- Unique cuisine with local families and delicious feasts in the cradle of wine
- Historical monuments and natural wonders – entrance fee included
- Walking tours in the beautiful Caucasian scenery
- Direct air connection from Prague to Georgia
- All breakfasts, 8x lunches and 6x dinners included in the tour price
- Small group of 6-12 participants, Czech guide
Tour program:
DAY 1: BY AIR FROM PRAGUE TO GEORGIA
Departure from Prague by direct flight to Kutaisi ; transfer to hotel and accommodation. In Georgia there is a time difference of 2 hours. If you have the time and desire, possibility of a short walk around the city.
DAY 2: GORI – ROCK TOWN OF UPLISCICHE – MCCHETA (UNESCO)
After breakfast, drive to Gori, the hometown of Soviet dictator Stalin; visit his birthplace and museum.
Visit the unique cave complex of Uplisciche, built in the 6th-4th century BC; lunch served by a local family with a glass of local wine.
Mtskheta (UNESCO) – Georgia’s most important religious and historical site with the 11th century Sveti Tskhoveli Cathedral and the 6th century Dzhvari Church with panoramic views of the city.
Evening arrival in the Georgian capital Tbilisi and accommodation.
DAY 3: TBILISI – CROSSROADS OF CULTURES
After breakfast, a full day exploring the Georgian capital with its many historical and modern sights: the Metechi district with the 13th century Church of the Ascension; a cable car ride to the 4th century Narikala Fortress; a walk through the Muslim-Christian quarter below the fortress to the waterfall; the Monden district with the modern 2010 Peace Bridge; the city’s central artery – Rustaveli Avenue.
Afternoon excursion to Sarajishvili Cognac Factory, the first company to produce luxury cognac outside France, excursion with tasting. On the way, stop at the monumental Memorial of Georgian Kings overlooking Tbilisi.
DAY 4: ANAURI FORTRESS AND KAZBEGI
Departure north along the so-called Georgian Military Road; on the way visit the 16th century Ananuri Fortress. We will continue to the Greater Caucasus region, passing through Gudairi (a renowned ski resort), and the Cross Pass at an altitude of almost 2400 m. We will stop along the way (views of the peaks of the Greater Caucasus, waterfalls, we will also drink from a natural mineral spring). For lunch we will have a typical Georgian delicacy – chinkali bags again in a local family.
In Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) we will transfer to jeeps that will take us to the church of Cminda Sameba, built on a hill in a stunning scenery with the mountain Kazbek (5047 m above sea level) in the background. We will continue to the Dariali Gorge near the border with Russia, where we will hike to the Gweleti waterfall.
DAY 5: HIKING UNDER THE GREAT CAUCASUS AND WINE TASTING
After breakfast, transfer to the village of Juta, from where we will take a hike of about 5 km. If the weather is nice, we will have beautiful views of the impressive Chaukhi mountain range ( 3864 m) with its sharply looming peaks. We will also be rewarded with lunch at a local family’s home, accompanied by a basket of homemade honey liquor.
A longer transfer (about 3 h) to the village of Saguramo, where we will visit the Guramishvili wine cellar and taste three types of local wine. In the evening transfer to the famous spa town of Borjomi.
DAY 6: THE ROCK TOWN OF VARDZIA AND THE CASTLE COMPLEX OF RABATI
After breakfast, excursion to the most extensive rock city in Georgia – Vardzia (12th century). Hundreds of caves carved in thirteen levels of the rock face, including the rock church of the Assumption with preserved frescoes. Lunch on a local farm and, of course, a glass of local wine.
Afternoon stop in Achalcich, where we will walk through the extensive Rabati Castle complex, or rather the old reconstructed part of it.
DAY 7: SPA TOWN OF BORJOMI AND KUTAISI (UNESCO)
After breakfast, walk through the spa town of Borjomi with its park and mineral springs. Then drive west, stopping at local farmers and artisans (fruit, vegetables, ceramics, etc.) on the way and also for lunch at the family of a local producer of Imereti wine in the traditional Georgian style – kvevri.
We continue on to Kutaisi, the metropolis of Imereti, where we visit two important spiritual monuments (UNESCO): the 12th century Gelati Monastery (a medieval royal centre of religious learning) and Bagrati Cathedral, originally built in the 11th century, later destroyed by the Ottomans, now repaired and with a curiously modern architectural addition.
