Authentic Georgia

Driving distance: 279 km (4 h 15 min). After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to the West through Gori, the central town in Kartli region. Visit the museum of Joseph Stalin. Museum consists of Stalin’s memorial house of late 19th c, exhibition building from Soviet era and Stalin’s personal train including personal belongings with interior (he used to travel to Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam). After guided tour in the museum, drive to the ancient caves of Uplistsikhe that is 14 km away from Gori. Cut in limestone rocks, Uplistsikhe dates back to the Early Iron Age and is one the oldest urban settlements in Georgia. The archaeological artifacts discovered here date as early as Early Iron Ages. Most of the items found in Uplistsikhe are parts of the collections of Georgian National Museum. The trip continues to the western part of Georgia through Rikoti Pass on Lesser Caucasus, natural border of East and West. 1800 m long tunnel was dig in 19th c on the watershed of the rivers of the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea basins. The small 9th c Ubisa monastery is located on the way, behind the green cover. Don’t miss to see 14th c fantastic murals on the walls of Ubisa Basilica painted by local painter Damiane in Paleologos style. In the evening arrive to Kutaisi, the third largest city in Georgia, Imereti region. Take a walk in central square and park, visit beautiful Bagrati Cathedral (built in 11th c.), the Cathedral is among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Overnight in Kutaisi.

Driving distance 5 hr 45 min (240 km). After breakfast check out and drive to Sataplia natural reserve and karst caves. The sight is famous for its well-preserved fossilized dinosaur footprints. The karst cave is 900 meters long and is enhanced with light and audio effects. The Colches forest- park, the glass observation platform and a small museum of Jurassic animal remains are part of the attraction. Next place to visit today is Martvili Canyons, sight of beautiful waterfalls in Samegrelo region. Take a boat trip in the river Abasha and observe the surrounding area. After Martvili, continue the trip to the north, to Enguri Dam situated on the way from Samegrelo to Upper Svaneti region. The dam represents the highest arched dames in the world. Make a short photo-stop and continue the way to the Great Caucasus Mountains. Roaring river Enguri is our guide today. The canyons are narrow and very picturesque. Several waterfalls greet us on the way. In the evening arrive to Mestia – the administrative town of Zemo (upper) Svaneti region (elevation 1500 m). Svaneti is unique for its geography and landscapes, as well as authentic and well-preserved traditional culture and architecture. Svaneti towers are good examples of medieval architecture, used for defensive as well as dwelling purposes. Some of them date back as early as 9th -10th cc. Overnight in Mestia.

Driving distance: 2 hr 34 min (92. 7 km). After breakfast in Mestia, start 4x4WD mountain adventure to the most remote and isolated community Ushguli. Ushguli is comprised of 4 villages, and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list for the authentic lifestyle in the mountains. It is one of the highest settlements in the entire Europe (2200m above sea level). The Upper Svaneti roads are narrow, curvy, mainly paved, but damaged because of waterfalls, falling stones and frequent avalanches. The last 16 km before entering Ushguli is gavel. Make couple of stops to enjoy mountain views, see Ipari and Kala villages, and take a look at small Svanetian churches with heart worming medieval frescoes. Walk inside the village, visit Lamaria church and if the weather permits, admire the magic power of Shkhara mountains (5201 m). In the evening return back to Mestia. Overnight in Mestia.

Distance 24.8 km (1h). Trail: Round-trip, Trekking in nature, good for all skill levels. Max. elevation: 1925 m Min. elevation: 1665 m Total climb: 337 m Total descent: 337 m Drive to the Mestiachala river, a starting point of the trail. Cross the bridge and start walking uphill through the forest. After about 1.5 km., the trail continues on rocky area, covered with stones of different shapes and size, so one should walk extra careful. From here, you can already observe mount Chatini (4412 m) in front of you. We continue towards Chatini mountain and at 1920m asl. we reach our destination point - Chalaadi glacier. Overnight in Mestia.

Driving distance: 5 hr 33 min (271 km). After breakfast check out and visit Margiani family museum and tower. The Margiani family lived here from the XII-XX centuries. The living room consists of an open fireplace in the centre of the room and meeting place around: dominates the carved wooden armchair for the head of the family and simple wooden chairs for all adult man from both sides of fire. Under the sleeping area there is a stable for cows, bulls and goats. Optional: If the weather permits, take time for Hatsvali cable car and ride up to Zuruldi Mountain (2455m). The breathtaking panoramic views of Ushba (4,710 m South & 4,690 m North), and Tetnuldi (4852 m) open in front of you. After drinking hot cup of coffee say good bye to Svaneti and drive to the lowlands and Black Sea. Next visit Mestia Museum. Fantastic location, absolutely distinctive collection of manuscripts, gospel books, medieval goldsmith and icons are displayed in the permanent exhibition hall. Late afternoon arrive in Zugdidi – the administrative town of Samegrelo region and capital of former principality of Mingrelia. In Zugdidi visit Dadiani museum, established inside the palace by Prince David Dadiani. Museum’s collection includes death masks of Napoleon Bonaparte, important Georgian cultural and archaeological artifacts and botanical garden around. Drive to Adjara region – its capital city and port town Batumi. In the evening take a walk on city’s boulevards. Overnight in Batumi.

Driving distance: 57 min (26.9 km). After breakfast visit Roman’s time fortification of Gonio Fortress located in about 10 km from Batumi on the direction of Georgia-Turkish border Sarpi. Excursion will take about 30 minutes. Next stop is open area ethnographical museum Borjgalo. Wood carving master Kemal Turmanidze, with the support of his family, created this unique museum, carved models of different style houses and dolls to human size to show the local domestic lifestyle in the mountains of Adjara. Half day Batumi walking tour. Visit Batumi Boulevard, Piazza square, Alphabet tower, Ali and Nino kinetic sculpture. Leisure evening. Overnight in Batumi.

Driving distance: 3 hr 9 min (164 km). Breakfast in the hotel. Check out. Leave Batumi and drive 45 km to Shekvetili Dendrological Park and Georgia in Miniatures. These lovely places summarize all tour covered in previous days. Next site to visit is Vani archaeological museum. The permanent exhibition of the museum displays cultural development of the site between 800 BC and 100 AD (gold work, silver, unique bronze sculptures and their fragments, samples of coins, etc.). Highlights of the exhibition include spectacular collection of jewellery. In the evening arrive to Kutaisi. Take a walk through the city centre. Overnight in Kutaisi.

Driving distance: 2 hr 58 min. After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive back to Tbilisi. On the way visit Mtskheta town. The town was the capital of early Georgian kingdom Iberia up to 5th c. and is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th), Antioch(5th c) and Jvari Monastery (6th). Various legends of early Christian times about the storage of the Robe of the Savior are associated with the cathedral. Arrive in Tbilisi. Check in the hotel. Leisure evening. Overnight in Tbilisi hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out time until 12:00 pm. End of service.