Complete Georgia
Suggested Itinerary
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18 Days From £3,445
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.
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.
This journey is perfect for anyone with an extended period of time who is looking to delve deep into the heart and soul of this ancient land. From the cobbled streets and hidden squares of old Tbilisi to the delicious wine region of Kakheti, you will travel through forested valleys and past snow-capped mountains, through a land where ancient cave towns and clustered rural villages testify to a rich heritage that can trace its origins back to late antiquity.
Enjoying an opportunity to partake of some of the region’s famous cuisine, the journey visits some of Georgia’s most famous and important religious sites including Mtskheta and Gelati, as well as the stunning cave towns of Uplistsikhe and Vardzia. You’ll also pay a visit to Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin, and journey into the World Heritage landscapes of Upper Svaneti to trek amongst the villages and mountains of one of the last untouched regions of Eastern Europe.
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.
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.
DAY 2: EXPLORE TBILISI'S HISTORIC SIGHTS
DAY 2: EXPLORE TBILISI'S HISTORIC 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. Enjoy an evening of artistry and culinary delights, as you take in one of the most traditional of Georgian performances – a puppet show, held at the renowned Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre, before sampling some of the country’s finest cuisine and wine at one of our favourite local restaurants.
DAY 3: TBILISI - VASHLOVANI - DEDOPLISTSKARO
DAY 3: TBILISI - VASHLOVANI - DEDOPLISTSKARO
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.
DAY 4: DEDOPLISTSKARO - WINE REGION
DAY 4: DEDOPLISTSKARO - WINE REGION
Enjoy a full day exploring the Kakheti province of Georgia, most famously known for its wine growing, great food and superb Caucasus Mountain views. Start your day with a visit to Gremi, once a mighty capital of the Kakheti Province, before continuing to a local family home for a lunch full of traditional homemade dishes. This afternoon learn how Georgians make their own wine using quevri (clay vessels) - a UNESCO experience and partake in a culinary lesson. Finally, you will visit an old estate once the gathering place of the aristocracy in the 19th century.
DAY 5: WINE REGION - KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK
DAY 5: WINE REGION - KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK
This morning you can enjoy visits to New Shuamta Nunnery and Alaverdi Cathedral, dating from the 11th century. Continue via the picturesque Gombori Pass and stop at Ananuri to visit two fortified churches beautifully situated on the Jinvali water reservoir. As you follow the Georgian Military Highway you can enjoy wonderful views of the Great Caucasus Mountains. Before reaching Stepantsminda you can visit a local master who will tell you more about Georgian icon painting and ‘Teka’ (felt) making.
DAY 6: KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK: GERGETI AND GVELETI WATERFALLS
DAY 6: KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK: GERGETI AND GVELETI WATERFALLS
You will set out on foot 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 the dramatic Darial Gorge. As you approach the Russian border, you will have the opportunity to hike up to either the 'big', 'small' or both of Gveleti waterfalls, before returning to Stepantsminda for some time at leisure.
DAY 7: KAZBEGI - MTSKHETA - UPLISTSIKHE - GORI
DAY 7: KAZBEGI - MTSKHETA - UPLISTSIKHE - GORI
A trip to Georgia isn’t complete without a visit to the ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site – Mtskheta. Nearby is the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe, dating from the 6th century BC this town was hewn into the cliff face and is home to dwellings, wine cellars, bakeries, a three-nave church and even a theatre. After a glimpse into life in Georgia in the 6th century BC, you will head to Gori, birthplace of Georgia's most infamous son – Stalin.
DAY 8: GORI - TSKALTUBO - KUTAISI
DAY 8: GORI - TSKALTUBO - KUTAISI
Head west to Kutaisi today, en route visiting the impressive Prometheus Cave at Tskaltubo, discovering fascinating stalactites and stalagmites in the themed halls of the grotto. Continue on to Kutaisi, capital of the ancient kingdom of Colchis where Jason and his Argonauts came looking for the Golden Fleece. Here you will visit Gelati Monastery before settling into your hotel for the evening.
