Peaks and Valleys of Georgia
Tailormade Tour

Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure with no guided activities. Your accommodation is situated right at the heart of the old town, great for access to the thriving restaurant scene in Tbilisi. Overnight Hotel Kalasi, or similar. No meals or guided activities today included.

Note – As this is a tailor-made tour, we can arrange different accommodation options in Tbilisi.

Today you will meet your guide for a shot tour briefing at 8:30am at the hotel. Afterwards, embark on a guided walking tour around old Tbilisi, taking in the fascinating history of this long-overlooked region. You spend the day discovering sites such as the Narikala citadel, Metekhi Temple and Sioni Cathedral. Visit Sarajishvili Brandy Factory and take the opportunity to sample some high-quality Georgian brandy. After the tasting, wander the elegant avenue of Rustaveli Avenue, home to some of Tblisi’s finest architecture, as far as Freedom Square where Tsarist opulence meets Soviet might. Later this afternoon you can enjoy some leisure time to saunter through the delightful streets of old Tbilisi. Alternatively, you may wish to take the funicular up Mtatsminda Mountain for panoramic views over the city.  This evening is at your own leisure and your local guide will be able to make dinner recommendations. Overnight Hotel Kalasi, or similar. (B)

(Approximate overall driving time today is 4 hours)

Drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a site of immense historical and cultural significance. Mtskheta is packed full of historical monuments and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the 11th century Sveti Tskhoveli Cathedral, steeped in fascinating Christian legend, and the 6th century Jvari Monastery which stands on dramatic ancient foundations, cradled in the encircling mountains. Later, you will join the Georgian Military Highway and snake our way up into the Higher Caucasus range. En route you stop at the castle complex of Ananauri, situated on the Aragvi River, before continuing the climb through dramatic scenery and over the spectacular Jvari Pass where you may wish to stop to marvel at the magnificent contours of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Take the 1.5 hour hike to the iconic and exquisite Gergeti Sameba church situated on a tiny cone of emerald hillside at 2150 metres, forever in the shadow of the brooding presence of Mt Kazbek (5054 metres). Finally, continue to Kazbegi, now officially named Stepantsminda. Overnight Hotel Stancia, or similar. (B)

Note – for clients not wishing to hike to the Gergeti Sameba church, it is possible to arrange a jeep to transport you for approximately USD 30.

(Approximate overall driving time today is 1.5 hours)

Spend the morning in the glorious surrounds of the High Caucasus Mountains, exploring the Sno Valley and the tiny settlement of Juta. Depending on the conditions and how long you wish to walk for, there will be a number of beautiful walks open to you, ranging from an hour to 4 hours to give you an appreciation of the splendid isolation of this area. Return to Kazbegi / Stepantsminda for lunch and then the afternoon can be spent at your own leisure. If you wish to continue exploring you will be able to visit the gorge of Dariali Canyon situated close to the Georgia-Russia border, a spectacular 13 kilometre long gash carved out by the Telek into the granite, filled with pounding waterfalls and plummeting to a depth of nearly 1,800m in places and said to be the site of Alexander the Great’s Iron Gates pass. Overnight Hotel Stancia, or similar. (B)

(Approximate overall driving time today is 4.5 hours)

Leaving the high peaks and one again crossing the Jvari Pass today you will be spending some well-earned time enjoying the fruits of Georgia’s rich soils. Continue to Chateau Mukhrani, renowned as the famous residence and winery of Prince Mukran Bagrationi, where you have the opportunity to taste some of the wines and enjoy some local snacks. After a tour of the cellar and dégustation, continue to the Lesser Caucasus and the town of Borjomi.  Overnight Golden Tulip Hotel, or similar. (B)

Spend the day immersed in the beauty of the lesser Caucasus range and in particular Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. You will be able to choose from a number of different trails ranging from 90 minutes to 4-5 hours in duration. Discuss the options on the day with your local guide. The park consists of a delightful range of habitats including mixed coniferous, verdant alpine and sub-alpine meadows and lush broad-leaved forests. Many of the walks afford excellent vistas of the vertiginous Chitakhevi ridge and the picturesque Borjomi Gorge. Overnight Golden Tulip Hotel, or similar. (B)

(Approximate driving time today is 8 hours)

Today involves a long but rewarding journey towards the far western reaches of Georgia. You start early and head west towards Kutaisi. On arrival a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gelati Monastery, founded in the 12^th century by King David the Builder, is a real delight. Here King David’s monastery and academy became the foremost centre of education in Georgia. Unique murals of saints and Georgian monarchs make for a sumptuous setting within the main cathedral interior. There will be time to take lunch in Kutaisi before continuing onward via the Zugdidi valley before embarking on your second foray into the High Caucasus range and the mystical region of Svaneti. Your base will be the town of Mestia, situated at 1400 metres above sea level and surrounded by huge peaks such as Ushba (4710m) and Tetnuldi (4975m), amongst the most beautiful summits of the Caucasus. Overnight in a family run guesthouse with private bathroom (BD)

Note – If you prefer a shorter journey time today, then we can arrange for you to overnight in Kutaisi and the tour simply becomes a day longer.

Spend the day leisurely exploring Mestia, mostly on foot, to observe the imposing medieval towers that have stood guard over this mystical land through the ages. Later, visit the museum and a traditional Svanetian house. Afterwards, you may wish to enjoy some time at leisure, or alternatively take a trip by cable car to Hatsvali (subject to weather conditions) to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding summits. Overnight locally run guesthouse with private bathroom (BD)

(Approximate driving time today is 3 – 4 hours depending on road conditions)

Today surely represents one of the highlights of the tour. Enjoy a morning drive to Ushguli village, Europe’s loftiest permanent settlement at 2400 metres. En route you will visit Nakipari church, an early medieval limestone church adorned with some exquisite examples of frescoes by the celebrated master artist Tevdore. On arrival in Ushguli we explore on foot, visiting the dizzying medieval towers as well as Lamaria Church. If the weather is good you may wish to take an easy wander along the valley leading to the foot of Mount Shkhara (5201m). You return to Mestia in the afternoon. Please note that the road today is of a very poor quality and as such it is necessary to drive very slowly to avoid damage to the vehicle. However, the magnificence of the scenery is worth every bump!  Overnight in Mestia at a family run guesthouse with private bathroom. (BD)

(Approximate total driving time today is 4.5 hours)

Depart early today leaving the glorious peaks of the Caucasus in the rear view mirror, and start the journey to the starkly contrasting environment of the Black Sea. You should arrive in Batumi around lunchtime and the afternoon will be at leisure for you to explore the city or stroll along the atmospheric 19^th century seaside boulevard at your leisure, immersing yourself in the cultural celebration and glorious array of vistas that characterise this 6km esplanade. Overnight Best Western Batumi, or similar. (B)

(Approximate total driving time today is 1.5 hours)

Spend your final day in the beautiful surrounds of Mtirala National Park, taking the leisurely 7km Tsablnari trail through sweet chestnut and oriental beech forests, passing a waterfall and lake during the walk. The park is renowned for its flora and fauna so be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you walk. Later return to Batumi for your final evening in Georgia. Overnight Best Western Batumi, or similar. (B)

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Note – If you prefer to depart from Tbilisi then we can arrange for you to travel on a wonderful train journey through Georgia from Batumi back to Tbilisi. Please contact us for details.