Rural tourism is rising in popularity all around the globe and is now possible in the South Caucasus. The target of this kind of tourism is to develop remote areas and at the same time to reduce poverty. The integration of the locals in this field is a serious step for the economy of the country and that is why Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan are working on promoting rural tourism more, rather than on offering tours to popular resort areas.
South Caucasus local villages are completely unique, the nature is stunning and untouched by civilization, the products are ecologically pure and incredibly tasty, and the locals are warm-hearted, friendly and very hospitable. In the Caucasian villages you will forget about modern vanity and will plunge into absolutely new world. The local customs and traditions will undoubtedly be of interest for foreigners. You will have a chance to taste rustic cheese, local honey, homemade wines and herbal tea.
For deeper immersion into the local rural life and disclosure of hidden secrets it’d be better to have an experienced local guide accompanying your travel. Here you can find a quite interesting site with various interesting Caucasus tours, among which can be found some rural travel options.
Rural tour in Armenia
Rural tourism in Armenia is a wonderful mixture of trekking, eco and gastro tours. Guests will have a chance to take a closer look at the lifestyle and will be engaged in different activities of rural life.
Getik Valley was one of the first places where the development of rural tourism in Armenia started. The village is hidden between Miapor and Areguni mountain chains, to the northeast to Lake Sevan. The purpose of the base camp is to show the rural life of the villagers as it is, get the guests involved in different activities thus promoting handmade and eco productions. In Getik one can take part in master classes and hike to the nearest natural attractions. One of the most exciting master classes is grain processing and baking of traditional Armenian sweet cake gata. Local beekeepers will share secrets of beekeeping and honey-making process. In the degustation hall, you will have a chance to taste beebread, bee milk and tea with honey. The honeypots are all made on the spot and guests can take part in making ceramic pots.
All the products of the eco base are made and cultivated on the spot. They are a 100% ecologically pure. You can watch the process of making goat cheese from the very first step to tasting it.
Yezidi mountain village in Aparan is the next popular place developed as a rural tour destination. Here you will see the authentic life of the locals without modern technologies. Breeding is the main activity. Ecologically pure dairy products, meat, and wool are the main production for sale. Here the guests will taste cheese and matsouni, bake traditional lavash and make true Armenian khorovats.
Lusadzor village is the last destination to visit in Armenia. The venue is located close to the Georgian-Armenian border, a great choice in case you are going to continue your journey to Georgia. The most interesting activity within the tour is the local dried fruit production process. For the production, the sweetest Armenian fruits are used with no added sugar and colorant. In the Greenhouse of Lusadzor guests are treated with seasonal fruits and veggies.
Rural tour in Georgia
The beauty of the mountainous country and the authentic life are now presented in a new way. Rural tours in Georgia are spiced up with the hospitality of the natives, the tasty aroma of national dishes and the sweetness of traditional wine.
Rural tours are organized mostly in the destinations where the natives are involved in the production of cheese, honey and winemaking. During the tours, guests are invited to take part in the production and degustation.
For winemaking and wine tasting, Kakheti is the best place to visit. The Alazani Valley is flooded with vineyards with more than 500 types of grapes. Different sorts of grapes, a unique technique of wine production and the method of fermenting wine in special clay jars “qvevri” make Georgian wine so special. All the wine producers have special exhibition halls with ancient qvevris buried in the ground with wine. Besides winemaking Kakheti is one of the most beautiful regions of Georgia with ancient historical monuments and show-stopping views to the valley. Here people come in search of harmony and peace.
Georgian wine makes the best combination with Georgian cheese. For amazing views, impressions and master classes of cheese production, Tusheti can be a great choice. The region is all about eye-catching views of highlands and the pure mountain air. The unique architectural monuments or Tusheti are defense towers spread throughout the territory of villages Dartlo and Omalo. These are the destinations to live a few days of а rural life.
The locals are working on restoring the tradition of making real Georgian guda cheese this is why the destination is actively promoted. Tushuri guda, the main product of Tusheti villagers, has the history of 6000 years. On the spot, you will see how the sheep are breed and how the cheese is produced. The mountains of Tusheti are full of herbs this is why milk and cheese have a special flavor.
Rural tour in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is now also engaged in developing remote areas through eco, agro and rural tourism. The most visited place in the country remains Baku and Caspian seashore. The project developing new touristic destinations is supposed to present the country in a new limelight.
The two most popular and visited villages in Azerbaijan are Lahich and Demirchi. They are located high in the mountains of Caucasus with wonderful views of mountain ranges. The natives were the best craftsmen in the country for decades and till now they are turning iron, copper, silver, and gold into masterpieces. There are small workshops in the narrow streets of Lahich and at a distance; you can hear the harmonious sounds of tools of craftsmen working on a new piece of art. Even though there is no special rural tour program or eco base in the villages, guests still will be a dipped in the rural life with all its attributes starting from cooking traditional dishes and waking up with the first sun rays.
Laza is another remote region that may become a popular destination for eco and rural tours. The village is located in Gusar region, at an altitude of 1300 meters above the sea level. Laza is surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains and plain valleys. The natives of the village are Lezgins, an ethnic group that has preserved its traditions and language. This small village has about 30 houses with no more than 200 residents living a peaceful life. They are engaged in cattle breeding and producing meat and dairy products. A few days in Laza will be a great experience to live a different life without big city lights, city noise, and distressful hustle.
Backpacking Matt 