DAY 9: KUTAISI - ZAGARO PASS - USHGULI
DAY 9: KUTAISI - ZAGARO PASS - USHGULI
Today, we’ll leave early as we have a long drive, but it’s worth it as we’ll have magnificent views as we cross the Zagaro Pass. Late afternoon we’ll reach Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe (2200m) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
DAY 10: USHGULI: SHKHARA GLACIER TREK
DAY 10: USHGULI: SHKHARA GLACIER TREK
Start your trek out of the village and towards the base of Georgia's highest mountain, Shkhara (5068m). 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. 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.
DAY 11: USHGULI - MULAKHI EXCURSION - MESTIA
DAY 11: USHGULI - MULAKHI EXCURSION - 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 the tiny villages and through wooded valleys, before reaching the village of Mestia.
DAY 12: TINY LAKES OF QORULDI AND MESTIA
DAY 12: TINY LAKES OF QORULDI AND MESTIA
Today set off to the beautiful mountain lakes of Qoruldi (or Koruldi), located on the foot of the giant Mt. Ushba (4700 m). En route enjoy tremendously beautiful scenery of surrounding mountains and snow covered glaciers. This place is a real paradise for photographers and nature lovers. Later this afternoon you will learn how to make the characteristic meat bread (KUBDARI)
DAY 13: MESTIA - ZUGDIDI - BATUMI
DAY 13: MESTIA - ZUGDIDI - BATUMI
Today you will leave the Svaneti region and head south to the Black Sea coast. This is a relatively long day's drive and you should arrive in Batumi late afternoon. Along the way make a stop in the city of Zugdidi, home to the Dadiani Palace, once the residence of the 19th century Royal family of the region and set in the botanical gardens. There will also be time to look around the large market and enjoy some lunch, before continuing on to Batumi.
DAY 14: BATUMI BOTANICAL GARDEN AND CITY TOUR
DAY 14: BATUMI BOTANICAL GARDEN AND CITY TOUR
Today you will explore the Black Sea coastal town of Batumi, the capital of the Adjara province. 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 take a walk around the charming old town which provides a big contrast to the developing modern part of the city.
DAY 15: BATUMI - AKHALTSIKHE - VARDZIA
DAY 15: BATUMI - AKHALTSIKHE - VARDZIA
This morning drive to Akhaltsikhe and visit the carefully renovated Rabati Fortress which towers over the city. In the afternoon, continue on to the magnificent cave monastery of Vardzia.
DAY 16: VARDZIA MORNING CAVE EXCURSION
DAY 16: VARDZIA MORNING CAVE EXCURSION
Vardzia is guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip. A truly eye catching cave town which stretches over half a kilometre along the river Mtkvari, with 19 tiers. There used to be about 3000 caves here, but now there are just over 500. It has a church hewn out of rock with amazing 12th century frescos and the complex also includes living quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories, and wine cellars.
DAY 17: VARDZIA - PARAVANI LAKE - TBILISI
DAY 17: VARDZIA - PARAVANI LAKE - TBILISI
Your route back to Tbilisi will then take 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. As you descend towards Tbilisi the barren plateau gives way to wooded valleys and farmland.
DAY 18: DEPART TBILISI
DAY 18: DEPART TBILISI
Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Ushguli Guest House, Ushguli
Your guest house in Ushguli will be basic, facilities will be shared and may be outside. You will be welcomed into the house with the family, providing you with a chance to try some very authentic Georgian cuisine and home-made wine. You are likely to have a friendly Svaneti mountain dog welcoming you upon return from a horse-ride or hike.
