Georgia Tour – Historic Cities, Mountain Worlds & Cuisine

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival – airport – Tbilisi (approx. 450 m) | approx. 20 km / 0.5 h of driving

  Independent arrival and flight to Tbilisi, the lively capital of Georgia. After arrival you will be warmly welcomed at the airport and driven to your hotel. In the evening we ease into the experiences ahead with a joint welcome dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant. A wonderful opportunity to gather first impressions and to meet your fellow travellers.
  Overnight at Hotel Brim or an accommodation of equal category (D).

• Day 2: Tbilisi (approx. 450 m) – city tour of the old and new town of Tbilisi

  Tbilisi combines history and modernity in a fascinating way. The old town is home to numerous historic sights that lie close together and lend themselves wonderfully to exploration on foot. Our walk begins with the 13th-century Metekhi Church and the equestrian statue of the city’s founder, Vakhtang Gorgasali, from where a wonderful view opens out over the Mtkvari river, the old town and the surrounding districts. The cable car then takes us up to Narikala Fortress, from where we walk down to the famous sulphur baths — they are closely linked to the founding history of Tbilisi. Our path continues to the synagogue, then to Sioni Cathedral, where the grapevine cross of Saint Nino — the woman who converted Georgia — is kept. Afterwards we visit the Anchiskhati Church from the 6th century, the oldest church in the city. To conclude we visit the treasury at the National Museum of History, where, among other things, masterful goldsmith work from the time of the Golden Fleece can be seen (closed on Mondays). The afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel Brim or an accommodation of equal category (B).

  

  

  

• Day 3: Tbilisi (approx. 450 m) – Sighnaghi (approx. 790 m) – Shashiani – Alaverdi – Telavi (approx. 500 m) | approx. 190 km / 4 h of driving

  In the morning we drive to Sighnaghi, a picturesque town with a wide view over the Alazani Valley. On the way there we visit Bodbe convent (4th–8th century), where Saint Nino is buried — the apostle who brought Christianity to Georgia. Afterwards we explore the charming old town of Sighnaghi on a leisurely walk. The town is entirely surrounded by an impressive double wall with 28 towers, which was once a symbol of its independence. The architecture combines classic southern Italian influences with traditional Georgian elements. At lunchtime we are the guests of a local family that produces organic products and serves us a traditional Georgian lunch — a true farm-to-table experience. In the afternoon we visit a traditional wine cellar. Here we receive an introduction to Georgian winemaking, which differs considerably from European methods. We taste the wine directly from the underground clay amphorae, the so-called qvevri, in which it matures naturally. To round off the day we drive to Alaverdi Cathedral from the 11th century — an important religious and architectural landmark of the region. Overnight in Telavi at Hotel Holiday Inn or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

  

  

  

• Day 4: Telavi (500 m) – Gombori pass (1,620 m) – Mtskheta – Gudauri (approx. 2,200 m) | approx. 230 km / 5 h

  
  Today we drive over the picturesque Gombori pass and head north via Tbilisi. Along the way we visit the ancient capital of Mtskheta, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. We visit the impressive Jvari church from the 6th century, which towers majestically above the confluence of the Aragvi and the Kura, as well as Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.), where, according to tradition, the robe of Christ is said to rest. Afterwards we continue along the famous Georgian Military Highway towards the Greater Caucasus. We stop at the Ananuri fortress church (17th c.), picturesquely situated on the Zhinvali reservoir — a true architectural treasure with a turbulent history. Our route then leads us through impressive high-mountain landscapes over the 2,379-metre-high Jvari pass to Stepantsminda. In the evening we reach the well-known winter sports resort of Gudauri. Overnight at Hotel Marco Polo in Gudauri or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

• Day 5: Gudauri (approx. 2,200 m) – Stepantsminda (approx. 1,740 m) – Gergeti (2,170 m) – Gudauri | approx. 70 km / 2 h of driving + 3.5 h of hiking

  In the morning we drive from Gudauri to the nearby village of Stepantsminda, along the wild and romantic Tergi river, with wonderful views of the high-alpine landscape. From there we set off on the hike to Gergeti Trinity Church (14th c.), impressively situated at 2,170 m. The walking time is around 3.5 hours, with approx. 435 metres of ascent and descent on unpaved trails. In good weather we enjoy a spectacular view of the mighty Kazbek (5,047 m). After the hike we are the guests of a local family, where we receive an introduction to Georgian cuisine — in particular the preparation of the traditional khinkali. Those who wish can lend a hand. Afterwards we enjoy a joint lunch with homemade specialities. In the late afternoon we return to Gudauri. Overnight at Hotel Marco Polo in Gudauri or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

• Day 6: Gudauri (approx. 2,200 m) – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Akhaltsikhe (approx. 1,000 m) | approx. 320 km / 6 h of driving

  Early in the morning we set off from Gudauri and drive south along the spectacular Georgian Military Highway. Our first stop is Gori, the birthplace of Stalin. We view his birthplace from the outside, which is part of a small museum complex. Afterwards we continue to the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe — one of the oldest settlement sites in the Caucasus. The city, carved into sandstone, impresses with temples, cave dwellings and tunnels. In the afternoon we continue our drive and reach the small town of Akhaltsikhe in southern Georgia. Overnight at Hotel Lomsia or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

