Compare Georgia Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs Bath Christmas by Titan Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 11 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 1,989 | $ 1,489 |
| Price Per Day | $ 178 | $ 298 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
This all-encompassing trip takes you from the historical cities of Georgia to the remote snow-capped Caucasus mountains. Wander through the historical capital of Tbilisi, stroll in the local market in Kutaisi, immerse in the unbeatable Georgian hospitality, journey to the the remote villages in the mountains. Reconnect with nature on hikes through wooded forests and past the Chaladi glacier, wander between the ancient Svan towers, learn the secrets of Georgian cheese making and indulge your taste buds with fragrant Georgian wine. |
Bath reflects two great eras in human history and the stunning Roman and Georgian architecture blend harmoniously, securing an undisputable place as England’s only city on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Since the Romans developed Bath’s natural hot springs into one of the first English spa resorts, some 2,000 years ago, millions have come here to ‘take to the waters’, as the fashions advised. The Georgian period was the next to have made a lasting impression, an era that brought us the elegant Royal Crescent, the Assembly Rooms and neoclassical Pump Room which have been the social centre of Bath for 200 years, and Pulteney Bridge, one of only four bridges in the world lined with shops. Spend your Christmas enjoying this beautiful city, before visiting Longleat House, when the wonderful rooms in this stately home are decorated for Christmas. At the same time its grounds glow under the intense colours of thousands of silk Chinese lanterns, for Europe’s most magnificent Festival of Light. |
Day 1 Tbilisi
Gamarjoba! Welcome to Georgia.Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, be sure to explore Tbilisi with it's picturesque architecture, inviting cafes and wine bars dotted around the downtown.
Day 2 Tbilisi
After breakfast take part in a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. The locals like to call their capital the "Balcony of Europe", placing it on par with many of Europe's graceful old cities. All the sights in the Old Town are very close to each other and within a few minutes’ walk. You'll pass by Baratashvili bridge, Gabriadze Leaning Tower, the Peace Bridge and Sioni Cathedral on your guided walking tour. Afterwards, you may choose to visit Narikala Fortress and the Sulphur Baths in your free time and to further explore the capital. The evening is also free for you to enjoy. Perhaps indulge in Tbilisi's lively theater scene and witness some of the energetic and acrobatic dance that Georgia is known for.
Day 3 Kutaisi
Today, head to the pretty city of Kutaisi on train, the third largest in the country (approximately 4.5 hours). Kutaisi is more than 3000 years old, connected to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, along with his mythical (or is it?) Golden Fleece. On arrival, follow your leader on a city walking tour in this charming city, passing City Hall, Opera house and Mon plesier Arch, and visit Golden Marquee Palace and Mtsvane Bazari (market) known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, natural dairy products, meat, a variety of spices. In your free time, maybe visit another significant historical site, the Gelati Cathedral or explore the cobbled streets of the town as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati palace and citadel.
Day 4 Mestia
After a restful night, journey to the remote Svaneti region (approximately 5-6 hours). Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus and is divided in two parts: Upper Svaneti and Lower Svaneti. Arrive into Mestia, the centre of Upper Svaneti. Mestia is surrounded by mountains, medieval-type villages and disctinctive tower-houses. The famous tower-houses were built to accommodate villagers at times of invasion and violence during the 9th -13th centuries. Around 175 towers still stand today, although many are uninhabited. The area is home to the Svans, a proud people with a long history of survival in this isolated part of Europe, who speak their own language. Spend the night in a local guesthouse.
Day 5 Mestia
Drive to the village of Lakhiri (approximately 20 minutes) We start our walk today from the village in the direction of Mestia. After little uphill walking we descend to the beautiful valley full with blooming flowers and enjoy an amazing view of Chalati Glacier (2300m) and of Mestia Valley with its watchtowers. The paths can be steep and the ground uneven so you will need good fitness and appropriate footwear for this walk. Those not wishing to hike can stay in Mestia. In the evening we discover how Georgians make their beloved cheese. Cheese is found in many Georgian dishes and is a key ingredient in the famous khachapuri, a traditional Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread which you will no doubt eat plenty of during your time here!
