Kutaisi – Racha – Mountainous Adjara – Kutaisi
Kutaisi – Oni – Chrebalo – Adjara – Kutaisi, (5 days, 4 nights)
Day 1: Kutaisi
Arrival to Kutaisi. Meet the representative of the company. Excursion in the ancient city Kutaisi, that is more than 3 thousand years old. Visit Gelati monastery and academy, established by the great Georgian king – David IV the Builder. Gelati
Monastery has preserved a great variety of murals dating back to
XII-XVIII centuries. Therefore, the most wonderful in the architecture
of Gelati complex is its frescoes and mosaics. They travel us in ancient
past and remind of their creators. Next, excursion to the Cathedral of Bagrati
that was erected in Kutaisi during the reign of Bagrat III. It was
named after the first king of united Georgia. As a main place of the
kingdom, it was consecrated in 1003. Both Gelati monastery with Academy
and Bagrati Cathedral are included into the list of World Heritage sites
of UNESCO. Then, visit "monastery for the accomplishment of desires" – Motsameta.
Monastery overlooks the Rioni river surrounded by rugged coastline
vegetation. The legend says that Georgian dukes David and Constantine
Mkheidze were executed by Muslims for their devotion to Christianity and
the monastery is constructed at the place of their martyrdom. Dukes
David and Constantine are canonized; their relics are stored in a large
rectangular ark on a dais in the small hall of the monastery. People
believe that if you wish something, crawl under the ark three times and
venerate holy relics, your wish will come true. Excursion in the Prometheus castor cave.
According to the legend, Prometheus was chained on the rock because he
gave fire to humanity. The cave is located 5 km northwest of the city of
Tskhaltubo. It was discovered in the early 80's of the
twentieth century. It is one of the most attractive caves, thanks to
its underwater rivers and landscapes. Almost all underwater karst forms:
stalactites, stalagmites, and others. Hotel accommodation. Overnight.
Day 2: Kutaisi – Oni – Chrevalo – Oni
Breakfast. Arrival to Oni. Racha-Lechkhumi is Georgian Switzerland. It is the Region of beautiful mountains and green valleys. It is surrounded by the Caucasus mountain range and glaciers.
As the legend reveals, once the Georgian hunter climbed the ridge –
Nakerala and saw a narrow and deep gorge of the Rioni river. The view
was breathtaking. The hunter compared it to the mysterious well and
exclaimed «What a well!» («Ra chaa!» in Georgian). Ever since the place
is called Racha. Oni is famous for its mountainous resorts. The regional center – Oni is located at 800 m., while some villages are even 1500-1800 m.
above the sea level. From the main road there is a possibility to see
the lake – Shaori – a place of extraordinary beauty. After visiting
Nikortsminda – domed church of St. Nicholas (built in 1010-1014) we pass city Ambrolauri and visit Barakoni (XIII c. church). Next, visit Chrebalo. Tour in the wine production plant which processes 300-500 t.
grapes. The grape is from their own vineyards or it is brought from the
local farmers. Grape processing, production and bottling of wine take
place in the territory of the plant. Currently, the company «Rachuli
Wine» produces 10 sorts of wine: «Khvanchkara», «Barakoni», «Aleksandriuli», «Ojaleshi», «Tetra», «Tvishi», «Chrebalo white», «Chrebalo red», «Lomoido», «Tsitska».
These wines are made from unique varieties of grapes: «Aleksandrouli»,
«Mujuretuli», «Rachuli Tetra», «Ojaleshi», «Tsitska», «Colikauri». The
vineyards are cultivated on the steep slopes of the left bank of the
river Rioni in Racha region. It should be noted, that these variety of
grapes are not cultivated in any other regions of Georgia. At the
meeting of «Big Three» (Stalin, Roosevelt, Churchill) the wine
«Khvanchkara» was served in Teheran, Yalta and Potsdam conferences
(period of WW 2). At 90’s the British royal court was provided with the
wines «Khvanchkara» and «Aleksandrouli» for non-commercial use through
the intervention of the Embassy of Georgia. Degustation of wines with dinner. Hotel accommodation in Oni. Overnight.
Day 3: Oni – Batumi
Breakfast. Arrival to Batumi. On the way, visit Botanical Garden with 5,000 exotic plants, including rose garden, with 1200 sorts of roses. Excursion in the city. Batumi – is "Georgian Singapore"
– the most famous Black Sea resort of Georgia, with the population of
120 000 people. A visit card of Batumi – a beloved place for both local
residents and visitors of the city – is Batumi Piazza built in 2009. In 2010, a new, 7 meters high, moving sculpture of Love
became the adornment of the city. The monument is represented by a
figure of a woman and a man. They seek for each other, during 8-10
minutes they move towards each other and eventually merge as one in
original way. Excursion in Batumi: animated fountains (a laser show), famous dolphinarium, Argonauts square with statue of Medea. Hotel accommodation. Overnight.
Day 4: Batumi – Adjara – Batumi
Breakfast. Travel to Adjara – one of the best options for environmental and ethnic tourism. This region offers big variety of sightseeing. At the valleys of the rivers Acharistskali and Chorokhi
there are many small villages famous for their centuries old traditions
and customs incorporated in their modern life. In Makhuntseti and
Dandalo, you can see arched bridges constructed on the slopes of the
mountains from the period of Queen Tamara. Visit the waterfall of
Makhuntseti and the church of Zvare. Fragments of the
primary painting is preserved in this church. It is located at the very
top of the mountain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Enchanting mountain scenery can be kept in your memories for ages.
Next, visit the wine house «Adzharis Tskhali». It produces a occasional and exclusive wine «Chkhaveri» and varieties of chacha aging with coffee and berries. Wine degustation. Return to Batumi. Overnight.
Day 5: Batumi – Kutaisi
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport of Kutaisi. Home return.
The price includes:
- Accommodation in 3* hotel 2 night in Batumi, 1 night in Kutaisi and 1 night in Oni with breakfast, standard DBL rooms;
- Excursion with the guide according to the program;
- Wine degustation in Adjara and Chrebalo;
- Transportation according to the program.
The price does not include:
- Flight ticket;
- Personal expenses.
