GRAPE Field Trips

Sightseeing

       Marneuli is located in the southern part of the Kvemo Kartli region.  The locality of Marneuli is itself surrounded by a few historical and cultural sites that students are encouraged to visit, such as the Swabian (German) town of Bolnisi, paleolithic site of Dmanisi and the Medieval David Gareja Monastery .

       As the modern capital of Georgia, the city of Tbilisi has a multitude ​of sites and experience to to behold. From Museums, to concerts, Wine festivals to Sulfur Baths, Tbilisi has much to appeal to any and all. Additionally, it is the transportation hub, that can take you to to nearby locations to explore. Although Tbilisi has ready access to many of the important cultural and historical sites of Georgia, keep in mind because of the state of many of the roads, they are not all necessarily accessible to fully explore in a single weekend.  From hiking in the Caucasus's Mountains in Kazbegi, to camping in the Vashlovani Nature preserve, to exploring further afield like Western Georgia or even Armenia, Tbilisi is the key to the Caucasus. 

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Field Trips

​Because public transportation in Georgia is either lacking or is highly unreliable, and due to the COVID-19 situation, for the safety of our participants, our staff and our hosts, we want to ensure our participants get to explore the magic of Georgia, while being as safe as possible. As a such, we are organizing two weekend day trips, and two full weekend trips to some amazing sites and museums:

First Weekend: Vardzi Tour (Full Weekend)

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Day 1: Chikiani (Obsidian stone source, intensive hiking required, 30min each way) & Lake Parvani; – Akhalkalaki Castle (moderate hiking required, 15min each way), Khertversi fortress (moderate hiking required, 15min each way).

Optional hike to Kurgans (intensive hiking required, 60min each way)

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Day 2: Vadzia Cave Monastery site. Moderately intensive hiking, several hours

Cost: US$275 for full weekend (the fees include transportation to the site/museum and entrance ticket – hotel, dinner and breakfast, you provide your own lunches)

Second Weekend: Winery  & Monastery Tour: (Full Weekend)

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Day 1:  Signaghi, Signaghi Museum, St. Nino’s Convent, Shumi Winery, Telavi (Hotel, Dinner on your own)

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Day 2:  Alaverdi Monastary, Gremis’s Archaangel Complex, Nekresi Monastary, Khareba Winery

Cost: US$275 for full weekend (the fees include transportation to the sites/museum/ wineries and entrance ticket – hotel breakfast, you provide your own lunches and dinner)

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Third Weekend: Free Weekend

Optional bus to Tbilisi Depart Friday Return Sunday Cost $50 USD