Top 5 Borjomi Park Full-Day Tours: Reviews & Recommendations
Thinking about visiting Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and that is if you are searching for a full-day tour to really take it all in? Very well, you’ve found just the spot. This park, so it’s one of Europe’s largest, is packed with trails, landscapes, and spots for adventure. I will give you what I believe are your best bets for seeing the park’s highlights on a full-day excursion.
Why Pick a Full-Day Tour of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park?
Alright, so maybe you’re wondering, “Why should I actually spend a whole day there?” I reckon the most obvious reason is sheer size! It is huge. You can’t see it all in a simple afternoon jaunt. And that’s if you are wanting to feel like you have truly explored a place, a full day definitely lets you take your time, stop to breathe in that fresh, Georgian mountain air, and, of course, take a bunch of photos. Then there’s also this thing: many of the sights you’d want to hit in the park aren’t just a hop off the highway. A lot of the cool stuff needs at least a bit of hiking, and so that adds up to the time you need to experience those cool things in the park.
A tour often smooths all of that planning out, too. Seriously, a quality tour company will know the best ways to structure the day, and where to find the experienced guides that really bring the place to life. They handle permits, and sometimes, that even includes food. In a way, that gives you less headaches and just a focus on what’s important — seeing some breathtaking views.
Read our full review: Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Full-day Tours Full Review and Details
Tour 1: The Classic Panorama Trail Adventure
Alright, so picture this: You begin near Likani, fairly known for its beautiful Romanov Palace. As I was saying, this trip is a fairly solid mix of moderate trekking and unbelievable scenery. It will usually take most folks a decent six to eight hours, covering somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 kilometers. In a way, the elevation gains and changes do offer a great workout. Yet, arguably, what seals the deal for most folks are the vistas! You see views that basically stretch for days, right across some of the most pristine parts of the park.
What makes it unique: Besides all of that? That panoramic vista, without question. Especially great are the opportunities to see the Caucasus range in clear weather, very well making for fantastic photographs.
Who will love it: Those who appreciate a physical challenge with their picture-postcard scenes, yet, at the same time, would be well-suited to folks that may already have done a day or two of walking on their trip.
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Tour 2: Footsteps of Royalty: Romanov Trail
Basically, so if you are more of a history buff, or like your walks to have a strong sense of historical depth, I would recommend looking into trails that focus on the history of the Romanov family in Georgia. Of course, this option not only gives you some good exercise and outstanding landscapes, too it offers a tangible link with Georgia’s fascinating royal past.
As a matter of fact, Romanovs did actually frequent this area; the trails pass very near some significant landmarks like the Romanov Palace, and so, that makes the hike itself just a bit different. Local guides can be invaluable here. They can give real insight into what life may have been like at the time, really sprinkling anecdotes and stories into the landscape itself.
What makes it unique: The blending of nature with actual history. So, that’s not something you get everywhere, clearly, walking quite literally in the footsteps of royals is a really different experience.
Who will love it: Obviously, this one is ideal for the history fan. Hikers who tend to love a narrative, a storyline or context alongside some natural beauty, this should be high up your list.
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Tour 3: Eco-Tourism at Its Finest: A Biodiversity Tour
Seemingly, for those who really like keeping an eye on the natural environment, there are specialized eco-tours available. The goal? Well, quite simply, it’s showcasing all of Borjomi-Kharagauli’s plant and animal diversity.
With experienced guides–generally actual biologists or folks that actually hold relevant scientific expertise–you have a brilliant chance of learning much about the local species, or conservation challenges and just really what makes this park such an asset to Georgia. Arguably, these trips will be adjusted with the seasons; Spring sees wildflowers everywhere and a host of birdlife too, yet, Autumn? Arguably that’s a fantastic time to spot larger wildlife. These can often be scheduled privately to accommodate individual needs or small parties.
What makes it unique: So it is that these tours are very educational, going far beyond your run-of-the-mill sightseeing by offering actual, real insight from specialists.
Who will love it: You will adore it when you love wildlife, or consider yourself something of an amateur–or professional–naturalist. Perfect, too, for photographers that seek some less common, but still amazing shots.
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Tour 4: Horseback Riding Adventure Through the Wilderness
As I was saying, those keen on a rather different way to experience the national park, then, you can hop onto horseback. Several tour operators actually provide equestrian excursions of varying durations and also various parts of the park. Usually the rides follow pre-planned trails. You don’t just see, or trample any sensitive areas either.
It is important for pretty much everybody: No experience? Seriously, don’t worry. Most tours include an initial intro session to riding. It’s usually only needed when you’re fairly unsure on how to control your horse. As a matter of fact, the views appear very differently from up in the saddle, and arguably you cover a fair bit more ground than walking. Then, it does still require a basic level of fitness, that being said, it feels really relaxing!
What makes it unique: It provides an actual throwback feeling, very similarly to an old-world experience. Plus, arguably, horses allow easier access to what would normally be pretty inaccessible regions of the park.
Who will love it: Horse lovers will be really into this one! Anyway, it could also offer a more unique angle on nature for people wanting to actively avoid typical walking tours.
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Tour 5: Extreme Adventures: Multi-Day Trekking Tour
So this one might not seem a “full-day tour” but bear with me! And that is because several companies actually do offer tours, you see. Multi-day deals can certainly give you a more comprehensive feel of the area if one day seems really tight. Actually, that usually involves camping overnights, so it allows access to regions that are often basically impossible to reach within a simple day. I mean, it does take a commitment. But it often results in more memorable experiences, if you’re actually feeling intrepid.
The groups will tend to be much smaller to lessen impact on the area; this, I feel, enhances the sense of wild, real Georgian wilderness. These kinds of longer excursions should generally involve fairly detailed planning and preparation, so, therefore ensure the operator you are considering provides equipment, appropriate meals, and manages all logistics very safely.
What makes it unique: The pure immersion factor, arguably with amazing potential for stargazing. Not only that, though the remote portions offer a true, unplugged experience rarely easily found today.
Who will love it: The sort of folks seeking some true escape, willing to trade luxury and comfort for intense encounters with actual natural wonder.
Read our full review: Multi-Day Trekking Tour Full Review and Details
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