Day 1: Tbs Airport Arrival – Tbilisi O/N ( / / )
Arrival. Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 2: Tbilisi City Tour – Gudauri O/N (B/ / )
Today we visit the colorful and lively capital of Georgia - the historic old town of Tbilisi lies at the foot of the Narikala Castle from the 4th century and enchants every visitor with its romantic alleys, colorful squares and the many nearby sights that bear witness to the cultural and religious diversity that have always characterized Tbilisi due to its geographic location. On both sides of the river Mtkvari there are traditional houses with the typical colorful wooden balconies. Ascent to Narikala Fortress by cable car and walk along the botanical garden to the city waterfall and the focal point of the old town, the sulfur baths district with the hot springs that gave the city its name as "the warm city". Continue to the Sioni Cathedral, Ancishati Church and Freedom Square.After a detailed city tour we drive along the old manor road on the way we visit the Ananuri Fortified Church (17th century) which is picturesquely situated above the Zhinwali Reservoir. The main church admires us with rich relief decorations and inside is decorated with beautiful frescoes and icons.Via the Cross Pass you finally reach the Gudauri ski area (2200 m).
Overnight in Gudauri.
Day 3: Truso Gorge – Stepantsminda O/N (B/ / )
If you want to feel the real charm of "Wild Caucasus", then you should visit the unique Trusso Valley, which is a pure harmony of huge mountains, untouched nature and old villages. White and reddish travertines that we see along the way are very impressive natural treasures. After an extraordinary trek, we continue to Stepantsminda over the Cross Pass 2395 m. The scenic landscape, wild rivers and snowy peaks will accompany us.
Note: The Trusso Gorge is at an altitude of about 2000 m.
Ascent & descent 467m, walking time 5.5 hours.
Overnight in Stepantsminda.
Day 4: Village Juta – Mt. Chaukhebi – Stepantsminda O/N (B/ / )
Today we drive through the beautiful Sno valley to the village of Juta (2270). A winding road hugs the mountains where the small and exotic village of Juta awaits travellers. With its old-fashioned lifestyle, this village continues to amaze its guests to this day. Surrounded by the high mountains, it is isolated from the outside world for half a year. Visiting this village is a great experience. From Juta we drive through the green meadows towards Mount Chaukhebi (3842), which stretches out of the ground like a huge ridge and creates an impressive panorama. Our destination will be near the small green lake. Mountain rivers and colorful flowers accompany us all the way. In June, the white rhododendron blooms in the fields. We have a picnic near the small, blue mountain lake and then make our way back.
Ascent & descent 400m, walking time 4.5 hours
Overnight in Stepantsminda.
Day 5: Gergety Trinity Church (Hiking) – Head To Tbilisi – Jvari Church & Svetitskoveli Cathedral – Tbilisi O/N (B/ / )
In the morning we will get the Gergeti Trinity Church (2170 m.) by hiking. From here we get the best view of the beautiful area. The undisputed star of Stepanstminda is the 5047 m high mountain Kazbegi, which is also called "white queen". If we are lucky and the weather cooperates, then we get unforgettable views of the white giants. Ascent & descent 470 m, walking time 3.5 hours After the trek we drive back to the land of the Old Military Road of Georgia and visit the ancient capital and religious center of East Georgia Mtskheta. In Mtskheta we visit the old capital of the country, which is picturesquely situated at the confluence of the two rivers - Mtkvari and Aragvi. Here we visit the Jvari Church - an excellent example of early Georgian architecture (6th century) and the mighty Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century). The two churches are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 6: Zugdidi Train Station – Mestia O/N (B/ / )
Today we enjoy our trip in a different way. We take the Georgian Railway to West Georgia in Zugdidi. When we reach Zugdidi, we will be picked up from the train station and continue to Svaneti. Today we get ready for the most beautiful part of the journey - the journey to Svaneti. Svaneti is lonely and remote. This is the region where carpets of flowers and colorful butterflies tumble - ringed by some of the highest, most spectacular peaks in the Caucasus. White glaciers, medieval defense towers and untouched nature will not leave anyone indifferent. The road up to the mountains opens the beauty of the high hills of the Greater Caucasus and deep into the hidden canyons of the rivers.
Overnight in Mestia.
Day 7: Koruldi Lake – Mestia O/N (B/ / )
This morning we trek from Mestia to the Koruldi Lakes - at the foot of the two-headed mountain Ushba (4700m). On the way we will see different peaks and glaciers: Tetnuldi (4800m), Lyla (4008m), Chatini (4012m), Banguriani (3838m) and get a magnificent view of Mestia. When we reach small mountain lakes, a 360-degree panoramic view of the Caucasus opens around us. We will return to Mestia by the same route.
Ascent & descent 1400 m, walking time 7 hours
Note: it is possible to shorten the hiking time and drive half way by 4x4WD (extra cost 70 EUR)
Overnight in Mestia.
Day 8: Village Ushguli – Shkhara Glacier – Mestia O/N (B/ / )
After breakfast, drive to Ushguli by Gelenderwagen 4x4. The (UNESCO World Heritage) is at 2,400 m altitude and is therefore one of the highest places in Europe. 46 fortified towers and small castles, each of which is inhabited by a large family, still testify to the fortifications of this village. The towers consist of three to four floors, which house the stables and living quarters of up to 80 people. Trek from Ushguli village to the foot of Shkhara, the highest glacier in Georgia. The silhouettes of the defense towers of Ushguli stand out against the white wall of Georgia's highest mountain. You hike to the glacier of the third-largest peak of the Caucasus through the valley of the Inguri, which is strewn with flowers in early summer. After the trek visit a beautiful monastery in Ushguli - Lamaria (12th c.) Then drive back to Mestia.
Hiking time - 6 hours
Ascent / descent: 350 m
Overnight in Mestia.
Day 9: Martvili Canyon – Kutaisi O/N (B/ / )
Drive to West Georgia, we drive from Mesita to Kutaisi via Samegrelo region. On the long way from Mestia to Kutaisi, to stretch your legs a bit, visit the beauty of the Samegrelo region, the Martvili Canyon, there you will go in a rubber boat (15 min) and then walk through the shady forest. (500 meters long) Then we drive to Kutaisi. According to Greek legend, Kutaisi, whose history dates back to the second millennium BC, was the capital of the mythical kingdom of Colchis, where the Golden Fleece was kept.
Overnight in Kutaisi.
Day 10: Head To Tbilisi – Uplistsikhe Cave Town – Tbilisi O/N (B/ / )
This morning we will have a little walk in the center of Kutaisi and then we will drive to Gori on the ancient Silk Road. Visit to the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe (6th century BC) Uplistsikhe was a pagan religious center in the country and an important point on the famous Silk Road. Ancient caves are still very well preserved today. In the late afternoon we drove to Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 11: Departure (B/ / )
Transfer to TBS Airport. Departure.
