17 Day Private Tour through Georgia

Day 1 · TBILISI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – TBILISI

1. 1

   Tbilisi

   Passing by

   Meeting at Tbilisi National Airport. Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in 3 * hotel

Day 2 · TBILISI CITY TOUR

1. 1

   Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral

   30 min

   After Breakfast at the hotel we start the exploration of the capital of Georgia – Tbilisi. During the full day city tour we will visit the major attractions of the city. We start from the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba), the main Christian Orthodox cathedral in Georgia. Sameba is also one of the tallest orthodox Christian churches in the world.

2. 2

   Metekhi Cathedral

   20 min

   Tour continues to Metekhi Church, built in the 13th c. and located on the bank of the river Mtkvari, on Metekhi Plateau.

3. 3

   Narikala Fortress

   45 min Admission included

   From Metekhi we move to Rike Park, take an aerial cableway and ride up to the Narikala Fortress. Ancient fortress of Narikala dates back to the 4th century, and is located on a mountain overlooking Tbilisi. Throughout history Narikala served as a main fortification of the city.

4. 4

   Abanotubani

   30 min

   From Narikala we stroll down to the old districts of Tbilisi and visit several interesting sites: Legvtakhevi canyon with a small river and waterfall, natural Sulfur Bathhouse District, Shardeni street, Meidan square and the surrounding area that is full with outdoor cafes, art galleries and souvenir shops.

5. 5

   Tbilisi History Museum

   30 min Admission included

   The museum houses collections that represent Tbilisi history, everyday life and culture (50.000 items). There are collections of archaeology, ethnography, documents, folk and applied art. The museum collection contains unique objects, weapons, various kind of ceramic, china, musical instruments, numismatics, textiles and household accessories starting from the Bronze Age.

6. 6

   Georgian National Museum

   1 h 30 min Admission included

   National museum of Georgia has vast collection that includes artifacts from different periods of human history – from Paleolithic era till the medieval times, and rich ethnographic and archaeological collections presenting Georgian history, culture and art.

Overnight in Tbilisi, in 3 * hotel

Day 3 · TBILISI – DAVID GAREJA – SIGNAGI

1. 1

   David Gareja Monastery

   one hour

   On day 3 after breakfast at the hotel we drive to David Gareja semi-desert to explore David Gareja Monastery in the caves of Gareja hill. Established in the 6th century, complex integrates hundreds of cave cells, living areas, churches and chapels. Part of the complex is located on the territory of Azerbaijan.

2. 2

   Sighnaghi

   40 min

   From Gareja we continue our way to Kakheti – major wine-producing region of Georgia – and arrive in Signagi. Signagi is a small town located on the eastern foothills of Gombori mountain range, overlooking the valley of river Alazani and surrounded by the defensive medieval curtain walls.

Overnight in Sighnaghi, Guesthouse

Day 4 · SIGHNAGI – BODBE – VELISTSKHE – TSINANDALI – NAPAREULI – GREMI – TELAVI

1. 1

   Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino

   30 min

   Day 4 is dedicated to the exploration of Kakheti. After breakfast we drive to Bodbe monastery – originally built in 9th c. and renovated in 17thc., monastery nowadays functions as a nunnery, and is a popular pilgrimage site for the locals, as well as travelers. The monastery is closely associated with St. Nino – the Enlightener of Georgia, and her relics are buried there.

2. 2

   Velistsikhe

   1 h 30 min

   From Bodbe we drive to village Velistsikhe and visit Numisi Wine Cellar Museum. Numisi is one of the oldest wine cellars in Kakheti.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   one hour

   From Velistsikhe we head to Tsinandali and visit House Museum of Alexander Chavchavadze. Alexander Chavchavadze was Georgian nobleman, military figure of Russian Imperial army, romanticist poet and a public figure of 19th century. Nowadays, Chavchavadze’s residence, garden and wine cellar in Tsinandali operates as a museum.

4. 4

   Napareuli

   1 h 30 min

   After paying a visit to Tsinandali we drive to Napareuli village, located in inner Kakheti on the left bank of Alazani river. In Napareuli we are going to visit Twins Wine Cellar Museum, where visitors can observe the whole process of making wine in transparent 500-liter pitchers: pressing, boiling, natural filtration etc.

5. 5

   Gremi

   30 min

   Afterwards we drive to Gremi. Architectural monument of Gremi Royal Citadel and the Church of Archangels is a remnant of a medieval town of Gremi that functioned as the capital of Kingdom of Kakheti in the 16th-17th centuries. Nowadays complex is composed of the Church of Archangels, a three-story castle, a bell tower and a wine cellar, and encircled by a medieval wall with turrets and towers.

6. 6

   Telavi

   Passing by

   After sightseeing Gremi, we drive to Telavi town for overnight.

