Georgia and the High Caucasus

Discover the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, an eclectic and lively city built astride the Silk Road. Tbilisi is a pleasant and liveable place with a unique blend of European and Turko-Persian architecture. Today’s sightseeing will include the vast Holy Trinity Cathedral; the atmospheric Old Town, known as the kala, with its distinctive drum-domed antique churches, narrow lanes, and colourful wooden houses; and the thoroughly European quarter centred on prestigious Rustaveli Avenue where you will visit the National Museum and take the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park to enjoy the panoramic views.

Today’s journey will take you east into the province of Kakheti, noted for its ruggedly beautiful scenery, endless vineyards, and some of the country’s finest churches. First, visit St. Nina’s Monastery at Bodbe, then drive to the highly picturesque Tuscany-like hill village Sighnaghi. Have lunch on arrival and enjoy some wine tasting, then wander through this charming town before returning to Tbilisi.

Depart Tbilisi this morning and drive to the country’s legislative capital, Kutaisi. En route, the first stop at Mtskheta, a charming town where the historical churches have collectively been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Then drive to Gori, the birthplace of Stalin and home to a controversial museum dedicated to the dictator’s memory. After a guided museum visit, drive the short distance to Uplistsikhe, an ancient religious and trading centre carved into the rock that commands stunning views as far as the eye can see. Continue to Kutaisi for an overnight stay.

This morning’s orientation tour of Kutaisi will include a visit to the wonderfully positioned Gelati Monastery before continuing to Mestia in Georgia’s remote region of Svaneti. En route to the mountains, stop in the bustling city of Zugdidi to visit Dadiani Palace, a fine example of 19th-century Georgian architecture that has now been converted into a museum. Continue to Mestia, journeying through increasingly magnificent scenery along the way.

A bumpy yet highly scenic single track leads to one of Svaneti’s most enchanting villages, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed settlement of Ushguli. On arrival, there will be the opportunity to view the unique stone towers for which the region is renowned before hiking to the Church of the Virgin Mary (Lamaria), from where the surrounding vistas are even more incredible. After ample time for exploration, return to Mestia via the same route.

Hiking to Shdugra waterfall and beyond, to the Ushba glacier, is one of the best ways to experience the pristine expanse of the Svaneti region. The waterfall is reached via a well-defined trail. The ascent steepens somewhat by continuing to Ushba glacier, but the reward (weather permitting) is an uninterrupted view of Mt. Ushba along with some of the other peaks that surround it. Note: For those who do not wish to hike, there is the option to visit the Svaneti History and Ethnography Museum and the nearby hamlet of Latali. Another highlight is riding the cable car to the top of the Zuruldi range. There is an easy stroll at the top of the ridge and breathtaking views in all directions.

This morning’s drive will take you from one of Georgia’s highest conurbations to one of its lowest points, the Black Sea city of Batumi. Enjoy a walking tour of Batumi this afternoon, focusing on the city’s 19th-century boulevard and attractive seafront promenade. Also, discover some of Batumi’s contemporary architecture and artwork, including the distinctive Georgian Alphabet Tower and the 9-metre tall rotating metal sculpture known as ‘Ali and Nino’.

Continue your exploration of Batumi with a visit to the Botanical Gardens. Located a short distance north of the city, the gardens were established in the early 1900s and boast a huge variety of flora from nine phytogeographical areas. The afternoon is at leisure.

A private transfer will take you from your hotel to Batumi International Airport, where you will check in for your onward flight.