D I S C O V E R G E O R G I A ` S H I D D E N B E A U T Y

Transcription

D I S C O V E R
G E O R G I A’ S
H I D D E N
B E A U T Y
Georgian Discovery Tours is undoubtedly the tour operator of choice for all your travel needs in
Georgia. Let us help you to discover a different way of travelling through this wonderful country.
A different country
Break free from the tired, old, well-beaten tourist trails to experience a land renowned for its
unspoilt natural beauty and celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. Georgian Discovery Tours
offers you the opportunity to explore a truly unique part of the world and to share in the customs
and traditions of its ever-friendly people.
I saw marvelous things…
my impressions were so new and
sharp that all I experienced
seems like a dream, and I can’t
believe it.
Russian playwright Anton Chekhov
on his first visit to Georgia
A different product
Specializing in private, cultural and historical tours, and taking care of all your travel needs, Georgian
Discovery Tours is your key to unlocking the magnificent treasures of Georgia. Every tour is customized
to the individual wishes and preferences of our clients.
A different quality
Started as a joint Georgian–Swiss venture, Georgian Discovery Tours combines traditional Georgian
hospitality and warmth with impeccably high international standards of quality. The enthusiasm and
professionalism of our staff will give you the opportunity to connect intimately with the land, life,
and people of Georgia, while relaxing and enjoying your vacation at all times.
A different way of travelling is yours for the taking. Our doors are wide open and our country
is filled with true Georgian hospitality. Take the opportunity of a lifetime and book a tour with us.
Welcome to the most unforgettable experience of your life!
Giorgi Aliashvili
Managing Director
Georgian Discovery Tours
74, Chavchavadze Avenue | 0162 Tbilisi | Georgia | Phone +995 32 29 49 53 | Fax +995 32 20 40 70
www.gdt.ge | [email protected] | www.euro-limousine.ge | | [email protected]
THE HOMELAND OF WINE
A taste discovery…
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Tsinandali This elegant wooden villa used to be the residence
of Alexander Chavchavadze, a nineteenth-century nobleman
who played an important role in the political, cultural, and
intellectual life of Georgia at that time. The house, which contains
a small museum, is surrounded by a lush and extensive park. The
estate also includes old wine cellars.
In Georgia, the culture of wine is closely
tied to the country and gives it a
large part of its essential character.
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Arrival in Tbilisi
Tbilisi city tour
Transfer to Telavi,
excursion in the Kakheti region
Excursion in the Kakheti region
Transfer to Kutaisi
Excursion in the Racha region
Transfer to Tbilisi
Departure from Tbilisi
Georgia boasts a surprisingly rich viticulture
legacy. Apparently the Georgian word “ghvino” is
the root of the Latin word “vino” , which in
turn gave us “wine”. More than five hundred
varieties of grape, roughly one-quarter of all the
types of grapes present on Earth, are harvested
within the country. Having cultivated their own
method of maturing wines in earthen containers
rather than oak barrels, Georgian wine makers
produce wine with a unique quality and flavour.
This tour will open your eyes to the rich and
diverse world of Georgian wine-making.
Since ancient times, the techniques of
wine-making have been transmitted orally from
one generation to the next as an integral part of
Georgian culture. As such, there are some very
clear parallels between wine culture and family
life in the country. The people love every single
one of their grapevines. They painstakingly care
for their vines throughout the year, trimming,
irrigating, and fertilizing them. The joy of the
harvest is equal to the birth of a child in the
community. Ancient tradition dictates that each
child, when it is born, receives an earthen fermentation jar with his or her name carved into
it and filled with wine of that year.
This tour gives you the opportunity to
discover both the traditional and modern ways
of making wine, since you will visit both an
old wine cellar, as well as a present-day cellar
in Kakheti. And you will taste the difference.
Guided by an expert in the field, you will taste
the wines of different regions, getting a broad
(and extremely pleasant) overview of Georgian
wine in all its richness and variety.
In autumn, Georgian Discovery Tours offers
you a unique opportunity to actually take part in
the process of producing Georgia’s amazing wines
– and of experiencing firsthand the inti-mate link
between wine-making and family life in Georgia.
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TBILISI
A cosmopolitan delight …
Metekhi Church This majestic church sits on the edge of the
steep banks of the Mtkvari River in the centre of Tbilisi. Built on a
foundation of solid rock, the impressive statue of King Vakhtang
Gorgasali, founder of the city of Tbilisi and purported builder of
the church, dominates the landscape. Although its origins go
back much further, the present church was reconstructed after
the thirteenth-century Mongol invasions.
The Georgian capital, Tbilisi, has a long
and fascinating history.
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Founded in the fourth century by King Vakhtang
Gorgasali and named after its warm water
springs, Tbilisi rapidly developed into the main
city of the Caucasus. By the twelfth century, it
was one of the most important political, economic, and cultural centres of the region, and a
key point on the famous Silk Road that joins
Europe and Asia. In its multi-ethnic markets,
over-flowing with a huge variety of products,
you can hear languages spoken that you never
even knew existed. The city has a cosmopolitan
atmosphere that blends the richness and variety
of both East and West.
The old town is renowned for its astounding
mix of cultures. The Mosque, the Synagogue,
and the Armenian and Roman Catholic churches
harmoniously mingle with the splendid Georgian
churches and architecture. Overlooked by holy
Mount Mtatsminda and the Narikala fortress,
the wooden houses with open, carved balconies
seem to welcome any visitor with open arms.
A full-day city tour includes a visit of the
old town, the Metekhi Church, the Abanotubani sulphur spas, and Narikala fortress. The
Abanotubani spas have hosted poets, writers,
musicians, and kings throughout the centuries.
Narikala fortress was modified several times over
the centuries, but much of what you see today
dates from the eighth century. Visits to Sioni
Cathedral, which today hosts the headquarters
of the Georgian Orthodox Patriarch, and to
Anchiskhati Church are musts. In the Georgian
State Museum and Georgian Fine Arts Museum
you will see some of the masterpieces of
Georgian art. Then a leisurely stroll along the
famous Rustaveli Avenue will conclude your
tour of Tbilisi.
places worth visiting in Tbilisi
Narikala fortress
Mount Mtatsminda
Sioni Cathedral
Anchiskhati Church
Metekhi Church
Rustaveli Avenue
Sololaki (in the old town)
Abanotubani (spas)
Synagogue
Mosque
Armenian Church
Mamadaviti Church
Botanical Garden
Georgian State Museum
(containing many treasures)
Georgian Fine Arts Museum
T H E F I R S T E U R O P E A N S & E A R LY C H R I S T I A N S
A rich and ancient civilization …
Djvari of Mtskheta With its splendid view over the confluence
of the Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers, this temple, constructed
in the sixth century AD and named after “djvari”, the Georgian
word for cross, is a landmark of early Christianity in Georgia.
King Mirian erected the first cross in the country shortly after his
conversion to Christianity by St. Nino.
In May 2000, Georgia made international headlines when the remains of a
homo erectus were discovered in
the country, the earliest evidence of
human inhabitants in Eurasia.
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Arrival in Tbilisi
Tbilisi city tour
Excursion to Bolnisi and Dmanisi
Excursion to Uplistsikhe, transfer to Kutaisi
Excursion in the Imereti region
Excursion in Kutaisi and Mtskheta
Excursion to David Garedja
The discovery helped push the date for human
migration from Africa to Eurasia back to between
1.7 and 1.8 million years ago. The excavation
sites near Dmanisi in south-east Georgia lie
at the heart of this discovery, and on this tour
Georgia Discovery Tours will take you back into
the past to walk in the footsteps of those who
inhabited the Earth in ages past.
Accompanied by highly qualified guides
and expert lecturers, you will discover your inner
paleontologist as you explore the excavation
sites of the region. Starting with the site where
homo erectus was discovered, you will then be
taken even further back in time to explore the
Sataplia region, where dinosaurs roamed fifteen
million years ago. Then you will wander around
the ruins of the ancient settlement of Vani,
which dates back to the seventh century BC, and
the even more impressive thirty-one-century-old
cave town of Uplistsikhe, where you will find
yourself marvelling at the sophistication of our
early ancestors.
The Christian faith was first brought to
Georgia by the devout young maiden St. Nino
in the fourth century AD. St. Nino is said to
have intertwined two branches of a grapevine
with her hair to create the form of the unique
Georgian cross. After the conversion of King
Mirian in the fourth century, Christianity spread
rapidly throughout the country. Georgia’s
Christian heritage is a wonder to behold.
We will take you to Bolnisi where you
will visit a church constructed in the early fifth
century AD, then on to the fascinating David
Garedja, where Brother David, a monk trained
in Jerusalem, founded one of Georgia’s first
monasteries in the semi-desert eastern regions
of the country. This monastery became the centre
of cultural, religious, and intellectual life at the
time for a region far bigger than modern-day
Georgia. The aura emanating from this place
is almost overwhelming and is sure to leave
an indelible impression upon you. Its caves,
frescoes, and the splendid view it offers over the
semi-desert region that straddles Georgia and
Azerbaijan will round off a wonderful journey
back into the past.
