Complete Georgia
Suggested Itinerary
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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 and get off the beaten track. From the cobbled streets and hidden squares of old Tbilisi to the delicious wine region of Kakheti, you will travel through desert landscape, 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 Alaverdi, 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 - TSALKA CANYON - VARDZIA
DAY 3: TBILISI - TSALKA CANYON - VARDZIA
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.
DAY 4: VARDZIA - AKHALTSIKHE - WINERY - KUTAISI
DAY 4: VARDZIA - AKHALTSIKHE - WINERY - 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.
DAY 5: EXPLORE KUTAISI: TSKALTUBO & GELATI
DAY 5: EXPLORE KUTAISI: TSKALTUBO & 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.
DAY 6: KUTAISI - ZAGARO PASS – COOKING CLASS - USHGULI
DAY 6: KUTAISI - ZAGARO PASS – COOKING CLASS - 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.
DAY 7: USHGULI: SHKHARA GLACIER TREK
DAY 7: 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. 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.
DAY 8: USHGULI - MULAKHI EXCURSION – MESTIA
DAY 8: 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 9: TINY LAKES OF QORULDI AND MESTIA
DAY 9: 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.
DAY 10: MESTIA - SISATURA VILLAGE - BATUMI
DAY 10: MESTIA - SISATURA VILLAGE - 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.
DAY 11: BATUMI BOTANICAL GARDEN AND CITY TOUR
DAY 11: BATUMI BOTANICAL GARDEN AND CITY TOUR
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.
DAY 12: BATUMI - GURIA TEA PLANTATION - GORI
DAY 12: BATUMI - GURIA 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.
DAY 13: GORI - UPLISTSIKHE - ANANURI - KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK
DAY 13: GORI - UPLISTSIKHE - 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 Stepanstminda, your base for exploring Kazbegi National Park.
DAY 14: EXPLORE KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK
DAY 14: EXPLORE KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK
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. As you approach the Russian border, you will have the opportunity to hike up to either the 'big', 'small' or both of Gveleti waterfalls. Alternatively or if there is time, 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.
DAY 15: KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK - MTSKHETA - KAKHETI WINE REGION
DAY 15: KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK - MTSKHETA - KAKHETI WINE REGION
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.
DAY 16: TELAVI - ALAVERDI - WINE MUSEUM & LOCAL LUNCH - SIGHNAGHI - DEDOPLISTSKARO
DAY 16: TELAVI - ALAVERDI - WINE MUSEUM & LOCAL LUNCH - SIGHNAGHI - DEDOPLISTSKARO
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.
DAY 17: VASHLOVANI NATIONAL PARK - TBILISI
DAY 17: VASHLOVANI NATIONAL PARK - 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.
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.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Ushguli Guest House, Ushguli
Family-run guesthouses are the best choice of accommodation in Ushguli. With great views of the Caucasus Mountains and the town, the guesthouses offer the chance to relax and enjoy the renowned Georgian hospitality with homemade cooking. Often rooms are simple and washing and toilet facilities will be shared, but overall the accommodation is always clean and comfortable and offers a wonderful insight into life in this stunning area.
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!
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
Hillside Resort, Telavi
Hillside Resort 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.
Brim Hotel, Tbilisi
Located in one of Tbilisi's oldest neighbourhoods, Brim Hotel offers a comfortable and well-located option in the heart of Georgia's capital. Rooms are clean and spacious, and the terrace restaurant offers fantastic views of the city, not to mention some delicious local dishes. The stylish urban design throughout is complimented by some classical elements, and the hotel is known for being the first solar-powered hotel in Tbilisi. Take advantage of the location as you'll be within walking distance of some of the main sights as well as some of Tbilisi's best cafes and restaurants.
Grand Opera Hotel, Kutaisi
A great new addition to Kutaisi, the Grand Opera Hotel offers excellent upper mid-range accommodation in the heart of the city. Set within a beautiful traditional building, the hotel's decor includes tasteful, modern furnishings and artwork, and the spacious rooms and suites all offer en suite facilities and good amenities. There is a hotel restaurant serving up delicious Georgian food and guests can also access the hotel's wine cellar to sample some local wines.
Hotel Monarch, Batumi
The well-located Hotel Monarch is a comfortable business-style hotel which caters to all types of visitors of Batumi. All 60 rooms are nicely finished, some with direct views of the city, and there is an excellent hotel restaurant on site serving a good breakfast and other meals. The location offers direct access to some of the city's main sites as well as the nearby beach, and some of the city's better restaurants and bars.
Savana Guesthouse, Dedoplistskaro
Staying in local family-run guesthouses in remote Georgian towns and villages provides a unique insight into rural life. You can eat the home-cooked local foods, see local traditions up close, and experience Georgia's famous hospitality. Rooms and facilities are basic, the latter often shared, but this is more than made up for with the great views of the Georgian countryside.
Villa Babuda, Mestia
Villa Babuda is a charming family-run guesthouse located in the town of Mestia, surrounded by mountains offering stunning views of the Caucasus range. The guesthouse features several comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, and guests can enjoy a delicious local breakfast prepared each morning by your welcoming hosts. The guesthouse doesn't serve lunch or dinner but can prepare packed lunches for those heading out for hikes. From here you have wonderful access to Svaneti's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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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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.
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Natalie is our Causcaus expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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