Complete Georgia: The Caucasus to The Black Sea

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

The once ancient kingdom of Colchis, Georgia has long been linked with the Greek legends attributed to Jason and his band of Argonauts. Sandwiched between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, this mythical land today provides us with one of the last hidden gems left in Europe. 

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 Arrive Tbilisi

Day 1 Arrive Tbilisi

On arrival into Tbilisi you will be greeted by your Wild Frontiers representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check in.

Brim Hotel

Day 2 Tbilisi: Historical Sights

Day 2 Tbilisi: Historical Sights

Enjoy a full day exploring old Tbilisi, a charming town built along the twisting valley of the Mtkvari river. Walk through narrow streets past colourful houses and patterned balconies, ancient domed sulphur baths and bustling daily markets. Take in some of the city’s most beautiful sites, before delving into the historical museum to discover why Georgia is known as the land of the Golden Fleece. This evening you might want to check out one of the most traditional of Georgian performances – a puppet show, held at the renowned Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre.

Brim Hotel
Breakfast

Day 3 Tbilisi – Tsalka Canyon – Vardzia Cave Town

Day 3 Tbilisi – Tsalka Canyon – Vardzia Cave Town

Your route takes you west today, taking you close to both the Turkish and Armenian borders across a high plateau and past Lake Parvani, a large lake with villages dotted along the shore and surrounded by mountains. You will also pass Tsalka Canyon, known for waterfalls and lush landscape, and home to a 2400-metre long glass bridge. As you continue on you reach the magnificent 12th century Vardzia Cave Town, one of the highlights of any visit to Georgia. There used to be about 3000 caves here, but now there are just over 500, which include a church hewn out of rock with amazing 12th century frescos. Explore this site and then settle into your accommodation of the night.

Valodia's Cottage
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Akhaltsikhe – Rabati Fortress – Winery Visit - Kutaisi

Day 4 Akhaltsikhe – Rabati Fortress – Winery Visit - Kutaisi

In the morning you will visit Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe, a completely restored Ottoman fort with an informative museum. You’ll also have the chance to visit the local farmer’s market and pick up some picnic ingredients. From here, drive to Imereti province in western Georgia, with its cool springs, green fields and beautiful gardens. Drive via the Zekari Pass, also stopping at a family-run winery to taste from of the local wines of the region. Arrive to the historical town of Kutaisi, the second largest in the country and more than 3000 years old, and enjoy a leisurely walk around the streets.

Grand Opera Hotel
Breakfast

Day 5 Kutaisi: Tskaltubo Soviet Architecture – Prometheus Cave – UNESCO Gelati

Day 5 Kutaisi: Tskaltubo Soviet Architecture – Prometheus Cave – UNESCO Gelati

After visiting Kutaisi's local farmers' market, you will first drive to Tskaltubo, the main spa resort in the whole of the Soviet Union during the 60s and 70s, with trains from Moscow arriving daily. Tskaltubo was known for its healing mineral waters from enriched springs, used during treatments. Following the fall of the Soviet Union, many of the lavish buildings were abandoned until refugees from Abkhazia settled here in 1992. Spend some time exploring beautiful old buildings that have been reclaimed by nature, creating a haunting yet calming atmosphere and fantastic photography opportunities. From here you then move on to the impressive Prometheus Cave, home to an array of unique stalactites and stalagmites. Later on return to Kutaisi to visit the UNESCO Gelati Monastery, founded in the 12th Century by the most famous Georgian King, David the IV, the Builder (1073 - 1125). The frescoes are very impressive here, as well as the peaceful hillside location.

Grand Opera Hotel
Breakfast

Day 6 Kutaisi – Culinary Delights – Svaneti (UNESCO Ushguli)

Day 6 Kutaisi – Culinary Delights – Svaneti (UNESCO Ushguli)

Today, you’ll leave early as you have a long drive, but it’s worth it as you’ll have magnificent views as you cross the Zagaro Pass. En route you’ll stop by a local family to sample more culinary delights of the region, learning how to make the characteristic meat bread (Kubdari). Late afternoon you’ll reach Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe (2200m) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can settle into your cosy guesthouse.

