Gudauri
Gudauri Ski-resort, located in 120 km. / 75 mi. from Tbilisi on the road to Georgian Military Highway. At an elevation of 2,200 meters (7,200 ft.) above sea level.
Feedback: Edmund Deaton
An Inexpensive trip to the South Caucasus
Edmund Deaton
My friend, Melanie Branca, and I just returned from an inexpensive trip to the South Caucasus, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. We left on Sept. 5, 2018 and returned Sept 23. We traveled with Exotour. Kakha Driashvili (Mr) | Tour Manager | Exotour Travel Company | 17, Pavle Ingorokva street | 0108 Tbilisi, GEORGIA| Landline: +995 32 2913191 | Email: info@exotour.ge |Web: exotour.travel | The cost for each of us was $1485.00. This included 13 nights, airport pick up and drop off, hotels, English speaking guides and driver. Good buffet breakfasts were included in all hotels, but lunch and dinners were not included, except for one lunch. We were pleased with this as we could choose our own restaurants. A detailed description of the tour is on their web site, guaranteed departures every Friday from Yerevan, Armenia. The tour consisted mainly of staying in the capitals of the three countries and taking day trips.
We had investigated three other tours to these countries; they were equivalent, in length and the sights covered. The difference was in costs: one was $6000, one was $7000 and one was $8500. This was per person double occupancy. We thought we might have to bring our own sleeping bags, but that was not the case. We travel a lot, usually two trips per year. This was the first time we used an organized tour. I am 88 and Melanie is much younger at 76. Getting around in the Caucasus is not simple. It is difficult to get from Turkey to Armenia (we stayed one night in Istanbul on the way over and three nights on the way back.) The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed. We flew from Istanbul to Yerevan, Armenia where we were met by the tour company and taken to our hotel. There were three other people on this tour; they were at a different hotel. Our hotel was the City Hotel. We did not like it; it was not pleasant and about one half mile from "downtown" on a dark street. We moved to the Hotel Paris near the main street for the next three nights. It costs us about $65 per night. It was a very good hotel, In each of the three countries we had a good English speaking guide and a good driver. We were driven in a Mercedes 10 or 12 passenger van.
Yerevan is a beautiful city. we really enjoyed it. After four nights we moved to Tbilisi, Georgia. There our guide was Ms Salome Dzvelaia. She was very good. Again our hotel was unacceptable due to location and appearance. The tour company found us a very nice boutique hotel, Hotel City (no relation to City Hotel in Yerevan), on a main pedestrian street at only $40 per night extra. Other hotels on the tour were good and the Empire Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan was very nice. After five nights in Georgia we went to Baku, Azerbaijan for the final four nights.
We were met by our guides from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Several days we did not return until 7 or 7:30 pm, especially in Georgia. We went to one ballet in Yerevan. Beautiful building, but the ballet company was not very good. The cost was under $10 per person.
We had lunch stops, sometimes with choices of restaurants or cafes, sometime not. Dinners were on our own. The other three tourists did not join us in Yerevan or Tbilisi as they were in different hotels. We joined them for dinners in Baku. In all countries food was inexpensive, under $30 for two, not including alcohol.
All in all we enjoyed the tour very much . We wish we had had the ability to upgrade the hotels before the trip started. We do recommend the company; just pick your hotel and pay the difference. We love to walk the streets at night, have dessert and coffee before returning to the hotel.
A penultimate note: there is a great deal of walking, frequently on rough paths and climbing up steep steps or slopes. In Georgia we visited one canyon which had 965 metal steps, half down and half up some distance apart. I did count them. I was tired.
A final note: we stayed three days in Istanbul on the way home. We were at the Dersaadet Hotel in the Sultanamet area. It was very nice with a wonderful staff. The cost was about $100 per night. We did a day trip to Ephesus and enjoyed it very much. We should have stayed over night.
It is about four hours from Istanbul to Ephesus. This includes a flight of one hour, fifteen minutes, an hour in the airport and two taxi rides of one hour each.
My email is edmund_deaton@yahoo.com.
