Georgian Safari in a Small Group: Martian Landscapes and Davit-Gareji Monastery

What to expect

Our journey starts early in the morning, at 08:30. Half an hour after leaving the center of Tbilisi, we will stop at a bakery with fresh Georgian pastries, where you can have a snack and use the restroom - and we leave civilization behind! Throughout the trip, you will be guided by our tour leader.

Georgian-style Safari
We will not travel on the famous paved road - get ready for a real off-road safari. In 2 hours of off-road driving, you will admire unique landscapes, vast expanses, observe huge flocks of sheep (in winter), and maybe spot tortoises (in spring).

Trekking in the Mravaltskaro Mountains
Looking at Martian reliefs from the car window is one thing, but walking on them is completely different. You will enjoy an easy trek with moderate elevations at an altitude of 300 to 500 meters above sea level: 4 km in 1 hour among striped hills, where you will take spectacular shots. If you are not up for such an adventure, you can stay by the car and have a photo session.

Ancient Architectural Monuments
You will visit two amazing cave dwellings, where monks have led their secluded lives from the 6th century to the present day - in Davit-Gareji Monastery and St. John the Baptist Monastery. Churches carved in sandstone have partly preserved unique frescoes from the 12th-14th centuries. And we will also climb to the top of the lookout tower, from where you will see the territory of neighboring Azerbaijan.

Lunch + Wine Tasting
On the way back, we will stop in the village of Udabno to have lunch at a restaurant. The menu offers Georgian cuisine with options for vegans and vegetarians. After that, we will visit the largest KTW winery, where you can sample various types of wine if you wish.

We will return to Tbilisi around 18:00-19:00.

• Upon request, we can arrange a private tour exclusively for your group; details can be discussed via messaging
• The trip is not recommended for children under 12 years old
• If you experience motion sickness in the car, it is better to choose another tour or take medications that will help you on the way
• The program is suitable for people with moderate physical fitness levels
• There is a dress code for visiting the churches within the monastery grounds. Women should cover their heads and wear skirts. Men are not allowed in shorts. Thank you for respecting the traditions.

How the tour is conducted

• You will be accompanied by a guide and a driver from our team
• The trip is conducted in a real off-road vehicle - our goal is to ensure your safety throughout the route. Our transport may not be super comfortable, but it allows us to visit places that are inaccessible by regular cars. The air conditioner is working!
• It is not allowed to take videos and photos of the monastery representatives
• Please note that weather conditions may lead to route adjustments
• From May to October, the air temperature can exceed 30º, so be prepared for hot weather
• Sometimes our group tours may be conducted simultaneously in Russian and English. Although we strive to provide equal experiences for all participants, this may lead to a slower pace or longer explanations.

Additional Expenses (optional)

• Lunch at the restaurant
• Donation to the St. John the Baptist Monastery, where monks house 6 cats and 3 dogs
• Tips for the guide and driver