Multiactive from Arkhyz to Dombay

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Arkhyz is a true paradise for nature and adventure lovers, one of the most picturesque corners of the Western Caucasus.

On our route, you will be able to explore the lakes of the Sofia range, as well as see the majestic Sofia Glacier, from where fascinating waterfalls descend from a height of 120 meters.

Here you will be greeted by dense pine forests, crystal clear rivers and lakes, as well as inaccessible mountain peaks hidden from the eyes of tourists accustomed to popular routes. Dombay is a protected area that is open only to those who are looking for real adventures and want to touch the wild, untouched Caucasus.

Location

G. Mineralnye Vody

from

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Thermal springs

Relax and unwind after a long trip in the pools with warm water

Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Let's see how scientists observe the movement of the heavenly bodies

The amazing nature of the Caucasus

We will walk through the picturesque canyons and climb to the high-altitude waterfalls and lakes

Active leisure

Let's go on exciting adventures and explore the mountain trails

Flying on a cable car

We will take a cable car to the top of Moussa Achitara, which offers a view of the entire Caucasian ridge, Mount Elbrus and Kazbek

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival. Thermal springs
Your adventure begins in Mineralnye Vody.
If you want to arrive in advance or stay late after the end of the tour, we recommend spending time in Pyatigorsk. More detailed information can be specified at the time of booking.
Arrival at the airport or at the Mineralnye Vody railway station before 13:00.
At 13:15 group gathering, group transfer without a guide to one of the most beautiful resorts in the Caucasus — Arkhyz.
On the way, you will stop at the Pearl of the Caucasus thermal complex, which will give you a feeling of complete relaxation.
Eight pools with different temperatures — from +25 to +41 degrees — with hydro massage will allow you to relieve fatigue and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort.
There will be changing rooms, showers, a hammam, a sauna and a cafe at your disposal, as well as a shop where you can buy everything you need for bathing: towels, swimsuits, slippers.
Immerse yourself in the warm, healing water and feel all the stress and tension disappear.
An entrance ticket starting from 550 rubles is paid additionally.
After completing this relaxing stop, you will continue your journey to Arkhyz, where you will find comfortable accommodation in the hotel of your choice.
The evening is provided for an independent dinner and free time to calmly tune in to the upcoming days full of adventures.
This is the beginning of your journey, promising harmony with nature and relaxation for body and soul!
The price includes: group transfer to Mineralnye Vody – Arkhyz airport, waiting at the thermal springs, overnight at the hotel.

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Day 2 - Dukka Lakes are the pearls of Karachay-Cherkessia
Duration: 5-6 hours.
Height difference: 500 meters.
Your day will start with breakfast at the hotel, after which we will prepare for one of the most unforgettable adventures in Arkhyz.
A guide will meet you at 9:00 a.m., and after a safety briefing, we will take off on off-road vehicles to the beginning of our tracking route.
The Dukka Lakes are one of the most picturesque and popular routes in the region, where you can see the stunning natural beauty of the three lakes of the Malaya Dukka River basin.
The track will start with an easy, pleasant trail running along the river, which will gradually take us up to more difficult sections.
We will make a stop at a fast stream surrounded by alpine meadows to relax and enjoy nature.
Next, we will have a serious climb to the first lake, Rybka. This lake, surrounded by peaks, will give you incredible views.
And if you are ready to continue your journey, it is worth climbing even higher to Arkasar Lake, which, despite its proximity to the first, surprises with its contrasting beauty and harsh, majestic surroundings of the mountains.
Here, at a height, there is a special silence and tranquility, creating an atmosphere of complete unity with nature.
After that, we will have a lunch with a dry ration, enjoying the scenery.
For the most active, there is an opportunity to visit the third lake, a Fairy Tale of the Caucasus, which by its name already hints at the magic of the surrounding mountain peaks.
After a busy day, return to the hotel, where you can relax and remember all the emotions that this amazing trekking gave you.
Dinner is planned at your discretion — you will have time to choose a cozy place to end the day.
The route can be replaced by trekking to the Moon Lake, which also impresses with its beauty.
The price includes: breakfast at the hotel, work as a guide, transfer to the start of the route on off-road transport, lunch-lunch box, overnight at the hotel.

