Batumi: Sweet Excursion and Mtirala Forest

Batumi: Sweet Excursion and Mtirala Forest – A Unique Look into Beekeeping and Nature

This 6-hour private tour from Batumi, Georgia, costs $40 per person and offers a rare opportunity to learn about natural honey production, modern beekeeping practices, and the rich environment of Mtirala National Park. Led by Pyotr, an experienced guide with deep knowledge of local honey and nature, this experience combines educational insights with a scenic walk into Mtirala forest.

The tour stands out for its focus on practical beekeeping knowledge, which enables visitors to distinguish truly natural honey anywhere in the world. It also includes a visit to historical beehives, a forest walk, and an optional lunch with local family. This experience is ideal for those interested in beekeeping, Georgia’s natural environment, or simply looking for an engaging half-day adventure.

While the tour offers valuable insights and hands-on learning, it is tailored for people genuinely interested in honey and nature. The price includes a detailed honey lesson, a walk through Mtirala National Park, and local snacks, with optional extras like lunch and transportation.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: $40 per person, lasting 6 hours.
• Main focus: Learning how to identify natural honey and understanding modern vs. traditional beekeeping.
• Educational content: Insight into the history of beekeeping and criteria for pure honey.
• Experience highlights: Visit to beehives in living trees, log hives, and other traditional designs.
• Forest walk: A scenic 2-hour walk inside Mtirala National Park.
• Local hospitality: Optional lunch in a Georgian family home for 35 GEL.

Starting at Honey Dreams for a Honey and Beekeeping Lesson

The tour begins at Honey Dreams, a dedicated spot for honey and bees in Chaisubani, about 15 km from Batumi. The initial 2-hour class dives into the history of beekeeping and presents various hive styles, including living tree hives and log hives.

Pyotr shares detailed explanations about modern beekeeping techniques, highlighting negative aspects of some practices, and teaches simple criteria for finding pure honey free of chemicals and sugar. Visitors get to taste some local honey varieties, which showcase Georgia’s floral diversity.

Exploring Traditional and Unusual Beehives

The early part of the tour emphasizes traditional beehive designs, explaining their differences and advantages. Visitors see living tree hives and log hives firsthand, gaining insights into sustainable beekeeping methods that are less common today. This focus helps guests understand the diversity of beekeeping and recognize high-quality honey when shopping.

Pyotr‘s explanations aim to equip visitors with useful skills for identifying honey that hasn’t been contaminated by chemicals or additives, a common concern with supermarket honey.

The Forest Walk in Mtirala National Park

Following the honey lesson, the tour moves to Mtirala National Park for a 2-hour walk. This local pathway is typically frequented by locals, offering an authentic experience of Georgia’s lush forests. The walk is suitable for most fitness levels and provides ample opportunity to appreciate the area’s natural beauty.

During the walk, visitors can enjoy scenic views, birdwatching, and the fresh mountain air. The forest atmosphere helps deepen the connection to the environment that supports rich honey flora and wild bees.

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Tasting Local Honey and Snacks

After the forest walk, the tour includes local snacks that complement the experience. These snacks showcase regional flavors and traditional Georgian fare, making the culinary side of the journey memorable. Visitors also have a chance to sample more of Georgia’s honey varieties, gaining an appreciation for the floral sources that influence the taste and quality.

Visiting Traditional Beekeeping Sites and Historical Hives

The tour emphasizes the importance of traditional beekeeping practices. Pyotr shows historical beehives in living trees and discusses the history of beekeeping in Georgia. These unusual hive styles reflect sustainable practices that contrast with some modern, industrial methods, and offer insight into how honey has been produced for generations.

This part of the experience helps visitors understand what natural, chemical-free honey looks like and how local practices support pristine honey production.

Optional Lunch at a Georgian Family Home

At the end of the tour, visitors can opt for lunch in a local family’s home, which costs an additional 35 GEL. This meal offers a chance to connect with local culture, enjoy authentic Georgian dishes, and support local residents.

The lunch is not included in the base price but is highly recommended for those wanting a more immersive experience. Transport to and from Honey Dreams can be arranged for an additional 60 GEL per car, accommodating small groups.

Logistics and Practical Details

The tour departs from Honey Dreams in Chaisubani, with optional transportation available from Batumi or Kobuleti. The cost for transfer is 60 GEL per 4-seat car. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for a walk in the forest.

The class is conducted in English and Russian, and the group remains private for a more personalized experience. Cancellation is free if made up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travel plans.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

What truly distinguishes this experience is Pyotr’s approach of combining education with hands-on activities. The emphasis on teaching guests to identify genuine honey and understand modern beekeeping’s pitfalls is rare and practical.

The visit to Mtirala National Park adds a scenic element, making this tour more than just a lesson — it’s an engaging nature walk through one of Georgia’s most beautiful protected areas.

Potential Limitations and Considerations

While the 6-hour duration includes a forest walk, guests should be prepared for moderate physical activity. The optional lunch and transport incur additional costs, which travelers should budget for.

The experience is best suited for those interested in honey, beekeeping, or Georgia’s natural environment. It may not appeal to visitors not interested in wildlife or educational activities surrounding bees.

Final Thoughts on the Batumi Honey and Forest Tour

This private, well-structured tour offers unique insights into Georgia’s honey production and traditional beekeeping practices. The combination of educational content, forest exploration, and local hospitality creates a rich, authentic experience.

For anyone curious about how honey is made or eager to see Georgia’s natural landscapes, this tour provides practical knowledge and memorable scenery in one package. The $40 price is reasonable considering the depth of knowledge, scenic walk, and local engagement involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Transportation from Batumi or Kobuleti is optional and incurs an additional 60 GEL per car.

What should I bring for the forest walk?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking in Mtirala National Park.

Can I taste different honey varieties?
Yes, guests have the chance to sample various local honey varieties during the tour.

How long is the honey class?
The honey and beekeeping lesson lasts about 2 hours.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and outdoor activity, so children comfortable with walking should be fine, but no specific age restrictions are mentioned.

What is the cost of lunch at the family home?
Lunch is 35 GEL per person and is optional.

Is this tour available in English?
Yes, the tour is led in English and Russian.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour different from other Batumi excursions?
Its focus on practical beekeeping knowledge and authentic honey insights sets it apart from more sightseeing-oriented tours.

Is the experience suitable for someone not particularly interested in bees?
The primary focus is on bees and honey, so it’s best suited for those interested in the theme; the forest walk is secondary.

This tour offers a meaningful look into Georgia’s honey culture combined with a scenic forest walk, making it a highly educational and authentic experience for those eager to understand and find quality honey.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby