Name: 10 Day Yoga, Meditation, and Mindful Hiking Adventure Tour in Georgia
Brand: soulandsunyoga
Price: 1880 EUR
Availability: InStock

Accommodation

Check-in Time:

14:00

Check-out Time:

11:00

You will be accommodated in double rooms in traditional Georgian guest houses, which bring you closer to the charm of the country and its tradition in a special way. In cities like Kutaisi, you will stay in Georgian-style hotels, and in Tbilisi, you will stay in a great old city villa.

A single room can be booked upon request only. However, this depends on the number of participants and rooms in the respective accommodation and can only be confirmed shortly before the retreat.

For example, the SHUAN Guesthouse in Mazeri. The cozy and traditional SHUAN Guesthouse is located at the foot of Ushba (a double summit at an altitude of up to 4,700 meters) in Mazeri, an enchanting village in the middle of the Great Caucasus Mountains.

Green meadows, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, waterfalls, mountain rivers, mineral springs, and delicious homemade dishes from the region make your stay particularly relaxing and unique.

Program

General information about the trip

The special thing about this trip is that you get to know different places within a week, gain insight into the nature and culture of Georgia and additionally bring your mind and body to rest through conscious hiking, mindfulness, yoga, and meditation.

In addition, a unique and unforgettable experience awaits you. You have the option (optional) to explore and enjoy the fabulous landscape on a horseback ride. No previous knowledge is required for all activities.

The focus of the trip is arriving, switching off, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and getting to know the country in all its diversity and originality. During this week you can consciously concentrate on yourself, take a deep breath, and relax, you will be taken care of!

Meditation, yoga, and mindful hiking

Meditation, yoga, mindfulness exercises, and conscious hiking in nature bring you to rest and let you experience a feeling of unity and harmony. The mountains are the perfect place to connect with yourself and nature and to really relax.

The thematically coordinated yoga and meditation units will give you new input for thought, stimulate your creativity and intuition as well as your life force, also called prana, so that it can flow freely again. The varied units are suitable for all levels and no previous knowledge is required.

The hours (gentle to activated) prepare you perfectly for the hike and give you the necessary energy boost! The invigorating nature and the impulses from the mindfulness practice and the yoga philosophy will certainly give you new inspiration and accompany and enrich you in your everyday life.

Between the Caucasus and the Black Sea

The week is very varied! You will find relaxation, tranquility, and certainly new inspiration that you will continue to feed on after the trip. You have free time between the individual activities. Lying in the sun, reading, or exploring the surrounding area - it won't get boring!

All activities are, of course, optional and voluntary and can be visited according to your own muse. The most important thing is that you go with your feeling and do what is good for you.

Requirements

The trip is for beginners, as well as for advanced yogis and hiking enthusiasts. You don't have to be very experienced. Anke's philosophy is: Travel and exercise is possible for everyone!

A certain fitness and also health is important for a tour in a foreign country. You embark on an adventure trip that comes along with a lot of new experiences. You will indulge in nature, passengers, and their moods, memories, and own nature. This creates a connection from which you can draw a lot of unimagined strength.

All activities are all optional and belong to all levels. soulandsunyoga will always respond to the needs of the participants. During hiking, there will be enough breaks and the duration will be no longer than 6 to 7 hours.

The trail ride is also optional and can only be booked on-site and spontaneously through a third-party supplier. They will give you all the information on-site. Previous knowledge is good, but not required.

The yoga, mindfulness, and meditation units always take place in the great outdoors. Depending on the weather conditions and the course of the day, there may be small changes in the program. The number of participants is limited to 12 people, so you will spend a week in a very personal group and pleasant atmosphere.

Itinerary

A first, rough insight into the weekly routine. They always have the yoga mat with them , so a little more program can be added!

Day 1

Arrival in Kutaisi (airport)
The program starts in the afternoon: Welcome and introduction
A tour of the old town and dinner in a traditional Georgian restaurant

The program starts in the afternoon or early in the evening. The people who arrive later are picked up at the guest house and can then join the others.

Day 2

Breakfast
Drive from Kutaisi to Mazeri by minibus (280 kilometers, approximately 5 to 6 hours)
Stop at natural hot springs
Evening meditation under the stars
Overnight in the mountain village of Mazeri

Day 3

Yoga practice and attunement to hiking
Group hike (to the waterfall), part of the hike in silence, a meditation on the mountain top
Overnight in Mazeri

Day 4

A mindful day in the remote mountain village of Mazeri, filled with yoga, yoga philosophy, and meditation. Of course, there is also free time to explore and relax!
Optional: Another hike with Misha
Overnight in Mazeri

Day 5

Yoga and mindfulness practice
Breakfast
Drive to Mestia, in the closest small town (approximately 20 minutes)
A day in and around Mestia, explore the area together
The afternoon is at your leisure
Joint evening in a Georgian tradition!
Overnight in Mestia

Day 6

Option 1: Hiking ride (approximately 5 to 6 hours) to the Koruldi Lakes (via third-party supplier and accompanied by Anke)
Option 2: Hike with Misha
The evening is at your leisure
Overnight in Mestia

Day 7

Breakfast
From Mestia towards Anaklia on the Black Sea (journey time approximately 3 to 4 hours)
Stop in Anaklia, visit the city, and gentle yoga and meditation practice by the sea (stay approximately 2 to 3 hours)
Continuation to Kutaisi (approximately 2 hours)
Overnight in Kutaisi

Day 8

Breakfast
Continuation to Tbilisi. From here, you can continue your trip in Georgia for 2 more nights
Morning departure to Tbilisi. Travel time approximately 4-5 hours in the minibus
Afternoon tour of cultural sights in the old town
The evening is at your leisure
Overnight in Tbilisi

Day 9

Visit to cultural sights such as a tour of the Abanotubani bathing district (private bathing possible), the Legwtachewi Gorge (Fig Tree Gorge), the botanical garden, and other great sights!
Last evening together in Georgian tradition
Completion of the trip!

