13-daagse 4WD-reis door de Kaukasus

Armenië is een bergachtig land gelegen in de zuidelijke Kaukasus. Geografisch gezien behoort het tot Azië, maar cultureel en historisch voelt men zich meer met Europa verwant. Armenië is één van de oudste landen ter wereld en omvatte vroeger een veel groter gebied dan nu. De hoofdstad Jerevan werd gesticht in 782 voor Christus en is daarmee één van de oudste nog bestaande steden. Armenië is de eerste Christelijke natie ter wereld (sinds 301). Zowel qua natuur als qua cultuur heeft Armenië de reiziger veel te bieden. Het land herbergt talloze eeuwenoude bezienswaardigheden, maar is nog niet door het massatoerisme ontdekt. U zult naast de vele historisch interessante plekken ook uitgestrekte bossen in het noorden en rotsachtige landschappen in het zuiden kunnen bewonderen. Hier verheft de Bijbelse berg Ararat zich hoog boven het landschap. U zult kleine dorpjes bezoeken waar de tijd lijkt te hebben stilgestaan en u zult ontdekken dat de Armeense keuken met zijn vele verse producten bijzonder rijk en smakelijk is, evenals de wijnen en de fameuze brandy die hier vandaan komen. Ook voor vegetariërs is er voldoende keuze.

Ver buiten de gebaande paden reist u per 4WD door een schitterend berglandschap van Camel Mount in Armenië tot Svaneti in Georgië.

Day 1-2: Flight to Tblisi where you will be brought to your hotel. Time to rest.

Day 3: Hunter's Road, Southern Armenia

In the morning meet your tour leader and other group participants for coffee and a briefing on the jeep trip ahead. Head to the south enjoying the fabulous views of biblical Mount Ararat. We soon get off the roads and travel by 4WD along the Hunter's Road, a great trail dressed in wildflowers. Breathe the mountain air and relax with nature, continue the jeep adventure further to Bear's Cave. Here we offer an optional tour of the caverns, an experience our visitors find truly unique. After winding our way through this spectacular land we arrive at Gnishik village surrounded by towering red rocks. Continue to Vayk, check in at your hotel. After taking a few moments to freshen up it will be time to watch your hostess Anna prepare local culinary delights in a traditional wood oven in the ground and enjoy her creation in the cozy garden of the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Vayk Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4: Scenic Drive, Southern Armenia

Breakfast and proceed to explore the lush valley of Her-Her river. Our first stop will be at Shatin observation point where we have a chance to see bezoar goats on the opposite side of the gorge. The day offers a real off-the-beaten-path experience as we drive to Fortress of King Smbat, one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Armenia. Explore enigmatic Tsakhat Kar, a highly scenic spot and a subject of local legends. Continue across high altitude plains and remote villages followed by hard climbs, the thrill of visiting this land of rugged beauty is ample reward. We are in the agricultural heart of Armenia and do not miss the chance to sample some of the fantastic produce: private wine touring in maran (cellars) of a leading winery in Aghavnadzor, visit to a cheese farm to see the process of cheese making and taste cheeses at various stages of maturation. Back to our hotel in Vayk.
Overnight: Hotel in Vayk Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 5: Pristine Lake and Rock Art

Wake up to the call of hundreds of birds and enjoy your hot coffee. Head further south and on to Sisian. Follow the mountain tracks onto one of the unique wonders of the Caucasus, ancient rock paintings of Camel Mount. We steer our way up winding through this awe-inspiring mountain scenery, leave the rocks and alpine flowers behind but our efforts are well rewarded. Pack your imagination and be one of the privileged few to revisit the past and see the amazing rock art from bygone era. After rest in this beautiful place 4WD trip downhill to the finish of the full day of 100% off-road adventure. Back to Sisian for great food and rest.
Overnight: Hotel in Sisian Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 6: Selim Caravanserai, Silk Road

Early breakfast and head out to Selim. Drive through striking landscapes of jagged mountains and gorges, rivers and muddy roads. The road gradually climbs up over 2,410m in elevation following the historic Silk Route past Selim Caravanseray. This is one of the best places to see what fabled Silk Route looked like centuries ago. Descend to 2,000 m to catch the first glimpse of Lake Sevan, Pearl of Armenia. If you seek a jeep path less taken and would like a deeper-textured experience then jeep through striking landscapes to lofty mountain peaks of Vardenis ridge, reach beautiful mountain lakes, time to walk around and enjoy the scenery. Transfer to hotel for rest and overnight. A sunset walk for splendid views of the Lake and surrounding mountains is a must before dinner.
Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 7: Honey Pass Leave the splendor of Lake Sevan and head further north.