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COME & COOK
A culinary experience …
Bagrati Temple This famous temple’s name comes from its
founder and builder, King Bagrat III, the first king of a united
Georgia. Although it has been destroyed several times, most
recently in 1696 during the Turkish invasions, this monument
of high historical and artistic value occupies a leading role in
medieval Georgian art, a fact recognized by UNESCO when it
was given World Heritage Site status.
Georgia is justly famous for its hospitality.
The tradition of hosting guests is
so important to the Georgian people that
it has served as a key source of
inspiration for the country’s poets and
writers.
This warmth and hospitality is the perfect
complement to the wide variety of Georgian
dishes available in each region of the country.
The rich combination of spices used in these
dishes, rarely encountered anywhere else on
Earth, will be sure to delight your palate. The
combination of great food and welcoming
surroundings guarantees a truly memorable
dining experience.
On this tour, Georgia Discovery Tours invites
you to experience the legendary hospitality of
Georgia while sharing in the closely guarded
secrets of Georgian cuisine. You will taste
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culinary masterpieces from all over the country
and have the opportunity to cook these unique
dishes yourself if you wish, under the guidance
of expert chefs. While taking care of your body
in the most pleasant of ways, this tour will also
cater to your soul by letting your imagination
run wild during visits to many major historical
and cultural sites throughout the country. The
tour will therefore be a gourmet experience par
excellence for your body and mind!
Your voyage with us will take you through
four of the main gastronomic regions of the
country. We will start out in the eastern region
of Kakheti. Here, you will learn the rules of the
supra (“table”) from a traditional Georgian family
that has perfected the art of hosting guests. You
will experience the subtle nuances of “tamadoba”
(“mastering of the table”), including special
insights into eloquent toasting, polyphonic folk
singing, and the culture of wine. You will also be
taught your first Georgian recipes and will have
the time to wander around the city of Sighnaghi,
with its famed medieval city wall, marvel at a
panorama of the Alazani valley from the tower of
Gremi castle, and visit the palace of nineteenthcentury nobleman Alexander Chavchavadze.
Our next stop will be the region of Kazbegi,
in a valley deep in the Great Caucasus. Here you
will have the joy of discovering the rich traditions
and techniques behind both the local beerbrewing and the cuisine of Georgia’s mountain
residents. Visits to the fortified church of Ananuri,
richly decorated with a number of marvelous
reliefs, and an exploration of the ancient cave
town in Uplistsikhe will be sure to fascinate
and delight you. The highlight of this region
will undoubtedly be the breathtaking views of
the snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus in all
their majestic splendour. Crossing the Surami
Pass, we will then take you into the western
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Arrival in Tbilisi
Transfer from Tbilisi to Telavi, sightseeing
Excursion in the Kakheti region,
transfer to Tbilisi
Transfer via Mtskheta to Kazbegi, sightseeing
Transfer via Ananuri and Gori to Kutaisi
Excursion to Poti, transfer to Tbilisi
Tbilisi city tour
part of Georgia, with its humid climate and lush
vegetation. Here, in the lowlands of Colchis,
where Jason and his Argonauts once fought for
the Golden Fleece, you will discover the unique
culinary traditions of western Georgia. Visits to
Kutaisi and Poti will open your eyes and your
stomach to a whole range of dishes based on
corn, the staple of the diet here. You will also
have the opportunity to visit the ruins of the
acclaimed Bagrati Temple, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, as well as the Gelati Academy,
a medieval intellectual and spiritual centre.
Our last stop on the tour will be in the capital,
Tbilisi, where you will get a chance to apply all
that you have learned by enjoying a genuine
Georgian banquet, the crowning finale of your
culinary tour through Georgia.
CAVE TOWNS & MONASTERIES
A profoundly uplifting experience …
Vardzia Vardzia is one of the most fascinating remnants of a
medieval cave town. In its heyday, an average of six thousand
monks used to live here, and in times of war, up to fifty thousand
people took refuge in the caves. An earthquake destroyed much
of the complex in the thirteenth century, so that nowadays only
a small, but nonetheless fascinating, part can be visited. The
unique fresco of King Tamar and his father, King George III, are
well worth a visit.
This tour will allow you to re-connect
with your spiritual side by encountering
the unique religious life of Georgia.
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Arrival at Tbilisi
Tbilisi city tour
Excursion to Uplistsikhe, transfer to Borjomi
Excursion to Timotesubani and Sapara
Excursion to Vardzia, transfer to Tbilisi
Visit to the National Museum
It will be a profound experience in two main
ways. On the one hand, you will be given the
opportunity to explore several ancient cave
towns with rich historical legacies. On the
other hand, you will be given the chance to
meet and interact with a number of monks and
nuns who now spend their time rehabilitating
the churches of these ancient cave towns and
other monasteries in the area. You will be
overwhelmed by the peace and tranquility of
the regions that you will visit and as a result
may well find yourself feeling more assured
about your own place within the order of the
universe.
The town of Uplistsikhe, near Gori, hewn
from sandstone in the sixteenth century BC, is
the oldest known cave town in Georgia. Today,
more than one hundred rooms, a palace, a
central street, remnants of a freshwater and
sewer system, an antique theatre, wine presses,
and a pharmacy are still visible, making visitors
marvel at the sophistication of our ancestors
and allowing them to immerse themselves in a
rich way of life that existed millennia ago.
Vardzia, more to the south, gives off a
somewhat similar yet quite unique aura, even
though the complex is much younger. This
area was closed to the public for many years
because of its position a few kilometers away
from Turkey, a country that was on the other
side of the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
While this cut the monastery off from outsiders,
it also had the effect of sparing the church
from the worst of the Communist attempts
to wipe out religion. Whereas other historical
religious centres came under considerable pressure from the Communists and saw many
frescoes whitewashed this church was spared
such violations. You will have the opportunity
to meet some of the monks who are trying to
rebuild a monastery within the old walls and
will learn about the foundations and history of
the Georgian Orthodox faith.
We will then take you to visit the monastery
of David Garedja, which is also undergoing
a process of renovation. You will have the
opportunity to go on a short pilgrimage, hiking
up to Udabno monastery and contemplating the
numerous frescoes that tell the story of Jesus
and recount the legends of St. David, the founder
of the monastery. The atmosphere of tranquility
is only disrupted by the sight of Soviet bullet
holes in the frescoes. While disturbing and out
of place, one must remember that these too
form a part of Georgian history ...
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IN THE WILD EAST
An adventure on horseback …
Alaverdi Until very recently the tallest church in the country,
Alaverdi is a sight to behold. Overlooking the Alazani Valley
throughout most of the tumultuous history of the Kakheti
region, it has withstood the invasions of hostile powers and has
seen numerous battles. Enclosed by a strong defensive wall, it
contains baths and separate barracks for soldiers. Every year the
people of the region honour their local source of pride in one of
their greatest religious celebrations, the “alaverdoba”.
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Horseback riding has a long tradition in
the Caucasus, and throughout the
ages the horse has been one of the most
valuable and prestigious belongings
of all Caucasians.
As they were the most useful and practical mode
of transport in days gone by, horses became
central to Georgian daily life. Children were
taught riding skills at an early age, horses were
often given as the dowry for young maidens,
and the horsemanship of Caucasian warriors
was a spectacle to behold. Several Gurian riders
achieved international fame and recognition
thanks to their skills on horseback, thrilling the
American public as part of Buffalo Bill’s “Wild
West Show”. Memorabilia from these times are
still visible today in the ethnographical museum
in Tbilisi.
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This tour will not transform you into a
Gurian rider, but invites you to experience the
charm and beauty of the eastern mountain
region of Tusheti, with its amazing landscape,
flowery meadows, steep slopes, and shadowy
forests in the way that most Georgians in the
past have: from the saddle of a horse. Your
trustworthy steed for this adventure will be
the comparatively short and very strong Tusheti
horse. Having had centuries to adapt to their
environment, these horses will give you a calm,
smooth, safe, and relaxed journey, allowing you
to break free from the noise of cars and the
city, and to once again feel the joy of being in
harmony with nature.
Besides allowing you to enjoy the natural
beauty of the terrain, this tour will also give
you insight into local culture and traditions.
Tusheti is famous for its unique and outstanding
architecture. Low houses made out of schistose
stones huddle together in villages on the edges
of the rocky slopes, providing warmth and
security in this remote and forbidding landscape.
The first thing that will catch your eye as you
approach many of the villages will be the old
tower-houses that overlook them and blend
in perfectly with the local surroundings, once
again displaying the harmony with nature that
exists here. In one of these villages, Omalo, you
will have the opportunity to visit an ethnographic
museum with various displays of treasures,
textiles, weapons, Tusheti “paragi” (kilims), and
felt hangings from this mountainous region.
You will be accompanied on your adventure
by local tour guides who know the area like the
back of their hands. You will wander off the
well-beaten trails and come into close contact
with the natural environment of the region.
