| Kakheti |  |
|
|
Kakheti is Georgia’s eastern region, bordering the Russian Federation to the north and Azerbaijan to the southeast. Upon descending into the region, you will immediately be welcomed with a panoramic view of the snow-capped Greater Caucasus Mountains, which form a towering backdrop running parallel to the long Alazani and Iori Rivers found below. This dry region offers a little bit of everything, and it is from here that you can make the journey to Tusheti, a largely isolated mountainous region in the north of Kakheti.
This ancient region is home to a wealth of historical and cultural monuments. Among these are the massive Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century), the Shuamta Monastery (7th century), the Gremi Church (16th century), and the medieval academy in Ikalto (13th century), which was a leading center of enlightenment in feudal Georgia and is believed to be where famous Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied as a young scholar. Another attraction is the David Gareja monastery complex, which is particularly interesting as it is situated in a unique landscape of smooth rock hills in a desert-like climate.
Kakheti is perhaps most famous for being Georgia’s major winemaking region, with two thirds of all Georgian grapes and wines produced here. Its award winning wines and spirits have been produced in the region for thousands of years.
CHF/GEII has been working in Kakheti since 2004, when the Guesthouse development program was just beginning. Presently GEII is working in 25 communities of eight districts of the region. Sixty six projects are being implemented to encourage local economic development through tourism, rural development, and reinforcing and developing necessary infrastructure.
While staying at GEII guesthouses in Kakheti, guests will be acquainted with local life and customs, while being treated with organic products, delicious traditional food and unforgettable homemade wine at traditional feasts. Guests can also witness the process of making Churchkhela, a string of nuts covered in solidified wine that resembles an absolute natural and healthy Georgian version of a Snickers bar. Depending on the season, guests will also have the chance to participate in grape harvesting and in traditional vodka distilling (known as zaadoba in Georgian), and can observe traditional winemaking techniques.
The Ikalto Guesthouses provide its visitors with the experience of traditional Georgian hospitality. The host will guide you to visit both nearby historical and architectural monuments, such as the Ikalto Monastery. Guests will also have the opportunity to walk along the Alzani River and taste delicious traditional meals surrounded by enchanting nature, and explore parts of the Mtatusheti region, which is famous for its wonderful scenery and ancient traditions.
Khutsuraulebi Guesthouse
Ikalto, Telavi
Phone: + 995 99 76 86 67
The Khutsuraulebi Guesthouse is two-story house located 14 kilometers from Telavi in the village of Ikalto. The host lives on the first floor, where you will find a dining-room, kitchen, and access to a wine cellar. Traditional wine storage containers (Qvevrebi) are buried in the ground beneath the cellar. The second floor comprises four bedrooms (two single and two double rooms) that have bathrooms with hot water.
The hotel is surrounded by a beautiful garden and vineyard. In autumn, the vineyard is filled with clusters of ripe grapes, providing a pleasant slight and atmosphere for guests.
The hostess has completed training in tourism services.
"Nino" Guesthouse
Ikalto, Telavi
Phone: + 995 99 10 64 89
The Nino Guesthouse is located 14 kilometers from Telavi in the village of Ikalto. The hotel has a unique architectural style that attracts visitors from far away. The host, who is an artist, designed the house himself by mixing traditional and contemporary styles.
The hotel is a three-story house with balconies. The host lives on the first floor, where the kitchen, dining room with fireplace, living room, and a bathroom are located. On the second floor you will find two double bedrooms and a living room and on the third floor there are three bedrooms and a bathroom with hot water. Connecting the floors is a winding staircase, with the hotel capped with a mansard (Victorian style roof with a spacious attic).
A river flows down a ravine on one side of the hotel, creating a pleasant and cool atmosphere and can be felt from the hotel’s many overlooking balconies. The river is a splendid sight during all seasons of the year.
Though there is no garage on the premises, there is plenty of space for parking if needed. The hostess has completed training in tourism service.
Ikalto Guesthouse
Ikalto, Telavi
Phone: + 995 55 32 91 24 / + 995 93 58 13 55
The Ikalto Guesthouse is located 14 kilometers from Telavi in the village of Ikalto, along the road leading to the famous 4th century Ikalto Academy. From the hotel’s balcony, the entire Alazani Valley is visible, which offers diverse beauty throughout the year.
The hotel is a two-story house with wooden balconies. The host lives on the first floor, where there is also the kitchen, dining room and bathroom. Four double bedrooms and a bathroom with hot water are located on the second floor. The host has a splendid little garden and a garage. The hostess has competed training in tourism service.
"Ninia" Guesthouse
Ikalto, Telavi
Phone: + 995 99 25 92 53 / + 995 97 19 10 19
The "Ninia" Guesthouse is a one-story house located 14 kilometers from Telavi in the village of Ikalto. The hotel has a porch and consists of a double bedroom, living room with fireplace, kitchen, and a bathroom with hot water. There is a beautiful fruit garden in front of the house and if the season is right, guests can explore the area while picking fruit straight from the trees. Though there is no garage, there is ample space for secure parking. The "Ninia" Guesthouse may be summed up as a great place for families or for anyone who just wants to get away from it all and enjoy peace and nature. Guests are free to cook their own meals and can rest without being bothered. The nature in Ikalto is very scenic and you can visit the area year round. Ninia’s hostess has completed training in tourism service.