Classic Journey through the Caucasus
- Nature
- Adventure
- Culture & history
- Muslim-friendly
Overview
A six-day journey through the North Caucasus, combining historic resort towns, dramatic mountain scenery and some of the region's best-known natural and cultural landmarks. The route starts in Pyatigorsk, continues through Kislovodsk and the Elbrus region, and finishes in North Ossetia with its gorges, mountain villages and ancient monuments.
- Sightseeing in Pyatigorsk and Kislovodsk
- Honey Waterfalls and Mount Ring
- Baksan Gorge and Mount Elbrus, with ascent to Mir station at 3,450 m
- Cherek Gorge, Upper Balkaria and the Blue Lakes
- The mountain gorges and historic sites of North Ossetia
- Tsey Gorge, Mamison Gorge and mountain landscapes
Itinerary
Pyatigorsk
Arrival at Mineralnye Vody Airport or Pyatigorsk railway station. 13:00 meet the group and transfer to the hotel in Pyatigorsk. Accommodation: Mashuk 2★, Pyatigorsk 3★, Intourist 3★ or Beshtau 3★. 15:00 Pyatigorsk sightseeing tour: the Tsvetnik flower garden, Diana's Grotto and the famous Proval cave and lake.
Pyatigorsk - Honey Waterfalls - Kislovodsk
Duration: 8 hours, 145 km. Start at 09:00. Travel to the Honey Waterfalls, see the natural landmark Mount Ring, and explore Kislovodsk, including the Resort Park, the Cascade Staircase and the Main Narzan Gallery. Lunch and dinner are not included and are paid separately.
Pyatigorsk - Azau - Mount Elbrus - Nalchik
Duration: 8-9 hours, 295 km. Start at 08:30. Travel through Baksan Gorge and visit the Narzan Glade and Azau Glade at 2,300 metres above sea level. Continue to Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe, and take the cable car to Mir station at 3,450 metres. Continue to Nalchik and check in at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are not included and are paid separately.
Nalchik - Cherek Gorge - Upper Balkaria - Vladikavkaz
Duration: 8 hours, 230 km. Start at 08:30. Explore Cherek Gorge and Cherek Canyon, visit the mountain village of Upper Balkaria and Lake Tserik-Kel, one of the famous Blue Lakes. Arrive in Vladikavkaz at approximately 17:00. Lunch is not included and is paid separately. 19:30-21:30 optional Alanian Evening: an ethnic-style show with dinner and tasting, available for an additional fee.
Three Gorges of North Ossetia
Duration: 8 hours, 120 km. Start at 08:30. Visit Karmadon, Dargavs and the famous City of the Dead, followed by the Tower of Kurt and Tag, the village of Tsmiti and the Holy Dormition Alanian Monastery. Continue through Kurtatinsky Gorge to Kadargavan Canyon and the Dzivgis rock fortress. Optional picnic lunch is available for an additional fee. Return to Vladikavkaz at approximately 16:30.
Alagir Gorge - Tsey - Mamison - Vladikavkaz
Duration: 8 hours, 220 km. Start at 08:30. Check out of the hotel and depart with your luggage. Visit the Uastyrdzhi sanctuary and rock monument, Tsey Gorge and the cable car leading towards the Skazsky Glacier. Continue to Mamison Gorge and the village of Lisri, then visit the monument to the Gazdanov brothers. Optional picnic lunch is available for an additional fee. Return to Vladikavkaz at approximately 16:30, followed by a group transfer to the airport or railway station for evening departures after 18:00.
What is included
What is included
- Group transfer from Mineralnye Vody Airport or Pyatigorsk railway station to the hotel on day 1, with group meeting at 13:00
- Group transfer from Vladikavkaz to the airport or railway station at 16:30 on the final day, for flights or trains departing after 18:00
- Hotel accommodation in Pyatigorsk, Nalchik and Vladikavkaz according to the itinerary, with breakfast
- Excursions according to the itinerary with professional guides and qualified drivers
- Entrance tickets to attractions included in the excursion programme and environmental fees for protected areas
Additional info
- Tour duration: 6 days / 5 nights.
- Route: Caucasian Mineral Waters - Kabardino-Balkaria - North Ossetia.
- Arrival transfer on day 1 is arranged for the group meeting at 13:00.
- Final group transfer departs Vladikavkaz at approximately 16:30 and is suitable for flights or trains departing after 18:00.
- Optional meals, cable cars and the Alanian Evening programme are paid separately.