Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival day. Meeting at the airport. Transfer to Tbilisi hotel.
Day 2: Tbilisi – Mtskheta tour
Day 3: Tbilisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi
Day 4: Kutaisi – Zugdidi – Mestia
Day 5: Mestia – Ushguli – Mestia  
Day 6: Mestia – Enguri Dam – Batumi tour
Day 7: Batumi – Borjomi – Akhaltsikhe
Day 8: Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Bavra – Tbilisi
Day 9: Tbilisi – Gudauri – Kazbegi - Tbilisi
Day 10: Tbilisi – Tsinandali – Gremi – Kvareli - Telavi
Day 11: Telavi – Sighnaghi – David Gareji - Tbilisi
Day 12: Transfer to Tbilisi airport. Departure

Day 1: Meeting at the airport. Transfer to Tbilisi hotel. Overnight at Tbilisi hotel.

Day 2: Tbilisi – tour in Mtskheta
Today, our tour starts from Mtskheta, the city, which was the capital of Georgia from III century BC to IV century AD. It is listed in UNESCO’s heritage and includes following sights: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Church. Svetitskhoveli (“live-giving pillar”), the Cathedral of XI century, is an essential part of Christian history and Georgian people, as it’s a place, where Jesus Christ's robe was buried. Next sightseeing is Holy Cross Church – Jvari Monastery of VI century. The church stands on the hill, overlooking the conjunction of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. The monument is interesting for it’s history of foundation as in the IV century St Nino erected there sacred wooden cross, before she converted Mtskheta to Christianity. After Mtskheta trip, returning to Tbilisi.
Tbilisi city tour includes following sightseeings: Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral (Trinity Cathedral), the greatest Cathedral in the Caucasus region; Metekhi Church, built on a cliff and overlooking Mtkvari River. The famous Georgian Sulfur Baths, located in Old Tbilisi district, on the other embankment of the river, opposite the Darejani Palace; Then we lift by the cableway on the Narikala Fortress, where we’ll visit Narikala St. Nikolas Church of IV century, furnished with the scenes from the holy book - the bible and murals of the martyrs. Then, we get around the Leselidze street, where we come upon Armenian Church and Jewish Synagogue. Walking, also, across the Shardeni street, with it’s comfy cafes, restaurants and art galleries. In the same district, we’ll visit Sioni church and near of it Anchiskhati church, which keeps the miraculous ikon of Jesus Christ. After all sights, the tour leads you to the central street of Tbilisi Rustaveli Avenue, where you'll observe: the former Parliament building, Rustaveli Theatre, Opera and Ballet Theatre, various art galleries. Also, visit Tbilisi National Museum to see golden treasury of Georgia. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 3: Tbilisi – Gori – Uplistsikhe town – Kutaisi
In the morning, travel to visit Gori, founded by David the Builder, the greatest king of Georgia (1089-1125). Here we will make a visit to Museum of Joseph Stalin. Then we go to Shida Kartli region and visit Uplistsikhe (“Lord’s fortress”), an ancient town built in a rock. The stone complex contains various constructions dating from II ML BC to the Middle Ages. Then continue way to Kutaisi, the capital of antique kingdom of the Colchis in the II millennium BC, as the archaeological facts indicates. It is considered by historians, that Kutaisi was the residency of King Aeëtes and the last destination of Argonauts, during their fabled journey to Colchis. Overnight in Kutaisi city.
Day 4: Kutaisi city – Enguri Dam – Mestia
After breakfast, Kutaisi city tour. The tour contains following: visiting Bagrati Temple; Gelati Church, which is also in UNESCO’s heritage; the parliament building, as Kutaisi became parliament town of Georgia in 2012 and finally Sataplia cave.
Afterwards, begins the most thrilling part of the tour – journey to Svaneti, the place of the glaciers and the highest mountains, where local people abide ancient traditions. Before departure, we can take some snack for the long trip to Mestia. En route, visit Enguri Dam, highest reservoir in the world, with stunning view of Samegrelo region and Svaneti mountains. Arrival in Svaneti, Mestia and dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Mestia village.