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Day 3 - Sofia Gorge. Ak-Aira Waterfall
Duration: 5-6 hours.
Height difference: 300 meters.
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, after which you will be met by a guide, and we will go to one of the most spectacular places in the Western Caucasus — the Sofia Gorge.
Our journey will begin with an exciting ride on an all-terrain vehicle to an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level.
Jeeping along the mountain river itself will already become a vivid impression and a real adventure!
When we reach the upper reaches of the gorge, two spectacular radial exits await us.
The first part of the route is an ascent to the famous Sofia Waterfalls, which originate in the Sofia East Glacier.
Even from the road, these waterfalls look impressive, but closer to them we will climb along a convenient path to a height of about 300 meters.
The glacier is retreating, exposing smooth rocks and creating new branches of waterfalls — a sight that will definitely be remembered for a long time!
After an eventful walk and lunch with a dry ration, we will go to the lesser-known, but no less beautiful waterfalls of Ak-Aira.
These waterfalls are hidden from the eyes of travelers, which makes them a real godsend for nature lovers.
The trail leads to them through picturesque Alpine landscapes, and the highest waterfall originates from the Sofiyskiy Zapadny glacier.
Smaller cascades descend from the Solovyov Glacier, creating a stunning atmosphere of solitude and the power of nature.
After a busy day, we will return to the hotel, where we can relax and enjoy the evening views of Arkhyz.
The price includes: breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the beginning of the route and back on off-road transport, guide's work, lunch (dry ration), overnight at the hotel.

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Day 4 - An unforgettable trip to Mount Pastukhova and the starry sky of Arkhyz
Duration: 5-6 hours.
Height difference: 700 meters.
Imagine: a morning at the hotel with a delicious breakfast, a day full of discoveries and adventures ahead.
You will meet with an experienced guide, and then take an exciting off—road trip through one of the most picturesque gorges in the Caucasus.
We will climb the mountain serpentine in off-road vehicles to an altitude of 2,070 meters above sea level, and from that moment the real magic will begin.
Our trekking to Mount Pastukhova is a route for those who like active and accessible adventures.
In 5-6 hours you will overcome an altitude difference of 700 meters, but it will not be just a climb — it will be a walk with spectacular views of the majestic mountains of the Caucasus.
An easy route without special equipment is suitable for anyone who is ready to enjoy nature and experience the feeling of climbing.
After such an inspiring hike, we will pause for lunch (dry rations) to gain strength before the next stage of the day — a visit to the observatory.
The Arkhyz Observatory is a window into the boundless cosmos, where you can touch the mysteries of the universe.
The grand dome of the main telescope, the largest in Eurasia, will be the culmination of our trip.
This telescope allows you to look into the depths of space and observe the stars, as if you yourself are a part of these distant worlds.
In the evening, returning to the hotel, you will be filled with vivid impressions that will stay with you for a long time.
The price includes: breakfast at the hotel, drop-off to the start of the route and back on off-road transport, guide service, lunch box, entrance tickets to the observatory, overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Nizhne-Arkhyzskoye settlement
The morning will start with a delicious breakfast and packing.
After the rooms are vacated, we set off for the famous Dombay.
But before that, there is a stop that will immerse you in the atmosphere of antiquity.
Nizhne-Arkhyzskoye settlement is a unique place where Christian churches, built long before the baptism of Rus, have been preserved.
Walking through these ancient places is like traveling through time.
Here, among the majestic ruins, you can feel the breath of centuries and plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
And the most exciting thing is that you will have the opportunity to climb to the famous Face of Christ, a monumental icon carved into the rock in the 10th century.
The view from the top is amazing — spiritual and natural grandeur in one place.
After the tour, we will have lunch (for an additional fee) to gain strength before continuing the journey.
And so, by 17:00 we will arrive in Dombay, the heart of the Caucasus Mountains.
The mountains here are breathtaking at first sight.
Hotel accommodation is at your choice to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The price includes: breakfast at the hotel, transportation service according to the program, tour guide, entrance fees, overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Trekking in the heart of the mountains — Alibek gorge or Ptysh valley
Duration: 5 hours.
Height difference: 500 meters.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet with your guide and go to one of the most picturesque places in the Caucasus, where nature reveals itself in all its glory.
Trekking to Russian Glade and the Chuchhur waterfalls awaits you.
Imagine: majestic mountains, snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and clear springs are all around you.
Russian Glade offers a breathtaking view of Dombay — this is where the history of the ski resort originated.
After walking among the traces of the old ski lifts, you will find yourself in the Dombay-Ulgen gorge, where waterfalls rage among the alpine meadows.
The Juchhur waterfalls, falling from a height of 12 meters, will give you the powerful energy of nature and unforgettable emotions.
Drinking glacier water directly from the spring is a real pleasure!
Depending on the accessibility of the route and weather conditions, the guide may decide to go trekking in the Ptysh gorge.
Duration: 5-6 hours.
Height difference: 1300 meters.
Walking distance is 10 km.
This path will open to you the third largest glacier of the Teberdinsky reserve.
The icy tongue of the Ptysh glacier is surrounded by grand peaks, and the road to it passes through alpine meadows where rare pink rhododendrons bloom.
And the top of the route will be the Maiden Spit waterfall — cascades of water falling from a height of about 15 meters create a magical spectacle.
Both trails will give you stunning views, crystal clear air and the feeling of a real mountain trip.
Lunch — with a dry ration in nature, surrounded by the power of the mountains and the silence of the wilderness.
In the evening, returning to the hotel, you will be filled with feelings of conquered heights and picturesque places.
The price includes: breakfast at the hotel, guided tour, entrance tickets to the national park, lunch (dry ration), overnight at the hotel.

