Travel Blogg - Svaneti

Svaneti or Svanetia (Suania in ancient sources) is a historic province in Georgia, in the northwestern part of the country. It is inhabited by the Svans, an ethnic subgroup of the Georgians.

The historic region of Upper Svaneti in Georgia.

Geography

Surrounded by 3,000–5,000 meter peaks, Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus. Four of the 10 highest peaks of the Caucasus are located in the region. The highest mountain in Georgia, Mount Shkhara at 5,201 meters (17,059 feet), is located in the province. Prominent peaks include Tetnuldi (4,974m./16,319ft.), Shota Rustaveli (4,960m./16,273ft.), Mt. Ushba (4,710m./15,453ft.), Ailama (4,525m./14,842ft.), as well as Lalveri, Latsga and others.

The historic region of Lower Svaneti in Georgia.

Situated on the southern slopes of the central Greater Caucasus, Svaneti extends over the upper valleys of the Rioni, Enguri and Tskhenistskali. Geographically and historically, the province has been divided into two parts—Upper Svaneti (Zemo Svaneti; the present day Mestia Raioni) and Lower Svaneti (Kvemo Svaneti; the present day Lentekhi Raioni)—centering on the valleys of the upper reaches of the two rivers Enguri and Cxenis-c’q’ali, respectively. They are distributed between the present-day regions of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti respectively. Historical Svaneti also included the Kodori Gorge in the adjoining rebel province of Abkhazia, and part 

Visiting Martvili – the Place where King David the Builder grew up

Martvili looks and feels like a paradise not only because of its beautiful nature and amazing sites but also because of its inhabitants, who welcome guests in a tradition of warmth and hospitality. Martvili district is truly one of the greatest places in Georgia combining unique natural environment with historical monuments. History here starts from the period of Sumerian hieroglyphs and the place is rich in medieval period churches and castles, set among lush forests, centuries old vineyards and peaceful river banks. 

Briefly about natural and historical sites to visit in Martvili district: 

A visit to Martvili begins with the Martvili Monastery of VII c - Chkondidi Cathedral. Revered as the gem of Georgian masonry, this cathedral rests on the roots of the old oak tree (Chkoni in Megrelian language means oak). Greatness of this place for Georgians is defined by the fact that the King David IV (1089-1125), known as the Builder, received his education here. Since the accomplishment of his training by Giorgi Chkondideli (the head if Georgian church of that time) young David was sworn to be King as his father King Giorgi II stepped down. The next is Salkhino - the summer residence of Dadianis (governors of the Samegrelo region) with XVII century church of Virgin Mary, XIX c wine cellar and local sort of vine - Ojaleshi. The residence is now turned into a monastery and run by monks. Also not be missed is the archaic site Oniore, a rock formation featuring Sumerian hieroglyph engravings. From natural sites one should be particularly mentioned - Oputskhoe - a picturesque bathing place in a cluster of miniature waterfalls. This place served as a bathing area for the Dadianis. 

The quickest way to see most of Martvili is a 2 day trip: Starting from Tbilisi early morning and arriving in Martvili in 3.5 hours. The site-seeing starts from Martvili Monastery and continues to Salkhino, summer residence of Dadianis. The next place is Martvili centre - local Museum of artifacts that can be visited before or after an authentic lunch in one of the local haunts in town. The trip continues to Oputshoe - the bathing place of Dadianis, continued with tracking through natural areas along the rivers of Tsachkhura, Tekhura and Abasha. First day ends in a village guesthouse with local homemade food for dinner. This is easily and safely accommodated by your Georgian Association of Guides accredited tour operator. The second day starts with the trip to Tamakoni, an ancient fortress area. The fortress ruins date of IX c AD. Next, even older town fortifications of Abedati, which date from no early than I c AD, then on to the village of Veditkari. The village is known for its old church ruins circa XII c. The trip finishes in the village of Didi Chkoni where a new church of St. Nicolas is being built at this time. 

Tourism Development Centre Newkaz

Tourism Development Center

5 Janashia Street, Tbilisi 0179, Georgia

Tel/fax:+99532 233756

E-mail: newkaz2005@gmail.com

About Newkaz

Newkaz was established in 2005 year in Tbilisi. It is a tourism development center, direction of newkaz’s ativity is towards the yang people,who are interested in tourism sphere and future guides. Its aim is  to form healthy touristic surroundings and promote the development of consumer potential of  domestic tourism with different cultural – educational  programs. The center promotes to introduce the modern methods in tourism sphere, popularization of guide profession with preparation and emploiment qualified guides.

Training Programs:

·            Training of local/regional guides;

·            Somelies profession study;

·            Training in communication;

·            Training course in travel services management;

·            educational outing for guides.

Newkaz maintenances:

·            Organization of individual and group tours in Georgia;

·        Tours in Tao-Klardjeti;

·            Organization of special tours;

·            Organization individual tours for business groups;

·            Tours/excursions for schools(lyceums, colleges);

·            Wine tours;

·            Organization of cultural tours;

·            Organization of ethnographic tours;

·            Organization of exstrem tours.

You will be served by local experienced guides

Our guides speak:

Russian,English,French,Spanish,Italian, German,Japaness, Jewish, Persian languages.