Day 10

Own departure after breakfast in the morning

Changes in the weekly schedule might be possible due to weather conditions.

Included excursions

Trip to the Black Sea
Visit natural hot springs
Visit the old town of Kutaisi and Mestia
Visit old mountain villages, monasteries, and churches

Instructors

Anke Lenz

Anke is a yoga teacher and tour guide. The focus of her yoga classes is on a holistic practice that strengthens the body and calms the mind. The classes are suitable for all levels and have their origins in the traditional Indian Hatha yoga practice. In Anke's lessons and retreats, it is always her intention to create a space in which one can experience and grow on a deeper level. In addition to depth, a happy and light atmosphere is also important to her, in which there is enough time and space to enjoy life!

Misha Zelazko

Misha feels particularly connected to the mountain region of Svaneti and calls this region, which is full of mystical legends and customs, his adopted home. He has been living and working as a tour guide in this region for more than 10 years. His focus is on sustainable tourism in the Caucasus. His knowledge of the multifaceted culture and eventful history is very diverse. He was involved in the creation and marking of hiking trails on site. During his tours, it's important to him to provide an authentic insight into Georgian culture and to involve local families in the long term.

Retreat location

Great Caucasus Mountains

Upper Svaneti is a historically and culturally very rich region and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. In the original region, people and nature still live in harmony. No trace of hectic and high-tech. Far and wide there is nothing else to be seen than gigantic and partly snow-capped mountain peaks, bright sunshine, and starry nights that invite you to dream.

In June, the temperature fluctuates between +8 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius. The sun warms you during the day. At night, you can enjoy the cooler air under the clear starry sky. The perfect weather for your trip.

The evenings are at your leisure. Here you can relax and read your favorite novel in front of the fireplace or listen to stories about Georgian culture.

Tbilisi

The idyllic capital is built on rocks and surrounded by mountain ranges. This reflects the rich culture of the country and history. In addition to Christian Orthodox churches and oriental monuments, you will find remains of the Soviet Union paired with modern, abstract architecture. A cultural melting pot!

Tbilisi means: "Place of warm springs" and becomes the Georgian word "bibli"(warm) derived. The reason for the naming are carbonated sulfur water sources that have been used for centuries because of their healing properties. In the famous oriental bathing area, you can immerse yourself in this old tradition.

Tbilisi, as it is affectionately called by the locals, is definitely worth an (extended) trip and rounds off the adventure trip in an impressive way. You spend the night in a beautiful, old city villa with a roof terrace.

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Food

You get the necessary boost of energy from the rich and delicious Georgian cuisine, which gives you a special taste experience. The dishes are vegetarian, according to yogic philosophy, in harmony with people and nature. What grows in the garden and in the area is cooked in Georgia. Look forward to a fresh and varied cuisine!

If you have any incompatibilities, please contact soulandsunyoga when you register.

There will be 8 breakfasts and 6 dinners.

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Dinner

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Vegetarian
Other dietary requirements on request

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

Horseback ride

Optional and only bookable on-site through third-party providers, approx. 30-60 EUR / 2-6 hours, depending on the length of the tour, group size, and number of guides).
On-site, you will be informed about everything you need to know. You should have some prior experience with horseback riding, even though the horses are accustomed to visitors. If you are a complete beginner, you can also book an additional guide.

What's included

Guided hikes
Yoga classes with yoga philosophy sessions
Guided meditation sessions
Cultural program
Excursions included in the program
Georgia-experienced tour guide
Travel companion: German, English, Russian and Polish speaking
Photos of the trip - an unforgettable “best of”
9 nights accommodation in a double room
8 breakfasts and the possibility to pack a sandwich
6 dinners (vegetarian food)
Transfer by minibus (from place to place)

What's not included

Flights
International insurance (health insurance, travel cancellation, etc.)
Hiking ride (optional with third-party costs: approximately 50 EUR)
Tips
Soft drinks
Lunch

How to get there

Recommended Airports

KUT

David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport

21 km

Transfer not provided

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport (KUT). For further information please send an inquiry to soulandsunyoga.

The nearest airport is directly in Kutaisi, the starting point of your trip. Flights are available from 65 EUR per route. A booking six weeks in advance is the cheapest. If you come from Berlin, you can also fly back from Kutaisi to Hamburg. You can also fly back to Berlin from Kutaisi. To do this, take the airport shuttle bus from Tbilisi in the morning.

The airport will provide you on request a taxi to the hotel organized (duration approximately 20 minutes for approximately 10 to 18 EUR).

Airport: David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport Airport transfer available:David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport (US$ 9 per person) Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.

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