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Day 7 - Trekking in Alibek Gorge is an amazing journey to the heart of the Caucasus
Duration: 6-7 hours.
Height difference: 300 meters.
The walking part of the route is 14 km.
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will meet with a guide and transfer to one of the most picturesque places in Dombay — Alibek gorge.
The route starts with an easy trekking that will take you to Alibek Waterfall.
This sight is impressive — powerful streams of water are falling from a height, creating a fascinating atmosphere.
Further along the way, you will see the Alibek Glacier, one of the natural wonders of the Caucasus.
Although access to the glacier depends on park permits, even its very presence adds a special adventurous atmosphere to the route.
The next stop is Turye Lake, located at an altitude of 2200 meters.
From the lake you will enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Main Caucasian Mountain Range and its legendary peaks — Erzog, Belala Kaya and Sulakhat.
And if you are lucky, you will be able to see rare mountain tours that go to the lake for water.
These proud and cautious animals are a real symbol of the Caucasus Mountains, and their appearance makes this place even more magical.
In the fresh air among the mountains, we will arrange a lunch with a dry ration — a delicious snack against the backdrop of majestic views.
This day is filled with the spirit of adventure and unity with nature, leaving behind only the best memories.
The price includes: breakfast at the hotel, guided tour, entrance tickets to the national park, lunch (dry ration), overnight at the hotel.