My address is 655 Columbia Street, Unit 303, San Diego, CA 92101 Both of us are retired university mathematics professors. I would be pleased to answer questions about the trip.
Edmund Deaton
My friend, Melanie Branca, and I just returned from an inexpensive trip to the South Caucasus, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. We left on Sept. 5, 2018 and returned Sept 23. We traveled with Exotour. Kakha Driashvili (Mr) | Tour Manager | Exotour Travel Company | 17, Pavle Ingorokva street | 0108 Tbilisi, GEORGIA| Landline: +995 32 2913191 | Email: info@exotour.ge |Web: exotour.travel | The cost for each of us was $1485.00. This included 13 nights, airport pick up and drop off, hotels, English speaking guides and driver. Good buffet breakfasts were included in all hotels, but lunch and dinners were not included, except for one lunch. We were pleased with this as we could choose our own restaurants. A detailed description of the tour is on their web site, guaranteed departures every Friday from Yerevan, Armenia. The tour consisted mainly of staying in the capitals of the three countries and taking day trips.
We had investigated three other tours to these countries; they were equivalent, in length and the sights covered. The difference was in costs: one was $6000, one was $7000 and one was $8500. This was per person double occupancy. We thought we might have to bring our own sleeping bags, but that was not the case. We travel a lot, usually two trips per year. This was the first time we used an organized tour. I am 88 and Melanie is much younger at 76. Getting around in the Caucasus is not simple. It is difficult to get from Turkey to Armenia (we stayed one night in Istanbul on the way over and three nights on the way back.) The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed. We flew from Istanbul to Yerevan, Armenia where we were met by the tour company and taken to our hotel. There were three other people on this tour; they were at a different hotel. Our hotel was the City Hotel. We did not like it; it was not pleasant and about one half mile from "downtown" on a dark street. We moved to the Hotel Paris near the main street for the next three nights. It costs us about $65 per night. It was a very good hotel, In each of the three countries we had a good English speaking guide and a good driver. We were driven in a Mercedes 10 or 12 passenger van.
Yerevan is a beautiful city. we really enjoyed it. After four nights we moved to Tbilisi, Georgia. There our guide was Ms Salome Dzvelaia. She was very good. Again our hotel was unacceptable due to location and appearance. The tour company found us a very nice boutique hotel, Hotel City (no relation to City Hotel in Yerevan), on a main pedestrian street at only $40 per night extra. Other hotels on the tour were good and the Empire Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan was very nice. After five nights in Georgia we went to Baku, Azerbaijan for the final four nights.
We were met by our guides from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Several days we did not return until 7 or 7:30 pm, especially in Georgia. We went to one ballet in Yerevan. Beautiful building, but the ballet company was not very good. The cost was under $10 per person.
We had lunch stops, sometimes with choices of restaurants or cafes, sometime not. Dinners were on our own. The other three tourists did not join us in Yerevan or Tbilisi as they were in different hotels. We joined them for dinners in Baku. In all countries food was inexpensive, under $30 for two, not including alcohol.
All in all we enjoyed the tour very much . We wish we had had the ability to upgrade the hotels before the trip started. We do recommend the company; just pick your hotel and pay the difference. We love to walk the streets at night, have dessert and coffee before returning to the hotel.
A penultimate note: there is a great deal of walking, frequently on rough paths and climbing up steep steps or slopes. In Georgia we visited one canyon which had 965 metal steps, half down and half up some distance apart. I did count them. I was tired.
A final note: we stayed three days in Istanbul on the way home. We were at the Dersaadet Hotel in the Sultanamet area. It was very nice with a wonderful staff. The cost was about $100 per night. We did a day trip to Ephesus and enjoyed it very much. We should have stayed over night.
It is about four hours from Istanbul to Ephesus. This includes a flight of one hour, fifteen minutes, an hour in the airport and two taxi rides of one hour each.
My email is edmund_deaton@yahoo.com.
My address is 655 Columbia Street, Unit 303, San Diego, CA 92101 Both of us are retired university mathematics professors. I would be pleased to answer questions about the trip.
