Hiking in Georgia
Tailormade Tour

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Hiking in Georgia – A 15 day tailor-made tour from £3995 per person based on 2 people sharing a room.

Georgia is one of the least known nations of Europe – in fact most people aren’t entirely convinced that it is actually in Europe at all. Hidden away and often eclipsed by its monumental neighbour, it hides a wealth of diverse secrets.

This tailor-made tour focuses on spectacular hiking amongst some of the most alluring mountain scenery in Europe, but also allows travellers to appreciate the depth of historical interest and to experience the renowned Georgian hospitality by staying in locally run guesthouses and village houses. We start in charming Tbilisi and marvel at the numerous and diverse cultures that have left their mark on this city, from Ancient Persia and Medieval European crusaders to Imperial Russia and Ottoman Turkey and explore its delightful old city.

For lovers of wine we continue to the ancient wine region of Kakheti, arguably the original home of all viticulture and taste the exquisite wines produced there. We then snake into the High Caucasus crossing the vertiginous Abano Pass and enjoy hiking in the wild and untamed province of Tusheti. Here age-old traditions are still entrenched into the culture and the villages are surely some of the most isolated in Europe, home to truly resilient herdsman and their families.

The second half of the tour sees us travel to the Western reaches of Georgia via Kutaisi, once a capital of several historical kingdoms, and then again up into the High Caucasus range to the mythical region of Svaneti known as the land of the Golden Fleece. Immerse yourself in spectacular hikes to the backdrop of some of Europe’s most awe inspiring scenery and finish each day staying in village houses and guesthouses where you can be sure of a warm local welcome.

Leaving the mountains behind, the tour winds up on the balmy shores of the Black Sea at the second city of Batumi. For lovers of outdoor adventure, this tour takes you to the furthest reaches of this intriguing and stunning country where few outsiders are yet to tread.

Tour ratings.

Fitness
Off the beaten track
Culture

History
Wildlife

Tour pace

Moderate

Tour style

Traveller

Relaxed Pace

Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.

Moderate Pace

Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.

Busy Pace

A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.

Pioneer Class Tours

On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.

Traveller Class Tours

Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Tbilisi

Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to your hotel. Depending upon flight schedules there may be time to explore independently. Overnight Old Metekhi Hotel or similar. No meals or guided activities included today.

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

Day 2 – Tbilisi

Today we take a guided walking tour around Tbilisi. Highlights include the National Museum, home to treasures that inspired the legend of the Golden Fleece, the Narikala citadel, Metekhi Temple and the Sioni Cathedral. Other visits include the ‘Peace Bridge’, Anchiskhati Church and Freedom Square. Overnight Old Mekheti Hotel or similar (BL)

Day 3 - Tbilisi – Sighnaghi – Tsinandali – Telavi (190km)

Today we start a two-day trip in Kakheti, Georgia’s famous wine district dotted with fine old churches and vineyard after vineyard. First, we visit Bodbe Monastery of St. Nina. Then we arrive in Sighnaghi a beautiful hill-town providing panoramic views of the Alazani Valley and the Eastern Caucasus Mountains. Explore the town. Time for lunch in Sighnaghi and continue the tour in Kakheti. We visit Tsinandali Estate, the residence of the 19th century noble family. Continue to Telavi and take a short tour of the town before heading to our hotel. Overnight Old Telavi or similar (BL)

Day 4 - Telavi – Omalo, Tusheti (100km)

This morning we drive into the spectacular Greater Caucasus range. Continuing into the foothills, the route to Tusheti quickly becomes incredibly scenic, passing first through lush forests, via waterfalls, then through gorges and canyons carved by raging torrents. We’ll stop at various points to stretch our legs, soak up the views and enjoy a picnic lunch. In spring the landscape is covered by endless carpets of wildflower species. After crossing the spectacular and vertiginous 2,927m Abano Pass we continue down into Tusheti. Approaching Omalo, the sheer beauty of this wild region is overwhelming. Time permitting, we take a walk around. Later, we enjoy an evening meal of traditional Georgian fare prepared by our hosts. Overnight local guesthouse (BLD)

Note – The road into Tusheti is not sealed and in places is rough. We will be using suitable 4WD vehicles for this terrain and experienced drivers. The road in places has sheer drops and so may not be suitable for those with vertigo.

Day 5 - Trekking: Omalo – Dartlo –(Parsma) – Dartlo (15km / 20km trekking. 20km driving)

We have an early start this morning for our long trekking day of around 15 kilometres. This morning we trek to a different valley and the attractive village of Dartlo, situated at 2,000 metres, again characterised by unique architecture of the local houses and watchtowers. Next to a stream there’s a small café where it’s possible to drink tea and coffee and have lunch amid the mountains’ natural splendour. We explore the village with its remarkable towers creating wonderful landscapes. Those who wish can take the short but steep climb above Dartlo to an abandoned village, clinging tenaciously to the mountainside, where a forgotten watchtower teeters precariously over an abyss. The views from here are tremendous (approx. 1 hour). Overnight simple but comfortable local guesthouse. (BLD)

Optional: Instead of going up to Kvavlo, and depending on road and weather conditions we can plan a trip (by car) to another Medieval village of Parsma. To be decided on the spot by the guide after consulting with clients. Note – Total trekking ascent is around 600 metres and trekking descent is 400 metres.