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Day 8 - Trekking to the Baduk Lakes — nature in all its glory
Duration: 5-6 hours.
Height difference: 600 meters.
The walking part of the route is 10 km.
Today you will have a magical journey to the Baduk lakes hidden in the mountains — corners of pristine nature, where only the most inquisitive and brave travelers enter.
After breakfast, you will meet with your guide and set off on a journey where a real adventure will begin.
Crossing the Teberda River on a suspension bridge will add adrenaline and boost energy for the whole day.
Next, a trail known as the "royal road" will take you through dense thickets of fir and deciduous trees.
Despite the height difference, the route is within the power of everyone, and its completion will reward you with a sense of victory — you will literally conquer the wild beauty of the mountains.
But the main pearl is the Baduk Lakes.
Starting from the smallest lake, surrounded by peace and quiet, you will climb higher and higher, discovering the second and then the third, largest lake, with an area of 3.5 hectares.
The azure purity of its waters, the mirrored surface and the fascinating views will be a real reward for you for the way you have traveled.
Imagine enjoying the silence of nature, tasting the water from the transparent shore and watching the trout that live in these waters.
Lunch with a dry ration on the lake shore will be a special moment.
You will hear interesting legends and stories related to these places, which will further immerse you in the atmosphere of antiquity and mystery.
You will return to the hotel, where you can share your impressions and relax before new discoveries.
The price includes: breakfast, guide's work, transfer to the beginning of the route and back, entrance tickets to the national park, lunch (dry ration), overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 - Moussa Achitara Mountain and Devil's Mill Canyon
Duration: 6-7 hours.
Height difference: 600- 1350 meters.
Your day starts with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, and then a meeting with a guide will kick-start an exciting adventure.
You will climb Mount Moussa Achitara, where you will go by cable car (additional fee from 2,300 rubles), climbing to a dizzying height of 3,000 meters.
Spectacular panoramas will open at the top: sparkling glaciers, stormy rivers, waterfalls and snow-capped Dombay peaks.
And if you're lucky with clear weather, you'll see the two—headed peak of majestic Mount Elbrus, the true pride of the Caucasus.
After an exciting climb, you can enjoy lunch at the resort, choosing from local cafes and restaurants (at your own expense).
The afternoon promises you a walk to the mysterious canyon "Devil's Mill".
Starting along the Amanauz River, you will see how the riverbed narrows and turns into a deep canyon pierced by water through high granite walls.
In one place, the river has created a natural whirlpool known as the "Devil's Mill", which does not leave any traveler indifferent.
After a busy day, returning to the hotel will allow you to relax and enjoy the memories of an unforgettable day among the majestic mountains.
The price includes: breakfast, tour guide, entrance tickets to the national Park, overnight at the hotel.

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Day 10 - Departure
The day will start with breakfast at the hotel, where you can enjoy the last minutes of comfort and coziness.
After that, the rooms will be vacated until 12:00, but do not rush to leave.
You will have free time to take another walk around the resort, take the latest photos of the mountain scenery or buy souvenirs for your loved ones.
At 14:00, a transfer to the airport awaits you so that you can comfortably get to your evening flights (after 19:00).
The price includes: breakfast, transfer to Mineralnye Vody airport (without a guide).

Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour organizer's comments

The tour is suitable for active tourists under 65 years of age with good physical fitness, who have no contraindications to active activities in the mountains.

Accommodation

Hotel

9 nights

Comfort

Premium

The tour includes accommodation in hotels in Dombay and Arkhyz.

The price is valid until 31.03.2025:

Accommodation in Arkhyz/Accommodation in Dombay

2-bed accommodation

1-local accommodation

Additional placement (from age 12)

Vertical SKI&SPA Resort 4*

Standard room / "Gold Star", standard room

87 000

85,000 (until 03/31/2025)

120 000

81 000

Ozon Arkhyz / Hotel Taurukh

Luxury hotel / Deluxe rooms

Superior number

109 000

167 000

Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Vertical Hotel is located in Arkhyz Village. It offers rooms with mountain views and ski storage.

Each room has a wardrobe, and some also have a kitchenette with a microwave. The rooms at the Vertical Hotel are equipped with a TV and a hairdryer.

The Barit Restaurant serves European and Caucasian cuisine. The hotel has a spa complex with a phyto-barrel and a hot tub.

Ski equipment rental is available at the property, as the surrounding area is ideal for skiing. There is also a children's playground.

Dombay is 42 km from the Vertical Hotel.

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«Ozon Arkhyz»

The four-star OZON ARKHYZ Hotel offers a comfortable stay to all guests of Arkhyz. The hotel's services include a Finnish sauna, hammam, swimming pool, skiing, and a conference room.