Overnight in Telavi, 3 * hotel

Day 5 · TELAVI – MTSKHETA – ANANURI – GUDAURI

1. 1

   Mtskheta

   1 h 30 min

   On day 5 we after breakfast we leave Telavi and depart for Mtskheta. Mtskheta is a town located at the confluence of the rivers Aragvi and Mtkvari. Town served as a capital of ancient Kingdom of Iberia and is famous for two of its historical and architectural monuments: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Both of these monuments are recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

2. 2

   Ananuri fortress complex

   40 min

   On day 5 we after breakfast we leave Telavi and depart for Mtskheta. Mtskheta is a town located at the confluence of the rivers Aragvi and Mtkvari. Town served as a capital of ancient Kingdom of Iberia and is famous for two of its historical and architectural monuments: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Both of these monuments are recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

3. 3

   Gudauri

   Passing by

   From Ananuri we continue our way to the north and get to Gudauri (2196 m).

Overnight in Gudauri, 3 * hotel

Day 6 · GUDAURI – KAZBEGI – GERGETI – DARIALI – GUDAURI

1. 1

   Stepantsminda

   Passing by

   After breakfast at the hotel we start a full-day exploration of Caucasus mountains. We travel to Kazbegi (Stephantsminda) town – the administrative center of Khevi province. On our way we make a stop at the Cross Pass (2395 m) to taste local natural mineral waters.

2. 2

   Gergeti Trinity Church

   1 h 30 min

   After arrival in Kazbegi we take an easy walk (approx. 2 hours) to Mount Gergeti. Gergeti Trinity Church (14th century) is situated on top of the mountain. From there we can enjoy panoramic views of Kazbegi town and Kazbegi Glacier (5047 m).

   From Gergeti we return to Kazbegi town, and head to Dariali gorge and Gveleti waterfalls.

Overnight in Gudauri, 3 * hotel

Day 7 · GUDAURI – GORI – UPLISTSIKHE – KUTAISI

1. 1

   Stalin Museum

   one hour Admission included

   On day 7 we depart for Kartli region. After breakfast we leave Gudauri and drive to Gori – a town serving as regional capital of Shida (Inner) Kartli. We are going to visit House Museum of Joseph Stalin in Gori, as the town is the birthplace of the Soviet leader.

2. 2

   Uplistsiche Cave Town

   one hour Admission included

   From Gori we head to the Uplistsikhe Cave Complex, dated as early as 1st millennium BC. Comprised of different chambers, tunnels, and streets, Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock-hewn town that served as an important political, economic and religious center of the region in the pre-Christian times.

3. 3

   Kutaisi

   2 h 10 min

   From Uplistsikhe we continue our journey to the western parts of Georgia and get to Kutaisi city, administrative center of Imereti. On our way we make a few stops at the Rikoti pass and visit pottery and farmers’ markets.

   In the evening we arrive in Kutaisi and have excursions to two of its major historico-cultural sites: Gelati Academy and Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral. Both of these monuments were built during the Georgian Golden Age and nowadays are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Overnight in Kutaisi, 3 * hotel

Day 8 · KUTAISI – ZUGDIDI – MESTIA

1. 1

   Sataplia Cave and Nature Reserve

   1 h 30 min Admission included

   After breakfast on day 8 we are going to visit market in Kutaisi where local farmers are selling eco-friendly fruit and vegetables, as well as local Imeretian cheese.

   Afterwards we head to Sataplia Caves and Natural Reserve, located in about 10 km from Kutaisi. Sataplia Natural Reserve is unique for its relict deciduous forests, karst caves and well-preserved footprints of dinosaurs.

2. 2

   Zugdidi

   Passing by

   From Sataplia we continue our journey to Samegrelo and drive to Zugdidi. Zugdidi is a town that serves as an administrative center of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti province.

3. 3

   Dadiani Palaces Historical and Architectural Museum

   one hour Admission included

   From Sataplia we continue our journey to Samegrelo and drive to Zugdidi. Zugdidi is a town that serves as an administrative center of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti province.

4. 4

   Mestia

   Passing by

   From Zugdidi we drive to the north and arrive in mountainous Svaneti province. On our way we make a stop at the Enguri Dam, one of the highest concrete arch dams in the world, constructed on the river Enguri. Afterwards we arrive in Mestia – administrative center of Svaneti.

Overnight in Mestia, Guesthouse

Day 9 · MESTIA – USHGULI – MESTIA

1. 1

   Ushguli

   4 hours

   On day 9 we start exploration of Svaneti region. Svaneti is a mountainous region surrounded by the peaks and glaciers of the Greater Caucasus mountains. Province has become a popular tourist attraction for its well-preserved authentic architecture and lifestyle from medieval times.