The highlight of your trip will be the chances
you have to interact with the local people of
Arrival in Tbilisi
Tbilisi city tour
Transfer to Telavi,
excursion in the Kakheti region
Horseback excursion in the Tusheti region
transfer to Tbilisi
the area. By experiencing their warmth and
hospitality you will soon come to feel at home
in this remote region. The whole experience will
leave you feeling that you would like to stay and
live in the wild east …!
ON MISTY MOUNTAINS
An adventure on steep slopes …
Towers of Svaneti The enigmatic profiles of these medieval
tower-houses immediately capture the traveler’s eye. In former
times when blood feuds were common, they served as defensive
strongholds and places of refuge. Today, their architectural and
historical value has earned the region an entry in the UNESCO
World Heritage Site list.
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Mountains have captured the imagination
of people since time began. The Caucasus
is no exception.
Arrival in Tbilisi
Tbilisi city tour
Transfer on the military highway to Gudauri
Excursion to Kazbegi, transfer to Borjomi
Excursion to Bakuriani, transfer to Kutaisi
Transfer via Zugdidi to Mestia
Excursion to Ushguli
Transfer to Kutaisi
Excursion in the Imereti region,
transfer to Tbilisi
On this tour, you will get the chance to be awed
by the grandeur of snowy peaks and witness
how they connect and divide people, all the
while learning what influence they have had on
the communities that have lived among them
throughout the ages. Finally, you will see how
the people of the mountains have capitalized on
their location to turn the area into a travellers’
paradise.
During the first part of this tour, you will
journey to the Kazbegi region along the military
highway that has long been Georgia’s link with
Russia. The highlight of this portion of the
country is undoubtedly Georgia’s highest peak,
Mount Kazbegi. Often shrouded in clouds, this
majestic summit towers above the village of
Kazbegi and the famed church of Gergeti, and
when the clouds part and the peak appears,
you will witness a sight that you will remember
for the rest of your life. This tantalizing view
prompted Pushkin to write his poem, “Monastery
on Kazbegi”.
Further south along the same highway, we
will make stops at Georgia’s premier ski resort,
Gudauri, and at the fortified church of Ananuri.
The tour will then head into the rolling hills of the
Lesser Caucasus in the direction of Borjomi. This
village reached its pinnacle of fame and fortune
in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries,
after the healing properties of the local springs
were discovered. Soon the water was exported
to the whole Russian Empire, and Borjomi
became a famous spa resort. So famous was the
area that even the Russian czar constructed a
summer house here. Bakuriani, a nearby resort,
is to this day famous for its healthy air, which
attracts numerous visitors year-round.
Another highlight of this tour will be the
visit to Svaneti, a beautiful valley in the eastern
section of the Greater Caucasus with jagged
outcrops, steep walls, rough peaks, and a unique
local culture. The Svans are a unique people with
their own language and traditions. Their villages
have their own particular architectural styles,
and ancient customs are still a real factor in the
Svans’ everyday lives. Here the guest is treated
like a king. In the past, the Svans were great
warriors, and despite the innumerable invasions
that afflicted the territory of Georgia, their
region has never been occupied. The mountains,
their local knowledge, and their own courage
have always protected them.
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A WINTER DREAM
A “cool” experience …
Ananuri The fortified residence of the rulers of Aragvi is known
for its church, castle and charming bell tower. It is located on
the military highway between Georgia and Russia, overlooking a
magnificent artificial lake whose colour varies between emerald
and turquoise depending on the weather. A relief representing
the tree of life completes the complex, which bears witness to
the refined sense of style and artistic taste of its creators.
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Do you dream of challenging ski slopes
where you don’t have to spend most
of your time waiting for the lift up the
mountain and then battling crowds
on the way down?
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Does your heart skip a beat at the sight of
untouched snow as far as the eye can see? Would
you like to experience the peace and tranquility
of a walk in crisp, clean winter air with only the
snow crunching under your feet as a reminder
that you are not dreaming? If you answered yes
to any of these questions, then a winter tour of
central Georgia is the vacation for you. We will
take you to two wonderful resorts that have yet
to be discovered by the tourist masses.
Winter in Georgia offers something to
satisfy your appetite for every winter activity
possible. At the Gudauri resort, there are ski
lifts and trails for beginners, as well as for those
who enjoy far more challenging runs. For visitors
who prefer to explore the slopes of the Greater
Caucasus on a more individual basis, a variety
of ski tour operators around Gudauri are at your
service. Our professional tour guide will plan a
tour tailored to suit your requirements.
No matter what you are looking for in
your alpine holiday, you should not miss out
on an excursion to the town of Kazbegi, with a
snowshoe tour to the famous church of Gergeti.
With a little luck and good weather, you
might even catch a glimpse of beautiful Mount
Kazbegi, decked in its winter attire. The swimming pool and other wellness facilities in
Gudauri give you the possibility to relax after
a busy day.
Your other principal stop on the tour will be
the resort of Bakuriani, the winter playground
of the Lesser Caucasus. Its climate provides
soothing relief to many asthma patients who
refresh both body and soul in the mountain
heights. Throughout the winter, the air is filled
with the comforting fragrance of the coniferous
forests that shroud the lower parts of the area
and invite even the most avid skier to take time
out to go on a tranquil winter hike.
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Arrival in Tbilisi
Tbilisi city tour
Transfer to Gudauri, skiing
Snowshoe tour from Kazbegi to Gergeti
Ski tour around Gudauri
Transfer via Ananuri and Borjomi to Bakuriani
Winter hike around Bakuriani
Transfer to Tbilisi, visit to the hot baths
For those who would like to warm up
and soothe their aching muscles after this
unforgettable winter experience, the tour ends
with a visit to the famous hot baths in Tbilisi.
Legend has it that a long time ago, King
Vakhtang was once hunting here when a wood
grouse he had shot fell into one of the springs,
but was immediately healed by the water in
front of his eyes. Taking it as a providential sign,
the king ordered the capital to be moved from
Mtskheta to this place. Reflect on this marvel
as you bathe in the “tbili” (warm) waters of the
capital’s namesake.
DISCOVER GEORGIA
A different country …
Legend has it that when God was distributing land among the various peoples
of the Earth, the Georgians were too busy
feasting to go and stake their claim.
By the time they eventually remembered and
went off to seek their entitlement, they found
that all the lands had been distributed, leaving
them homeless. In response to their pleas,
God asked them why they had arrived so late.
The Georgians replied that they had been
busy feasting and drinking toasts to His glory.
Overwhelmed by their sincerity and touched
by their fervour, God thought for a second in
silence – then decided to give them the one,
last, precious piece of land that He had kept
aside for Himself.
Though geographically small, Georgia is a
unique and culturally rich gem that has long been
the subject of myths and fantasies. According
to the Ancient Greeks, Jason and his Argonauts
were aided in their quest for the Golden Fleece
by the kind and wise Princess Medea during their
stopover in Colchis (modern-day Georgia). Earlier
still, Prometheus, the hero who stole fire from
the gods and gave it to the people of Earth, was
reputedly left chained in the remote and forbidding – yet incredibly beautiful – mountains
of the Caucasus in punishment for his misdeed.
Georgia’s position at the eastern end of
the ancient Silk Road that joins Europe and
Asia explains its prominence in myths and
legends. Lying at the crossroads of East
and West and forming part of three major
empires of the past – the Persian, Russian, and
Ottoman Empires – Georgia’s territory has been
the subject of countless political and economic struggles throughout the ages, as various powers sought to harness the riches
and potential of the country and its region.
While bloody, this colourful history has left a
lasting impact and a rich legacy, creating
a brilliant cultural mosaic that blends Europe
and Asia into the most delightful of mixtures.
Not surprisingly, considering its history, Georgia
is home to three world religions, dozens of
languages, and hundreds of ancient traditions
– a truly remarkable cornucopia in a land so
geographically small.
Georgia was forced into the Soviet bloc in
1921, disappearing behind what was later to be
known as the Iron Curtain, so that the country
was cut off from Westerners who wanted
to soak up her riches and enjoy her people.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the
movement towards democracy and economic
stability has been understandably slow, but
having got back on her feet again, Georgia is
opening her arms and her heart to the world
once more.
The time has come to discover the mythical
beauty, the cultural heritage, and the ever-friendly people that make Georgia a global treasure.
Let Georgian Discovery Tours be your guide as
the largely unexplored wonders of this small
but vibrant nation unfold before your eyes.
The geography
Georgia is bound by the alluring Black Sea
to the west, the majestic heights of the High
Caucasus to the north, the remote deserts of
Azerbaijan to the east, and the lush volcanic
hills of the Trialeti (or Lesser Caucasus range)
to the south. The climate of the country is as
diverse as its geography and cultural make-up.
The western fertile lowlands of Colchis have
a sub-tropical climate with high rainfall, and
are home to dense forests, rich tea plantations,
and acre upon acre of cornfields. The eastern
reaches beyond the Surami Mountains are
the cornucopia of the country, with the long,
hot summers providing the perfect growing
conditions for a wide variety of produce, including
the grapes for the delectable Georgian wines.