The hotel has 30 rooms, varying in category, capacity and view from the window. Comfortable beds, modern renovation, high—quality furniture and textiles, a private bathroom - all this is about each room of the Ozon Arkhyz hotel. All conditions have been created for a pleasant stay and a warm atmosphere. Facilities include a TV, Wi-Fi, several online cinemas, a safe, and ironing facilities.

There is a bar and a restaurant on site. It is possible to order breakfast here. If desired, you can visit nearby catering outlets.

The hotel is great for skiing holidays — the cable car and the piste are just over 2 km away. The nearest airport and train station are in Sukhum, so you will have to travel more than 60 km to them if necessary.

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Another option

«Gold Star» 3*

The Gold Star Hotel is located in Dombay, that is, in an urban-type settlement, which is the most popular mountain ski resort in Russia. The windows offer a beautiful view of the mountains.

The hotel has 20 spacious rooms. All rooms are decorated in a classic style. Each has a private bathroom with a shower, toilet, sink and free toiletries.

There is also a restaurant on site serving local dishes, as well as Russian and European dishes.

A conference room with related equipment is available for business meetings and other events.

There are several cable cars nearby. The city center is 0.4 km away. The nearest airport is 157 km away, and the railway station is 159.9 km away.

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Another option

"Taurukh"

The Taurukh Hotel is located 100 meters from the center of Dombay. The name reflects the philosophy of the hotel - "taurukh", which means "fairy tale" in Karachay and defines a special attitude to each guest.

The rooms are decorated in a pleasing color scheme. Some have a terrace from which you can admire the beautiful views of nature, as well as a seating area.

Free private parking and Wi-Fi are available. Laundry and ironing services are provided. There are special offers for non-smokers. Cleanliness is maintained through daily cleaning.

Dombayskaya Polyana, waterfall and gorge are located next to the restaurant. There is a cable car nearby, just 5 minutes away.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 6 to 15 tourists

Minimum age

10 years old

Duration

10 days 9 nights

Group meets at

G. Mineralnye Vody

Included in price

group transfers "airport or railway station Mineralnye Vody — Arkhyz — airport or railway station Mineralnye Vody";
transportation and tour services along the route;
mountain guide services;
accommodation in hotels of your choice in Arkhyz (4 nights with breakfast);
accommodation in a hotel of your choice in Dombay village (5 nights with breakfast);
for the guests of the Vertical SKI&SPA Resort, visit the hotel's spa center during opening hours;
Ozon Arkhyz Hotel's guests can enjoy access to the hotel's spa area during opening hours (heated pool, hammam, sauna);
meals according to the tour program (breakfast at the hotel, dry rations according to the tour program);
entrance tickets to sightseeing sites.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Mineralnye Vody and back;
invitation for foreign citizens — 1,500 rubles/person.;
accommodation in Pyatigorsk (Mashuk, Intourist, Beshtau hotels) — from 4,500 rubles /day, please specify when booking;
cable car in Dombay — from 2,300 rubles.;
meals not included in the tour program;
additional services in hotels (sauna, sauna, billiards, etc.);
additional excursions;
alcoholic beverages;
personal travel equipment rental;
accident insurance;
rafting, horseback riding.

It's important to know

windproof jacket;
trekking trousers;
trekking boots;
thermal underwear;
sweatshirt (fleece);
gloves and a hat for cable car climbing;
backpack (volume up to 30 liters);
rain cover (raincoat) for body and backpack;
sunglasses and cream (SPF50);
individual first aid kit;
polyurethane foam "seat";
thermos;
trekking poles.

To visit the thermal complex:

swimsuit;
rubber slippers;
towel.

Every tourist must have an identity document with them — a passport, and a birth certificate for children.

The age limit for tour participants is at least 10 years old and at least 65 years old. If the age of the tourist exceeds 65 years, the decision on his participation in the tour program is made on the basis of questionnaires. When booking a tour, we ask you to reflect information about your health and physical fitness as accurately as possible in the questionnaire.

Participants are required to be in good physical shape and have no medical contraindications to physical exertion (cardiovascular diseases, etc.).

