Day 1 – Tbilisi → Vashlovani | Entering the Steppe Your adventure begins in Tbilisi where we travel by comfortable 4x4 vehicles into eastern Georgia. The road winds through the vineyards of Kakheti and onward into the dramatic Dedoplistskaro region — a land of colorful hills and endless plains. By afternoon we reach our winter horse farm inside Vashlovani National Park, home to the horses during the cold months. Here you meet our horses and horsemen, learn about equipment and safety, and witness preparations for the historic journey ahead. In the evening we gather for our first traditional Georgian dinner, freshly prepared by our family, beneath the open steppe sky. Driving: ~300 km | 5–6 hours Overnight: Farm camp

St. Elia Church

Day 2 – Vashlovani → Elia | Across the Shiraki Plains After breakfast we saddle up and officially begin our horseback expedition across Georgia’s vast lowlands. Riding out of the farm, we pass Kasristskali village and cross the wide Shiraki steppe, where horses move freely across open horizons once traveled only by shepherd caravans. Lunch is enjoyed picnic-style on the open plains before continuing toward Mount Elia. By late afternoon we arrive near the historic Elia Monastery area, where our team sets camp and prepares a warm dinner under spectacular sunset skies. Horse riding: 6–7 hours | ~30–35 km Overnight: Camp

Day 3 – Elia → Sakobo | Through Forgotten Landscapes Today’s trail moves deeper into the remote Dedoplistskaro region, where time seems frozen. Riding through semi-desert plains and lonely grasslands, we follow ancient routes once used for livestock migrations. Wild animals are often spotted here — foxes, birds of prey, and herds of grazing animals. We stop midday for lunch in nature before continuing toward Sakobo village, where the camp is prepared amidst quiet countryside. Dinner is a traditional meal cooked over an open fire — simple, hearty, and deeply connected to the environment around us. Horse riding: 7–8 hours | ~35–40 km Overnight: Camp

Tsinandali

Day 4 – Sakobo → Tsinandali Valley | From Steppe to Vineyards The scenery begins its dramatic transformation today. Leaving the plains behind, we reach the green landscapes of the fertile Alazani Valley, Georgia’s most famous wine region. Horse trails pass vineyards, orchards, and farmland with spectacular views toward the mighty Greater Caucasus rising in the distance. Lunch is enjoyed along the route beside rivers or forest clearings. By evening we arrive near the historic Tsinandali Estates, once home to Georgian nobility, where we establish camp among peaceful vineyards and taste more flavorful countryside cuisine. Horse riding: 7–8 hours | ~30–35 km Overnight: Camp

Day 5 – Tsinandali → Shakriani – Pshaveli | Into the Foothills Today stretches deeper into Kakheti’s rural heart. We ride the final length of the Alazani basin, crossing open fields near Shakriani and steadily approaching the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Landscape shifts toward forested hills and sing-sing streams while village encounters become more frequent. After a long but rewarding day in the saddle we reach the Pshaveli village region, where camp is organized for the night and we enjoy dinner while preparing mentally for the next day’s dramatic ascent into Tusheti. Horse riding: 8–9 hours | ~35–40 km Overnight: Camp

Tusheti National Park

Day 6 – Pshaveli → Pichris Chala | Crossing Abano Pass This is one of the most unforgettable days of the journey. Riding through the villages of Lechuri and Sviana, we begin our steady climb toward the legendary Abano Pass — the only high-mountain gateway into Tusheti. After lunch on the mountain slopes, the route climbs to 2,945 meters above sea level, where sweeping alpine views amaze even experienced riders. Descending into the emerald high meadows of Pichris Chala, we pitch camp surrounded by silence broken only by wind and distant bells of grazing animals. Dinner is served under the star-filled Tusheti sky. Horse riding: 7–8 hours | ~25–30 km Overnight: Mountain camp

National Park of Tusheti

Day 7 – Pichris Chala → Omalo | Arrival in Tusheti Entering Tusheti National Park on horseback is an emotional experience few travelers ever know. Ancient stone villages dot the green mountainsides as our trail winds along alpine ridges toward Omalo, the cultural center of Tusheti. We stop for lunch along scenic viewpoints before reaching Omalo in the afternoon. Here we settle into our family guesthouse, celebrate completing the horseback crossing, and enjoy a traditional Tushetian dinner. This is the final day of horseback riding. Horse riding: 7–8 hours | ~25–30 km Overnight: Family guesthouse

Day 8 – Jeep Tour: Dartlo, Dano, Kvavlo, Bochorna & Dochu Today we explore Tusheti’s most famous villages by 4x4 Jeep — no horse riding. From Omalo we drive to the picturesque medieval village of Dartlo, renowned for its stone towers rising from a dramatic canyon. We continue uphill to Dano and Kvavlo, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the Pirikita Alazani Valley. Next we visit Bochorna, officially recognized as Europe’s highest permanently inhabited village, then descend to the remote village of Dochu, suspended on steep green slopes. Lunch is enjoyed in the open countryside before returning to Omalo by Jeep for dinner and overnight. Driving: ~55–65 km | 5–6 hours Overnight: Family guesthouse

Tbilisi

Day 9 – Jeep Tour → Tbilisi | Farewell to the Mountains After breakfast we visit the Keselo Fortress towers and the Tusheti Visitor Center. We then begin the scenic Jeep return journey to Tbilisi, crossing Abano Pass one final time. A lunch stop is followed by a visit to Alvani village and the 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral, before continuing across Gombori Pass toward the capital city. Driving: ~195 km | 6–7 hours