Enchanted Georgia

Georgia, a country steeped in tradition, is nestled between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Come and discover its enchanting lands and rich culture.

This 12-day journey is a round trip from the nation’s capital Tbilisi. You’ll marvel at centuries-old buildings as you wander the cobbled streets of the old town. Then travel west through beautiful countryside to begin our special 4-day trek. As you explore on foot you’ll marvel at pristine landscapes and UNESCO Heritage sites. Staying in local guest houses you’ll meet local families and experience traditional hospitality.

After your trek, you’ll meander back to Tbilisi. Stopping in small towns and learning about Georgia’s rich history. It’s a feast for all senses with great food and wine experiences along the way. Unleash your travelling spirit on this unique adventure where Georgia is sure to capture your heart.

 

Local and Acitve
Dates: 18 – 29 July 2024
Length: 12 Days | 11 nights
Small group: Min 6 | Max 12 guests
Price: $5590 – your own room

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Tbilisi

EXPLORE TBILISI

Explore the capital of Georgia. Wander the old districts of the city, structured like terraces.

Uplistsikhe

Visit Uplistsikhe

This ancient cave town has tunnels, streets, wine cellars and bakeries to explore.

Svaneti

Svaneti

This region is home to stunning mountains and glaciers. Meet local people and discover ancient traditions.

Ipari trek

IPARI

Trek to the remote village of Iprari. This full-day trek will lead you along a river and down beautiful lush paths.

Day 1: Welcome to Tbilisi

Day 1
Welcome to Georgia! On arrival at Tbilisi airport, meet your guide and travel to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. Your hotel sits above the city offering spectacular views. With an incredible rooftop restaurant offering local cuisine.

Overnight: Terrace Hotel Tbilisi or similar

Day 2: Tbilisi

Old town of Tbilisi, Georgia
Old Town of Tbilisi
Day 2
Today you will explore the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Wander in the old districts of the city, structured like terraces. Take a walk in the narrow streets to view the colourful houses and patterned balconies. Wonderful samples of modern architecture. You’ll start from Metekhi Church (13th century) with magnificent views over old Tbilisi. A stroll along winding little streets takes you to the main sights of the city. Afterwards, take a cable car up to the ancient Narikala fortress (4th century). Enjoy the panoramic views of the whole town and then walk down to the historical domed sulphur bath area. Then drive to a local family home in Zahesi at the entrance of Tbilisi. You’ll see them make Khinkali (dumplings) and enjoy this traditional food for your lunch

Overnight: Terrace Hotel Tbilisi or similar

Day 3: Tbilisi – Mtshketa-Kavtiskhevi-Gori-Uplistsikhe-Kutaisi

Kutaisi
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral Mtskheta
Uplistsikhe rock city
Today you will drive to Gori and visit the 1st millennium BC cave town of Uplistsikhe. Once passed through by travellers on the great Silk Road. You’ll explore the tunnels, streets, wine cellars and bakeries of this ancient town. There’s a three-nave basilica church, jail and amphitheatre carved into the mountainside. The former Soviet leader Josef Stalin was born in the town of Gori, so you’ll also visit the Stalin Museum. Then continue your drive to the western part of Georgia, Kutaisi.

Overnight: Hotel Solomon or similar

Day 4: Kutaisi-Gelati-Mestia

Mestia
In the morning, visit Gelati Monastery (12th century). Famous for its mosaic and frescoes (UNESCO World Heritage site). This afternoon, get ready for the most exciting part of your trip. A journey to Svaneti. This region is home to the highest mountains and glaciers. And the most abiding ancient traditions. Following Svaneti, you will transfer to Mestia – the centre of Upper Svaneti. This small town is a favourite destination for travellers and photographers alike. With a mountainous panorama of the Greater Caucasus. And discover centuries-old history with its towers, gold treasuries and ancient traditions.

Enjoy dinner and overnight at a family hotel in Mestia.

Day 5: Mestia to Mulakhi to Adishi

Adishi glacier
hiking trail mestia to ushgali
Upper Svaneti, Adishi
This morning you will drive to Mulakhi village. It’s from here you will start your trek towards Adishi village. Traversing along the slopes of Mt. Tetnuldi at heights of approx. 2,800m it offers spectacular views of Chaneri Glacier, Mt. Ushba (4,700m) and the Svaneti range with its highest peak, Mt. Laila (4,010m). You will cross Ugviri Pass (2,480m) and then walk to the untouched village of Adishi (2,000m). Its remoteness means that even in summer it can be inaccessible, even for 4WD vehicles. There are only a handful of families living in the village. Tonight they’ll welcome you into their homes. You’ll experience true Svanetian hospitality and enjoy traditional cuisine.

Overnight in a local guesthouse (basic shared facilities)

Note:

You’ll need to carry an overnight change of clothes with you as the vehicle cannot access the village. The trek time approx. 5hrs covering 9-10km. Today’s trek is a moderate trek with an incline of 930m.