   After breakfast at the hotel we drive to the Ushguli community – one of the highest continuously inhabited places in Europe. Ushguli is comprised of 4 villages and has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites List. On our way to Ushguli we make a few stops at the villages of Ipari and Kala and to take a look at village churches with medieval frescos and murals.

   We can also make an easy hike towards the foothills of Shkhara Glacier – the highest mountain peak in Georgia.

2. 2

   Margiani's House Museum

   one hour Admission included

   In the evening we get back to Mestia and visit Margiani Museum. Located in an ancient Svan housing estate, Margiani Museum presents authentic Svan lifestyle and dwelling to its visitors.

Overnight in Mestia, Guesthouse

Day 10 · MESTIA SURROUNDINGS

1. 1

   Mestia

   Passing by

   Visit villages of Latali and Lemjeri located near Mestia town notable for its churches with medieval decorations, frescos and murals.

Overnight in Mestia, Guesthouse

Day 11 · Mestia - Batumi

1. 1

   Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography

   one hour Admission included

   On day 11 we start our trip by visiting Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography. Collection of museum includes various ethnographic and archaeological artifacts, old Georgian manuscripts, Georgian Orthodox icons painted in the Svan style etc.

2. 2

   Batumi

   2 hours

   Afterwards we leave Svaneti and drive to the south towards Batumi – the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and second largest city of Georgia, located on the shores of the Black Sea. In the evening after arrival in Batumi we are going to make a short city tour, visit Piazza square and take a walk on the boulevards of the city.

Overnight in Batumi, 3 * hotel

Day 12 · BATUMI – GONIO-BATUMI BOTANICAL GARDEN – BATUMI

1. 1

   Gonio Fortress

   40 min Admission included

   After breakfast we head to Gonio, 10 km from Batumi, and visit Gonio Fortress – an archaeological site and historical monument, dating from 1st c. AD. Gonio was a well-fortified Roman city in Colchis in 2nd c. AD. Later it came under Byzantine rule.

2. 2

   Batumi Botanical Gardens

   2 hours Admission included

   Afterwards we drive to the Green Cape, where Batumi Botanical Garden is located. Officially opened in 1912 and later expanded during Soviet times, Batumi Botanical Garden has a vast variety of plants and trees from different climate zones.

   In the evening we return back to Batumi city.

Overnight in Batumi, 3 * hotel

Day 13 · BATUMI – BORJOMI – AKHALTSIKHE

1. 1

   Borjomi

   one hour

   On day 13 we leave Batumi and drive to Borjomi spa-resort. After arrival we take a walk in the Borjomi Park and taste famous natural mineral waters from the springs. Mineral waters of Borjomi have been famous since the early 19th c., and are exported to more than 40 countries of the world.

2. 2

   Akhaltsikhe

   Passing by

   Our trip continues to Akhaltsikhe, a historical town and administrative center of Samtskhe-Javakheti region, South Georgia.

Overnight in Akhaltsikhe, 3 * hotel

Day 14 · AKHALTSIKHE – VARDZIA

1. 1

   Rabati Castle

   1 h 30 min Admission included

   Day 14 is dedicated to exploration of Akhaltsikhe and its surrounding area. First we visit Rabati Castle. The complex consists of the castle of 14th c., several churches, a mosque, synagogue, and a museum. The museum houses different manuscript, book, photo, archaeological and numismatic collections.

2. 2

   Khertvisi Fortress

   30 min Admission included

   Continue exploration of Samtskhe - Javakheti province and drive along Mtkvari river to Vardzia monastery. On our way to Vardzia we make a short stop by the ruins of ancient Khertvisi fortress.

3. 3

   Vardzia

   one hour Admission included

   Vardzia is a medieval monastery, founded in the 12th century during the reign of Queen Tamar of Georgia. Located on the bank of river Mtkvari, complex is cut in rock and consists of multiple chambers, cave dwellings, churches and chapels situated on different floors and tiers.

Overnight in Vardzia, Guesthouse

Day 15 · VARDZIA – TBILISI

1. 1

   Tbilisi

   Passing by

   On day 15 after breakfast we depart for Tbilisi. We are going to pass through Javakheti volcanic plateau and make a few stops at the alpine lakes of Sagamo and Paravani, as well as the largest artificial lake of Georgia – Tsalka reservoir. In the evening we arrive in Tbilisi.

Overnight Tbilisi, 3 * hotel

Day 16 · Free Day in Tbilisi

1. 1

   Tbilisi

   Passing by

   Free time in Tbilisi

Overnight in Tbilisi, 3 * hotel

Day 17 · TBILISI – TBILISI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

1. 1

   Tbilisi

   Passing by

   Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Transfer to the Tbilisi International Airport.