  

  

• Day 7: Akhaltsikhe (approx. 1,000 m) – Vardzia (approx. 1,300 m) – Akhaltsikhe | approx. 120 km / 3 h of driving

  Today we drive to the fascinating cave city of Vardzia, which was created in the 12th century during Georgia’s Golden Age and once served as accommodation for thousands of people. The 13-storey city with its churches, dwellings, pharmacies and tunnels is an impressive example of medieval architecture. The highlight is the Church of the Mother of God with its remarkable frescoes, including a famous portrait of Queen Tamar painted during her lifetime. In the surroundings we are invited to lunch with a local family — there is trout on a skewer, a speciality of the region. In the late afternoon we return to Akhaltsikhe; the evening is at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel Lomsia or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

• Day 8: Akhaltsikhe (approx. 1,000 m) – Gelati – Kutaisi (approx. 150 m) | approx. 240 km / 5 h of driving

  Today our journey takes us on to Kutaisi, Georgia’s third-largest city. After arrival we take a walk through the charming city centre with its historic buildings. Afterwards we visit Bagrati Cathedral (11th c.) as well as the Gelati monastery complex (12th c.) with its once-famous academy. Both sites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage and bear witness to Georgia’s religious and scholarly heritage. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Newport or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

  

  

• Day 9: Kutaisi (approx. 150 m) – Zugdidi – Mestia (approx. 1,500 m) | approx. 280 km / 6 h of driving

  In the morning we visit the local farmers’ market in Kutaisi — an opportunity to get into conversation with the locals and to discover regional produce. Afterwards we drive via Zugdidi to the remote high-mountain region of Svaneti in the Greater Caucasus. In the late afternoon we reach Mestia (1,500 m). Here tradition meets modernity; historic defence towers and cobbled lanes go hand in hand with small cafés, museums and even a cinema. Overnight at a simple guesthouse (B|D).

• Day 10: Mestia (approx. 1,500 m) – Koruldi Lakes (approx. 2,740 m) – Mestia | approx. 8 km of hiking, 3–4 h, +/- 600 m of hiking

  A scenically particularly beautiful day awaits us! From Mestia we first drive to a viewpoint, then hike to the Koruldi Lakes at the foot of Ushba (4,700 m). Along the way, impressive panoramas open out onto the peaks of Tetnuldi, Layla, Chatyn-Tau and Banguriani. At the top, the lakes are mirrored amid pristine nature. After a picnic break we hike back and drive to Mestia. Those who wish can also watch the Georgian film “Dede” here — a moving, authentic drama that powerfully reflects the life, love and challenges of the people in this remote mountain region. Overnight at a simple guesthouse (B|picnic|D).

  

  

• Day 11: Mestia (approx. 1,500 m) – Ushguli (approx. 2,400 m) | approx. 45 km / 2 h of driving

  Today we drive to the high-altitude village of Ushguli, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Ushguli is regarded as one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe and stands as an impressive testament to Svan culture. The striking medieval defence towers, which once served as protection against invaders, still characterise the village today and reflect the region’s tradition-rich history. We stroll through the authentically preserved ensemble and visit the Lamaria church with a view of Shkhara (5,068 m), Georgia’s highest peak. Before dinner we cook together the traditional dish kubdari — a flatbread filled with meat and spices. Overnight at a simple guesthouse (B|D).

• Day 12: Ushguli (approx. 2,400 m) – Mestia – Batumi (approx. 3 m) | approx. 300 km / 7 h of driving

  We leave the high mountains and drive via Mestia back to western Georgia to Batumi on the Black Sea. After our arrival we take a city walk with a visit to Piazza Square and Era Square with its astrological clock and the Medea monument. Dinner at a Georgian restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Piazza Epigraph or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

  

  

  

• Day 13: Batumi – Botanical Garden – city tour – Batumi | approx. 20 km / approx. 30 min of driving

  In the morning we visit the Batumi Botanical Garden, which delights with more than 5,000 plant species. Afterwards we return to the city centre. The rest of the day is at your leisure — ideal for a walk along the long promenade or relaxing hours by the Black Sea. The beach of Batumi consists of rounded pebbles. The city itself impressively combines its charming old core with narrow lanes and classical architecture with a modern quarter shaped by futuristic high-rises and an international flair. Overnight at Hotel Piazza Epigraph or an accommodation of equal category (B).

  

  

  

• Day 14: Batumi – time at leisure

  You can shape this day entirely as you wish. Whether a last walk along the Black Sea coast, a stroll through the charming old town or a break with a cappuccino and sea view — today relaxation is at the centre. Those who wish can also buy souvenirs or enjoy one last swim in the sea. Overnight at Hotel Piazza Epigraph or an accommodation of equal category (B).

• Day 15: Return flight from Batumi | approx. 10 km / 20 min of driving

  After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to Georgia. We drive to Batumi airport and begin the journey home — with many new impressions, beautiful memories and perhaps also a little wistfulness in your luggage (B).

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  Legend: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner