Overview Daily Itinerary:
Day1.
Arrive Tbilisi Rustaveli International Airport. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2.
Tbilisi tour
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is situated in the East Georgia Tbilisi has been the capital of Georgia since 5th century AD. Its foundations have been laid by Vakhtang Gorgasali, a king of Kartli. A legend relates the foundation of Tbilisi with sulphur springs existing on its territory. Tbilisi was an important trading center on the Silk and Caravan Routs. Westbound caravans from the East used to gather here and carried Oriental and Occidental cultures. Ever since its very foundation, Tbilisi has been sort of a conglomerate of European and Asian cultures.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 3.
Tbilisi – Kakheti (Telavi)
After breakfast we head for Kakheti – the main wine producing region. We will visit Tsinandali – the summer residence of princely family of Chavchavadze- the 19th cent. . We will have a short nice walking in the beautiful garden, visit the summer palace and winery of the family, where we’ll taste the wine. After we visit Alaverdi Cathedral(11th c) – the masterpiece of Georgian architecture. On the way back we visit Ikalto monastery and ruins of Ikalto academy (5th-19th cc).
Overnight in Telavi.
Day 4.
Kakheti(Telavi)-Tbilisi
We start this day a bit later. We enjoy our breakfast, after which we visit Gremi – the beautiful blue domed church(16th c) and former city. Later on we continue our way to Signagi – very lovely small city which was restored recently and is very attractive. Free time to walk around and enjoy narrow streets with wooden balconies or to sit in a cafe for cup of coffee. After we go to the Bodbe Nunnery(4th-19th cc). Arrive in Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 5.
Tbilisi-Kutaisi.
After breakfast we head for Gori, the city, which was recently bombed by Russians. Visit Stalin’s muzeum. We’ll see a single statue of Stalin in the centre of the city. After we head to the ancient cave town (6th c. BC) Uplistsikhe. We will walk for one hour in the rocks.
Overnight in Kutaisi.
Day 6.
Kutaisi- Zugdidi-Mestia.
Today we drive to Zugdidi, from where we head to Svaneti. We reach Mestia, provincial centre of Svaneti. Mestia is surrounded by huge Caucasian mountains Ushba (4710m) and Tetnuldi (4975m) – some of the most severe and beautiful summits of the Caucasus. We also visit traditional Svanetian house- museum and a tower.
Overnight in Mestia.
Day 7.
Mestia-Ushguli-Mestia
Drive to village Ushguli. Visit the village, its medieval towers, Lamaria Church and enjoy the views of Mt. Shkhara (5201m). Here you can walk in the village Through a very old stone towers and houses. Return to Mestia.
Overnight in Mestia.
Day 8.
Mestia – Kutaisi.
Drive down along the Enguri Valley to Zugdidi. Visit Dadiani Palace. Then visit Kutaisi colorful market.
Overnight in Kutaisi.
Day 9.
Kutaisi – Bakuriani
Visit Bagrati Cathedral(1003) and Gelati Monastery(1126). Both are UNESCO sites. Drive to Bakuriani – the ski resort and pleasant place to stay also in summer. The slopes of the mountains are covered with dense forests. Enjoy the nature. Free evening to walk around.
Overnight in Bakuriani.
Day 10.
Bakuriani – Borjomi Park – Mtskheta – Ananuri -Gudauri
After the breakfast Drive from Bakuriani to Borjomi – the spa resort with the virgin forests. We’ll visit 150 years old mineral water park, taste the original Borjomi mineral water. You will have about one hour of free time. Enloy nice walking in the park. Breath the fresh air. It’s very easy walk. Or you can sit in the park and rest. After we go to Mtskheta the ancient capital of Georgia. Visit Jvari monastery(6th c.) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral(11th c.). Both are on the list of UNESCO sites. Then we take the famous Military Highway to get to Ananuri – medieval fortress complex(17th c). The location of this complex is amazing.
After we arrive Gudauri, where we stay for one night.
Day 11.
Gudauri – Kazbegi – Gudauri
Today we drive to Kazbegi. In Kazbegi we explore the area and enjoy the views of the Caucasian Mountains, including Mt Kazbek(5047m). We drive up to the Gergeti
Holly Trinity Monastery. Enjoy the gorgeous view of Caucasian Mountains. Night in Gudauri.
Day 12.
Gudauri – Tbilisi
Today we drive to Tbilisi. On the way we stop at some side street markets, where local women sell colorful handmade socks, shepherd’s hats and Georgian souvenirs. Continue the way to the capital. Visit flee market and open air exhibition-market of Georgian painter’s pictures and souvenirs. Free evening.
Gala dinner in Georgian restaurant with folk dances and Georgian polyphonic songs.Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 13.
Departure
End of the tour.