Feedback: Bijeesh P.
We all are thank full for the Exotour and the wonderful arrangements organized especially the guide and driver, Makka so professional and we never got such a pleasing guide in my last nine trips, thanks.
Sincere thanks for all arrangements, and through my photos am getting more requests, and also am giving your contacts for your future business, thanks.
Regards,
Bijeesh P.
Aramex Senior HR and Training Executive
Sincere thanks for all arrangements, and through my photos am getting more requests, and also am giving your contacts for your future business, thanks.
Regards,
Bijeesh P.
Aramex Senior HR and Training Executive
Feedback: Jan J.
Hi once again. Just to let you know that I had the most amazing time on my tour of the 3 Caucasus countries. All organisation went well and to plan. I had 3 excellent guides, Vahagn, Vakhtang and Vusal and after spending 4 and 5 days with each I have become firm friends with all of them. I was so pleased to travel in November when tourist numbers were so low. I had good weather in Armenia but a disappointment in Georgia where the sun didn’t come out until the last day😥. Can’t be helped. I will be sure to recommend Exotour to all my friends. People thought I was brave and adventurous for touring these countries. I hope I have changed their mind. Thanks once again.
Jan J. Australia
Jan J. Australia
Skhalta monastery, Adjara province
Skhalta monastery complex is located in mountainous Adjara province of Georgia, it includes the church of the Virgin, built in 13th century and a small chapel built on the ruins of 10th century church
Sapara Monastery, Georgia
10th century Sapara monastery, located in South-West Georgia, Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
Tchule (Chulevi) monastery
11th and 14th century churches located in east Georgia, Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
Zarzma Monastery, Samtskhe-Javakheti province
8th century monastery with beautiful location and preserved frescoes, located in Adigeni province, Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
Green Monastery, Georgia
St. George monastery (Green Monastery) is located in Chitakhevi, Borjomi province. Built in 8th. century A.D.
Tamada Tour Georgia
No other country has
so tasty bread, as Georgia Georgia
Jean Chardin, the French traveler of the 17th c.
In Georgia Supra
(dinner-table) has an ancient time traditions. The table is managed by
toast-maker “Tamada”. Tamada is elected on democratic basis by table
participants but he is the only monarch of the table. Tamada professionally
manages the table – raises his glass of wine proposing a toast and telling
about the history of country, its culture. He is full of witty, humor and
cheerfulness. As soon as you display interest, knowledge and witty you’ll
become the most desirable participant of the table. …And if you are able to
drink enough wine and to have a competition with Tamada, so you have a chance
to take management in your own hand and become Tamada. The toast proposed by
Tamada is obligatory for any participant. After his toast you must propose
toast yourself, extend or add his toast, give your own interpretation and if it
is possible to drink the glass to bottom. You’ll be excited by Institute of Tamada
Exotour on Tripadvisor
Exotour is live now on Tripadvisor as Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia. We will be glad to see your reviews and ratings from now.
Gudauri
Mountain Ski Resort Gudauri: located on the southern slopes of the main Caucasus ridge, 2,153 meters above the sea level, 120 kilometers from Tbilisi, is beloved by skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing fans. Depth of the snow is reaching 2 meters frequently and the climate is mild with lots of sunshine during the season that lasts in Gudauri from December to April.
Winter-ski Holidays in Gudauri: at the altitude of up to 3,000 meters, there are four 18 km. marked skiing track lines, fitting the European standards for: slalom, giant-slalom, super-giant and downhill track lines, which are popular among professionals and amateurs. Three Dopplemayer elevators with 3 and 4 seats connect all skiing areas. Gudauri slope is always entirely available for those who like to ski on virgin snow; they have at their disposal the slope of 4 km wide and 5 km long, with difference in altitude up to 1,000 meters. Special helicopters for heli-skiing are provided for experienced skiers, who can avail the service to go as high as 3,800 m which is the height of the Main Caucasus Ridge. All lines (red, blue, and black categories) are perfectly prepared and certified with FIS certificate. Gudauri ski resort is a real haven for professional and amateur alpine skiers.
