The Mountains of Georgia

Arrival at Tbilisi international Airport. Transfer by bus to the hotel ( 30 minutes drive).

Evening meal and overnight in Tbilisi.

In centuries past, Tbilisi was an object of rivalry. contested successively by Romans, Parthians, Persians, Arabs, Byzantines and Turks. It is little wonder therefore that it was one of the most cosmopolitan of all cities of the Caucasus: home to large populations of Armenians, Russians and Jews. Though the modern city now sprawls for kilometres along the banks for the Kura, the historic centre is remarkably untouched. We begin with a full orientation day in the city. In the morning we take the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress and walk down via the Sulphur baths to the Kura river. Our walk then continues past the Zioni cathedral and the Anchiskhati Basilica stopping off at the curious statue of the Tamada.

In the afternoon, we visit the Tbilisi National Museum.

Evening meal and overnight in Tbilisi.

We depart Tbilisi in the morning on our journey to Kutaisi. A short distance out of the city we make a brief stop at the iconic Jvari monastery before we take time to explore the other historical monuments of Mtskheta (a UNESCO world heritage site) – including the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral before resuming our journey to Kutaisi.

Once upon a time the capital of Colchis, Georgia’s second city Kutaisi claims to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. We will have time to explore it further on our return, but for tonight it will serve as a convenient place for an overnight stop.

Dinner and overnight in Kutaisi.

Today is the start of our big adventure as we depart for Mestia for Svaneti: the most remote and also the most distinctive of all Georgia. It is a long journey that will take us much of the day, but the road takes us through spectacular scenery which become ever more awesome with each corner in the road.

We stop off en route to visit Dadiani Palace Museum in Zugdidi.

Overnight in Mestia.

The indigenous population of the region – the Svans – are known for having maintained their unique traditions and their own unwritten language. The songs and dances of Svaneti are amongst the most noble in Georgia and their three-part polyphonic singing is perhaps one of the most archaic polyphonic tradition in the world. Their villages are characterised by the numerous medieval watchtowers that puncture the skyline. In earlier times, these served as a safe retreat for families but today serve as a reminder of the region’s unruly past and its frequent blood feuds. We visit several cultural sites including the Laghaami 10th century church and the National Museum.

Evening meal and overnight in Mestia.

Today our exploration of Svaneti continues with Tetnuldi mountain views and the beautiful Tsvirmi village church. In the evening we are treated to a concert of traditional Svan music.

Evening meal and overnight in Mestia.

Gelati monastery, Georgia

Inside Gelati monastery

Today is the long return journey to Kutaisi but on the way we pay visits to the Martvili monastery and the Archeopolis fortress.

Dinner and overnight in Kutaisi.

As Georgia’s second city, Kutaisi merits a day’s exploratino of its own. We pay a visit to the Gelati monastery – perhaps the most splendid in Georgia – as well as the Vani gold hellenic site.

And we have the honour of a concert of choral chant in Bagrat cathedral.

Dinner and overnight in Kutaisi.

We depart from Kutaisi on our journey to Akhaltsikhe, passing on the way the Ubisa monastery.

After lunch we also visit the Atsquri fortress before arriving at Akhaltsikhe where we visit the Rabat Fortress and the National Museum.

Evening meal and overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

Khertvisi fortress

Vardzia cave monastery

Jvari church

Today we journey to Vardzia cave city – a spectacular rock-hewn monastery from the mediaeval period not unlike some of the similar complexes in Cappadocia in Turkey and remarkable for some of the well-preserved frescoes including the depiction of the 12th century founder of the complex, Queen Tamara (12-13th century).

In the afternoon we visit the Sapara monastery.

Evening meal and overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

In the morning we return to Tbilisi and arrive there shortly after lunch. For the rest of the afternoon you will be free do some last minute shopping or perhaps to buy some supplies of Georgian wine.

Optional visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of history’s most controversial figures and the Fine Arts Museum in Tbilisi, just a short walk from the hotel, showcases an impressive collection of Georgian art and cultural treasures.

Evening meal and overnight in Tbilisi.