Cycle the Silk Road Across Georgia
Cross the stunning Lesser Caucasus Mountains to the Black Sea, pedalling along the ancient trails of the Great Silk Road
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking guides and a bike mechanicHotel & Guesthouse
1 night in a hotel, 5 nights in local guesthousesMeals
Munch on tasty food throughoutTransfers
All airport and local transfers, with a support vehicle should your legs need a restEquipment
Hardtail mountain bikes; plus bike helmets can also be provided if you don't have your ownSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Cycle the historic trading route that once connected East and West and tackle the famous Goderdzi Pass (2200m)
Wild swim in the volcanic Lake Paravani and take a celebratory dip in the turquoise waters of the Black Sea
Visit the labyrinthine cave city of Vardzia, carved deep into Erusheti Mountain, and explore the Fortress of Rabati
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Georgia!
Check into your hotel in Tbilisi's historic old town. If you have time, it's well worth exploring as the capital is packed full of UNESCO-listed sites. Meet your guide and fellow adventurers for a briefing about the journey ahead, then sit down for your first traditional Georgian meal at a local restaurant.
Day 2
Lake Paravani
Cycling
After getting your bike set up, set off early for Manglisi and overload on dramatic, wild scenery as you cycle to the spectacular Dashbashi Canyon. Ride the long open track that leads to the treeless Javakhti Plateau, known locally as the Georgian Siberia. Take a dip in the volcanic Lake Paravani before visiting a famous convent to try their locally produced variety of chocolates and chacha (Georgian brandy). End your day at the guesthouse enjoying a tasty fusion of Georgian and Armenian cuisines.
Day 3
The Labyrinth of Vardzia
Cycling
Pass the beautiful Lake Saghamo on your way to Vardzia: a city carved into the mountain. Seeming like something straight out of the Lord of the Rings, this ancient cave-palace-monastery was built for the fabled Queen Tamar and is still protected by a small group of monks. Explore some of the two hundred cave dwellings and learn about its fascinating history of earthquakes and invasions, before another delicious dinner.
Day 4
The Rabati Fortress
Cycling
Cycle from village to village, keeping your eyes peeled for the legendary Caucasian sheepdogs and their semi-nomadic owners. Wander the impressive 9th-century Fortress of Rabati. For castle geeks, this really is something, having been liberated many times over the centuries and now housing a mosque, an Orthodox church, a synagogue, a Catholic church and a citadel. Phew!
Day 5
The Goderdzi Pass (2043m)
Cycling
Time for a big day as you tackle the Goderdzi Pass. Climb your way through lush green forest and into the Adjara Mountains. Stop for a picnic lunch with 360-degree views and then enjoy 30km of downhill riding to your overnight spot. Georgians take their drinking seriously and this usually means chacha – a potent, homebrewed grape brandy. Tonight, as most of the climbing for the trip is done, you can relax and enjoy the homemade chacha offered by your host and learn how to correctly make a traditional Georgian toast (or join the sensible and go to bed!).
Day 6
The Black Sea
Cycling
Leave the mountains behind and pass through the Adjarian countryside to the coastal flatlands and on to the Black Sea. Finish your journey at one of the quiet beaches, where you can grab a swim before enjoying a night in sub-tropical Batumi – Georgia's famous summer resort.
Day 7
Back to Tbilisi
Load the bikes into the truck and road trip back to Tbilisi, stopping for lunch along the way, before heading to the airport in time for your flight home.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
You’ll experience a delicious mix of local and national Georgian cuisine, cooked with fresh produce that's often grown or reared by the guesthouse owners themselves. Georgian cuisine is renowned for its mix of eastern and western flavours, aromas and colours. It can be slightly spicy and consists mainly of meat, vegetables, cheese and fruit. There are plenty of traditional dishes without meat, so vegetarians are well catered for. Lunches will be picnic-style in the wilderness.
Local, energy-giving cycling snacks will be provided, but if you would like specific things then it's best to bring them from home.
Vegetarians and vegans can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Tbilisi
You'll stay in a twin-share room at the GTM Kapan Hotel (or a similar hotel, depending on availability) in the historical centre of town: the perfect base for exploring the city.
Upgrades
If you are arriving in Tbilisi in the early hours of the morning on Day 1, there is an "Early Check-In" option for the hotel which you can request (subject to availability) via your booking.
