BATUMI, GEORGIA

This pretty city, permeated with the aroma of the sea, the sun, magnolias and acacias, is attractive and fascinating all year round. We begin our tour by visiting Mtsvane Kontskhi (Green Cape).

This pretty city, permeated with the aroma of the sea, the sun, magnolias and acacias, is attractive and fascinating all year round. We begin our tour by visiting Mtsvane Kontskhi (Green Cape). This is one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Georgia. It is situated nine kilometres from Batumi, 70-90 metres above sea level. Historically it was called “Sasire Keli” (Bird Neck). The name “Green Cape” was given to it by Russian holidaymakers because of its greenery. The place became of great interest in the late XIX century. By the initiative of the Batumi Doctors’ Society the Railway Climatic Station was opened here in 1903. It worked all throughout the year. The world-famous Botanical Gardens are also situated on this territory. A great number of tourist’s visit here every year. There are also comfortable sanatoriums, hotels, restaurants and café-bars on Mtsvane Kontskhi. Once we have taken a walk around the lovely gardens we will continue on to the Turkish border and Gonio-Apsaros Fortress. Gonio-Apsarus fortress (222metres in length, 195metres wide) lies to the south of Batumi (12 kilometres), on the left bank of the Chorokhi (Coruh) mouth. It should be noted that Colchian culture originated in this area, being its leading centre in the 15th-12th centuries BC. The Byzantines had a stronghold in Apsarus from the 40s of the 6th century. In the 10th century it was known as Acampsis. At the turn of the 12th century David IV, king of united Georgia, Apsarus as well as the most part of Southern Georgia came within the Kingdom. After that, a new name – Gonia or Gonio – appeared for the fort. Initially, Heinrich Schlieman, Niko Marr, and Theodor Uspensky became interested in the history of the fort. A particularly rich treasure was found in 1974 during a road construction on a slope near the fort. Here can be found magnificent examples of jewellery of 2nd-3rd centuries AD. Then we will continue on to enjoy our Georgian-style lunch and folkloric display on the top of Batumi (Batumi Mountain) where you can enjoy the splendid panorama of Batumi. Our last stop will be made at Primorsky Park (Boulevard). There are five parallel alleys in the park and are separate from each other by lawns, cafes and accurately cut square laurel bushes. A Greek colonnade was erected in the park in 1934, which represents the stylised gate to the Seaside Park and is one of its famous attractions. The boulevard provides all of the conditions from leisure and entertainment, a lot of attractions, sports grounds, restaurants, summer café-bars, bungalows, and disco-clubs function here. The central section is the location of the tennis courts, which annually host the open women’s tennis tournament called “Batumi Ladies Open”. The alley is distinguished with its exceptional quietness where chess and backgammon players gather in the specially built pavilion. The unique microclimate of the boulevard makes a comforting and recreational impact on all visitors. As we walk in the park we will feel as if we are not simply breathing but drinking a cocktail impregnated with exotic aroma and iodised breeze. We will then make our way back to our awaiting ship. Please note there is approximately 1 hour of walking at the Botanical gardens and 1 hour of walking at Primorsky Park all over flat even ground.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES