Page 82 - 2018-2019 Worldwide Journeys by Alexander + Roberts

Kazbegi 2 GEORGIA
BLACK
S E A Borjomi 2
4 Tbilisi
Caspian Sea
Tbilisi
OUR JOURNEY
DAY1 Welcometo
| Tbilisi, Georgia
On arrival, you’ll be escorted to your Club Floor room at the Biltmore Hotel in the historic heart of the capital.
DAY 2 | Discover Tbilisi Once a stop on the Silk Road and
at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Tbilisi is no stranger
to change. It’s been the capital
of Georgia since the 5th century and has seen both Soviet rule
and the Rose Revolution of 2003. Explore this vast sweep of history, starting in Old Town with medieval landmarks like the Metekhi Temple, 1,000-year-old Sioni Cathedral and mighty Narikala Fortress. At the National Museum, our specially arranged visit with the curator promises unparalleled insight into Georgia’s history from its founding days through the Soviet occupation and 21st century. meals b+l+d
DAY3| OnwardtoBorjomi
Depart Tbilisi this morning
and visit the ancient cathedral and monasteries of Mtskheta, where Georgians first accepted Christianity in the 4th century. At Château Mukhrani, a vineyard set on the grounds of a 19th-century prince’s estate, you’ll enjoy a cellar
tour, wine tasting, culinary class and lunch. Then drive to Gori, the historic town where Stalin was born, and explore the remarkable cave dwellings of Uplistsikhe, founded in the bronze age and inhabited until the 13th century. Continue to Borjomi, a spa retreat famous from the days of the Tsars, and check in to the Rixos Hotel, meals b+l+d
DAY 4 | Into the Kura Valley
Winding through the gentle slopes of the Lesser Caucusus, the lovely Kura Valley is dotted with historic sites. Ascend to Khertvisi Fortress, built in the 14th century on the
site of an earlier fort reputedly destroyed by Alexander the Great. At Vardzia, discover a remarkable cave monastery built 1,000 years ago for the legendary Queen Tamar. Return to Borjomi where your evening is at leisure. meals b+l
Along the Georgian DAY 5 | Military Road
Built in the late 19th century to ferry military supplies through the rugged Caucasian highlands, the name of this famed highway belies the rich history and beauty of the region it traverses. Setting out this morning, you’ll visit Ananuri, an impressive medieval fortress with far-reaching views of the Caucasus and turquoise-hued Aragvi River. Continue past alpine meadows,
ancient churches, and medieval forts in varying states of disrepair. Then ascend through the Jvari Pass at 7,800 feet to Kazbegi, near the Russian border, and check in to the stylish Rooms Hotel. meals b+l+d
DAY 6 Exploring the
| Greater Caucasus
Under the gaze of Mt. Kazbek, a soaring 16,000-foot peak, you’ll set out to explore the captivating alpine beauty of the Greater Caucuses and the timeless ways of its residents. Sit down to lunch with a local family and venture into the breathtaking Sno Valley to Juta, a village outpost of the Khevsur. Living mainly in
the mountains to the east, legend has it that this group of people are descended from Western European Crusaders who wandered lost
in Central Asia centuries ago! Gentle hikes and sweepings vistas also highlight this day. Return to Kazbegi where your evening is free. meals b+l
DAY 7 | Back to Tbilisi After breakfast, set out again on
the Georgian Military Road, now heading south towards the capital. Snow-covered peaks, alpine meadows, precipitous cliffs that drop down the Aragvi River and the
occasional rural hamlet highlight our morning’s journey. On arrival in Tbilisi, we’ll take the funicular
to the top of Mt. Mtatsminda for wonderful views over the city and its lovely valley setting. After dinner, you’ll check in again to the deluxe Biltmore Tbilisi. meals b+d
A Day in the DAY 8 | Wine Country
Dotted with ancient monasteries and numerous vineyards, Kakheti is not just a region steeped in the history of the Caucasus, it’s also one of the oldest wine producing areas in the world! Your exploration begins at St. Nino Monastery, a Georgian Orthodox complex that traces its roots to the 9th century. Continue to the hilltop town of Sighnaghi, famed for its lovely 19th-century homes with brightly painted balconies and views over the fertile Alazani Valley. Continue to the Alaverdi Monastery Winery, founded in the 12th century, for a cellar tour and wine tasting Enjoy
a congenial lunch on the estate before we take you back to your hotel in Tbilisi. This evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner of fine Georgian cuisine. meals b+l+d
DAY 9 | Depart Tbilisi
After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey. meals b
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