Discover Georgia

Welcome to Georgia! Upon arrival in Tbilisi, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.

Tbilisi's cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. Its diverse architecture encompasses Eastern Orthodox churches, art nouveau buildings, and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over the city are Narikala Fortress, a reconstructed 4th-century citadel, and Kartlis Deda, the iconic “Mother of Georgia” statue.

This morning after breakfast, you will set off on foot to explore Tbilisi, starting at the 13th-century Metekhi Church, taking in the magnificent views over old Tbilisi.

Wander the narrow streets of the old districts of the city, full of traditional style colourful houses structured like terraces with patterned balconies, mixed with examples of modern architecture. The charm of the old town is overwhelming. Learn how Tbilisi is the only city where Georgians, Armenians, and Azerbaijanis all live peacefully alongside each other and how the city blends mosques, cathedrals, Russian churches, synagogues, and Zoroastrian temples with no religious conflict whatsoever.

Continue by taking a cable car up to the 4th century Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of the town below, before walking down to the historical domed sulphur bath area. Finally, visit the Golden Fund of the National Museum of Georgia (closed on Mondays), proving that Georgia is truly the land of the Golden Fleece. Dinner this evening is at a hidden local gem, within walking distance from your hotel with your guide.

This morning, drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia. With a history dating back 3,000 years, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites including the 6th-century Jvari Church and the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the Robe of Christ is said to be buried.

Continue the drive to Imereti Province in West Georgia, a region known for its diverse landscapes ranging from the cool springs, green fields, and beautiful gardens of East Georgia's Kartli Province. En route, visit the mining town of Chiatura, where around 20 Soviet-era cable cars remain active today! Finally, proceed to the pretty town of Kutaisi and visit the splendid 11th-century Bagrati Cathedral.

This morning, explore the local farmers market where you'll see the locals buying and selling their fresh produce. Afterwards, continue to Okatse Canyon (involves 3 hours of walking and approximately 1,000 steps).

In the afternoon, prepare for one of the most exciting parts of your journey – a scenic trip to Svaneti, the region known for its towering mountains, glaciers, and enduring ancient traditions. Your last destination for the day is Mestia, the centre of Upper Svaneti.

This morning, you will drive to Mulakhi village, where your trek begins towards Adishi village. The first half of your trek today is uphill on often shale and muddy surfaces, and the second half follows a gentle downhill decline with regular shade.

Trekking along the slopes of Mt. Tetnuldi at approximately 2,800m, you'll witness breathtaking views of Tsaneri Glacier, Mt. Ushba (4,700m), and the Svaneti Range, featuring its highest peak, Mt. Laila (4,010m). Cross Ughviri Pass (2,480m) and then walk to the remote Adishi village (2,000m), where even in summer, its isolation makes it largely inaccessible for 4WD vehicles. With only a handful of families living in Adishi, tonight, you will be welcomed into their homes, where you'll experience true Svanetian hospitality and enjoy traditional cuisine.

This morning, after bidding farewell to your host family, you will begin your trek to the remote village

of Iprari. Today's trek begins with a gentle two-hour trail before a steep, challenging, and lengthy ascent. After crossing the pass, the descent is steep. This full-day trek takes you along a river, through beautiful Rhododendron-lined paths, past the remains of Kalde village, and across the scenic Chkhutnieri Pass (2,720m). The trek involves a river crossing, which may be done on horseback if the water level is high. Muddy and slippery conditions may occur if it has rained.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the unique cultures and traditional way of life of the Iprari people.

Today, trek to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Ushguli, which, at 2,200m, is the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe. The village is distinguished by its ancient stone watch towers, offering a spectacular view of Mt. Shkhara (5,068m), the highest mountain in Georgia.

Since today's trek is not overly long, you may wish to extend your adventure by hiking up the hill to Queen Tamar's Tower before returning to Ushguli.

Depart from your guesthouse this morning and head towards Shkhara Glacier, at the base of Georgia's highest mountain, Shkhara (5,068m). The glacier, at 2,500m, is the main water source of the Enguri River.

After reaching the glacier, trek back to Ushguli through alpine meadows brimming with wildflowers. From Ushguli, a vehicle will transfer you to Mestia (approx. 2 hrs).

This morning after breakfast, leave the Svaneti region and drive to Zugdidi, where you will stop for lunch (payable locally). Continue to Kutaisi and visit the splendid 11th-century Bagrati Cathedral before joining a guided walking tour of the city.

Today you will drive to Gori and visit the 1st millennium BC cave town of Uplistsikhe. Once passed through the great Silk Road, explore the tunnels, streets, wine cellars, and bakeries of this ancient, abandoned town. There is even a three-nave basilica church, a jail, and an amphitheatre carved into the rocky mountainside.

Visit the Stalin Museum, as former Soviet leader Josef Stalin was born in Gori, before continuing your drive to Tbilisi. Along the way, stop to visit a local family where you will have the opportunity to sample unique BIO wines produced by the traditional Georgian method in Kvevri (inscribed in the UNESCO intangible heritage list). This wine is listed as one of the unique wines at the Ritz Hotel in London.

This afternoon, check into your hotel in Tbilisi, and the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Today you travel to the Kakheti region, famous for its winemaking and some of the country's warmest hospitality. Here, you can see both the snowy Caucasus mountains and the fertile valleys. First, you will visit Bodbe Nunnery (9th – 17th centuries), where St. Nino, the woman from Cappadocia who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th Century, is buried.

Continue to the beautiful, small town of Sighnaghi from the 18th century, which will impress you with its fortress walls and quaint houses with tiled roofs and decorated balconies. From here, enjoy picturesque views of the Alazani Valley and the Great Caucasus mountains. For lunch, visit a local family where you will become familiar with local peasant life. Enjoy a delicious homemade meal, explore their gardens and vineyards, and experience some of the warmest hospitality in Georgia! Then it's time to get hands-on and participate in Churchkhela making (Georgian sweets).

On the way back to Tbilisi, you will visit a traditional Georgian wine cellar, where you will taste wine made in the traditional way, in a Kvevri (clay vessel). This winemaking method is inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list. Return to Tbilisi in the afternoon.

This morning is yours at leisure until it is time for you to be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.