Overview
Join our Gorelovka – Doukobors Day Tour to enjoy the nature and cultural heritage of Samtskhe-Javakheti Doukhobors.
Date: Sat 17 May
Duration: 1 day
Driving distance: 350 km
Trip difficulty: Easy (The includes long drives. Some of them are off-road)
Group size: Min. 5 participants
Pick-up: 08:00, Samaia Garden, Tbilisi
Drop-off: Around 21:00, Samaia Garden, Tbilisi (The arrival time will depend on the traffic)
Price: 170 GEL
Itinerary:
Early in the morning, we will head to the Samtskhe-Javakheti region in southwest Georgia. Our destination will be the area of Lake Paravani and Ninotsminda.
Since the 19th century, this area has been home to Doukhobors – a Spiritual Christian ethnoreligious group exiled from the Russian empire for their nonorthodox beliefs. By the end of the 19th century, there were around 10,000 Doukhobors in Georgia. Many of them left the country following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
During this trip, we will have an opportunity to look at the architecture Doukhobors left behind. We will visit the Doukhobor community center in Gorelovka village. It was once the house of Peter Kalmykov, son of Illarion Kalmykov (the first leader of the Doukhobors that settled in the area in 1841). We will also have lunch with a local family.
On the way back to Tbilisi, we will peak into various intresting sites such as abandoned caravanserai near Lake Tsalka or Chikiani Menhir. Return to Tbilisi in the evening. The end of the tour.
Inclusions:
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- Transfers,
- Sightseeing/hiking itinerary with an English-speaking guide,
- Lunch,
- Guided tour around the Doukhobor Community Center.
Exclusions:
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- Personal travel insurence,
- Gratitudes.
Note:
Please check Terms and Conditions for our cancellation and insurance policy.
F.A.Q
How to prepare for the tour
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>MEETING TIME AND PLACE</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">We meet at 08:00 at <span style="color: #000080;"><a style="color: #000080;" href="https://goo.gl/maps/beH1uLALqG5abPnA7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Samaia Garden</a></span>. Please be on time. In case of any delays, please inform your guide. Otherwise, the group will depart without you.</span></p>
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<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>WEATHER</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Georgian weather changes often and fast. For this reason, it's essential to follow the weather forecast closely. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Here is the <span style="color: #000080;"><a style="color: #000080;" href="https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-612303/Georgia/Samtskhe-Javakheti/Rodionovka">weather forecast</a></span>. Please check it the night before the tour to be well prepared.</span></p>
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<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>WHAT TO WEAR</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Please wear clothes appropriate to the weather. Keep in mind that we will be visiting a traditional Christian community - dress modestly (no shorts or yoga pants). </span></p>
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<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>FOOD & DRINKS</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Always make sure you have enough drinking water. 1.5-2 liters should be enough for the day. Please make sure to bring snacks. They will help you maintain your energy level until lunch.</span></p>
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<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">If you are prone to motion sickness, please have medicine with you. Bring a day pack to carry important items with you. </span></p>
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<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>GUIDE</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">We will e-mail you the guide's name and contact info a few days before the trip. Please make sure to check your inbox. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us via e-mail or WhatsApp.</span></p>
