” Monastery and higher Ecclesiastic Academy was build near Kutaisi. Despite of loosing the status of capital, Kutaisi has never lost its place in History of Georgia. Kutaisis is still a cultural, educational and tourist center of the country.



Gelati is a monastic complex near Kutaisi, Imereti, western Georgia. It contains the Church of the Virgin founded by the King of Georgia David the Builder in 1106, and the 13th-century churches of St George and St Nicholas.

The Gelati Monastery for a long time was one of the main cultural and intellectual centers in Georgia. It had an Academy which employed some of the most celebratedDue to the extensive work carried out by the Gelati Academy, people of the time called it "a new Hellas" and "a second Athos".

The Gelati Monastery has preserved a great number of murals and manuscriptsdating back to the 12th-17th centuries. In 1994, Gelati Monastery was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

MotsametaIt is a small and very beautiful monastery with round turrets crowned with peaked tent-shaped domes. The monastery is standing above the rough Rioni river and is buried in coastal vegetation. According to the legend the monastery was constructed on the place where Muslim aggressors executed David and Konstantin Mkheidze, Georgian princes, who refused to accept Islam.In a small monastery hall on an eminence there is a big rectangular ark with the hallows of the pious princes canonized by Georgian Church .Motsameta attracts crowds of tourists with an ancient superstition: if one crawls three times under the ark and makes a wish while touching the hallows, the princes David and Konstantin will grant it.The Tsar Bagrat III reconstructed the church in the 10 th century. The building was reconstructed again in the 19 th century.



Sataplia State Reserve

Sataplia State Reserve is a most multifarious and very rare monument. It is of complex character and contains geologic, paleontological, speleological and botanical monuments.

The Sataplia Mountain is famous by its rarest and the most beautiful caves. This cave was firstly noticed by Kutaisi museum employee, pedagogues P. Chabukiani who was able to make organization of this valuable monument protection by the local government, and in 1933, there was found a dinosaur trace.

Promete Cave

Prometheus” cave is one of the richest caves of Europe. It is characterized by the variety of underground rivers and beautiful landscapes. Golden Fleece cave meets all needs of international tourism level. Walking route for tourists is 1060 m. Also tourist will sail by boats in underground lake (280m) In nearby territories where there are other caves speleological tours can be organized. The total length of these caves is 15 555 m.



Day 10

Svaneti

Svaneti, one of the most timeless and lovely provinces of Georgia, is situated at the mouth of the Enguri River, among awe-inspiring mountains, and is the most populated highland region. The village of Ushguli, is the highest populated place in Europe (at 2,200 meters above sea level). It is also the most difficult to access, as it is the most isolated region of Georgia.

Ushguli

The Ushguli villages contain buildings that are part of the UNESCO heritage siteof Upper Svaneti.[

Altitude claims vary from 2,086 to 2,200 metres.It is located at the foot of Shkhara,one of the highest Caucasian summits. About 70 families (about 200 people) live in the area, enough to support a small school. The area is snow-covered for 6 months of the year, and often the road to Mestiai s impassable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ushguli



Acomodation:

Holiday Inn www.hi-tbilisi.com

http://www.hi-tbilisi.com/



Courtyard by Marriott www.courtyardtbilisi.com

http://www.courtyardtbilisi.com/



Radisson Blu Iveria www.radissonblu.com/hotel-tbilisi

http://www.radissonblu.com/hotel-tbilisi



Marriott Tbilisi www.tbilisimarriott.com

http://www.tbilisimarriott.com/



Hotel Rooms in Khazbegi https://www.facebook.com/RoomsHotelKazbegi

https://www.facebook.com/RoomsHotelKazbegi



Kvareli Lake Resort http://www.kvarelilakeresort.ge/

http://www.kvarelilakeresort.ge/



Lopota Resort http://www.lopota.ge/

http://www.lopota.ge/



Tskaltubo Spa resort https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tskaltubo-Spa-Resort/227376860606574

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tskaltubo-Spa-Resort/227376860606574



Restaurants in Tbilisi :Bread House – www.breadhouse.mgroup.geKalakuri – www.info-tbilisi.com/kalakuri In the Shadow of Metekhi – www.shadowofmetekhi.mgroup.geMeidani http://www.meidangroup.ge/index.php?a=main&pid=188&lang=engPhaetoni http://www.phaetoni.ge/

http://www.breadhouse.mgroup.ge/

http://www.info-tbilisi.com/kalakuri

http://www.shadowofmetekhi.mgroup.ge/

http://www.meidangroup.ge/index.php?a=main&pid=188&lang=eng

http://www.phaetoni.ge/



Restaurants in Kakheti :Cateau mere http://www.winiveria.ge/chateau_mere/id/1/chateau-mere.html

http://www.winiveria.ge/chateau_mere/id/1/chateau-mere.html



Winery “Khareba” www.winerykhareba.ge

http://www.winerykhareba.ge/



Sparkling wine factory “Bagrationi 1882” www.bagrationi.ge

http://www.bagrationi.ge/



Contacts:

www.liberti-internationa.org/georgia

[email protected]@libertugeorgia.ge – General [email protected] – Event Manager

http://www.liberti-internationa.org/georgia






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Georgia 2013 10 days

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