On the road
You'll stay in small, locally owned guesthouses in twin-share rooms. These are clean and comfortable with shared facilities and are usually family run, so come with their own cuisine and stories.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This trip is designed for cyclists of good fitness with a sense of adventure. You should feel comfortable riding back-to-back days covering an average of 65km a day. The terrain is undulating and the roads are quiet; you will often ride on gravel tracks that enable you to experience village life.
The Goderdzi Pass (2034m) is the most challenging section of the trip and although it's a quiet road, there is a lot of climbing (1300m of ascent!). However, there is always the option to hop in the support vehicle if necessary.
You will be riding on a mix of gravel trails, farm tracks and quiet tarmac roads.
The average temperature during summer in Georgia ranges from 25-35°C in the lower valleys. Up on the plateaus and in the mountains it will be colder (down to 5°C at night) so you will need to pack accordingly. Rain at this time is rare, although it could be windy.
As you will traverse the entire country, you will pass through several climatic regions, so be prepared for all seasons. By the time you reach the Black Sea, it will be hot and humid due to its year-round, moderate climate.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Tbilisi Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Tbilisi Airport
Catch any flight departing after 18:00 on Day 7
Transfers
As long as you've supplied your flight details, private transfers between the airport and the hotel are included for any time you choose to arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 7 (your flight must depart after 18:00). If you are arriving in Tbilisi in the early hours of the morning on Day 1, there is an "Early Check-In" option for the hotel which you can request (subject to availability) via your booking.
If you are arriving before Day 1, you can easily get a taxi from the airport to your hotel for around £10 ($13). If departing after Day 7, then your hotel can arrange a transfer to the airport for you.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Tbilisi from major airports across the UK and Europe.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
Clothes
- Padded cycling shorts
- Sports top or cycling jersey
- Waterproof jacket
- Cycling gloves
- Buff or neck scarf
- Bike helmet (if you have your own; otherwise, your host can provide one)
- Cycling shoes (bring your own pedals if using cleats)
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sandals
- Fleece jacket or similar for the evenings
- Trousers/leggings for the evenings
Other
- Swimwear
- Bumbag or small light rucksack for riding
- Padlock for left luggage
- Universal travel adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (including blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle(s) and electrolyte hydration tablets
- Energy bars and snacks
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Additional Night in Tblisi - Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Tblisi - Single Room
… Per Night
Additional Night in Tblisi - Twin / Double Room Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Tblisi - Twin / Double Room Room
… Per Night
Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Single Room)
Payable Before Departure
Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Single Room)
…
Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Twin/Double Room)
Payable Before Departure
Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Twin/Double Room)
…
Inkalinka_on_the_bike
Oh, Georgia, you've truly outdone yourself! With your captivating diversity and vibrant culture, you delivered a daily infusion of new wonders and memories waiting to be embraced.
Let's talk cycling – a challenge but the kind you run towards rather than from. Each day I was left full of accomplishment and anticipation for the day ahead. Much of this involved peddling through picturesque landscapes with occasional stops for snacks and photo opportunities. Fellow riders became cheerleaders, to friends, sharing stories sweets and motivating each other up mountains meeting four legged friends along the way. 🐄🐶 :man-biking:💪
Lucky for me and my inability to navigate myself around a slightly larger than average supermarket, we had the amazing David! (our guide). This modern-day explorer navigated us though the sometimes questionable terrain, to offbeat local hideaways, rivers and yes Mountains! And oh boy, the food! 🍽️🌮 David unveiled a world of culinary delights (seriously, the portions were massive), all while immersing us in the vibrant tapestry of Georgia's culture through the guest houses that hosted us.
And guess what? David had a squad that nailed the logistics! Navigational wizards and van-driving heroes made sure we were never without hydration, snacks, or that much-needed pick-me-up. 🚐💧🥪
Whether you're a thrill-seeker with in pursuit of an adventure, a trailblazer chasing challenges, or simply a nature enthusiast yearning for some quality time outdoors, I'm shouting from the handlebars– this trip is your calling! And let's not forget the pièce de résistance – the cheesy bread that'll have your taste buds dancing with joy! :cheese_wedge:🍞🌄 So, are you ready to roll? Georgia awaits with open arms and wheels spinning! 🗺️:woman-biking:🌟
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