Day 6 - Omalo – Tbilisi (200km)

After breakfast we travel back to Tbilisi, again by crossing the Abano Pass. On the way we visit Alaverdi Cathedral (11th c). Arrive in Tbilisi. Overnight Old Mekeheti Hotel or similar (BL)

Day 7 - Tbilisi – Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi. (290km, approx. 5h15m drive)

Today we start then next stage of your adventure in Georgia, heading out west towards the city of Kutaisi. En route we can stop at the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe dating from the 7^th century BC. On arrival in Kutaisi check in to your accommodation before this afternoon visiting the impressive Gelati Monastery (UNESCO) dating from the 11^th Century, built by King David IV and widely considered an architectural masterpiece. Overnight Terrace Kutaisi or similar (BLD)

Day 8 - Kutaisi – Martvili Canyon - Mazeri, Svaneti (250km. approx. 5h30m drive)

This morning we continue to nearly Martvili Canyon (closed on Monday and on public holidays), a beautiful nature area with lovely cascades and waterfalls and take a shot boat ride in the canyon to appreciate its beauty from the emerald green water of the River Abasha. After the excursion, continue via Zugdidi and back into the Caucasus range following the Enguri river valley and finally arriving in Mazeri and a local guesthouse for the evening. This is your gateway to some magnificent trekking in the mountains over the next few days. Overnight in a local guesthouse with private bathroom. (B)

Day 9 – Mazeri – Trek Guli Pass – Mestia

Today involves an early start at around 6:30am for a tough but rewarding day trek over the Guli pass to the provincial capital of Svaneti, Mestia. The trek today is around 22 kilometres and so starting early allows you to be able to complete the trek to enjoy the stupendous views of prominent Caucasus peaks such as Mt. Ushba (4710m) and Mt. Tetnuldi (4858m). The first 9 kilometres are up hill and then a gradual descent followed by a steeper descent into Mestia itself located at around 1400 metres. On arrival rest weary legs and enjoy a warm welcome and hearty local food at the guesthouse. Overnight local guesthouse with private bathroom. (BLD)

Day 10 – Mestia – Trek to Zhabeshi

Before starting the trek today, this morning take a walk around Mestia and admire the defensive dwellings of the Svan watchtowers and also visit a Svanetian house (closed Mondays and public holidays). Thereafter, a lighter trekking day awaits you, around 16 kilometres through beautiful meadows with superb vistas to enjoy throughout the day. You will also pass through some interesting Svan villages including the charming and authentic village of Lakhiri. The day concludes in the village of Zhabeshi (1680m). Tonight you will stay in a local village house – may not have private bathroom. (BLD)

Note – Total trekking ascent today is approx. 1400 metres and trekking descent approx. 1600 metres.

Day 11 – Zhabeshi – Adishi Trek

Spend another glorious day in the mountains hiking from Zhabeshi Adishi. The hike today is a relatively short distance of some 11 kilometres. The trek today involves some steep ascent to a pass at around 2500 metres affording excellent views on a clear day. We recommend setting off still reasonably early and arriving in Adishi village beautifully located at the foot of Mt. Tetnuldi to spend some time at leisure enjoying the atmosphere of the village and the views with a cold drink. Overnight in a village house may not have private bathroom (BLD)

Day 12 – Adishi – Khalde Trek – Ushguli – Mestia

Today we journey towards one of the highest continually inhabited villages in Europe. Start the day by crossing the Adishi River (depending on river levels, this may be done on horseback). Then ascend for a couple of hours through pastures and rhododendrons until reaching the Chkhunderi pass (2655 metres) where in clear conditions you will enjoy excellent views of the mountains and also to the Adishi glacier. If you are making good time from the pass there is a small detour of around 30 minutes where the views are even more spectacular. We then drive to Ushguli located in a magnificent setting at the foot of Mt. Shkhara (5200 metres). Have a well-earned drink and a stroll around the village before travelling by a dirt track to Mestia, arriving by sunset. Overnight in a local guesthouse with private bathroom (BLD)

Day 13 – Mestia – Batumi (290km)

Spend some time at leisure in Mestia this morning before heading to Zugdid for lunch. There is an option for a visit to Prince Dadiani Palace (closed on Mondays and public holidays) before the drive to the Black Sea Coast and the city of Batumi. On arrival check in to your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure strolling on the sea front boulevard contemplating your adventure in the mountains. Overnight Best Western Batumi or similar (BL)

Day 14 – Batumi

This morning take a city tour of Batumi to visit its major sites including the old town, Batumi Piazza, Theatrical and Europe Squares and Rustaveli street, and take a walk in Batumi Boulevard. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight Best Western Batumi or similar (B)

Day 15 - Depart Batumi

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

Dates & Price.

We offer the Hiking in Georgia Tour for private departures only.

Prices start from £3995 per person, based on two people sharing a room.

We can also tailor a similar or totally different itinerary to meet your requirements. Please contact us to discuss your travel plans.

Tour Notes

Group Size

This is a tailor-made tour and can be arranged for any group size.

Flights and overland by rail

Return flights from London to Tbilisi start at £350. Contact us for a quotation. Did you know you can also travel overland to Georgia by train. Contact us if you are interested in going overland by train.

Single Supplement

Solo occupancy room supplement from £325

Extra Accommodation

Extra night accommodation pre and/or post tour in Tbilisi costs from £40 per person, per night sharing a twin/double room and £70 per person in a solo occupancy room.

Please note that the prices quoted above are for the category of accommodation and hotel used for this particular tour. Depending on the hotel eventually confirmed there may be some difference in the rate advertised by the hotel, and the prices available through Undiscovered Destinations. It should be noted we will not apply a surcharge should more expensive accommodation be used. At the same time in the event that a lower rate is available for the confirmed hotel we are unable to offer a refund.