Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia vacation

Planet

By keeping the group size to a maximum of 12, we can also minimise the human impact on the fragile sites and ecosystems we visit.
We attempt to reduce plastic bottle use wherever possible by promoting use of reusable and filtered water bottles. Our partnership with Water-To-Go provides a discount on filtered water bottles to our clients. We do not provide water from plastic bottles to our clients in country but always ensure there is regular access to drinking water on our tours.
We are promoting the natural beauty and ancient heritage of Azerbaijan and Georgia through visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Qobustan, Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs and Mtskheta. UNESCO Sites are chosen by the UNESCO committee and must "bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to civilisation", "an important interchange of human values" or be outstanding examples of major stages of Earth's history or ecological and biological processes in evolution. Visiting such sites helps sustain the traditions and natural ecosystems of Azerbaijan and Georgia through tourism.
Using no carbon transport such as cycling or walking not only gives you a slower paced experience, but also cuts environmental damage and tourist carbon footprint. We are committed to low-level tourism impact and we keep group sizes to a maximum of 12 to avoid huge tour bus loads of tourists, which increases environmental damage but also is less likely to be welcomed by locals. Slower travel also allows for more chances to interact with people from another culture.
Throughout most of the trip we will be traveling in minibuses. Traveling as a group in a small bus contributes less pollution than a multitude of vehicles. We will also be exploring many areas on foot to not only soak up the amazing sights at a slower pace, but to reduce our environmental impact and footprint along our journey.

People

In the Caucasus - and in particular in Georgia - we have developed unique relationships with many of the mountain peoples of the region and through our form of interactive tourism with a social conscience we have helped them by providing an important additional income. On this trip we travel through regions where conditions are harsh and there is limited opportunity for earning an income. By visiting local families, we are able to put much needed funds directly into the local communities. In addition, all foods are produced locally so several members of the village benefit financially, which improves several families’ standard of living. The great thing about this kind of interactive tourism is that everyone gains – the locals financially and us from the fuss they make of us!
The best way to share stories and meet new people is over a plate of great food and a glass of wine in hand. On Day 6 in Kakheti wine region, we will be eating with a local family in their home. On Day 7 we will experience a wine tasting in Telavi at a wine cellar to learn the ancient art of wine making in Goergia. Georgia has a unique food history and wine production dates back over 8,000 years. Supporting the local food industry in Georgia not only maintains the cultural identity of the country but connects cultures through the most ancient of pastimes, eating and drinking!
On each Group tour we use local ground handlers. This means that all operational costs go directly into the local economy and help improve employment opportunities in remote regions. Such support can also be seen in our incorporation of homestays, locally owned hotels, family run restaurants and the services of local guides and drivers into our itineraries, which ensures that the money you spend with us goes directly into the local economy and local community.