Day 5: Mestia – Ushguli tour – Mestia village
In the morning drive by jeeps to Ushguli (UNESCO’s heritage), Upper Svaneti, where the highest apex Shkhara is located. Visiting: Lagami St. George’s temple; the oldest towers; St. George chapel in Nakipari and Ethnographic Museum. Ushguli area is considered as the highest inhabited place in Europe on the elevation of 2200 ASL. Returning to Mestia village and overnight there.
Day 6: Mestia – Zugdidi – Batumi tour
After breakfast, visit single-nave basilicas: Latali and Lenjeri of the 8th-14th c.c., decorated with frescoes and built without ornamentation by stone. Then travel to the Black seacoast. En route, visit beautiful Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi and former residence of Dadiani Dynasty. The Dadianis were deeply involved in public life and the museum keeps 41000 unique and invaluable exhibits of Georgian and foreign art. Continue the way to Batumi, the most beautiful city of Georgia. In Batumi visit: Ali and Nino Statue, which alters it's position after ten minutes until merge into one, then it separate again and the return process begins; Statue of Medea, reminds visitors myth about Colchis and the Golden Fleece; Apollo Statue makes the city more interesting. Here, from every alley pours life energy. Walk across the shore in Batumi Boulevard. Overnight in Batumi.
Day 7: Batumi – Borjomi – tour in Akhaltsikhe
After breakfast, drive to Batumi Botanical Garden near Mtsvane Kontskhi. Afterwards drive to Borjomi town. Stop to taste natural mineral water and walk in Borjomi Park. Drive to Akhaltsikhe (“New fortress”), the city in southwestern part of Georgia, Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Visit the Rabat. the castle was built in XII century. The complex consists: synagogue, Armenian temple and catholic temple. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe town.
Day 8: Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Tbilisi
After breakfast, drive to Vardzia, hewn in the stone town. (XII-XIII c.c). The complex has a substantial role in political, educational, cultural and moral life of Georgia. Also, temple of Assumption, furnished with murals, is placed in the centre of the complex. Then drive to Georgian – Armenian border Bavra. Pass border formalities, then change transport and guide. Afterwards, drive to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 9: Kazbegi tour
Journey to Kazbegi. Driving up the River Tergi will leads us to Kazbegi town. Passing on the way Ananuri Castle, also Jinvali water reservoir of amazing beauty and stop to see various local hand made things (embroidery, thick felt, iconographic painting). In Kazbegi walking up through splendid valleys, we can visit Gergeti Trinity Church (2170m ASL). If the weather allows, we can see Kazbegi mount, one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus (5047m ASL). Before drivin back to Tbilisi, visit Dariali Gorge. Drive to Tbilisi city and overnight there.
Day 10: Tbilisi - Tsinandali - Gremi – Kvareli – Telavi
Today we will visit house museum of Alexandre Chavchavadze, where we can degustate five sorts of wine at wine cellar and walk in the beautiful garden. Prince Alexander built this decorative garden in 1835 and made it, the place of amusement of foreign guests. He also built largest and oldest winery, mixing European and Georgian winemaking traditions. The next stop is Gremi monastery (XVIc), the royal citadel and monastery of Archangels. Drive to Kvareli in Kakheti region. Visit “Gvirabi” – tunnel wine cellar, which is cut off in Caucasian mountain range. The tunnel’s natural temperature is 10-12ºC, (7,7 km in the length). Afterwards we drive to Telavi. Overnight in Telavi hotel.

Day 11: Telavi - Signagi - David Gareji – Tbilisi
After breakfast drive to Sighnaghi, city of love. Have lunch there. Near the city visit St. Nino monastery in Bodbe, who converted Georgian people to Christian faith? Then drive to David Gareji, one of the main landmarks of Georgia and characterized by the remarkable combination of prehistoric archeological sites, historic architecture and rich paleontological fields. The stone complex includes dozens of cave monasteries with unique murals, which are regarded the masterworks of Georgian Medieval Art. In the evening, returning to Tbilisi and overnight there. Have farewell dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant with folk show. Overnight in Tbilisi hotel.
Day 12: Transfer to Tbilisi airport. Departure.

Price included:

• Transportation (Car (1-2 pax) /Minivan (3-5 pax)/ Minibus (6-14 pax) /Bus (14+ pax))
• Accommodation according to the program in approx... 3 star hotels (5 in Tbilisi, 1 in Akhaltsikhe, 1 in Kutaisi, 2 in Mestia, 1 in Batumi, 1 in Telavi)
• All Breakfasts
• 2 dinners in Mestia hotel
• 2 dinners in Tbilisi at Georgian national restaurant with folk program
• All entrance fees as per program
• English/Russian speaking guide
• Some local guides in some museums and wine cellars
• 1 bottle of water per person per day

Package excludes:

• Flights
• Travel insurance
• Lunches and dinners
• Jeeps in Ushguli (in case of a group of 5 pax and more. One Jeep costs approx...90 Euro and has 6 seats)
• Alcohol beverage during included meals

Tour map:

Visa Requirements

Please check here http://www.mfa.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=96 or contact us.

Practical Information

Foreign Exchange

Up-to-date information on exchange rates can be obtained here: http://currency.boom.ge/?lng=en
Local Currency: Georgian Lari.

Recommended Currency for Exchange: USD or EURO.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your guide will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: Only in major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: Only in major towns.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers cheques are difficult to change.

Climate

Vaccinations & Protection

Electric Supply & Plugs

For comprehensive information, regarding voltages and plug types for the countries, see the link http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm

Travel Insurance

Isurance is required for all our customers. You should guarantee that your policy covers you for medical expenses and restitution.

Packing for the trip

Unfortunately, it happens, that the luggage doesn't always reach it's destination on the same flight, or perhabs, it is damaged in transit. If this fact happens, it's important before leaving the airport building that you file a Property Irregularity Report. This is necessary when you make a claim either against the airline or your travel insurance company.

Luggage

Remember you are should carry your own luggage, so do not overload yourself.
Total allowance: 20kgs.

Clothing

Pack basically for ‘Hot Conditions’. The weather is variable in the mountains; Bring a warmer jacket, as it can be cool at night,. the raincoat is essential at all times. In some parts of Caucasus you should avoid vest tops and shorts; long pants or skirts are perfect. A headscarf is essential for visiting temples and mosques.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes for the trips to mountains; sandals
Equipment
Swimsuit, Sunhat, Sunglasses, Sun Cream