Georgia - Wildlife, Wine & History

Summary

Nestled in the remote south-eastern corner of Georgia, Vashlovani National Park is a wild, untamed place often likened to Africa's savannahs and just as, if not more, spectacular, especially for the landscape photographer. Here we’ll traverse the park’s rugged terrain in search of its special fauna, which includes reintroduced Goitered Gazelle, and fantastic bird- and reptile-life. Raptors soar overhead in numbers rarely seen in western Europe and include such delights as Eastern Imperial and Lesser Spotted Eagles, Levant Sparrowhawk, Saker Falcon and many others including vultures. The park's semi-desert steppes, forests and deep ravines are a haven for fascinating flora, and with our all-round naturalist guide, we can study any wildlife of interest we discover. 

In the lush, undulating landscapes of Georgia, winemaking is not just a tradition but a profound cultural heritage that dates back over 8,000 years. This ancient art, integral to Georgian identity, thrives in the region's sun-drenched valleys and fertile soils. In the rustic villages of Kakheti, we'll discover the qvevri, immense clay vessels buried underground, where wines are still fermented and aged, embodying the techniques passed down through generations. Among the myriad of indigenous grape varieties, Saperavi, with its deep, robust character, and Rkatsiteli, known for its crisp and aromatic profile, stand out, offering a tantalising glimpse into the rich vinous tapestry of this wonderful country. In Georgia, each sip of wine is a journey through history, a celebration of the land, and a testament to the resilience and passion of its people.

The country’s traditional cuisine is a vibrant mosaic of flavours and textures that mirrors Georgia’s rich cultural richness and hospitable spirit. In every part of our itinerary, we'll find tables adorned with hearty dishes that tell stories of the land and its people. Khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread that's comfort in its purest form, and khinkali, juicy dumplings bursting with savoury broth and meat or mushrooms. There is a right way and a wrong way to eat khinkali, however, and our guide will be all too pleased to demonstrate how with this much-loved traditional food! The complex layers of flavours in pkhali, a medley of minced vegetables, herbs, and walnuts, and the sumptuous stew of chakapuli, brimming with tender lamb or mushrooms and tangy tarragon, are just two examples of what we will find on mouthwatering menus across the tour. Each dish, seasoned with local spices and garnished with fresh herbs, reflects centuries of tradition and the ingenuity of Georgian cooks. Dining in Georgia is not just a meal but a feast for the senses, an invitation to experience the warmth and generosity of this ancient yet timeless land.

In the alpine meadows of Juta in the north, hardy plants will be in beautiful inflorescence at the time of our visit attracting butterflies, including Caucasian specialities, whilst the birdlife here will be a real treat too. For more information, please download the detailed itinerary above.

• Sought-after Western Palearctic birdlife including Mountain Chiffchaff, Green Warbler, Red-fronted Serin, Black Francolin, Ring-necked Pheasant, Eastern Imperial Eagle and Levant Sparrowhawk
• Special flora including Georgian Snow Rose, Caucasian Stonecrop, Caucasian Primrose, Gentiana dshimilensis, and a plethora more
• Notable butterflies including Caucasian Skipper, Caucasian Spotted Fritillary, Esper's Marbled White and Niobe Fritillary
• Sample wine from the tradition of winemaking in the country, dating back more than 8,000 years
• Delicious cuisine thanks to the country's location at the intersection of Europe and Asia, its rich history and several climatic regions for growing top-quality ingredients
• Led by an expert local naturalist