North Caucasus…Russia, Abkhazia, Adygea, Karachai-Cherkessia, Kranodarskiy krai, Stavropolskiy krai, Kabardino Balkaria, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Chechnya, and Dagestan
May 04 - May 23, 2025
Led by Tour Manager, Nancy Weber
The Northern Caucasus is northern part of the Caucasus region between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea and within European Russia. Historically North Caucasus is one of the hottest spots of the world, the land of famous warriors and strange archaic traditions which is turning to peace now. And we are going to explore it in the most beautiful time, when summer turns to autumn. That is time of weddings, red-yellow-green forests, and abundant tables. We’ll start from Abkhazia, a partially recognized country, which was the pearl of Georgia in the Soviet period and marvel other North Caucasian Autonomous republics, including Kabardino-Balkaria, Ossetia, Ingushetia, Chechnya, and many others. We’ll move from developed West to wild East: from subtropical and friendly Abkhazia and all the way to Dagestan where we will explore ethnicity and history from Stone Age to Soviet era. We will witness daily life of highlanders up in the high mountains with centuries-old forests that are filled with oaks, firs, and wild blueberries. The culmination of our adventure will be exploration of the most visually striking and culturally different villages. So join us on this fascinating journey marveling historical monuments, isolated settlements, towers, orthodox monasteries, majestic landscapes, and cultures that have survived centuries without outside influence.
South Ossetia Extension (May 23 - May 26, 2025)
Tour Cost (Land Only)
6-8 travelers $8,995.00
9-14 travelers $7,995.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single Supplement $1,295.00
Price based on group size minimum of 6 participants and maximum of 14 participants
South Ossetia Extension
3-4 travelers $2,495.00
5+ travelers $1,995.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single Supplement $275.00
Price based on group size minimum of 2 participants
Trip Grade: II Lodging Level: ***-****
Tour Includes
Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers.
Transportation by A/C vehicle.
All accommodations in combination of 3 & 4-star hotels & 1 night at a homestay.
English-speaking local guides throughout the tour.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: breakfast, L: lunch & D: dinner).
Bottled water on the bus during touring days.
All entrance fees to the museums and historical sites are mentioned in the itinerary.
Tour Lecturer/Manager (provided the minimum number of travelers is reached).
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International air into USA-Sochi / Dagestan-USA.
Russian visa (3 years multiple entry - approx. $550 - subject to change).
Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks with or without meals and meals not mentioned.
Beverages, with or without meals and meals not mentioned.
Items of a personal nature (camera fees at Afghan sites, laundry, emails, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on scheduled tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or early arrival.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Travel protection insurance
(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Trip Grade:
II Active - Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides and extensive drives.
LODGING Level:
***Superior - Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. (3 or 4 stars)
**** Luxury: Regular style- usually large- hotels, typical western standard with ample venues, and full amenities. (4 or 5 stars)
Special Tour Remarks:
This is a very off-the-beaten track journey to an area of the world that is least visited by any foreigners or travelers. Joining this tour will require a high level of flexibility and tolerance and willingness to go with the flow when things change, or if the itinerary or hotels used, or sequence or visits change due to any unforeseen conditions. Also, the standard of the local guides as far as their English language abilities are concerned is rather moderate though their in-depth knowledge of the region and its culture as well as their connection to the local population and to the many special people who we will meet is phenomenal. Anyone joining this trip must understand that in many places the tourist infrastructure is very primitive. Some days are long, and the level of services will not match those offered in more tourist locations. Some roads are in poor state. By signing up for this tour, participants are acknowledging their full understanding and acceptance of all terms and conditions and are admitting that they are in good physical and mental health and are equipped with open mind, a sense of adventure, and a tolerant and patient spirit to cope with the tour.