The northern part of the country is a remote
wonderland of year-round snow capped peaks,
glaciers, and rocky outcrops. Within this rich
variety, each region holds its unique charms that
should not be missed. In addition, despite its
small size, Georgia is home to a remarkable mix of
flora and fauna that help define the identity
of each region.
The people
Diversity is the word to describe the population
of Georgia. One-fourth of her people is
made up of non-ethnic Georgians, with significant Azeri, Armenian, Russian, Greek, Kurdish,
Jewish, Roma, Abkhazian, Ossete, Tatar, and
Assyrian communities making their presence
felt throughout the country. Even the majority
ethnic Kartvelians, the native Georgian-speaking
seg-ment of the population, are a heterogenous
mix of Svans, Laz, and Megrelians. So ancient
references to Georgia as being the “Mountain
of Languages” are as apt and appropriate now
as they were several thousand years ago.
As would be expected, the religious practices
of Georgians are also widely diverse. Despite
the fact that 97% of the population profess
to be Christian Orthodox, the varying traditions
throughout the country and the presence
of significant Catholic, Armenian Gregorian,
Islamic, and Jewish peoples attest to high levels
of religious variety and tolerance. After years of
[ continued on page 14 ]
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PLACES TO SEE; PLACES TO EXPERIENCE
1 Uplistsikhe
The town of Uplistsikhe, located near Gori, hewn from sandstone in the sixteenth
century BC, is the oldest known cave town in Georgia. More than one hundred rooms,
a palace, a central street, remnants of a freshwater and sewer system, an antique
theatre, wine presses, and a pharmacy are still visible today.
2 Vardzia
Vardzia is one of the most fascinating remnants of a medieval cave town. In its heyday,
an average of six thousand monks used to live here, and in times of war, up to fifty
thousand people took refuge in the caves. An earthquake destroyed much of the
complex in the thirteenth century, so that nowadays only a small, but nonetheless
fascinating, part can be visited. The unique fresco of King Tamar and his father, King
George III, are well worth a visit.
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3 Academy of Gelati
Built in the twelfth century AD, this extensive monastery complex, was the most significant cultural centre in the region in medieval times. Still visible at the site are its unique
mosaics and frescoes. The main church houses the grave of perhaps the most famous
Georgian of all, King David Aghmashenebeli (“The Builder”).
4 Ikalto Academy
This medieval monastery, built in the sixth century AD, was one of the most significant
cultural and educational centres of Georgia’s Golden Age, and was home to many of
the country’s most brilliant intellectuals and philosophers. Legend has it that even
Shota Rustaveli, author of The Knight in the Panther Skin, studied here. The academy
complex is home to three churches, all of which merit a visit.
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5 Ananuri
The fortified residence of the rulers of Aragvi is known for its church, castle and
charming bell tower. It is located on the military highway between Georgia and Russia,
overlooking a magnificent artificial lake whose colour varies between emerald and
turquoise depending on the weather. A relief representing the tree of life completes
the complex, which bears witness to the refined sense of style and artistic taste of its
creators.
6 Nicortsminda Church
Nicortsminda, located on the edge of the Racha region, is a huge and magnificently
decorated church that overlooks a small peasant village. Dating from the reign of King
Bagrat III in the eleventh century AD, this church contains magnificent examples of
fine carvings and relief compositions on its outer walls, while beautiful frescoes adorn
the interior.
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7 Metekhi Church
This majestic church sits on the edge of the steep banks of the Mtkvari River in the
centre of Tbilisi. Built on a foundation of solid rock, the impressive statue of King
Vakhtang Gorgasali, founder of the city of Tbilisi and purported builder of the church,
dominates the landscape. Although its origins go back much further, the present church
was reconstructed after the thirteenth-century Mongol invasions.
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8 Bagrati Temple
This famous temple’s name comes from its founder and builder, King Bagrat III, the first
king of a united Georgia. Although it has been destroyed several times, most recently in
1696 during the Turkish invasions, this monument of high historical and artistic value
occupies a leading role in medieval Georgian art, a fact recognized by UNESCO when
it was given World Heritage Site status.
9 Tsinandali
This elegant wooden villa used to be the residence of Alexander Chavchavadze, a
nineteenth-century nobleman who played an important role in the political, cultural,
and intellectual life of Georgia at that time. The house, which contains a small museum,
is surrounded by a lush and extensive park. The estate also includes old wine cellars.
10 David Garedja
In ancient Georgian, the word “udabno” meant both a secluded monastery and a
remote, unpopulated place. Both terms apply equally well to this Georgian treasure,
which was founded by St. David, one of the Syriac Fathers, in the middle of a vast
wilderness. For centuries the Garedja monastery has been a significant religious and
cultural centre, most famous for its school of painting, whose frescoes are on display
throughout the complex.
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11 Djvari of Mtskheta
With its splendid view over the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers, this temple,
constructed in the sixth century AD and named after “djvari”, the Georgian word for
cross, is a landmark of early Christianity in Georgia. King Mirian erected the first cross
in the country shortly after his conversion to Christianity by St. Nino.
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12 Gergeti Monastery and Mount Kazbegi
From Gergeti Trinity Church, which overlooks the Kazbegi village and its surroundings
from a hilltop, you get a breathtaking view of the Caucasian mountains, including
Mount Kazbegi, one of the five 5,000-metre-high peaks in the Caucasus. Legend has
it that Prometheus was chained on Mount Kazbegi as he was punished for providing
humans with fire.
13 Alaverdi
Until very recently the tallest church in the country, Alaverdi is a sight to behold.
Overlooking the Alazani Valley throughout most of the tumultuous history of the
Kakheti region, it has withstood the invasions of hostile empires and has seen numerous
battles around it. Equipped with a strong defensive wall, it contains baths and separate
barracks for soldiers. Every year the people of the region honour their local source of
pride in one of their greatest religious celebrations, the “alaverdoba”.
14 Towers of Svaneti
The enigmatic profiles of these medieval tower-houses immediately capture the
traveler’s eye. In former times when blood feuds were common, they served as
defensive strongholds and places of refuge. Today, their architectural and historical
value has earned the region an entry in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
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Name of the state
Capital
Geographical position
Surface
Population
Currency
Official state language
Main religion
Communist repression, people are returning to
their religious roots once again, with numerous
monasteries now being re-opened and with
new churches springing up all over the country.
The history
Georgian history has been rich and eventful, to
put it mildly. The spectacular discovery of the
skeletal remains of a homo erectus in the southeast of the country in 2000 has pushed the
clock of human habitation in Georgia back to
its start 1.7 million years.
In more recent history, Georgia has been
the target of numerous attempts at imperial
conquest. As Georgians grew accustomed to
having to defend their way of life, the
cultural traditions of Georgia and its sense of
identity deepened and became entrenched
as an instinctive response to foreign threats. In
the twelfth century AD under the rule of King
David Aghmashenebeli (“The Builder”) and his
descendants, Georgia experienced a remarkable Golden Age during which literature, art,
poetry, music, and science flourished. During
this era, the kingdom was united, expansion
was unprecedented, and external threats were
successfully held in check.
Intenecine fights and foreign invasions
eventually brought this period to an end,
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however, and Georgia came under the rule of
several powerful outside actors. The most recent
of these was the two-hundred-year period of
Russian domination that began in 1801, firstly
as an imperial, then as a communist occupation.
Georgia only regained its independence with
the collapse of the Soviet bloc at the end of the
last century.
After an initial period of political upheaval,
civil war and economic collapse, the country
has finally achieved the political and economic
stability required to grow and develop in the
free-market system. The “Rose Revolution” of
November 2003 saw the end of the last remnants of the Communist system. The path towards peace, democracy, and closer integration
with both Europe and the West now seems to
have been opened up.
History is present at every corner in Georgia.
Wherever you go in this amazing country, you
will experience the lasting legacy of a very
rich past shared with some of the greatest
civilizations the world has ever seen.
Culture
Georgia’s unique history and strategic location
have given rise to an equally fascinating and
deep cultural heritage. The cross-pollination
of both Eastern and Western traditions, when
Sakartvelo (Georgia)
Tbilisi
41°– 44° N; 40°– 47°E
69,000 km²
4.5 million
Georgian lari (GEL)
Georgian
(Abkhazian in the Abkhazian Autonomous Republic)
Georgian Orthodox
combined with the traditions of the local
mountain people, has permitted a variety
of cultural marvels to flower. The Georgian
language, the only Caucasian one that has a
written form, still uses an alphabet originally
developed in the third century BC. It is one of
the fourteen different principal scripts that are
in use around the world. A host of literary works,
in both poetry and prose, pay tribute to the rich
intellectual heritage of the country, with several
works of worldwide renown, including Shota
Rustaveli’s landmark twelfth-century work, The
Knight in the Panther Skin.
The spread of Christianity into Georgia
in the fourth century AD was driven by the
decision of missionaries and the established
Church to evangelize in the Georgian tongue.