The main diseases for which it is not recommended to go to the mountains:

Individual intolerance to oxygen deficiency, angina pectoris of functional class III-IV, hypertension of the 3rd grade, chronic renal failure, acute stages of somatic diseases (myocardial infarction, acute cerebrovascular accident, hypertensive crisis, asthmatic status in bronchial asthma, etc.), cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, stage of exacerbation of chronic inflammatory processes, acute infectious diseases.

In the mountains at an altitude of 3,500 meters, the air is more rarefied, there is less oxygen in it. Therefore, some tourists experience symptoms of “high-altitude (mountain) diseases”: weakness, lethargy, rapid heartbeat, light dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, etc. These symptoms can occur at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. In case of a complication, lowering the height can help relieve the symptoms.

Mountain sickness does not occur in children more often than in adults, but it is much more difficult to diagnose it, since not all children can adequately explain what is bothering them. Any ailment should be mistaken for altitude sickness and measures should be taken until the real source of the poor condition is found.

Pregnant women can tolerate heights up to 2,500 meters above sea level. But still, they should not participate in mountain climbing, as excessive physical exertion can cause miscarriage, and there is also a risk of an accident.

Elderly people can tolerate altitude sickness without additional complications, but they can take physical exertion harder. The tourist bears full responsibility for intentionally hiding information about diseases from the organizers, which can lead to irreversible consequences. We have no right to monitor your health status. Therefore, we are not responsible for accidents that occur as a result of your body's reaction to altitude differences and oxygen starvation in the mountains.

You have purchased a ticket and know that the mountains are a place of increased danger to the health and life of urban residents trapped in the natural environment. In the mountains, the weather changes very often. There are thunderstorms, strong winds, low and high temperatures, rock and ice collapses, mudflows. A person is affected by the difference in heights, temperatures, increased ultraviolet activity of the sun and other factors.

It is necessary to protect yourself from the sun. Remember that the mountains have high levels of solar radiation. You can get a burn even on a cloudy day. The eyes must be protected with sunglasses with a protection level of at least 3. It is mandatory to apply daily sunscreen with maximum protection factor to all exposed areas of the body (hands, face, ears) before going on the route.
Do not allow overheating or hypothermia. You should be dressed according to the current weather and temperature conditions.
When going out on a route, even on a sunny day, be sure to take a raincoat with you. The weather in the mountains can change dramatically.
Take care of your feet! Take measures in advance against corns: take only comfortable, worn shoes for tracking; before going on the route, as a preventive measure, stick a patch on all problem areas in advance. Use special trekking boots with a durable sole and ankle support to minimize the risk of injury when walking on rough terrain.
Be careful among the thickets of hogweed (when its leaves get wet from dew, this plant becomes extremely poisonous. You may get a chemical burn that takes a long time and painfully passes). You need to have closed clothes, long sleeves, pants so as not to get burned, this will also save you from sunburn.
Inform the guide-instructor in a timely manner about the deviations of your well-being from normal. Have a personal first aid kit with you, tailored to your individual needs.
Alcohol consumption is not recommended during the trip, and the use of narcotic and psychotropic substances is also prohibited. This can lead to a sharp deterioration of your well-being in high-altitude conditions, disruption of the acclimatization process and other adverse consequences. In case of violation of this rule, the responsibility for the consequences lies with the tourist.
Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Do not eat meat dishes that have not been subjected to thermal treatment. If you eat in a restaurant, keep in mind that national cuisine can be spicy, fatty and unsuitable for your stomach. Do not eat mushrooms, berries and other plants.
With extreme caution, buy alcoholic beverages that are not factory-made (homemade wine) from private individuals, as they may be of poor quality and harmful to health. We ask you to observe moderation in drinking alcohol.
Do not go unaccompanied for walks, picnics or to visit unfamiliar people.

Dates and Prices

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13 – 22 Jul 10 days 9 nights

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10 – 19 Aug 10 days 9 nights

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14 – 23 Sep 10 days 9 nights

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Reviews

A
Alexandr

about provider

3 Mar, 2025

Everything was flawlessly organized, with no issues at all.