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Georgia Adventure

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Georgia Adventure

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Description

This all-encompassing trip takes you from the historical cities of Georgia to the remote snow-capped Caucasus mountains. Wander through the historical capital of Tbilisi, stroll in the local market in Kutaisi, immerse in the unbeatable Georgian hospitality, journey to the the remote villages in the mountains. Reconnect with nature on hikes through wooded forests and past the Chaladi glacier, wander between the ancient Svan towers, learn the secrets of Georgian cheese making and indulge your taste buds with fragrant Georgian wine.

Trip Name
Georgia Adventure
Last Updated
2024-04-21
Days
11
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Journey to the Svaneti region, a remote and alluring land of snow-capped mountains, discover the iconic tower houses dotted amongst mountain valleys and learn of one of the highest settlement in Europe - Ushguli people and its fascinating culture and traditions.
  • Get active on hikes in the shadow of magnificent snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus to medieval villages and one of the biggest glaciers in Georgia, Shkhara glacier.
  • Take guided walking tour of Tbilisi a fascinating eclectic mix of architecture, and culture; hear stories of kings and queens and intrigue and mystery from your local guide.
  • Mingle with the locals in markets, learn the secret of Georgian Cheese and indulge in the national cheese bread of khachapuri.
  • Relax in the seaside Batumi with plenty cafes and restaurants to explore and admire the amazing modern monument Ali and Nino at the beach that set a tender and romantic tone to the city.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Mtskheta-Mtianeti Regional Hub. Donations help them improve their services and training hub to connect people, who’ve fled their homes due to war or political instability, with their new community in Georgia.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. There is a chance of potential changes to the itinerary due to heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher altitudes, which often affect roads and bridges, making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas). Your tour leader will advise of the revised itinerary in such unexpected situations.