Unlike other areas of the Christian world where
Latin was the language of the Church, people in
Georgia received their spiritual instruction and
attended their religious rituals in the vernacular,
strengthening their ability to identify with their
faith, and creating specialized nuances unique
to Georgia. To this day, many of the churches
throughout the country – such as in Tbilisi,
where there are more than five hundred of
them – contain frescoes, inscriptions, and artistic
relief work bearing witness to the richly local
flavour of Georgian religious practices. The
truly splendid Bagrati Church, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site near Kutaisi, provides a perfect
example of this and should not be missed by
anyone visiting the country.
Georgia offers an equally rich “worldly”
heritage as well. As the global cradle of
viticulture and wine-making, perhaps one of the
most important Georgian contributions to life
in its richest and fullest sense has been the
word “wine”, which comes from the Georgian
word “ghvino” . More than five hundred different
types of grapes are still cultivated throughout
the country, and traditional wine-making techniques are still used alongside modern methods.
Wine is an essential part of the traditional
Georgian feast and is something you will no
doubt be offered with great frequency along your
journey throughout the country. The hospitality
of the Georgian people is best summed up in the
saying, “When a guest comes it is like sunrise.
When he leaves, it is like sunset for his host.”
Guests are spoilt with the most amazing variety
of regional culinary specialties, combining to
provide true feasts, often accompanied by music
and the toasts of the “tamada” (the master of
the table).
THE BLACK SEA COAST
A truly relaxing experience …
places worth visiting in Batumi
Botanical Gardens and Green Cape
Waterfront boulevard
Gonio castle
Adjaran hills and rivers
Kobuleti night life
Black sands and fun fair in Ureki
Sarpi beach near the Turkish border
Batumi, situated on the Black Sea coast
near the Turkish border, is the ideal
point of departure for a discovery of both
the seaside and the Adjaran mountains.
With its charming, white, two-storey buildings,
the town still radiates the colonial atmosphere
of its past. Reminiscent of past Turkish rule,
British and French business activities, and
Russian immigration, Batumi is marked by a
striking mixture of different cultures. While the
street cafes and the waterfront boulevard invite
the passersby for a cup of Turkish coffee and a
piece of “pakhlava”, the international seaport is
a hive of busy commercial activity.
Naturally, the high season of the Adjaran
coast is the summer – the best time to swim,
sunbathe and generally have fun. Especially in
the village of Kobuleti, a wide range of local
hotels and private guesthouses offer comfortable
rooms to the many tourists from within Georgia
and abroad. Nightlife is busy here – you can
dance to the hit songs of the year, as well as
to the traditionally inspired tunes of this corner
of Georgia. In Batumi, where numerous open
air concerts and festivals take place, the best
activity of an evening is just to stroll along the
famous waterfront boulevard, watch the musical
fountains and enjoy the view of the illuminated
ships in the harbour.
If you want to take a break from the busy
beach life, Gonio castle, a few kilometers southwest of Batumi, offers you a journey into the past.
Known already by the ancient Greeks, it gained
importance as the base of a Roman garrison.
It remained inhabited throughout the Middle
Ages and eventually became a citrus plantation
during Soviet times. Alternatively, you may want
to take a short drive upstream to enjoy a picnic
and a refreshing bath in the waters of the River
Adjaristskhali, or take a casual walk around the
botanical gardens overlooking the sea from the
hilltop of Green Cape.
Whatever you chose, Adjara offers you a
myriad of opportunities to enjoy a relaxing holiday
in an area that combines the fun of a beach
resort with the cultural riches of a historic site.
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A JIGSAW OF LANDSCAPES
The ultimate discovery …
Nicortsminda Church Nicortsminda, located on the edge of
the Racha region, is a huge and magnificently decorated church
that overlooks a small peasant village. Dating from the reign of
King Bagrat III in the eleventh century AD, this church contains
magnificent examples of fine carvings and relief compositions
on its outer walls, while beautiful frescoes adorn the interior.
The Caucasus doesn’t only bring
together an incredible mix of people and
cultures, it also has a wide variety
of landscapes that will both dazzle and
impress you.
These fascinating landscapes are reflected in the
varying styles of their houses, local traditions,
and cuisine. On this tour we will give you a taste
of the cultures, people, and landscapes of the
most scenic regions of the country. You will be
truly amazed by the diversity present in such a
small country.
We will start exploring these contrasts
by moving from the semi-deserts of Garedja,
located in the border zone between Georgia
and Azerbaijan, to the fertile and lush Alazani
Valley in the Kakheti region. The next part of the
journey will focus on the remarkable shifts in
elevation within the country. Starting from the
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plains, we will make our way up the foothills
to reach the jagged, snowcapped peaks of the
Greater Caucasus. In so doing, we will leave
the heat of the Kakhetian valleys behind us and
once again witness magnificent geographical,
cultural, and biological shifts as we approach
the cool and windy mountain gorges of Kazbegi
and its surroundings.
Then we move from the alpine zones of
the northern mountains, through the green hills
of the Lesser Caucasus, where mineral springs
and numerous rivers irrigate extensive woods,
to the seemingly boundless plains of SamtskheJavakheti. Here we will find a landscape that
is dominated by dry and sparse vegetation and
rough cliffs. The tour will then continue across
the Goderdzi Pass into the rolling hills of Adjara.
In the villages that line the road down to the
coastal town of Batumi, the bountiful gardens
and orchards will strike you with their freshness
and beauty. In the damp climate of the coastal
regions, the tea and citrus plantations present
a striking contrast to the arid and desolate
regions further east. On the last part of our
journey we will take you from the wetlands of
the Colchic plains up into the western section
of the Greater Caucasus, where snowcapped
heights beautifully contrast with the red earth
of the valleys and the soft, wooded hills below.
The wide topographical diversity has served
to nourish lifestyles and traditions that are
uniquely adapted to every region of the country.
In the Tusheti region, the rough climate of the
mountains has meant that houses are made of
stone and huddle together for protection from
the elements. In the Guria region, the ground
is wet, and houses are built on stilts; in Adjara,
near the Turkish border, every village has its
mosque and minaret; while the Kazbegi and
Kakheti regions are full of fortified churches and
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Arrival in Tbilisi
Tbilisi city tour
Excursion to the Kakheti region
Excursion to Kazbegi
Transfer via Ananuri to Gori, sightseeing
Excursion from Borjomi to Vardzia
Transfer via Goderdzi Pass to Adjara
Batumi city tour, sightseeing
Transfer via Lechkhumi and Racha to Tbilisi
monasteries. This tour will give you the feeling
that you are crossing from East to West – and
back again – as you explore a wide variety of
landscapes.
SNOWCOCK & CO.
Discovering Georgia’s bird life ...
The Caucasus region forms a land bridge
between the very different regions
of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
When crossing the zone between
the two regions from north to south, one
encounters remarkable topographical
shifts, incredible varieties of habitats
and tremendous biodiversity.
So rich are the flora and fauna of the region
that the Caucasus has been declared a world
biodiversity hotspot. The vast array of both
migrant and indigenous birds that can be found
in the region provide a perfect microcosm of this
abundance.
On Georgian territory alone there are
more than 350 birds species throughout the
year. A bird-watching adventure in Georgia will
be a complete delight, with sights and sounds
to thrill everyone from the most amateur to
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Arrival in Tbilisi
Tbilisi city tour
Transfer to Kazbegi, observation
Observation around Kazbegi
Observation in Kazbegi, transfer to Poti
Observation in Kolkheti National Park
Transfer to David Garedja, observation
Observation around David Garedja
Excursion to Sighnaghi, observation
Transfer to Tbilisi, excursion to Mtskheta
the most dedicated of birdwatchers. Besides
three endemic species – the Caucasian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caucasicus), the Caucasian
Black Grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi), and Phylloscopus lorenzii, – several other varieties of birds
that are on the verge of extinction in Europe
thrive and are relatively easily observable in
Georgia.
During this bird-watching tour, you
will experience bird life in three different
habitats. Around Kazbegi, you will encounter the typical alpine species, such as Redbilled and Yellow-billed Coughs, Caucasian
Chaffinches, Bearded and Griffon Vultures,
Great and Scarlet Rosefinches, Güldenstädt’s
Redstarts, Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons,
Chukars, Red-fronted Serins, Horned Larks,
Rufous-tailed Scrubrobins, Alpine Accentors,
White-winged Snowfinches, and Wallcreepers,
not to mention two of the above-mentioned
Photo: Jan-Michael Beider
David Garedja In ancient Georgian, the word “udabno” meant
both a monastery and a remote, unpopulated place. Both terms
apply equally well to this Georgian treasure, which was founded
by St. David, one of the Syriac Fathers, in the middle of a vast
wilderness. For centuries the Garedja monastery has been a
significant religious and cultural centre, most famous for its
school of painting, whose frescoes are on display throughout
the entire complex.
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endemic species.
The next stage of the tour will take you
into a completely different landscape. In the
semi-desert region of Garedja, you will have
the chance to see species such as European
Griffons, European Vultures, Imperial Eagles,
Rollers, Hoopoos, Blue Rock Thrushes, RoseColoured Starlings, Long-legged Buzzards,
Cinereous Vultures, Short-toed Snake Eagles,
Saker Falcons, and a large population of Bee
Eaters. As an added bonus, a wide variety of
Passerines are also present in this area.
