Kazbegi Trail Marathon in Georgia with 7SensesTravel and Visit Georgia

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO LACK OF SPONSOR 2017 EDITION HAS BEEN CANCELLED. 

Would you like to feel the freedom and mysticism of the Greater Caucasus? Feel the energy that comes with running on the slopes of one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world?

Take up the challenge and join us on Kazbegi Trail Marathon in Georgia (only 3-4 hours flight from West and Central European cities)! We are the official representative for this event!

Kazbegi Marathon 2016 will take place on Sunday, 4^th of September and mark 7. edition of this still evolving trail running event at the foot of the majestic peak of Kazbek (5047 m) in Kazbegi. Runners will have a chance to choose between three distances: 8 km, half marathon and full marathon, there will be also a separate Kids Run organized for kids aged 6-11. Half marathon and marathon routes stretch by the Gergeti Trinity Church, that is situated at the altitude of 2170 m and afterwards continue to reach a vast valley of Sno with Chaukhi range (3842 m), often referred to as “Dolomites of the Caucasus”. More information on the route to be found: Kazbegi Marathon 2016.

To make sure we get some acclimatization prior to the run, we will come to Kazbegi on the day prior to the run. There we are to have an excursion to familiarize ourselves with the marathon route (walk & car) – Cminda Sameba – The Holy Trinity Church, mineral water pool, Sno valley. We will also have a pasta party in one of the best hotels in Georgia – Rooms Hotel – with great views from its terrace. For those willing to spend there the whole stay – we offer such an option at extra charge. To cool down after the race we will have an opportunity to use natural mineral water pools or drive to Gudauri village nearby to the Marco Polo SPA Center with sauna and indoor pool.

Except for the race you will have a chance to experience the legendary Georgian hospitality as well as feel the magic of Tbilisi and if you plan to go with us for a longer trip – one extra day is going to be fully dedicated to explore wines of Kakheti region. See what options we have prepared for you in the below itinerary.

Dates: Kazbegi Marathon 2017 has been cancelled

Itinerary:

Day 1. 02.09 (Friday) Airport (Tbilisi) – Tbilisi

Arrive to Tbilisi airport and transfer to the hotel for overngiht.
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Day 2. 03.09 (Saturday) Tbilisi – Kazbegi

In the morning your guide and vehicle pick you up from a hotel in Tbilisi and you start exploring the Capital of Georgia. Walk the narrow and beautiful streets of Old Tbilisi. This town of ancient traditions is the blend of East and West. You can enjoy the eastern architecture here and the same time experience western glamour. We explore– churches, synagogue,mosque,as well as famous 19th century houses with wooden multi-colored balconies; visit the sulfur bath which made an unforgettable impression on Pushkin, Lermontov, Dumas; enjoy the superb panoramic views of the Old city from Narikala Fort and take astroll along Rustaveli Avenue–the main street of Tbilisi. After we follow up the Georgian MilitaryHighway (leading to the Georgian-Russian border).On the way visit Ananuri architectural complex (17thcentury),two churches and the fortress overlooking Zhinvali water reservoir, and continue to Kazbegi.The drive is very scenic through the Great Caucasus Mountains.Up on arrival in Kazbegi you have time to relax and explore this tiny town. In the evening we will join Pasta Party at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi – with great views on Kazbek mountain (5047 m).

Overnight at a hotel or guesthouse in Kazbegi.
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Day 3. 04.09 (Sunday)

Today is the great day of Kazbegi Trail Marathon.You are welcome to run any distances – 8km, 21km, 42 km or Relay
Race. After an enjoyable race you take a transfer to Tbilisi together with your guide,who accompanies you to your
hotel in Tbilisi.

Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.
(B/-/D)

Day 4. 05.09 (Monday) – Option 1 – 4 days tour

Drive to Tbilisi airport and departure. End of the 4 days tour.

Day 4*. 05.09 (Monday) – Option 2 – 5 days tour

Today we travel in Kakheti region famous for being wine making area,as well as associated with welcoming hospitality. Here we can see both snowy Caucasus mountains and fertile valleys. Firstly we visit 18th century beautiful,small town of Sighnaghi which will impress us with its old fence and small houses with tiled roofs and decorated balconies.From here we can see the picturesque views of Alazani valley and Great Caucasus mountains.After that visit the Monastery of Bodbe(11thc.) where Georgia`s enlightener – Saint Nino was buried and see beautiful garden surrounding the Monastery as well. Later visit traditional Georgian wine cellar, which is a kind of ethnographic museum, where we can find Georgian wine cellar characteristic features, as well as ancient objects. Here we taste wine made by traditional way in Kvevri (clayvessel).This method of winemaking is inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list. Lunch with homemade dishes and wine at a local family. Drive back to Tbilisi.

Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.
(B/L/-)

Day 5*. 06.09 (Tuesday) – Option 2 – 5 days tour

Drive to Tbilisi airport and departure.

Price:

 Option 1: 4 days tour : 300 $ (excluding flight tickets – happy to assist you in locating the cheapest flights!)
*Option 2: 5 days tour : 400 $ (excluding flight tickets – happy to assist you in locating the cheapest flights!)

Possibility to upgrade to Rooms Hotel in Kazbegi for an extra charge of 100$ for three nights DBL room with mountain view – one of the destination hotels in Georgia, with great view at Mount Kazbek, spacious rooms, indoor swimming pool & sauna. Definitely worth to stay there for at least one night. Great recovery after the run.

Price includes: race registration and fee, overnight in line with itinerary – 3* hotels and guesthouses, all transfers with comfort minivans or 4×4 vehicles in line with itinerary, English/ German/ Russian/Polish speaking leader depending on group set up, meals (in line with itinerary, Georgian and European cuisine), pasta party on Saturday, travel insurance for the whole stay in Georgia.

Price does not include: airfares, sports equipment and nutrition supplements, alcoholic drinks, drive and entry fee to Marco Polo Spa Center (ca. 20$ depending on numer of people), all other expenses not covered by the itinerary.

The minimum number of participants for all this trip amounts to 5 people.

Depending on air tickets’ availability we will coordinate participants and airport transfers accordingly.

The below services can be added to our program at extra charge:

• Georgian cuisine short workshop (+25$),
• Expedition to climb peak of Kazbek (5047 m) with only 5 extra days – ask us for more details!