Jews have lived in Georgia continuously since the exile from Jerusalem since the first temple and we will be visiting all parts of the four main regions including Caucasus mountains and lowlands, rocks and caves, tasting Georgian wines. We will be discovering the peculiar culture of the region including learning about its rich Jewish past whilst visiting some incredible Jewish sites with a programme as follows :-
We will be flying via a European airport as there are no direct flights and we will recommend the best connection flights to Tblisi and back from Batumi once trip is confirmed with necessary numbers
Day 1, Thursday 27th July 2017
Arive to Tbilisi international Airport, meeting and greeting by the guide and full explanation about forthcoming trip
Transfer to the hotel in Tbilisi
No meals included on Day 1
Day 2, Friday
Breakfast at the hotel or in Habad
After breakfast we will drive to Kazbegi - settlement near Russian border in the mountains of the Great Caucasus. On our way to Kazbegi we will visit Ananuri fortress. This is XVIII C fortress on Georgian Military Way.
After visiting Ananuri, we will continue our way to Kazbegi throw Gudauri and Cross pass. Upon arrival we will take vehicles 4X4 and drive up to the church of Holy Trinity.
After visiting Holy Trinity church, we will drive back to Tbilisi
Shabbat dinner in Habad
Overnight in Tbilisi (Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 3, Saturday (No Bus service provided)
Breakfast in Habad following Shabbat service in Synagogue and Kiddush we will go on walking tour in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi has quite long 1500 years history as a capital. Foundation of the city is related with the famous Tbilisi Baths - natural spring waters with sulfur. Baths' district is nowadays the heart of the old town Tbilisi. During our city tour we will visit this famous baths, also XVII C. Metekhi church situated on Metekhi Plateau. From plateau you can see Georgian, Armenian and Catholic churches, also Jewish Synagogue and Muslim Mosque side by side as a symbol of Georgian tolerance. We also visit Narikala fortress, Cathedral Sameba - which is the highest Orthodox Church and the oldest church of Tbilisi - Anchiskhati (VI-VII C). Next to the Anchiskhati is the oldest café of Tbilisi - "café Gabriadze" named after the famous Georgian film maker Rezo Gabriadze.
We also visit the main avenue of Tbilisi - Rustaveli
Dinner in Habad
Overnight in Tbilisi (B-/D-)
Day 4, Sunday
Breakfast at the hotel
After Breakfast we will drive to Bakuriani - Ski resort in the Lesser Caucasus. On our way to Bakuriani we will visit Mtskheta - old capital of Georgia, which is UNESCO site. We will visit Jvari church (VI C) and cathedral Svetitskhoveli (XI C)
After visiting Mtskheta we will drive to Gori - home town of Stalin
First we will stop at the house where he was born (no entrance) and then drive to Uplistsikhe - cave town of the VI C BC, built on the historical Silk Road.
After visiting Uplistsikhe we will drive to Bakuriani
Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Bakuriani (B-/D-)
Day 5, Monday
Breakfast at the hotel
In the morning we will drive to visit famous cave town Vardzia. Vardzia was built in the XII Century by Georgian Kings George the III and his daughter Tamar and is the biggest among 3 cave towns which still exist in Georgia.
After visiting Vardzia we will visit Rabat fortress in Akhaltsikhe and then drive to Borjomi - mineral water's park and drive to Bakuriani - ski resort in the lesser Caucasus for dinner an overnight
Overnight in Bakuriani (B-/D-)
Day 6, Tuesday
Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast we will drive to Kutaisi - the second biggest city of Georgia.
Upon arrival we will visit Sataplia caves and Kutaisi Synagogues. After visiting Synagogues, we will drive to Gelati Monastery, which is on the list of UNESCO world cultural heritage.
Drive to the hotel
Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Kutaisi (B-/D-)
Day 7, Wednesday
Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast we will drive to Batumi - sea side resort of the Black sea. Batumi is the capital of Adjara autonomy and became the one of the most beautiful cities in Georgia after renovations during the last years.
On our way from Airport we will visit Gonio Fortress - fortress was built in II C. BC, visit old and new boulevards
Dinner at the hotel
After Dinner we will have a NIGHT TOUR in Batumi
Overnight in Batumi (B-/D-)
Day 8, Thursday
Breakfast at the hotel
Continue city tour in Batumi
Lunch or dinner in the local family (vegetarian food and fish in foil)
Transfer to the airport (B-/L-)
COST £995 per person sharing twin/double, Single Supplement £295 pp includes Bed and Breakfast all kosher meals throughout an 8 day and 7-night trip, inclusive of all museum fees, guides and transport in Georgia and, lunch packs. A deposit of £200 per person is required to ensure reservation on this trip. Do not book flights util trip is confirmed
Not included flights, there are no direct flights we will have to take the best connection flights possible
Travel insurance
Rate includes:
Transfers from and to the airport
Transportation with good touristic class vehicle (6 days)
Vehicles (delica 6 seats) from Kazbegi to the church of Holy Trinity (1.5 hours)
Accommodation (1 night Batumi, 1 night Kutaisi, 2 nights Bakuriani, and 3 nights Tbilisi)
1 lunch in the local family in Batumi (vegetarian food + fish in foil)
All breakfast and dinners mentioned in the itinerary from Habad
Night Tour in Batumi
All entrance fees to the mentioned sites (Gonio Fortress, Sataplia caves, Mineral Waters' park in Borjomi, Vardzia, Rabat fortress, Uplistsikhe, Ethnographic museum)
English speaking guide
0,5 litre of water pp per day
Rate does not include:
Air ticket
Insurance
Portage fees (1 GEL per bag for in and 1 GEL for out)
Tips (Recommended 1 USD pp per day for the guide and same or the driver)
Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses
Hotels calculated in the rates:
Tbilisi - Mercure Hotel or similar http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-9417-mercure-tbilisi-old-town/index.shtml
Bakuriani - Villa Palace or similar http://www.villapalace.gol.ge
Kutaisi - Tskaltubo spa resort or similar www.sanatoriumi.ge
Batumi - Euphoria or similar http://www.euphoriahotels.ge/en/16-gallery.html