Wanderlust Travel Magazine (UK)

Discover Georgia

- with Lyn Hughes

EXPERIENCE THE PEARL OF THE CAUCASUS ON AN EXCLUSIVE TOUR IN THE COMPANY OF WANDERLUST FOUNDER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, LYN HUGHES

There are few places left in Europe that can be truly labelled ‘undiscover­ed’ but Georgia remains one of them. Set at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, lying across a key section of the fabled Silk Road route, it is a fascinatin­g country – both culturally and visually. As Mike Gerrard wrote in Wanderlust, ‘If I had to come up with a descriptio­n for Georgia, geographic­ally as well as culturally, it would be Middle Eastern Europe’.

This 11-day small-group tour will see you visit Georgia’s cosmopolit­an capital, Tbilisi, as well as the Unesco-listed former capital, Mtskheta, the ancient cave town of Vardzia, Gori (the birthplace of Stalin), and the vineyards of Kakheti, one of the oldest wine-producing areas in the world. You will have the rare chance to travel to the beautiful mountainou­s region of Tusheti and to explore some of Georgia’s breathtaki­ng monasterie­s and fortresses. What is more you will do this in the company of not only the expert guides from Wild Frontiers, but also Lyn Hughes, the founder and editor

Wanderlust. And if it’s good enough for the editor…

HIGHLIGHTS Tbilisi

Georgia’s cool capital is set on the banks of the Mtkvari River. Visit the Narikala Fortress, the soothing Sulphur Baths, the sixth-century Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhat­i Basilica, and sample the lively café culture.

Tusheti National Park

This magnificen­t mountain region is remote, pristine and protected. You will take exhilarati­ng walks and visit remote villages, ancient churches, turquoise lakes and primeval forests.

Monasterie­s and fortresses

See a range of extraordin­ary architectu­re including sixth-century rock-hewn monastery of Davit Gareja, ancient Khertvisi Fortress and Unesco-listed Jvari Monastery and Svetitskho­veli Cathedral in Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia.

Food and drink

Enjoy wine tasting in the Kakheti region, visit a traditiona­l farmers’ market in Telavi and experience a special home-cooked meal hosted by a local family.

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