Tour Title – 9 Day

Tbilisi tour.

Today is the day of the capital of Georgia. Tbilisi is beautiful with its architectural diversity and beautiful harmony with nature. Today’s tour includes: Old Tbilisi, Metekhi Plateau, Rike, Abanotubani, Narikala, Sharden Street, Peace Bridge, clock tower.

Lunch in the old city. (Not included)
Boat tour on the river Mtkvari.(half an hour)
Overnight in Tbilisi.

After breakfast drive to the west Georgia. 

First visit Jvari – the 6th c church beautifully situated on the top of the mountain and provides an amazing view. In the 4th c saint Nino had a cross built there. In the 6th c the church was built which includes the cross. Jvari is the first cross cupola church of Georgia.

Svetitskhoveli – the Living Pillar Cathedral is known as the burial site of Christ’s robe and was the site for coronation and burial of the kings of Georgia. The Svetitskhoveli complex in the center of the town includes the 11th century cathedral, the palace and gates of the Patriarch Melchizedek from the same period, Gates of the same period and the 18th century defensive walls of Erekle II. The cathedral is domed and cruciform in plan. The interior was originally covered with wall paintings, but these were whitewashed over and only recently have fragments of them been revealed again. Severely damaged by Tamerlane, it was restored in the 15th century; 

Suggested Lunch near Gori in the fish farm. (Not included)

Drive to an ancient cave town Uplistsikhe. Uplistsikhe developed during the centuries in the first millennium BC. The peak of its development dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was the most important trading center on the Silk Road, which linked Byzantium with China and India. An hour-long walking tour takes you back to ancient times and you feel how old people lived in caves quite comfortable at the time, how they traded, what their activities were and how they defended themselves during attacks.

Drive to Kutaisi.

Overnight in Kutaisi inn hotel.

Tbilisi – Jvari church (UNESCO site)- Mtskheta old capital with Svetitskhoveli cathedral (UNESCO site) – Uplistsikhe cave town- Kutaisi

After breakfast drive to Okatse canyon located in the village of Gordi, Khoni municipality. Enjoy first hanging trail called Okatse Canyon and have a feeling as if you are walking 2-3 hours directly in the sky. The pedestrian trail passes through Dadiani historic forests, thus enjoy hiking and 780 meters’ length hanging trail. The last destination is a panoramic view, where visitors have chance to take photos by smart camera installed on the area.

Lunch in the family winery “Oda”. Enjoy the culinary paradise. (Included)

Drive to Mestia. This is a long drive, but with breathtaking views.

Arrive in Mestia.

Overnight in Mestia Gistola hotel.

After breakfast depart to Ushguli, located at 2,200 meters above sea level, it is considered to be one of the highest populated villages in Europe and is on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. Walk in the village and explore the old houses and towers.

Lunch in the local family. (Included)

Possible to walk towards the source of the river Enguri, which provides breathtaking views. In June the alpine flowers must be blooming.

Drive back to Mestia.

Overnight in Mestia.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Drive by 4×4 Japanese car Delika to Chalaadi forest. There is a possibility to walk through the forest to the source of the river Mestiachala, that flows from the glacier. The round walk takes around 2.30 hours. Return to the car.

Picnic lunch. (Included)

Drive to the lakes Koruldi. The lakes are not very big – those are typical small alpine lakes. Views are just gorgeous. The place is surrounded by snow mountains and provides an outstanding view.

Drive back to Mestia.

Overnight in Mestia.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Drive to Zugdidi and visit the Dadiani palace – the residence of former Megrelian rulers’ family palace. It the must see place in Zugdidi and Georgia. Built in 19th century palace is the home for many interesting exhibits linked with Napoleon’s family and France. 

Lunch(included)

Lunch in the ethno village Sisatura. Meet with a very nice local family of Marika and her husband.

Continue the way to Martvili canyon. 700 m long stone-paved circular route starts from Martvili Canyon visitor center and crosses the Dadiani historical trail. There are 2 bridges, 3 platform views and historical 30 steps stair constructed by large limestone boulders. Enjoy a 300-meter boat tour on river Abasha and breathtaking views of the mountain river canyon.

Drive to Kutaisi.

Dinner and overnight in Kutaisi guesthouse.

Breakfast at the hotel. Then visit to Gelati monastery complex. 12th century church architecture with a beautiful mozaic of the Virgin Mary with child of the same period in the interior, a very  interesting wall painting  with the fresco of great Georgian king David the Builder, his grave, the Gelati Academy building and the wine cellar – these are the places you are going to see during your visit to Gelati.

Lunch in a traditional family in Imereti region. In the Imeretian family you will feel the Georgian hospitality and get to know Imeretian cuisine. (Included)

Drive to the northern part of Caucasus mountains. Reach Gudauri ski resort.

Dinner and overnight in Gudauri.

Drive to Kazbegi which is the last regional center before Russian border and is situated at 1700m from the sea level. Change the transport and drive by Delikas to Dariali gorge and walk to the Gveleti waterfall.

Lunch in Kazbegi or nearby. (included)
At approx. 15:00 drive to Tbilisi.
Dinner in Mtskheta or Tbilisi.
Transfer to the airport. Arrive in the airport at 21:00
End of the tour.

Departure at 23:10