DAY 8: SVANETIA AND MESTIA
Before heading to Svanetia, which will probably represent the imaginary highlight of our trip for most participants, we will head to the Okace Canyon, over which we will walk.
Next, we will stop at the Enguri Dam, which with a dam height of 272 m is one of the highest concrete dams in the world.
In the evening, arrive in Mestia, the centre of Svaneti, located in the beautiful natural Caucasian scenery under the peaks of the Greater Caucasus. The charm of the town is completed by the typical medieval Svanetian defensive towers scattered on the slopes. Dinner and accommodation in Mestia.
DAY 9: GREAT CAUCASUS – HIKING TRIP TO THE CHALAADI GLACIER
Departure to the Chalaadi Glacier, followed by a roughly three-hour hike (6 km) through a scenic landscape at an altitude of around 1800 m. The first unforgettable contact with the majestic nature of the Greater Caucasus. The Chalaadi valley, birch trees, views of Mount Khatini, whose north face is considered the most difficult climbing route in the Caucasus. The glacier of Chalaadi is the source of the river of the same name. After the hike return to Mestia and dinner at the accommodation.
DAY 10: TETNULDI MOUNTAIN PLATEAU AND VILLAGES OF UŞGULI (UNESCO)
After breakfast, depart for the Tetnuldi mountain plateau where we should have panoramic views of the Enguri River valley and surrounding mountains. From here we take an easier walk of about 5 km down to the village of Adishi. The path will be mostly through the forest, but will also open up views of the Tetnuldi mountain (4858 m).
From Adishi, jeeps will take us to Ushguli (UNESCO), a picturesque cluster of four Svanetian villages at about 2100 m above sea level, making it one of the highest settlements west of the Urals, or as the Georgians feel: in Europe. The unmistakable Svanetian towers make this an extremely charming place. Overnight stay in a family-run hotel in Ushguli.
DAY 11: CITY
Morning farewell with Ushguli, then return to Mestia where we will visit the Museum of the Svaneti Margiani family and will be allowed to climb one of the few publicly accessible Svanetian towers and look into the adjacent family house, the so-called machubi. Rest of the day at leisure or, if you wish, climb above the town to the cross (for the fit).
DAY 12: ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM AND KOBULETI – BLACK SEA RESORT
We end our stay in Svaneti with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, which houses precious relics from the time of the mythical Colchis, medieval icons and gospels, as well as objects representing Svanetian culture. The museum also offers a nice view of the whole Mestia with its typical towers. Drive back to the lowlands, where we are sure to enjoy lunch accompanied by local wine. Night by the Black Sea, in the popular resort of Kobuleti.
DAY 13: BATUMI – HARBOUR, BOTANIC GARDEN AND GONIO FORTRESS
A full day visit to Batumi, a booming seaside city and Georgia’s largest port, the centre of the province of Adjara. We start at the famous botanical garden (over 5 thousand plant species), located on the slopes of the so-called Green Cape. Visit Gonio Fortress – the most important trace of the ancient Roman presence and one of the oldest monuments in Georgia. Lunch in a family-run tavern with a performance of Adjara dances.
Walk through the centre of Batumi with its sometimes bizarre modern architecture, along the waterfront promenade. Afternoon return to Kobuleti, evening possibility of swimming in the Black Sea.
DAY 14: REST BY THE BLACK SEA
Free morning by the sea, then departure to Kutaisi. Last walk through the city. Final dinner in the centre.
DAY 15: RETURN TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Kutaisi – Prague by morning flight.
Further information
Price includes:
- International airfare (Prague – Kutaisi)
- 14x hotel – 3* levels
- meals (14x breakfast, 8x lunch, 6x dinner)
- services of a Czech guide
- transport by private minibus and 2 days transport by jeeps
- program according to the itinerary and excursions listed in the tour program
- entrances to the sights listed in the program
- tastings listed in the program
- TA insurance against bankruptcy.
Price does not include:
- Drinks and other meals not listed
- optional activities
- insurance for cancellation fees and medical expenses (we can arrange)
- compulsory single room supplement in case of under-occupancy
- Tips for local guides and drivers.
Group size: 6-12 participants.
