12 days Motorcycle tour in Georgia: “Friendship, Culture, Nature”.

Day 1. Arrival at Tbilisi airport.

Upon arrival at Tbilisi Airport, also known as Tbilisi, you will be transferred to the hotel. As soon as the entire tour group is present, there will be a briefing with all the necessary information about the itinerary and instructions on how to use the assigned motorcycle properly. Depending on the model, any special features will be explained in detail, followed by a test drive, which should ensure that the vehicle corresponds to your driving ability and that you fully enjoy it. A knowledgeable mechanic is always at your disposal.

The old and modern city of Tbilisi/Tiflis.

A walk through history: After the rule of the Byzantines followed the Persian Kingdom, the Arab Caliphate, the Khoresm Kingdom and then the Ottoman Empire. The small country in the Caucasus was also shaped by the invasion of the Mongols and Tamerlans, the birth of Christianity and not least by the communist era of the Russian rulers. Each of these epochs has left its legacy in Tbilisi, which can be seen in the oriental palaces, the magnificent Orthodox churches, the madrasas (Koran schools) and the famous sulfur baths. Since it was founded in 458, the history of today’s city of Tbilisi, formerly Tbilisi, has been shaped by constant change and turbulent, historical events such as wars, economic uprisings, as well as destruction and revival.

Day 2. Tbilisi – Dawit Gareja – Sighnaghi.

On our first day we drive an unforgettable 140km along the steppe landscape and the typical, savanna-like grassland of this area towards the east into the long-established wine region of Kakheti. On the way there we visit one of the most important religious monuments in Georgia, the oldest Orthodox monastery complex in the country, Dawit Gareja, which dates from the 6th century AD and was built on Mount Udabno, right on the border with Azerbaijan. The monastery is of particular importance for Christianity in Georgia, as it is considered the place of origin of the religion and is accordingly heavily mystified. Dawit Gareja (also known as Davit Gareja) is a legitimate contender for the title of UNESCO World Heritage.

We finally arrive at Sighnaghi at around 3:00 p.m.

Only 2km from Sighnaghi is the Bodbe women’s monastery with its beautiful frescoes, which was built in the 4th century over the grave of Saint Nino, a healer and convertor of the Georgians to Christianity.

When visiting a wine-growing region, however, the most important thing must not be missing: the wine tasting! In the evening we raise our glasses and enjoy a delicious Georgian drop with a picturesque sunset with a view of the Caucasus. There is certainly no better way to end this eventful day!

Day 3. Sighnaghi – Telavi – Mtskheta.

We continue through one of the oldest wine regions in the world, Kakheti, where the first vines were grown 7000 years ago. The countless wineries extend in the fertile valley along the picturesque Alazani River, framed by the white peaks of the Caucasus.

There is a lot on the cultural agenda: a trip to the Gremi architectural complex from the 16th century, a visit to the house-museum and park of the Georgian Prince Aleksandre Chavchavadze and a visit to the Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century) and the Shuamta monastery ( 7th – 16th century).

In the early afternoon we leave Kakheti and drive towards Mtskheta, the ancient capital, which is still the religious center of the country today.

The cultural monuments of Mtskheta have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and are under monument protection.

Arrival at the hotel around 5:00 p.m.

Day 4. Mtskheta – Stepantsminda.

Before we set off towards the Caucasus, we first visit the Djvari Monastery, which translates as “Cross Monastery” and is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Djvari Monastery rises on a hill above the confluence of the Aragwi and Kura rivers and offers an exceptionally beautiful panoramic view of the city of Mtskheta.

Afterwards we drive over the old Georgian military road into the heart of the Caucasus up to an altitude of 2382m. In Stepantsminda you can visit the famous Gergetier Trinity Church (Gergetis Sameba) with its spectacular location at 2150m altitude.

At 3 p.m. we check into our hotel and can enjoy the rest of the evening with a beautiful view of the Kazbegi mountain landscape.

Additional information: For the driveway to Gergetis Sameba Church by car, 4 × 4 off-road vehicles can be rented for a surcharge. This transport service waits for the guests after the outward journey at the sight and brings them back to their accommodation.

Day 5. Stephantsminda – Prometheus Cave – Kutaisi.