Valodia's Cottage, Vardzia
Valodia's Cottage has a lovely, large garden area which hosts the three buildings of the accommodation. Amongst the flowers there is a summer bar and a small private seating area around the ponds. Enjoy a wine tasting event in the guesthouse's own wine cellar, used to produce Mesketian, a local wine, stored in traditional Georgian Pitchers or Qvevri. Stay in either a pretty wooden cottage or in a room within the stone buildings. The balcony rooms provide even more opportunity to take in the stunning natural surroundings and colourful garden, which grows all the ingredients for the kitchen. The restaurant is spacious and serves fresh produce in delicious Georgian dishes, perfect with a glass of Mesketian wine!
Boutique Argo Hotel - CLOSED, Kutaisi
Boutique Argo is a modern hotel, perfectly located in the historic centre of Kutaisi, only a three-minute walk from white bridge. The hotel is decorated with Lali Zambakhidze's paintings and the works of contemporary photographer Mamuka Kakauridze. The rooms are spacious and come with all modern conveniences, as well as views of the mountains, gardens or city. The restaurant provides traditional Georgian cuisine and features music in the evenings from the piano or DJ booth.
Batumi World Palace, Batumi
Located less than a five-minute walk from the beach and the Black Sea, the Batumi World Palace Hotel is perfectly located for some down time on the coast. Originally used as a family summer mansion in the 18th and 19th centuries, the building was recently purchased and restored by a hotel group. The hotel offers a modern interior, in keeping with the original structure and exterior of the building. All the usual facilities are provided, alongside a panoramic view from the European and Georgian restaurant and a lovely terrace bar
Old Meidan, Tbilisi
Near the Armenian church and Fortress Narikala is the beautifully restored three-star Old Meidan Hotel. The best feature of this hotel has to be the outstanding views from not only the terrace, but most of the rooms too. Enjoy a coffee on your balcony and watch Tbilisi’s old town waking up, before your own exploration. It won’t just be the views that will take your breath away! Return to the hotel for a barbecue on the sun terrace or a delicious meal in the restaurant, paired with a fantastic glass of Georgian wine from the well-stocked bar.
Royal House, Gori
The Royal House is a simple yet comfortable hotel in the lovely town of Gori. Set along a leafy road, the hotel has a quaint elegance to it. There are only six rooms, adding a sense of exclusivity to your stay, with most rooms featuring a balcony. Some rooms come complete with a small kitchen and fridge, and with a supermarket close by, self-catering is easy. A continental breakfast is served in the morning and there are a number of restaurants within walking distance for later in the day
Zuzumbo Hotel, Telavi
Zuzumbo Hotel is housed in a quaint wood and stone building, offering cosy rooms with a simple design. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms feature laminated flooring, unassuming wallpaper and modest wooden beds with minimal furniture. For some downtime the small, family-run guesthouse has a beautifully rustic, stone restaurant, a lounge with a fireplace, and a terrace outside in the garden. The hotel is located on the outskirts of the small city, on the way to the Old Shuamta Monastery, and is a great option for those wanting a peaceful stay away from the city centre whilst being a short journey to all attractions in Telavi. Some second-floor rooms provide wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
Hotel Stancia Kazbegi, Stepantsminda
The Hotel Stancia Kazbegi, located on the edge of the small town with the Terek River flowing behind it, was renovated by the local family who run it, providing a trendy and cosy accommodation option in the middle of the Kazbegi mountain ranges. Many rooms come with a private balcony and all include standard amenities. Wooden floors and furniture commonly found in the guest rooms and simple, trendy décor provide plenty of warmth during your stay. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor terrace looking out to the surrounding mountain scenery create a ski chalet ambience whilst the hotel’s décor draws on Scandanavian and European influence to give a stylish, contemporary feel throughout. There is a quaint on-site restaurant and bar that serves both Georgian and western European dishes, with many other dining options a short walk from the hotel.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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ACCOMMODATION
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We believe these terms and conditions for making a booking are amongst the most generous in the travel industry right now, and we hope they will give you the confidence, when you feel ready, to go ahead and book your next adventure.
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.
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Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.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