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How do I redeem my voucher? For which dates is it valid?
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MPLUS requires a minimum of four people per date to guarantee each departure. To redeem your voucher, simply reach out to MPLUS as instructed in your confirmation email, and be sure to provide your order number. The voucher is valid for travel between May 23, 2021 until October 10, 2021. Please wait for confirmation from MPLUS before making your travel arrangements.
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What departures are available? Are both group departures and private departures available?
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Generally, departures are available multiple times per month starting on Sundays between May 23 - October 10, 2021. You may also contact us about scheduling private departure dates. Private departures require a group size of at least four people and are subject to availability. Additional costs may apply for private departures. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until you have confirmed dates from MPLUS.
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Is my departure guaranteed?
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MPLUS requires a minimum of four people per date to guarantee each departure, however the groups are never larger than 12 people. Please wait for confirmation from MPLUS before making your travel arrangements.
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How do I get to the trip start location in Tbilisi?
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Plan to fly into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), which is served by many international carriers. Free transfers are only available on the arrival day (before Day 1) at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm and on departure day (Day 10) at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Anytime outside of these designated times, you will need to arrange for your own transportation. There are plenty of taxis at the airport all day and night and the fair is a maximum of 60 Gel, about $20 for a car which fits four.
Remember to arrive the day before the start of the trip. On Day 1 of your trip you'll need to meet your guides no later than 8:30 am in the reception area of Hotel GTM Kapan, Metekhi Rise, Tbilisi.
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What are the accommodations like?
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The guesthouses in the mountains are built in the old style. They are basic, but clean and comfortable, and run by locals. The toilet and shower facilities are shared between the group on some nights. The hotel in Tbilisi is a 3-star rated, European standard hotel with private facilities.
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Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
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Prices are based on two people sharing. If you are traveling solo, a single room can be accommodated with a $159 supplement.
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What are the guides like?
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You'll be led by a local, English-speaking guide and if the group has eight people or more another guide will be added to the tour. All guides are well informed in the history, culture, and religions of the area where you are trekking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced hiker.
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Do I need to carry a pack?
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Your main luggage will be carried in the support vehicle from village to village whilst the group treks through the mountains. You'll only need to carry a small day pack for things like lunch, extra layers, jackets, etc.
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What is the average group size?
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The average group size is 6-10 people.
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What kind of shape do I need to be in for this trip?
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The tour is designed to suit beginners as well as experienced trekkers and is of a moderate trekking level. Therefore, a reasonable level of fitness will be sufficient.
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What is the food like?
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The food is a delicious mix of local “Svan” and national Georgian cuisine cooked with fresh produce grown or reared by the guesthouse owners. Georgian cuisine is world renowned for its mix of East and West flavors, aromas, and colors. It can be slightly spicy and consists mainly of meat, vegetables, cheese, and fruit. There are plenty of traditional dishes without meat so vegetarians will feel at home. Lunches will be picnic style in the wilderness.
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Does MPLUS offer equipment for rent?
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MPLUS can rent out trekking poles, backpacks, and walking boots:
34 liter backpacks (Salewa) - $3.50 per day
Trekking poles (Morpho) - $2.50 per day
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Do I need a visa?
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U.S. and European citizens do not require a visa to travel to Georgia.
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Is the country of Georgia safe?
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Georgia is a very safe country to travel in, especially when in a group with a guide. The people are generally friendly and welcoming to foreign tourists, however all the usual precautions should be taken with your personal belongings and well-being. For up-to-the-minute information please check your embassy's website.
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How much extra money should I bring?
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It depends on your spending habits. $20 is equivalent to 48 gel per day and should be enough to cover your expenses. To give you an idea of costs, a beer costs 3-4 gel, a loaf of bread 1 gel, and taxis 5 gel (anywhere in the city).
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What items should I pack?
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The following is a suggested packing list:
Backpack for carrying your gear (main luggage will be stored at your hotel in Tbilisi while you're in the mountains)
Day pack – should be light and easy to stuff in your main luggage when not in use
Down/fleece jacket
Hiking pants
Waterproof shell
Waterproof trousers or over-trousers
Base layers (top and bottom)
T-shirts
Warm hat
Peaked cap
Gloves
Waterproof hiking boots
Warm socks
Trainers or sandals for guesthouses
Water bottle
Headlamp
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Quick-dry towel
Personal toiletries (all accommodations have toilet and shower facilities)
Backpack rain cover
Camera
Trekking poles
Shorts
Energy/protein bars
Adaptor if you bring any electrical equipment for charging batteries and/or your phone (two pronged)
Waterproof bags for your passport and other valuables
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Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
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Travel insurance is required for this trip. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend VisitorsCoverage as a provider.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel or modify my trip?
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Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.
New For 2021 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.
Up to 60 days prior to departure*
You may postpone or modify your trip up to 60 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within two years of your original departure date, or
2) Select a new adventure or destination, or
3) Receive 100% lifetime store credit toward a future trip.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season in 2022 or 2023 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you select a new adventure, you will be responsible for the difference of any additional trip costs above the value of your current trip.
Up to 30 days prior to departure*
You may postpone your trip up to 30 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within two years of your original departure date, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season in 2022 or 2023 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you choose to cancel, you will receive a lifetime credit, minus cancellation fees, towards a future trip.
Less than 30 days prior to departure*
In some cases, you may have the option to postpone your trip within 30 days prior to departure.
If this is available at the time of your request, you will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date. Additional trip costs may apply and new dates are subject to availability, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.