Day 6: Adishi – Ipari

Day 6
Chkhutnieri pass
This morning, bid farewell to your host family before you begin your trek to the remote village of Iprari. This full-day trek will lead you along a river, down beautiful Rhododendron lined paths. Past the remains of Kalde village and along the picturesque Chkhutnieri Pass (2,720m). The trek involves crossing a river, which you may cross on horseback if the water level is high. After several minutes, the Adishi glacier will come into sight. The eternal, huge collection of ice at Mt. Tetnuli (4,800 m.) along with its green fields and mountain flowers. A tapestry of colours that will remain forever imprinted in your memory. Soon Ushba will rise on the horizon. If you ascend Chkhutnieri Pass (2730 m) you’ll feel like you can touch the peak of Tetnuli and the clouds in your hands. Descend down from the pass and make your way to the village of Iprari. (B,L,D)

Overnight in a local guesthouse (basic shared facilities)

Note:

Trek time approx. 8hrs. Today’s trek starts off with a gentle two-hour trail trek before a steep, challenging and lengthy ascent. Once you cross the pass, the descent is steep. If there has been raining, there can be a lot of water on this trail and slippery muddy conditions.

Day 7: Iprari – Ushguli

Mestia
Today you will trek to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Ushguli. At 2,200m, it’s the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe. The village is dotted with ancient stone watchtowers. From where you can get an impressive view of the highest mountain in Georgia – Mt. Shkhara, at 5068m. Today’s trek isn’t very long. So, if you’re up for it, take the opportunity to walk up the hill to Queen Tamar’s Tower, before returning to Ushguli.

Overnight in a local guesthouse (basic shared facilities)

Trek time approx. 4 hrs. Moderate.

Day 8: Ushguli-Shkhara Glacier-Mestia

Chkhutnieri Pass
Chkhutnieri Pass
Leave your guesthouse bound for the base of Georgia’s highest mountain, Shkhara (5068m). The glacier that’s the main water source of the Enguri River. After reaching the glacier (2,500m) you will return to Ushguli. Today’s trek will take you through beautiful meadows filled with rich alpine flowers. It will finish in Mestia.

Overnight: Kala Hotel or similar

Trek time approx. 5-7hrs. Easy to moderate

Day 9: Mestia-Tskaltubo-Prometheus grotto-Kutaisi

Georgia banner
Today you will leave the mountainous Svaneti and return to Kutaisi. You’ll stop at Tskaltubo and visit the Prometheus grotto (closed on Mondays). The length of the cave is 1420m. The unique stalactites and stalagmites here will leave an indelible impression on you. The beautiful lighting and classical music makes this place more charming and mysterious. Continue on to Kutaisi.

Day 10: Kutaisi-Chiatura-Sachkhere-Mukhrani-Tbilisi

Georgia banner
Today you drive to the Imeretian villages. The landscape here resembles a real painting. Drive through the mining town of Chiatura. Here, there are about 20 soviet cable cars still active today. You’ll visit a local village on the mountain slope and a century-old wine cellar. The local family will host you for lunch. Due to different climates, people in the west and east of Georgia keep and produce their wine in different ways. Following the wine tasting, you’ll enjoy a traditional Imeretian lunch. With roasted pig (on the grill) as the main dish. Continue to Mukhrani village. Visit the royal estate of the duke – Ivane Mukhranbatoni. His interest in farming intensified when he learned about winemaking on a trip to France. He started producing wonderful Georgian wines on his forefathers` Mukhrani estate land. Here you’ll enjoy a further wine tasting experience. Afterwards, continue to Tbilisi.

Day 11: Tbilisi-Sighnaghi-Tsinandali-Kondoli-Gombori Pass-Tbilisi

Chkhutnieri Pass
Chkhutnieri Pass
Today, you’ll travel to the Kakheti region. Famous for its winemaking, as well as its welcoming hospitality. Here, you can see both the snowy Caucasus mountains and fertile valleys. Visit the 18th century beautiful, the small town of Sighnaghi. It will impress you with its small houses and decorated balconies. You’ll see the picturesque views of Alazani Valley and the Great Caucasus mountains. Continue to Tsinandali. Visit Duke Alexander Chavchavadze`s estate and garden (created in the 19th century). The park and the house used to be the gathering place of all poets and artists of the 19th century. Lunch today is at a local restaurant with wine tasting. Later you’ll visit a Georgian wine cellar. Here you’ll taste Georgian wine produced by the ancient tradition of Kvevri. This method of winemaking is on the UNESCO intangible heritage list. Return to Tbilisi.

Overnight: The Terrace or similar.

Day 12: Farewell

Today is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Tour Inclusions

  • SoloMade hosted tour.
  • Small group (minimum 6 | maximum 12 guests).
  • Return airport transfers.
  • 11 nights’ accommodation in single rooms ( a mix of hotels and guesthouses).
  • Meals as per the itinerary (Daily breakfast, 7 lunches, 5 dinners).
  • 1 bottle of mineral water (0.5l) per person per day.
  • Entrance Fees as per the itinerary.
  • Services of English speaking local guide.
  • Sightseeing as per the itinerary.
  • Air-conditioned private transportation.
  • Wine tastings as per the itinerary.

Tour Exclusions

  • International Airfares.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Items of a personal nature.

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