A morning stop for fresh coffee at Tsakhadsor mountain resort, training ground for high altitude Olympic Games. Now it is time to hit the Honey Pass for a day full of adventures - unparalleled views as your jeep cruises through thick forests with dramatic gray rock cliffs soaring above you. Then get above it all as the car climbs over awesome mountain passes to high altitude desert and a small lake on the top. Meet friendly shepherds living at this remote spot and enjoy fresh, cool yogurt. Travel on towards Vanadzor and Gyumri, overnight at hotel in Gyumri.
Overnight: Hotel in Gyumri Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 8: Cave Town

Transfer to the border, continue to Georgia via Akhaltsikhe region, where the beautiful nature and man-made architectural jewels are blended in harmony. Visit Vardzia, a rock-hewn complex on the bank of Mtkvari river founded by Georgia's famous Queen Tamar. As soon as you are in the complex you will understand what has drawn people to this sacred place for hundreds of years. Time free to walk around. Continue to Kutaisi, the second largest city of Georgia founded about 40 centuries ago. A unique option this afternoon is a visit to Sataplia Grotto famous for fine speleothems and dinosaur footprints.
Overnight: Hotel in Kutaisi Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 9: Svaneti, Land of Lakes, Glaciers and Towers

Start your tour with a drive to Samegrelo, enjoy the views of graceful Abashistskali waterfall, continue to Zugdidi, short visit to Dadiani Palace. On to Svaneti, Georgia's most remarkable historic region offering immense richness of scenery and culture in a rarely visited area. En route we stop at 271-meter Enguri Dam. Time to get ready for the most rugged 4WD adventure on mountain trails offering panoramic views of narrow ravines so deep that the sun hardly reaches the bottom. In Svaneti we stop and explore the impressive murals of 8th century Latali and Lenjeri basilicas.
Overnight: Hotel in Mestia Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 10: Ushguli, the highest settlement in Europe

We commence the route today with a visit to traditional Ushguli community located at 2,200 meters at the feet of mighty Mount Shkhara and its awe inspiring glaciers. The village with its unique architecture and cult monuments amidst stern landscapes is a UNESCO Heritage site. We find ourselves among medieval towers set against the towering backdrop of the Great Caucasus Range. Experience the life of these proud People of Mountains, take a spectacular road to Laghami Saint George's church and Svan ethnographic complex. Horse riding to Mount Shkhara (optional). This magnificent land of mountains and thundering waterfalls is certainly a highlight of our journey.
Overnight: Hotel in Ushguli Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 11: Back to Kutaisi

Drive back to Kutaisi via Lenteckhi and Tsageri crossing wild Zagaro Pass at 2600m. We are in Racha, Georgia's green county where wild flowers paint the meadows in spring, while in autumn the forests turn gold and orange. We stop at the village of Khvanchkara where red semi-sweet Khvanchkara wine, the favorite of Joseph Stalin, is made by every family. Wine tasting and rest in this idyllic place. Arrival Kutaisi, the rest of the evening is free to enjoy the old city at your own pace and sample famous Imereti cuisine.
Overnight: Hotel in Kutaisi Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 12: Tbilisi

Drive to Tbilisi via modern highway and Rikoti Pass at 1440 m. There is an opportunity to stop in Gori to visit Joseph Stalin Museum. Continue to Uplistsikhe, The Lord's Fortress, a huge rock-hewn town on the rocky bank of Mtkvari River. We then come to vibrant Tbilisi where there is time for sightseeing and last minute souvenir shopping.
Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 13: Transfer to airport and flight

Included:
* Activities: Off-road expedition, ancient rock art, Svaneti, people
* Accommodation: Tourist hotels
* Meals: breakfasts, 1 dinner
* Mode of travel: 4WD vehicles
* Tour support: AdvenTour tour leader /driver
* Travel permits in protected areas
* TransCaucasus Jeep Tour information kit

11 mei
1 juni
13 juli
17 augustus
14 september
5 oktober

Prijs: € 1.698,-
inclusief compleet programma en vliegtickets
Toeslag 1-ps.kamer: € 175,-

Niet inbegrepen Visum (kunnen wij verzorgen); eventuele verzekeringen; optionele excursies.

AANVULLENDE REISINFORMATIE

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