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Best time to visit: April-November
The region of Shida Kartli situated in easter Georgia is the central part of the historical Kartli (Iberia) region with ancient history dates back to early bronze age, and the Mtkvari-Arax culture was formed here. The discovery of numerous coins in the Shida Kartli territory is the proof that Iberia had intense trade-economic relationship with the world. The vast fields, valleys and waterfalls, endowed with thousands of colorish flower fields are so much impressive.
The itinerary
Day 1: Tbilisi – Ergneti war museum – Nikozi church – Gori
Day 2: Gori – Tana valley – Bobnevi lake and church – Vacheishvili winery – Tbilisi
The program
Day 1: Tbilisi– Ergneti war museum – Nikozi church – Gori
Meet your guide and drive towards Gori. First stop will be a village Ergneti and visit the August War 2008 Museum – located in the basement of Lia Chlachidze’s house (the witness of war), where everything has been kept intact and where traces of the war are still visible. Lia herself decided to open a museum in order to inform everyone about the horrors of the war. Exhibited photos show how Russian military forces were being gathered on the 5th and 6th of August near Roki Tunnel and ready to invade and attack Georgia. The war lasted 5 days, officially only 224 civilians were killed and 20 000 people lost their houses and become refuges. After museum drive to village Nikozi and see 10th century church of the Archangel, the bell tower, the palace of the bishop, and the fence surrounding the church. Because of its location Russian occupied Tskhinvali can be seen from here. In 2011 Nikozi art school was established to provide trainings to local youth living in the villages bordering the occupied territories in craft classes in ceramic, embroidery and sewing. Additionally, school has foreign language and music courses, animation studio and shadow theatre. Later continue your drive and stop for lunch at restaurant Terrace https://www.facebook.com/TeracceGori/ after lunch small walking tour in Gori, visit Gori Fortress and then drive at hotel Gori Inn https://goriinn.org/ check in and free evening for diner. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Gori – Tana valley – Bobnevi lake and church – Vacheishvili winery – Tbilisi
In the morning after breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Tana valley. Get ready to explore Tana River valley with horseback riding. Tana valley with its beautiful wild nature, forests, mountains and rocks will amaze you all way long who love beautiful nature, fir trees, forests and rocky, strange rocks, I assure you will really enjoy this beauty. First you will drive from Gori to village Ateni and later continue trip with horses along beautiful valley. Enroute you will see Ateni Sioni Church built in 10h century with frescos creating a monumental harmonious composition. Then continue ride up to Bebnevi lake surrounded by greenish mountains, reflected on surface of lake. Another spot that you will pass through the valley is Church of John the Evangelist in Bobnev built in 17th century with well preserved frescos. The dominated color is sharp blue that revives the rest of dull and dark colors used by painters. After ride we will stop for outdoor picnic lunch and have a short rest. The next stop will be at Nika Vacheishvili winery – the beneficiary of USAID Resilient Communities Program. https://atenuri.ge/ One of the famous wines from his production is Atenuri. Due to the local microclimate and the outstanding process of winemaking using the unique method of cleaning Kvevri by iced-cold river water, this wine was considered the Kings’ wine in the Middle Ages. Here we will have wine tasting and short talk with winemaker itself. In the evening drive back to Tbilisi, arrival at your hotel and end of the tour.
Price: 370 GEL per person
We need at least 2 participants for the tour & look forward to hosting you on this wonderful getaway
Included: transportation and 1 night’s accommodation at local guest house
Not included: meals, guide service and personal expenses.
Meal: from 30 GEL per person
Local guide service: 70 GEL per day
₾370.00