Day 1 - Tbilisi
Gamarjoba! Welcome to Georgia.Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, be sure to explore Tbilisi with it's picturesque architecture, inviting cafes and wine bars dotted around the downtown.
Day 2 - Tbilisi
After breakfast take part in a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. The locals like to call their capital the "Balcony of Europe", placing it on par with many of Europe's graceful old cities. All the sights in the Old Town are very close to each other and within a few minutes’ walk. You'll pass by Baratashvili bridge, Gabriadze Leaning Tower, the Peace Bridge and Sioni Cathedral on your guided walking tour. Afterwards, you may choose to visit Narikala Fortress and the Sulphur Baths in your free time and to further explore the capital. The evening is also free for you to enjoy. Perhaps indulge in Tbilisi's lively theater scene and witness some of the energetic and acrobatic dance that Georgia is known for.
Day 3 - Kutaisi
Today, head to the pretty city of Kutaisi on train, the third largest in the country (approximately 4.5 hours). Kutaisi is more than 3000 years old, connected to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, along with his mythical (or is it?) Golden Fleece. On arrival, follow your leader on a city walking tour in this charming city, passing City Hall, Opera house and Mon plesier Arch, and visit Golden Marquee Palace and Mtsvane Bazari (market) known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, natural dairy products, meat, a variety of spices. In your free time, maybe visit another significant historical site, the Gelati Cathedral or explore the cobbled streets of the town as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati palace and citadel.
Day 4 - Mestia
After a restful night, journey to the remote Svaneti region (approximately 5-6 hours). Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus and is divided in two parts: Upper Svaneti and Lower Svaneti. Arrive into Mestia, the centre of Upper Svaneti. Mestia is surrounded by mountains, medieval-type villages and disctinctive tower-houses. The famous tower-houses were built to accommodate villagers at times of invasion and violence during the 9th -13th centuries. Around 175 towers still stand today, although many are uninhabited. The area is home to the Svans, a proud people with a long history of survival in this isolated part of Europe, who speak their own language. Spend the night in a local guesthouse.
Day 5 - Mestia
Drive to the village of Lakhiri (approximately 20 minutes) We start our walk today from the village in the direction of Mestia. After little uphill walking we descend to the beautiful valley full with blooming flowers and enjoy an amazing view of Chalati Glacier (2300m) and of Mestia Valley with its watchtowers. The paths can be steep and the ground uneven so you will need good fitness and appropriate footwear for this walk. Those not wishing to hike can stay in Mestia.  In the evening we discover how Georgians make their beloved cheese. Cheese is found in many Georgian dishes and is a key ingredient in the famous khachapuri, a traditional Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread which you will no doubt eat plenty of during your time here!
Day 6 - Ushguli
Today, visit the World Heritage-listed village of Ushguli, a town around 50 kilometres southeast of Mestia (approx 2 hours drive). The village is located at 2,200 metres above sea level, and is one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. Ushguli is most famous for its abundance of watchtowers – this is where you'll see the famous view of the towers set to the highest mountain in Georgia, the snow capped Mt Shkhara (5,068 metres). Visit the 12th-century Lamaria Church and walk to Queen Tamar’s tower. Total walking time is 2-3 hours depending on fitness and trail conditions. Those not wishing to walk may stay and explore Ushguli - maybe visit an ethnographic museums or walk around the village and become familiar with the daily life of the local people. Spend the night in a family-owned guesthouse.
Day 7 - Mestia
Today's walk starts from the guesthouse. The route takes us along the river to the base of Mt Shkhara. You will cross some small streams along the way so pack your waterproof boots and fingers crossed for great weather! We will have a picnic lunch today. The walking trail ends at the Shkhara glacier, where the Enguri river originates below. In the afternoon, return to Mestia and stay overnight in the guesthouse. Approximate walking time is 5-6 hours. If you do not wish to walk, please discuss options with your leader in advance.
Day 8 - Batumi
From the mountains to the sea today with a long drive to Batumi (approximately 7-8 hours) on the Black Sea coast. While past its Soviet heyday where it was one of the premiere seaside resorts, it is still popular with holiday makers from all over the region for its waterfront parks and beaches. Stay in a hotel tonight.
Day 9 - Batumi
In the morning take part in a short tour around the city. The afternoon is yours to relax. Batumi has a relaxed atmosphere, great restaurants and nightlife. Stroll the boulevard, cool off in the musical fountains on the square or see the touching Ali & Nino statue lit up at night. There's also art and ethnographic museums or a cable car to panoramic views over the city. Highly recommended is the Batumi Botanical Gardens.
Day 10 - Tbilisi
Today we'll make use of the regular public bus or train connections (depending on availability) to get to Tbilisi from Batumi (approximately 6.5 hours).. Enjoy the rest of the day in the nation's capital, perhaps with group dinner and night out together.
Day 11 - Tbilisi
Your trip comes to an end today and your are free to depart at any time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-05-202425-05-2024AUD $ 3,200-
22-05-202401-06-2024AUD $ 2,750-
29-05-202408-06-2024AUD $ 2,995-
12-06-202422-06-2024AUD $ 3,145-
19-06-202429-06-2024AUD $ 3,025-
26-06-202406-07-2024AUD $ 3,170-
29-06-202409-07-2024AUD $ 3,170-
13-07-202423-07-2024AUD $ 3,025-
17-07-202427-07-2024AUD $ 3,110-
31-07-202410-08-2024AUD $ 2,995-
21-08-202431-08-2024AUD $ 3,385-
28-08-202407-09-2024AUD $ 3,145-
07-09-202417-09-2024AUD $ 3,235-
11-09-202421-09-2024AUD $ 3,140-
14-09-202424-09-2024AUD $ 3,170-
18-09-202428-09-2024AUD $ 3,170-
28-09-202408-10-2024AUD $ 3,140-
05-10-202415-10-2024AUD $ 2,910-
07-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 3,205-
14-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 3,330-
21-05-202531-05-2025AUD $ 3,330-
28-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 3,330-
04-06-202514-06-2025AUD $ 3,205-
11-06-202521-06-2025AUD $ 3,205-
18-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 3,205-
25-06-202505-07-2025AUD $ 3,085-
02-07-202512-07-2025AUD $ 3,085-
16-07-202526-07-2025AUD $ 3,085-
23-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 3,085-
30-07-202509-08-2025AUD $ 3,085-
06-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 3,085-
13-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 3,205-
20-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 3,175-
27-08-202506-09-2025AUD $ 3,205-
03-09-202513-09-2025AUD $ 3,330-
10-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 3,330-
17-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 3,330-
24-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 3,330-
01-10-202511-10-2025AUD $ 3,085-

Accommodation

Hotel (6),Guesthouse (4)

Transport

Private Bus,Public Bus,Train,Taxi

Map