Discover the mountain abode of an ancient Caucasus Kingdom
A fittingly warm welcome to Georgia, this 10D9N introduces its urban and rural highlights, beginning in lively Tbilisi, where you’ll savour the city’s vistas and delicious khinkali. After a jaunt to Mtshkheta, the ancient capital, morerelics await among the vineyards of Kakheti, with stops at the royal Sighnaghi and the gardens of Tsinandali’s summer palace. The historic route north to the Caucasus’ peaks is dotted with watch towers, castles and churches, finally linking the hiker’s heaven of Kazbegi. And the views carry on in the spectacular Svaneti, with plenty of highlights en route: the birthplace of Stalin, the rock-hewn Uplistsikhe, Batumi on the Black Sea coast, and not least Kutaisi’s UNESCO-listed, Orthodox heritage treasures.
This journey outline is by no means fixed. As the traveller takes centre stage in our planning – from the type of lodging to daily activities – your journey will be crafted to suit you.
Day by Day Highlights
Day 1 Arrival in Tbilisi
Upon arrival inTbilisi, you will visit Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, a massive expression of traditional Georgian architectural dome. Continue to Mtatsminda Pantheon & Park (known as Bombora) via a funicular cable car. In the days of the Soviet Union, Mtatsminda Park was the third most visited public park in the USSR. Enjoy a view of Tbilisi and then proceed to hotel to rest.
Day 2 Tbilisi / Mtskheta /Tbilisi
Today, you will explore of the old city of Tbilisi. Visit Metekhi Plateau and enjoy a view of Tbilisi, Sulphur bath area, Sioni cathedral, Sinagogue, as well as the Bridge of Peace. Take some time to explore the narrow alleys to admire the religious and secular architectures in the old town. Walk along the narrow streets of Tbilisi and visit Garbiadze theatre Square with its clock tower.
Meet a Georgian Cheffor a masterclass in making the traditional dish of khinkali, including a lunch. Thereafter, drive to the sacred Mtskheta, the old capital of the Georgian Kingdom. Make a visit to the UNESCO-listed Jvari Monastery as well as Svetitskhoveli (the first Christian church to be built in Georgia).
In the evening, drive to visit the Glass Bridge and a cable car round trip to Narikala Fortress, which represents Tbilisi’s defensive brilliance in the ancient times.
Day 3 Tbilisi / Alaverdi /Tsinandali / Sighnaghi / Tbilisi
Did you know that Georgia is home to the first wine-making civilization on Earth? Today’s journey brings us to the Kakheti region to learn about the history of cultivated grapevines.
Visit the magnificent Alaverdi Monastery. Continue to Tsinandali House Museum and Winery of the 18th century prince and poet, Alexander Chachavadze, explore his summer palace and enjoy the beautiful English-style park filled with roses and exotic plants.
After visiting a nearby winery for wine degustation, we continue to the village corner for a masterclass in making sweet churchkhela and bread baking, including lunch with local dishes. Thereafter, drive to the 18th c. royal town of Signaghi, surrounded by the longest defensive wall in the region with 23 towers.
Day 4 Tbilisi / Ananuri /Gudauri / Stepantsminda
Today we drive north along the Georgian Military Highway. Completed in 1817 to link Georgia with Russia, this has long been an important military and economic route through the mountainous region. Enjoy lunch to visit 16th century Ananuri Castle, which is Duke Aragvi’s Residence with views of the beautiful man-made lakes surrounded by the high Caucasus Mountains.
Next, we drive 1.5 hours north through the high Jvari Pass, into the valley beyond – the scenery is out of a fairytale: cold streams, alpine meadows and mountain passes dotted with medieval watch towers. Next, drive up towards Tsminda Sameba Church. A 5-minute hike is required to cover the final distance to the church, but the exercise is well worth it to reach this beautiful, solitary spot surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Day 5 Stepantsminda / Juta/ Sno
Hop on a 4WD ride to Juta village for a 3-hour hiking to Chaukhi massive. Thereafter, we continue to Sno village, known for the stone-carved faces with large statues. Meet a local felt master to learn about the ancient history and techniques in processing sheep wool and dyeing with natural paints, while sampling several herbal teas.
Day 6 Stepantsminda / Gori/ Uplistsikhe / Kutaisi
Continue to explore Kartli region in the center of Georgia. From here, continue your road journey to Gori, home of the most “famous” Georgian Son – Joseph Stalin! You will visit the interesting Stalin Museum. From Gori, we drive 15 mins to visit Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town dating back to 1000BC with history leaving its footprint by Christians and Muslims between 6th century BC till 11th century AD! Continue your drive to Western Georgia- town of Kutaisi.
Day 7 Kutaisi / Zugdidi / Mestia
Explore Kutaisi in the morning - Georgia's second-largest city with a significant history and importance. Visit the UNESCO-listed Bagrati Cathedral, built between the 10th and 11th centuries named after Bagrat III, the first king of Georgia. We will also visit the impressive Gelati Monastery (a UNESCO site), decorated with fine mosaics and is dedicated to one of Georgia's most celebrated king, King David The Builder's legacy. Afterwards, continue the drive to the mountain regions of Svaneti.
Day 8 Mestia / Ipari / Ushguli
After breakfast, we drive to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ushguli village, Europe's highest inhabited village at an altitude of more than 2,100m above sea level nestled at the foot of Mount Shkhara. It is the highest peak of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in Georgia. We will journey through breathtaking sights of medieval towers, stunning ravines, rivers and timeless settlements before arriving at Ushguli. After a traditional homemade lunch in a local guesthouse, visit Lamaria church located on the top of the village and enjoy a walking tour in the village. Late afternoon, return back to Mestia. Visit the Svans dwelling house and tower, as well as the Ethnographic Museum.
Day 9 Mestia / Batumi
This morning, explore the town of Mestia. Then drive to Hatsvali to enjoy a view of the town towers and huge mountains. Thereafter, we make our way to Batumi, the capital of the Adjara province with its own unique architectures framed by the Black Sea coastline. Enjoy a short orientation walking tour of Batumi Sea Port, Piazza Square, Europe Square, Alphabetic Tower, Ali and Nino Statue.
Day 10 Departure from Batumi
Enjoy free time at leisure. You may want to walk around the Batumi boulevard and city before your airport transfer picks you up for your flight home.
Georgia is a year-round destination. For the most optimum weather, the best time is between May to October.
Level of difficulty
Easy to moderate. No difficult hikes involved.
Indicative price
From US$ 4,240/person for a group of 2 on a private basis, including double-sharing rooms. Excludes flights.
As we’ll customise your journey based on your preferences and needs, please note that this indicative price is just a rough estimate. Prices can fluctuate depending on season, type of accommodation and activities/experiences chosen (private vs. shared) etc.
This journey outline is by no means conclusive. It is just a guideline and can be tailored according to your comfort level, interests and preferences for every detail from accommodation to activities.
This journey outline is by no means conclusive. It is just a guideline and can be tailored according to your comfort level, interests and preferences for every detail from accommodation to activities.
