From Promethean legends to stories of the Golden Fleece, the mountains of Georgia are known for their turbulent histories, extraordinary cultural traditions and spectacular landscapes. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Middle East, these mountains have been an impenetrable barrier whose ancient tribes have survived despite the ravages of the vagabond hordes from the steppes (Huns, Mongols, Khazaras and Turks) and the mighty Eurasian empires of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Turks and Russians. On this unique journey learn more of a rich culture still intact whose history is steeped in ancient customs and traditions.

The journey involves a series of walks along the southern crest of the Caucasus Georgia whose peoples have has been profoundly affected by the country’s adoption of Christianity in the 4th century. The walks will take in the various regions around Kazbegi, Samtskhe-Javakheti and Svaneti and link ancient Silk routes, monasteries in spectacular positions, and picturesque villages. Learn more of the communities here where the old customs and beliefs still survive despite years of Communist oppression and political and social disarray following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

There will also be visits to Tbilisi which in the 12th  century, was one of Asia’s most important political, economic and cultural centres and today is a flourishing modern city with its theatres, cafes and markets. Explore the beautiful villages of Mestia and Ushguli with their incredible ‘tower houses’ the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe. The journey finishes at Batumi, on Georgia’s balmy eastern coast of the Black Sea surrounded by high forested mountains and lush sub-tropical hills.

The walks are varied and involve about three to seven hours walking over uneven and in places steep ground. The walks are classified as no more than moderate and the highest altitude the party will ascend to on a walk is 3000 metres and will not ascend/descend more than 400 metres in any given walk.