As is clearly apparent, Georgia has joined
the must-see list of places to visit for birdwatchers in the know. With its reliable cars,
experienced drivers, and expert guides, Georgian
Discovery Tours will allow you to pursue your
hobby uninterrupted while we expertly handle
all the logistical details. We will make sure
you cover all the highlights, yet we will be
flexible enough to allow you to focus on the
birds you most want to see. Join us to enjoy
an unforgettable stay in the unspoilt natural
environment that bridges Europe and Asia.
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GEORGIA & ARMENIA
Discover two neighbours at once …
For all those who are fascinated with the
South Caucasus and would like to see
both Georgia and Armenia, this tour offers
a chance to discover both of the neighbouring countries at once.
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It will give you the opportunity to experience
the differences and similarities between them,
and to enjoy the best each of them can offer.
After you experience your first impression
of urban life in Georgia with a Tbilisi city tour,
this round trip takes you into the High Caucasus.
You will visit the main cultural sites along the
Georgian military highway – the ancient capital
of Mtskheta and the fortified castle of Ananuri.
Later, Mount Kazbegi gives you a flavour of what
a mythical mountain looks like, so that you look
forward to the prospect of biblical Mount Ararat.
In the next part of the tour, your comfortable car
takes you through the Lesser Caucasus towards
Yerevan. What a contrast in landscapes!
Armenia, or “Hayasa” in Armenian, is a small,
landlocked country south of Georgia, situated
1,000 meters above sea level. It is made up
of a marvellous pattern of different landscapes,
ranging from rough and dry plateaus to lush and
fertile hills and valleys. It is here that the famous
pomegranates, persimmons, mazzards, apricots,
and peaches grow – not to forget the grapes that
make Armenian brandy truly excellent, and well
worth a taste. In many ways, Armenia is exceptional,
be it for its early conversion to Christianity, its
tormented history, its entrepreneurial people, or
its warm hospitality.
Having been exposed to some of Armenias’s
most interesting cultural and historical characteristics, you will then return to Georgia to be
taken to the final highlight of your two-country
tour: the Kakheti region with its rich history
and great traditions. Crowning the visit to the
monastery of David Garedja – carved into the
rock and decorated with unrivaled frescoes – a
farewell dinner held according to all the rules of
the art of Georgian hospitality gives you a last
and lasting impression of this unique part of the
world. Gaumardjos! Genatsoot!
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Arrival in Tbilisi
Tbilisi city tour
Transfer via Mtskheta and Ananuri to Gudauri
Excursion around Kazbegi
Transfer to Yerevan
Yerevan city tour and visit to Garni
and Geghard Temples
Visit to Echmiadzin Temple and museum,
and to a brandy factory
Visits to Haghartsin Cathedral and
Haphpat Monastery, transfer to Tbilisi
and the Kakheti region
farewell dinner, departure from Tbilisi
MORE SERVICES
FURTHER READING
An intellectual discovery …
Accommodation
Georgian Discovery Tours arranges bookings
at the hotels of your choice in Tbilisi and
throughout the country, for all your private or
business needs.
Anything from high-end hotels to simple
guesthouses are available in Tbilisi and Batumi.
In other cities, Georgian Discovery Tours
recommends comfortable mid-level hotels or
guesthouses.
Air tickets and airport transfer
Georgian Discovery Tours books your flights
between Tbilisi and all major destinations in the
world.
Currently, Georgia can be reached with
Air Baltic (Riga), Austrian Airlines (Vienna),
Lufthansa (Munich), Turkish Airways (Istanbul),
Germania (Düsseldorf/Cologne – a low-cost
carrier), and many others.
Upon arrival in Georgia, Georgian Discovery Tours will ensure a smooth transfer to your
hotel.
Limousine service
As a member of the European Limousine and
Bus Service network, Georgian Discovery Tours
is your preferred reliable local partner for any
transfer within Georgia and in the wider region
(Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey).
Georgian Discovery Tours operates Toyota
Land Cruiser Prado (2005), and Mercedes Benz
E-220 (2000) vehicles. Passenger insurance is
included.
Travel guides
· Burford, Tim. 2002. Georgia with Armenia.
2nd edition. Bucks: Bradt Travel Guides.
· Rosen, Roger. 2004. Georgia: A Sovereign
Country of the Caucasus. Leicester: Odyssey
Publications.
Literature
· Duve, Freimut and Heidi Tagliavini. 2001.
Caucasus Defense of the Future. Vienna and
Bozen: OSCE Representative on Freedom of
the Media.
· Rustaveli, Shota. n.d. The Knight in the Panther
Skin. Various editions.
· Said, Kurban. 2000. Ali and Nino. London:
Vintage.
· Stevenson, Wendell. 2002. Stories I Stole.
London: Atlantic Books.
Academic literature
· Hanf, Theodor and Ghia Nodia. 2000. Georgia:
Lurching to Democracy. Baden-Baden: Nomos
Verlagsgesellschaft.
· Suny, Ronald Grigor. 1994. The Making of the
Georgian Nation. 2 nd edition. Bloomington and
Indianapolis: Indiana University Press.
Film
· Bertucelli, Julie. 2003. Depuis qu’Otar est parti.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Accommodation
We offer nights at higher mid-level and top-class
hotels that offer a high standard of service and
accommodation. In Tbilisi, we accommodate our
guests in four- to five-star hotels. In the regions,
hotels of this type are not always available.
In such cases, we opt for simple, clean, and
friendly hotels or guesthouses. Generally, a
double room with toilet and bath or shower is
at your disposal.
Prices
The price includes:
· All meals as listed in the itinerary
· All transfers and transportation on Georgian
territory
· Accommodation in double rooms (where
appropriate)
· Passenger insurance
· Experienced English-speaking guide
· Entrance fees and local guides
· Tips
· Expert lecturers
· Staff expenses
The price does not include:
· Any extra services not specified in the
itinerary
· High-percentage alcoholic drinks
· Additional tours and transportation
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· Entry visa for Georgia
· Flight ticket to and from Georgia
· Travel insurance
Meals
Meals are a mixture of Georgian and Western
cuisine. We try our best to offer our guests
mostly Georgian food. We offer meals in good
restaurants and cafés in the various locations.
During the tour we do our best to take our
clients to a diversity of restaurants. If you have
specific dietary needs, we recommend that you
contact us in advance and inform us about
what you require. Georgia has a very rich eating
culture, and every region has its own special
meals and wines. You should be able to taste
the difference, because food and drinks are
a part of the culture you will discover during
your trip. Non-alcoholic beverages and wine in
moderate quantities are included in the price.
However, you have to cover any high-percentage
alcoholic drinks.
Transport
All our tours use Toyota Land Cruiser Prados
(2005), and third-party passenger insurance is
included in the cost of the tour. An experienced
driver and at times a travel guide accompany
the guests. To ensure the highest levels of
comfort, smoking aboard the vehicles is not
allowed. We kindly request our guests to respect
this regulation. Regular smoking stops will be
scheduled for those who do smoke.
to +33°C. Some days are spent in mountainous
areas where the weather is variable. Here the
temperature can change from +20°C in the
afternoon to +5°C at night.
Guides and interpreters
On your tour, you will be accompanied by an
experienced professional guide and English
interpreter. Interpreters for other languages are
provided upon request.
Health matters
The pace of the tours can be tiring, due to
factors such as change of diet, change of
environment and temperature, high altitude (on
some itineraries), the distances traveled, and
busy days. There is a considerable amount of
walking (e.g. sightseeing tours of several hours
without returning to the hotel), including up
and down steps and over uneven paths to sites.
Georgian Discovery Tours is equipped with a
first-aid kit at all times, and medical assistance
is available throughout the country, but we
recommend that you bring enough of your
personal medicines with you. No vaccinations
are required for entry into Georgia. However,
it is advisable that you have your tetanus
and polio vaccinations up to date, and that
you carry an international vaccination pass.
For any special requests, in particular allergies,
please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss
the nature of your journey and any concerns
prior to booking or departure. During the
trip, contact your guide in good time should
need arise.
Group size
Our specialty is “boutique travelling”, i.e.
personalized individual tours. Therefore, we
have no minimum number of guests to run a
tour. Please note, however, that the price for a
tour for a single person is higher than the price
per person on a tour with more participants. Our
upper limit for a tour is usually eight people.
Beyond that, it is difficult to maintain the
quality we offer. Please contact us for specific
price quotations on your desired tour.
Climate
The best season for a holiday in Georgia is from
late April to late October, unless you want to
do a little winter skiing! The average daytime
temperature in May, September, and October is
about +20°C to +25°C, and in summer, +28°C
GENERAL INFORMATION
Visa and passport
For the citizens of some countries, a visa for
entry into Georgia is required, but not for the
citizens of Europe (Schengen), Switzerland, the
United States or Japan. A visa can be obtained
at the Georgian Embassy in your country. You
may also obtain your visa upon arrival at Tbilisi
Airport. The price of a visa varies between USD
15 and USD 80, depending on the location.
Please inform us about your citizenship so
that we can advise you regarding visa requirements. All visitors to Georgia have to be in
possession of a passport valid until six months
after your return from Georgia.
