Grand Tour of Georgia

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. The revered 9th-century Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe will be your first stop before driving to nearby Sighnaghi for a walking tour and some wine tasting. Sighnaghi overlooks the fertile Alazani Valley and is often likened to a medieval Tuscan hill town. Later this afternoon, continue your journey through the vineyards to your chosen hotel.

A drive through the lovely vine-draped scenery of the Alazani Valley will bring you to Nekresi Monastery, one of Georgia’s oldest churches. Then, continue to the fortified citadel at Gremi, once Kakheti’s capital. Both places have wondrous settings, as does your next destination, the vast Cathedral of St. George at Alaverdi. On returning to your hotel, explore the estate and learn about the region’s winemaking industry. Whilst at the estate, there will be another opportunity to sample some of the estate’s boutique natural wines.

Depart Telavi this morning and drive to the country’s legislative capital, Kutaisi. En route, the first stop is 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 visit of the museum, drive the short distance to Uplistsikhe, an ancient religious and trading centre that has been carved into the rock and commands stunning views as far as the eye can see. Then, continue to Kutaisi.

Natural beauty and fun await on today’s excursion into the lush hills of Imereti. The adventure begins at the Martvili Canyon, one of the region’s great natural attractions, where you will set off along a scenic circular 700m hiking trail and take a short boat trip on the blue-green Abasha River. Nearby, at the Okatse Canyon, the great highlight is the 780m long panoramic ‘skywalk’. The day’s sightseeing concludes with a visit to the Kinchkha waterfall, with its spectacular three-step 88m cascade down a limestone cliff.

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 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 (5 hours) 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 starting in Mazeri village that leads you through the mountains to a viewpoint overlooking Georgia’s tallest waterfall and the High Caucasus. The hike is of easy to moderate difficulty, but the going is steep in places and thus requires a good level of fitness. The athletic may wish to extend this hike and continue to the Ushba glacier, a challenging hike with an additional 600m climb.

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 a leisurely 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 nine-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.

Leaving the coast this morning, head inland to Vardzia via the picturesque Adjara Mountains. This part of Georgia is extremely scenic, and there will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way and a scheduled stop at Makhuntseti waterfall, one of the prettiest in the region. Upon arrival in the town of Akhaltsikhe, visit the dominant Rabati Castle before proceeding to Vardzia, making a brief stop for photographs at the dramatically situated Khertvisi Fortress along the way.

This morning visit the multi-level 12th-century cave city and the monastic complex of Vardzia. The numerous chambers can be explored on this astonishing site via a series of walkways and labyrinthian tunnels. The afternoon is at leisure.

Return to Tbilisi, stopping at a number of interesting places en route. First, visit Georgia’s largest body of water, Paravani Lake, before continuing to the small village of Phoka, where a community of nuns at the nearby Convent of St. Nino has developed a cottage industry producing all manner of homemade delights. Upon completion, continue to Tbilisi.

Today will be at leisure in Tbilisi (no guide or transportation are included).

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