The longest stretch of our motorcycle tour takes us to Kutaisi, the second largest city in Georgia, the capital of the ancient Colchis region, the site of the Argonaut legend, in search of the Golden Fleece. This is followed by a city tour with a visit to the completely renovated Bagrati Cathedral, another UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 11th century, and the Prometheus Cave. This breathtaking stalactite cave is a true natural wonder that was only discovered in 1984 and is located near Kutaisi in Tskaltubo.

Day 6. Kutaisi – Mestia.

The motorcycle tour through Georgia takes us on to Svaneti, one of the most isolated and inaccessible mountain regions of the Greater Caucasus. Svaneti is considered to be the most beautiful and pristine region in the country, with untouched nature, glaciers and the highest mountain villages in Europe. After a 200km drive through the impressive Georgian mountain landscape, we reach our destination of the day, Mestia, at around 5:00 p.m.

Day 7. Mestia – Ushguli – Mestia.

Round trip: we spend a full day in Svaneti and visit Ushguli, the highest village in Europe at 2200m above sea level. The imposing defense towers of Ushguli are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage. From here a picturesque sight opens up to the highest mountain in Georgia, the Shchara peak (5068 m). After lunch you have the opportunity to visit the local museum, which exhibits historical church relics. The museum also boasts a collection of Vittorio Sella photographs from the late 19th century depicting the hard life of the locals at the time.

Day 8. Mestia – Batumi.

After breakfast we drive to Batumi. The journey time to the modern port city on the Black Sea coast is around 6 hours.

Batumi was founded in ancient Greece under the name “Batis”, from the Greek for deep harbor. In the 16th century the Ottoman Empire took over and from 1878 Batumi was part of Russia. The centuries-old influence of Europe and Asia is reflected in the architecture and multifaceted culture of the city.

At 5:00 p.m. we check into our hotel. In the evening we can immerse ourselves in the nightlife of Batumi with a clear conscience, because on the following day there is free time on the program, which can be arranged completely freely, according to individual wishes and preferences.

Day 9.Batumi free time.

Tips for sights:

Botanical Garden

In the botanical garden, plants from several vegetation zones are exhibited, from the humid subtropics in Transcaucasia, New Zealand, Australia, the Himalayas, East Asia, North America, South America, Mexico to the Mediterranean.

Citadel Gonio-Apsaros

The old Colchian kingdom, today’s western Georgia, was closely linked to ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. There are still monuments from Greek, Roman and Byzantine times in western Georgia. One of these monuments is the ancient Roman citadel Gonio-Apsaros.

Overnight in Batumi.

Day 10. Batumi – Akhaltcikhe.

Our Enduro Tour in Georgia takes us over the 2000m high Goderdzi Pass to Akhaltcikhe. Today we drive alternately on a gravel road, forest landscape and asphalt. In the past centuries the Georgian, Russian and Ottoman troops fought bitterly fought over this city. The influence of all these cultures can be seen particularly well in Akhaltsikhe, for example in the Rabati Fortress with its architectural features from numerous epochs.

We arrive at the hotel in Akhaltcikhe around 5:00 p.m.

Day 11. Akhaltcikhe – Tbilisi.

On the last day of our motorcycle tour through Georgia, we set course for the Georgian capital Tbilisi (Tiflis), the starting point of our Enduro tour. On the way we make a stop in a cave town of Vardsia. The city was built as a border fortress against the Ottomans and Persians. Originally 3,000 apartments were built for the residents on up to seven floors, which offered space for 50,000 people. After a severe earthquake, only 750 of them are left today on an area of ​​around 900 square meters. After the tour of the cave city, we continue our journey. Our tour ends with the arrival in the capital around 5:00 p.m. In Tbilisi you will spend the night in a centrally located hotel. For full relaxation on the last day of the tour, we recommend a sulfur bath followed by a professional massage, just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. In the evening you can end the trip with a cozy visit to a restaurant in one of the many top restaurants in the city.

Day 12. Departure.

Services included in the tour price:

12 days road trip in Georgia

10 driving days

airport transfer

11 nights in a double room

3 * hotel

Breakfast and lunch

Motorbike Nomade 500 ADV or Royal Enfield Himalyan 500 included in the price.

KTM Enduro 690 R for an additional charge of 300 euros

Tour guide

HB

Services not included in the tour price:

Flights & airport taxes

Single supplement 250 €

Petrol 120 euros

dinner

Foreign health insurance

All services that are not listed under included services