Ushguli Guest House
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Svaneti: Shakhara Glacier Walk

Day 7 Svaneti: Shakhara Glacier Walk

Start your trek out of the village and towards the base of Georgia's highest mountain, Shkhara. This truly will be one of the most breath-taking journeys of your trip, with beautiful valley scenery the entire walk. Zig zag your way across the streams to the source of the Inguri River in the Shkhara Glacier. On the way back you'll be able to stop by Lamaria Church (10th century A.D.), which is a wonderful example of Svanetian church architecture. Inside ancient frescoes and prominent examples of iconography have been preserved. Return to Ushguli and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this picturesque village at leisure. You may want to visit the local Ethnography Museum, run by the locals who give a detailed tour of how life used to be for their ancestors.

Walking distance (total): 19km

Walking time: 5-6hrs

Ascent/descent: 550m

Ushguli Guest House
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Svaneti: Ushguli – Mulakhi - Mestia

Day 8 Svaneti: Ushguli – Mulakhi - Mestia

Today you'll start your journey to the village of Mulakhi, where even today centuries-old towers stand, whose history of construction is shrouded in mystery. You'll then set off on foot, rewarded with beautiful views across to the Chaneri glacier, Mt. Ushba and to Mt. Laila, the highest peak in the Svaneti range. A full day’s trek in the mountains takes you between tiny villages and through wooded valleys, before reaching the village of Mestia. Here you will be welcomed into a locally-run guesthouse where you can enjoy some delicious home-cooked food in the heart of the mountains.

Walking distance (Mulakhi-Mestia): 14km

Walking time: 4-5hrs

Ascent/descent: 520m/650m

Villa Babuda
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Svaneti: Hike the Lakes of Koruldi

Day 9 Svaneti: Hike the Lakes of Koruldi

Today set off to the beautiful mountain lakes of Koruldi, located on the foot of the giant Mt. Ushba (4700m). You will begin this journey with a drive from Mestia to Cross Point (also known as Jvari Point), from where you begin today's walk. En route enjoy tremendously beautiful scenery of surrounding mountains and snow covered glaciers, a true paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike. For those looking for a longer walk today, you can skip the drive and set off directly from Mestia.

Walking distance (from/to Cross Point): 8km

Walking time: 4hrs

Ascent/descent: 600m

Villa Babuda
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 Svaneti: Mestia – Sisatura - Batumi

Day 10 Svaneti: Mestia – Sisatura - Batumi

Today you will leave the Svaneti region and head south to the lush Samegrelo region. Here you will spend some time at Sisatura village, where you can explore the customs and history of this area, learning firsthand about farming practices which gives a great insight into Megrelian culture. After enjoying a local lunch with your hosts in the village, continue on to the Black Sea coastal town of Batumi, the capital of the Adjara province. Take a walk around the charming old town which provides a big contrast to the developing modern part of the city.

Hotel Monarch
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 Batumi: Botanical Gardens

Day 11 Batumi: Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast, through its subtropical vegetation, citrus and tea plantations to the beautiful botanical gardens. This afternoon head back into Batumi and enjoy some downtime to explore at leisure.

Hotel Monarch
Breakfast

Day 12 Batumi – Tea Plantation - Gori

Day 12 Batumi – Tea Plantation - Gori

Leave Batumi this morning and drive to Guria, a wonderful introduction to Georgia's lesser-known tea culture. The history of tea production in Georgia dates back to the 19th century and continues to this day at a high level. You will get the chance to see some beautiful tea plantations, participate in picking the herbs (time of year dependent), as well as taste the best of Georgia's tea. Get to know a local family over lunch, before continuing on to Gori, birthplace of Georgia's most infamous son – Stalin.

Gori Inn
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 Gori Highlights – Uplistsikhe Cave Town – Ananuri - Kazbegi National Park

Day 13 Gori Highlights – Uplistsikhe Cave Town – Ananuri - Kazbegi National Park

This morning visit the famous Stalin's Museum as well as the cave town of Uplistsikhe, lying along the old Great Silk Road, hewn from the cliffs sometime between the 6th century BC and 1st century AD. After taking some time to explore, drive on and follow the Georgian Military Highway as you soak up the wonderful views of the Great Caucasus Mountains. This is the main road running for 220km from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz in Russia, a spectacular highway that winds its way through sheer mountains. So named by Tsar Alexander I, this route actually dates from before the 1st century BC and is still important as one of the only links to Russia through the Caucasus Mountains. En route visit the Ananuri castle complex on the Aragvi River in Georgia, before ending in Stepantsminda, your base for exploring Kazbegi National Park.