Insurance
Our rates do not include insurance, except
a third-party liability insurance for the vehicle.
It is therefore essential that you are covered
by medical and personal insurance throughout the period of your tour. The policy should
include hospitalization, repatriation, medical
expenses, and loss or theft of baggage, as
well as cover for the cancellation of your trip.
In other words, it has to cover all the cases
mentioned by the “booking conditions”. You
should always carry a copy of your insurance
policy with you.
How to get to Tbilisi
Direct flights to Tbilisi are available from
London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam,
Istanbul, Prague, Tel Aviv, Moscow, Kiev, Athens,
and major cities in the former Soviet Union.
These flights are operated by Georgian Airways,
British Airways, Austrian Airlines, KLM, Turkish
Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Baltic, and other air
companies. If you are travelling by land, you can
enter Georgia from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia,
or Russia. We will be happy to recommend the
best options for your travel to Georgia, and to
arrange a flight ticket for you.
Personal expenses and tips
You will only need extra money for items of a
personal nature that are not included in the
price of the tour. All meals, accommodation,
and transfers within Georgia are included
in the tour price. US dollars or euros may be
exchanged almost everywhere, while Swiss
francs are exchanged at specific banks in Tbilisi.
Major credit cards can be used in Tbilisi and
Kutaisi at banks and cash machines. But please
note that not many restaurants or shops accept
credit cards. Traveller schecks can be exchanged
in larger banks in the major cities. You do not
need to worry about tipping, as this is included
in the tour price.
Electricity
In Georgia, the current is 220 volts, and the
plugs are of European style. Guests from other
counties are advised to bring an adapter with
them.
Security
Crime, unrest, and illegal activities may affect
tourists in Georgia as much as anywhere else
in the world. However, there are no imminent
or serious threats to tourists in the region. The
regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, where
political tensions are high, are not part of any
of the tours we offer. Should any serious threats
arise in one of the regions on the programme,
we will suggest an alternative itinerary. We
advise our guests to be careful when walking
in crowded areas or at night. Generally, it
is recommended to follow the advice of the
guide.
Safety
Avoiding risk is one of the most important aims
of the company. We usually avoid travelling
at night. Please note: the company works on
the basis that each guest is aware of the risks
and accepts them. He/she acknowledges the
obligation to respect all the rules and regulations
given to him/her before and during the trip, and
to respect the guide’s decisions and advice at
all times.
Photographs and videos
With the exception of a few sites, it is generally
permitted to take photographs. Films of the
most common brands are available in the
bigger cities. You might want to bring your own
batteries, as it might take time to get them in
Georgia, especially outside the bigger cities.
Please show the necessary respect when taking
pictures of local people.
Booking conditions
Please read carefully the annex to the general
conditions, the programme information and
itinerary, and the service outline. Please note:
if you are not satisfied with a service (hotel
room, car, tour guide, etc.), please report this
immediately to the responsible person on site.
Once you have accepted the service, it will be
difficult to make a change or to get a refund.
Acknowledgements | Concept: George Sulashvili and Barbara
Gimelli Sulashvili Design: www.gutundschoen.ch, Beatrice
Kaufmann Text: Georgian Discovery Tours Photos: Georgian
Discovery Tours, Beatrice Kaufmann, Jan-Michael Beider, Misha
Shomakhia, Dato Buachidze, Salome Lienert Maps: Geoland,
Beatrice Kaufmann Copy-edit: Alex Potter Proof-reading:
Tania Inowlocki Print: Cavelti Druck und Media, Gossau,
Switzerland © 2007
21
BOOKING CONDITIONS
1. Field of application of the general contract and
booking conditions
1.1.
These general contract and booking conditions
settle the legal relations between the Client and Georgian
Discovery Tours (hereafter GDT) for trips organized by GDT,
as well as for all the other services offered by GDT.
1.2.
These general contract and booking conditions are
not applied on the following trips and services: only flight
arrangements made by GDT are subject to the general
contract and the transportation conditions of the airlines
providing transport. If GDT or its booking offices arrange
for trips or individual services to be provided by other tour
operators, the Client concludes the contract with these
companies, and their contract and travel conditions apply.
In all these cases, GDT is not a contracting party.
2. Conclusion of the contract
2.1.
The contract between the Client and GDT is concluded
by the unreserved acceptance of the written, telephone, or
personal booking of the Client at his/her booking office or at
GDT. After this, the rights and duties of the contract (together
with these general contract and booking conditions) come
into force for both the Client and GDT.
2.2.
Special requests are subject to the contract only if they
have been accepted and confirmed without reservation in
writing by the booking office or GDT.
3. Prices and terms of payment
3.1.
Prices: The Client can ascertain the prices for the trip
arrangements from the GDT price list. The prices for trip
arrangements are given in USD for one person in a double
room if nothing else is mentioned in the price list. For price
changes, see clause 6.
3.2.
Terms of payment: The costs of the trip are due
according to the booking and payable before departure.
If payment is not received by the due date, GDT has the
right to refuse the travel service and to cancel the contract,
as well as to claim the refund of the cancellation costs
22
according to clauses 4.2.–4.4.
3.3.
Fee for consultation and reservation by the booking
office: GDT wishes to point out to the Client that his/
her booking office can charge supplementary costs for
consultation and reservation in addition to the prices listed
in the brochure.
4. Conditions of cancellation and changes
4.1.
In general: If the Client wishes to cancel, to change,
or alter his/her booked trip, he/she must inform the booking
office or GDT personally or in writing by registered letter. At
the same time, he/she has to return the already received trip
documentation to the booking office or GDT.
4.2.
Administrative charge: In case of a cancellation, a
change, or an alteration to the trip, a handling charge of
USD 500.00 per person is levied (if the trip price is lower,
the trip price is the maximum of such a levy). To this amount,
necessary costs for phone, fax, telex and telegram, as well
as for documentation, travel books, maps, etc. and costs for
cancellation or other alteration of flight tickets and other
services are added. These handling charges are usually
not covered by the compulsory cancellation insurance (see
clause 10).
4.3.
Costs of cancellations: If the Client cancels, changes,
or alters his/her trip fewer than 50 days before departure,
he/she incurs the following cancellation costs:
· 49–21 days before departure: 25% of the arrangement price
· 20–8 days before departure: 50% of the arrangement price
· 7–1 day before departure: 100% of the arrangement price
· Departure day: 100% of the arrangement price
· No-show, late arrival or arrival without the necessary travel
documents: 100% of the arrangement price.
4.4.
Insurance for cancellation and return trip costs:
Each Client is obliged to be insured against the possible
consequences of a whole or partial cancellation of the trip
by taking out a private insurance for the costs of cancellation
and the return trip (according to clause 10).
5. Trips to dangerous regions
It is possible that there are social and political tensions as
well as risks arising from the climate and the sanitary
conditions in Georgia. Being on the spot, GDT has excellent
knowledge of all the destinations. GDT refuses to organize
a trip if a considerable, real, and imminent danger might
endanger the Client’s life or well-being, except when the
Client fully accepts the risks and GDT is given a waiver.
GDT’s assessment that a trip can be carried out without
a considerable, real, or imminent risk to the Client will be
based on GDT’s knowledge of the region and the best
information provided by local partners.
At the time of the reservation, GDT or the booking office will
inform the Client about the special risks in the regions and
cities to be visited that are not common knowledge, so that
he/she can make his/her decision to go on the trip to the
best of his/her knowledge. If the situation in the regions
and cities to be visited changes considerably between the
confirmation of the booking and the departure, then the
Client will be informed immediately. If GDT is no longer able
to organize the whole or the major part of the trip, clause
6.3 applies.
6. Changes to the programme or the price or the trip;
cancellation of the whole or a part of the trip by GDT
6.1.
Changes prior to conclusion of the contract: GDT
explicitly reserves the right to change details or descriptions
of services or prices in the brochure or in the price list prior
to booking. In such a case, the Client will be informed
about these changes by the booking office or GDT prior to
conclusion of the contract.
6.2.
Changes to the price and programme after conclusion
of the contract: In exceptional cases, an increase of the price
of a trip is possible. Price increases can arise from
a) Later increase of the transportation costs (including
supplementary charges for fuel);
b) New or increased state taxes or charges (for example,
airport and other taxes, landing fees, boarding and
disembarkation fees, etc.);
c) Changes to the exchange rate;
d) Price increases ordered by the state (for example, valueadded tax).
A change to the costs of the travel services can be passed on to the
Client, and the trip price can increase correspondingly. GDT
will make the price increase up to 22 days prior to departure
at the latest. If the price increase is more than 10%, the
Client is entitled to the rights laid down in clause 6.3.
Changes to the programme: If a significant change to an essential
part of the contract is necessary after the conclusion of the
contract and prior to departure, the Client will immediately
be informed. In such circumstances, he/she has the rights
laid down in clause 6.3.
6.3.