Day 6 Ushguli
Today, visit the World Heritage-listed village of Ushguli, a town around 50 kilometres southeast of Mestia (approx 2 hours drive). The village is located at 2,200 metres above sea level, and is one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. Ushguli is most famous for its abundance of watchtowers – this is where you'll see the famous view of the towers set to the highest mountain in Georgia, the snow capped Mt Shkhara (5,068 metres). Visit the 12th-century Lamaria Church and walk to Queen Tamar’s tower. Total walking time is 2-3 hours depending on fitness and trail conditions. Those not wishing to walk may stay and explore Ushguli - maybe visit an ethnographic museums or walk around the village and become familiar with the daily life of the local people. Spend the night in a family-owned guesthouse.
Day 7 Mestia
Today's walk starts from the guesthouse. The route takes us along the river to the base of Mt Shkhara. You will cross some small streams along the way so pack your waterproof boots and fingers crossed for great weather! We will have a picnic lunch today. The walking trail ends at the Shkhara glacier, where the Enguri river originates below. In the afternoon, return to Mestia and stay overnight in the guesthouse. Approximate walking time is 5-6 hours. If you do not wish to walk, please discuss options with your leader in advance.
Day 8 Batumi
From the mountains to the sea today with a long drive to Batumi (approximately 7-8 hours) on the Black Sea coast. While past its Soviet heyday where it was one of the premiere seaside resorts, it is still popular with holiday makers from all over the region for its waterfront parks and beaches. Stay in a hotel tonight.
Day 9 Batumi
In the morning take part in a short tour around the city. The afternoon is yours to relax. Batumi has a relaxed atmosphere, great restaurants and nightlife. Stroll the boulevard, cool off in the musical fountains on the square or see the touching Ali & Nino statue lit up at night. There's also art and ethnographic museums or a cable car to panoramic views over the city. Highly recommended is the Batumi Botanical Gardens.
Day 10 Tbilisi
Today we'll make use of the regular public bus or train connections (depending on availability) to get to Tbilisi from Batumi (approximately 6.5 hours).. Enjoy the rest of the day in the nation's capital, perhaps with group dinner and night out together.
Day 11 Tbilisi
Your trip comes to an end today and your are free to depart at any time.
Day 1: Bath
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to Bailbrook House Hotel (4T), on the outskirts of Bath. We aim for you to arrive at the hotel between 4pm and 5pm and you will be greeted with tea, coffee and mince pies, followed by time to relax. Dinner at the hotel is included this evening, with festive entertainment.
Day 2: Christmas Eve - Roman Baths - Bath Abbey - No 1 Royal Crescent
Spend today in the charming city of Bath with a tour that includes the city’s most outstanding attributes. First is the Roman Baths - Britain’s most famous Roman thermal spa. An audio guide tour takes you through a fascinating museum, which displays thousands of objects excavated here, revealing the fashions and beliefs of the people of Aquae Sulis, and explains the importance of this 2,000-year-old complex. The tour ends at the magnificent centrepiece - the Great Bath, filled with steaming spa water; and you are able to taste this famous water, which attracted visitors here for its healing minerals. Next is Bath Abbey, where the first King of all England, King Edgar, was crowned in 973. The impressive Gothic exterior is best known for the unique ladders of angels which decorate the west front, while the interior is crammed with stone memorials. You have free time for lunch, with many cafés to choose from, before our final vi
sit for today to No 1 Royal Crescent. This museum, at the end of the beautiful Georgian terrace, is decorated and furnished as it may have been around 1776-1796, revealing what life was like for the wealthy residents and their servants.
Day 3: Christmas
Day - Bath
Today is for relaxing and enjoying the festivities, with a pre-lunch glass of Buck’s Fizz and a traditional Christmas
Day lunch with a glass of wine. Christmas cake will be served later in the afternoon and a buffet dinner will also be available for those who can manage it!
Day 4: Boxing
Day - Longleat House and Festival of Light
After a morning at leisure, we travel to Longleat, a magnificent Elizabethan estate within 900 acres of landscaped grounds. We take a tour through the house, one of the finest Elizabethan stately homes in the country, decorated for an Edwardian Christmas. The Great Hall, State Dining Room, and the 90ft-long Saloon are adorned with giant paintings and tapestries, and the Red Library is filled with over 40,000 books. As dusk falls, we exit the house into the vibrant glow of the Festival of Light. Take your time to explore the grounds, which are filled with Europe's largest Chinese lantern display. Thousands of spectacular silk lanterns, handmade by a team of highly-skilled artists, create breathtaking scenes that capture your imagination. Dinner is included this evening with entertainment.
Day 5: Bath
Following breakfast, you will be collected at 10am by your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.