Intourist Kazbegi
Breakfast

Day 14 Kazbegi National Park: Churches, Valleys and a Felt-Maker

Day 14 Kazbegi National Park: Churches, Valleys and a Felt-Maker

You will set out on foot this morning towards the most famous Georgian scene, Gergeti Trinity Church, with its backdrop of Mount Kazbegi. Descend back into the valley for lunch before heading out to explore other areas of your choice - including the dramatic Darial Gorge. This afternoon visit the spectacular Sno Valley, where en route you can spot the famous Giant Stone Head Sculptures, created by local artist Merab Piranishvili to help immortalise Georgia's great poets. Cut off for six months of the year and surrounded by glorious mountain scenery, Sno Valley provides an unforgettable glimpse into traditions and times long past. Returning to Stepantsminda, you can visit a local master who will tell you more about Georgian icon painting and ‘Teka’ (felt) making.

Intourist Kazbegi
Breakfast

Day 15 Kazbegi National Park – UNESCO Mtskheta – Winery Visit - Telavi

Day 15 Kazbegi National Park – UNESCO Mtskheta – Winery Visit - Telavi

Today you will descend south along the Georgian Military Highway as you head towards Georgia's famed wine country. Stop en route to visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia which contains many of Georgia's most beautiful and oldest churches including Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli. After lunch you then journey via the Gombori Pass into the Kakheti region, well-known for its wine producing and great views of the Caucasus mountains and valleys of Kakheti. Here you visit a local producer and can observe the traditions and culture of the region as well as taste the wines, before ending our day in Telavi with a delicious local dinner.

Hillside Resort
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 Telavi – Alaverdi – Wine Museum – Sighnaghi - Vashlovani

Day 16 Telavi – Alaverdi – Wine Museum – Sighnaghi - Vashlovani

Start the day with a short drive to Alaverdi Cathedral. Dating from the 11th century, at 50m high, this was the tallest church in the country for over 900 years (until the building of the modern Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi). From here you will visit the village of Naphareuli where you can visit the small wine museum which gives a lovely overview of the wine industry in Georgia. Stop in Kvareli for lunch with a local family where you can sample delicious homemade Georgian dishes using fresh ingredients from your host's garden, before learning how to make the famous Georgian sweets - Churchkhela. After lunch, visit the fortified 'town of love' Sighnaghi, which has preserved its original 18th century layout and offers stunning views over the Caucasus Mountains. Depending on time and interest you may visit the Monastery of Bodbe (11th century), where Georgia's enlightener Saint Nino was buried and the local ethnography museum, home to the artwork of Georgian artist Niko Pirosmani. Late afternoon drive the final leg to Dedoplistkaro, a small village which is a good base for tomorrow's adventure.

Savana Guesthouse
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 Vashlovani National Park: Walks & Wildlife - Tbilisi

Day 17 Vashlovani National Park: Walks & Wildlife - Tbilisi

Today you will drive to a part of eastern Georgia rarely visited by foreigners - Vashlovani National Park, located on the border with Azerbaijan. The protected area is unlike anywhere else in Georgia with its semi-arid desert landscapes, dotted with numerous fruit and pistachio trees (Vashlovani comes from the word for apple trees in Georgian). Here you can enjoy some wonderful walks and wildlife spotting, as well as visiting the 5th century Khornabuji Fortress and even an abandoned Soviet military airport. Later in the afternoon, drive back to Tbilisi for your final evening.

Brim Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 18 Depart Tbilisi

Day 18 Depart Tbilisi

Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

18 days from C$6,792

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 4406 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Natalie

Natalie is our Causcaus expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

Georgia has so many highlights and captivates all that visit, but the food and wine must be top of the list! You’ll feast plenty but be sure to try your hand at making some traditional dishes too.

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