The Client’s rights in case of changes to the programme
and prices after conclusion of the contract: The Client has
the following rights if the change to the programme or of
single agreed services leads to a considerable change to an
essential part of the contract or if the price increase is more
than 10%:
a) He/she can accept the change to the contract;
b) He/she can withdraw from the contract by doing so in
writing up to 5 days after having been notified by GDT and
the already paid trip price will immediately be refunded to
him/her;
c) He/she can inform GDT in writing within 5 days after
having been notified that he/she wants to participate in
another equivalent trip proposed by GDT. GDT will try its
best to offer the Client such a trip. If the alternative trip
is cheaper than the original trip, the price difference will
be refunded to the Client. If the alternative trip is more
expensive, only the originally fixed price has to be paid.
If the Client does not inform GDT according to sub-clause b) or
c), he/she agrees to the price increase, the change to the
programme or of single agreed services.
6.4.
Cancellation for reasons caused by the Client: GDT is
entitled to cancel the whole trip or parts of it if the Client
gives GDT grounds to do so. In this case, GDT refunds the
Client the already made payments after deducting the cost
of services he/she has already received. Further claims by the
Client are excluded, except costs of cancellation according
to clause 4.2.ff. and claims for damages.
7. Breaking off the trip
If the customer is forced to break off or cut short his/her trip,
the price of the arranged trip cannot be refunded. In urgent
cases (illness or accident affecting the Client; serious illness,
accident to or death of a close relative of the Client), the
GDT organization or the local GDT agency or the person in
charge will help as much as possible to organize an early
return trip. The Client has to pay potential additional costs
for the return transport, etc.
8. Complaints
8.1.
Rights and responsibilities in case of complaints or
request for help: If the trip does not fulfil the contract or
if the Client suffers damage as a result of the trip,
he/she is entitled and obliged to complain immediately
to the GDT organization, the local GDT agency, or the
person in charge about this fault or damage and ask for
gratuitous help.
8.2.
The GDT organization, the local GDT agency, or the
person in charge will do his/her/its best to help within 12
hours. If there is no help within this time, or if help is not
possible or insufficient, then the Client must ask for a written
confirmation of the faults or damage and of the fact that
the GDT organization, the local GDT agency, or the person
in charge did not provide any help. The GDT organization,
the local GDT agency, or the person in charge is obliged to
write down the facts presented by and the complaints of the
Client, but is not entitled to accept claims for damages and
the like. This is a necessary condition for later compensation
claims by the Client and enables the GDT organization, the
local GDT agency, or the person in charge in most cases to
help.
8.3.
Self-remedy: If GDT does not help within 12 hours and
if the fault is not minor, the Client is entitled to help him/herself. The corresponding costs will be refunded to him/
her within the bounds of the originally agreed trip (hotel
category, means of transport, etc.) and against receipts,
provided he/she has complained about the faults and asked
for written confirmation of such complaints (clauses 8.1.
and 8.2). (For the extent of the claim for damages, see
clause 9.)
8.4.
Assertion of claims against GDT: If the Client wishes to
claim faults, refunds or damages against GDT, he/she must
present GDT with his/her complaints in writing within 30
days after the contractual end of the trip. The confirmations
of the GDT organization of the trip, and of the local GDT
agency or the person in charge must be enclosed. If he/she
does not complain about the faults, etc. and record them in
writing (clause 8.2.), he/she forfeits all the rights for selfhelp, reduction of the trip price, compensatory damages, etc.
The same applies if the Client does not assert his/her claims
in writing to GDT within 30 days after the contractual end
of the trip.
9. Liability by GDT
9.1.
In general: GDT refunds the Client the value of agreed,
but unperformed or badly performed services, or of his/her
additional expenditure as far as the GDT organization, the
local GDT agency, or the person in charge was not able to
provide replacements on the spot. (For the extent of the
claim, see clause 9.2.4.)
9.2.
Limitation of liability; exclusion of liability
9.2.1. International agreements and national laws: If there
are restrictions or exclusions applicable to the compensation
for damage resulting from non-fulfilment or improper
fulfilment of the contract in international agreements or
national laws, then GDT can refer to these and is liable only
within the bounds of these agreements and laws. There are
international agreements and national laws with limitations
and exclusions of liability in particular for transport (air
traffic, shipping on the high, seas and railway traffic).
9.2.2. Exclusion of liability: GDT is not liable where the nonfulfilment or the improper fulfilment of the contract results
from the following reasons:
a) Omissions of the Client before or during the trip;
b) Unforeseen or unavoidable omissions of a third party not
connected with the fulfilment of the contractual services;
c) Force majeure or an event that GDT, the agency or the
person in charge could not, even with all due care, foresee
or avoid. In these cases, there is no liability for damage.
9.2.3. Personal injuries, accidents, and illnesses: GDT is liable
within the bounds of these general contract and booking
conditions as well as the international agreements and
national laws for personal injuries resulting from the nonfulfilment or improper fulfilment of the contract.
9.2.4. Other damage (property and pecuniary damage, etc.):
For other damage (such as property and pecuniary damage)
resulting from non-fulfilment or improper fulfilment of the
contract, the liability of GDT is limited to twice the price of
the trip per person, except for damage caused on purpose or
as a result of gross negligence; but lower liability limits and
exclusion of liability in international agreements, in national
laws or in these general contract and booking conditions
are reserved. The liability for a wasted holiday season,
frustration, etc. is excluded.
9.2.5. Flight and shipping timetables, etc.: There is no
guarantee that timetables will be strictly adhered to. Despite
careful planning, planes, trains, and transfers can be late
(as a result of high density of traffic, traffic jams, accidents,
delayed checks at the border, adverse weather conditions,
etc.). In these cases, GDT is not liable. The Client should
consider possible delays in the planning of his/her trip.
9.3.
Events during the trip: On occasion, it is possible to
book during the trip for local events or excursions that do
not form a part of the agreed trip programme. It cannot be
ruled out that such events or excursions include risks. The
Client takes the responsibility for attending such events or
excursions. To the excursions organized by GDT, the general
contract and booking conditions are applied. If these
excursions are not organized by GDT, its tour guide or the
person in charge, the Client concludes the contract with the
companies organizing the excursions and GDT is not liable
for possible damage.
9.4.
Non-contractual liability: The relevant laws are
applicable on the non-contractual liability with reservations
of a more extensive limitation of liability or exclusion of
liability in these general contract and booking conditions.
The liability is limited for all the damage (except personal
injuries) to twice the price of the trip per person with
reservations of lower liability limits or exclusion of liability
in these general contract or booking conditions or the
applicable international agreements and national laws.
10. Insurance
If the Client is forced to cancel or cut short a trip, he/she has
to pay the cancellation costs, as well as potential additional
costs for the return journey. Therefore it is compulsory for
the Client to take out a cancellation costs and return journey
costs insurance for trips of seven or more nights. GDT also
strongly recommends to Clients the taking out of such
insurance for shorter trips.
This insurance has to cover at least what follows: cancellation or
the cutting short of the trip as a result of an accident, illness,
or death of the insured party or of a close relative, elemental
damage to the Client’s house or apartment, or if the Client
is absolutely needed at work and cannot be replaced. GDT
reminds the Client explicitly that the insurance does not
make any payments if the cancellation or cutting short of
the trip occurs as a result of reasons not covered by the
insurance policy. Even if there is insurance coverage, it is
always the Client who is obliged to pay the respective costs
to GDT, not the insurance company. Further travel insurances
(trip incidents and luggage insurance, etc.) are strongly
recommended.
11. Entry, visa and health regulations
11.1.
The booking office or GDT shall inform the Client
about the current entry regulations for a particular country.
11.2.
It is the Client’s responsibility if travel documents
have to be issued or extended or visas applied for. If a
travel document is not obtainable or is issued too late
and therefore the Client has to cancel his/her trip, the
cancellation regulations are applicable.
11.3.
The Client is responsible for observing the entry, health,
and foreign exchange control regulations of a particular
country. It is advisable to check before departure if all the
necessary documents are in the Client’s possession.
11.4.
GDT points out to the Client that he/she has to pay the
costs of the return journey in case of a refused entry. GDT
also points out to the Client the legal consequences of the
import of forbidden goods and other items.
12. Confirmation of airline tickets
If a journey is not accompanied, the Client is responsible for
a necessary confirmation of the continuation and/or return
flight. The necessary details can be found in the travel
documents. Missed confirmations can lead to the loss of the
claim to transport. Potential additional costs are chargeable
to the Client.
13. Applicable law
Georgian law is applicable on agreements between GDT and
Clients.
14. Place of jurisdiction
The headquarters of GDT is the exclusive jurisdiction for disputes
arising from agreements between GDT and the Client.
15. Organization and technical execution
Georgian Discovery Tours, 74, Chavchavadze Avenue, 0162
Tbilisi, Georgia.
Tbilisi, September 2005
23
Georgian Discovery Tours
74, Chavchavadze Avenue
0162 Tbilisi
Georgia
Phone +995 32 29 49 53
Fax
+995 32 20 40 70
www.gdt.ge
[email protected]
www.euro-limousine.ge
[email protected]
our partner near you

D I S C O V E R G E O R G I A ` S H I D D E N B E A U T Y

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