ACCOMMODATION IN GUDAURI:
HOTEL GUDAURI MARCO POLO
Location: Gudauri, ski lift is starting directly from the hotel.
Rooms: 101 rooms, of which are 4 deluxe, 24 suites and 73 standard double rooms with bathroom, satellite TV, phone, mini bar, 24 hours room service.
Meals: breakfast, buffet style.
HOTEL CARPE DIEM
Location: Gudauri resort.
Rooms: single, double, triple and deluxe rooms with bathroom, cable TV, phone, mini bar, 24 hours room service.
Meals: half board.
SKI HOUSE PANORAMA
Location: Gudauri, 800 m. from the ski runs.
Rooms: 11 rooms, of which are 1 deluxe, 7 standard double and 3 standard triple rooms with bathroom, satellite TV, phone, 24 hours room service.
Meals: full board.
CROSS PASS HOTEL
Location: Gudauri, 500 m. from the ski runs.
Rooms: 19 rooms, of which are 3 deluxe, 16 standard double rooms with bathroom, satellite TV, phone, mini bar, 24 hours room service.
Meals: half board.
HOTEL OZONE
Location: Gudauri, 550 m. from the ski runs.
Rooms: 20 rooms, of which are 12 standard double, 8 standard triple rooms with bathroom.
Meals: half board.
GUDAURI ALPINE HUT
Location: Gudauri, 500 m. from the ski runs.
Rooms: 33 rooms with bathrooms, satellite TV.
Meals: half board.
HOTEL TONI
Location: In the center of Gudauri resort, 100 m. from the ski runs.
Rooms: 6 double and 3 triple standard rooms with bathrooms and satellite TV.
Meals: half board.
FREE RIDER HOTEL
Location: In Gudauri resort, 100 m. from the ski runs.
Rooms: 42 comfortable rooms with bathrooms.
Meals: full board.
big thank you
I want to say big thank you for Exotour for the great tour in Georgia Georgia
Wishing all the best for your business!
See you next time in Georgia
Good Memory
Sceneries.from Georgia tour: what we have seen, especially Kasbegi and
the Caucasus mountain range, the sites of Gergeti Trinity Church, Uplistsikhe,
Davit Gareja Monastery, the monasteries and churches in and around Mtsketa, the
Khertvisi Castle and Vardzia have enchanted us in your country. In Armenia, the
sites of Garni Temple, of Gerart Monastery. of the Mounts Ararat and Aragats in
the background of many facinating monasteries, the wilderness around the
Amberd Fortress and the ruins of the Vii Century castle in the middle of the
clouds made impression on us.
So did all ceremonies in the Georgian as well as the
Armenian monasteries. In Azerbaijan, the road to and from Sheki, the pilgrim
place of Besbarmag Dag (the 5 finger Mountain), right above the Caspian sea,
the region of Kuba and Nazli Bulak, close to the Dagastan border, the Gobustan
ancient dwellings and petroglyphs site (XII Century B.C,), the Tabris mountains
in the South were full of excitements.
Georgian House: Hotel in the old town
Hotel Georgian House is
located central in Tbilisi Rustaveli
Avenue
Georgian Tourism Association
Georgian Tourism Association (GTA) is an organization of Private Tourism Companies, Hotels and Wine Companies in Georgia. The association was founded in 2006 to promote the cooperation between the tourism companies in Georgia, cooperation between private and public sector, sustainable tourism development in Georgia, accessibility of tourism information and country marketing, capacity building and quality management for tourism services. Georgian Tourism Association works on product development in incoming, domestic and outgoing tourism.
Group tours Caucasus: Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia
guaranteed departure tours to Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan. South Caucasus is a mountainous region, which embraces the territory of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and is situated between the Black and Caspian Seas. Since ancient period it represented an important region of exceptional geopolitical significance playing the role of a connecting link between the countries of Orient and Occident where the ancient states of the world Urartu, Kolkhida and Caucasian Albania, existed in the IX-VI cc. BC. Caucasus Region with its mountainous and hilly places are beloved travel destination for adventure trekking and hiking lovers.
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