The Georgia Tusheti Party

We start the itinerary in the beautiful city of Tbilisi. Although sacked approximately forty times in a thousand years this is still a fabulously lovely city. The cultural heart of Georgia. We will spend a night at either end of your stay here. It may be a good idea to come out a day or two earlier just to appreciate what Tbilisi has to offer.

On our way into Tusheti we shall visit some cultural icons. This is Alaverdi Monastery founded in the sixth century. It has an immensity to the inside which is awe-inspiring. What we see today is mostly eleventh century.

Wine will play an important role in the itinerary. This is a culture that dates back some eight thousand years. There are around five hundred grape varieties in Georgia that we have not heard of in Europe. Wine is made in terracotta amphorae (qvevri) which are buried for temperature control. We will be working on lots of different wines and showing you how this method works.

The towers in Tusheti are defence towers like in Svaneti but here they have characteristic bee hive tops. Audrey our guide will be talking to us also about the paganism that is still practised in the mountains here. It is a fascinating culture.

Always a little bit of river crossing as we work our way up and down. There is up and down every day so you will need a certain amount of fitness for this trip as well as a certain amount of mental

The weather can turn quite quickly so it is important that you come equipped for all weathers. There will be a good packing list to help you!

Picnics are how we have lunch up the mountain. They are light and we all tuck in and get on with it! They are absolutely delicious and the settings are wonderful.