Ancient Georgia

After breakfast at the hotel begin a half-day Tbilisi city tour.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) is seen from the left bank of the river. This largest orthodox cathedral was constructed in the late 20th c and was dedicated to the unity of the nation. A beautiful garden surrounds the main cathedral, belfry entrance, and Lagidze water café.

Continue the sightseeing to Rustaveli Avenue, visit the Georgian National Museum and its various collections, which includes the archaeological golden treasuries.

Finish Tbilisi sightseeing and head to western Georgia, to the Imereti region. This transfer will take about four hours.

Visit Gelati Monastery and Academy. The monastic complex of Gelati was established in the 12th century by the King David IV of Georgia (David the Builder), the most prominent king from the Georgian history. Don’t skip the sunset from the window of the academy building – astronomy professors of medieval times set the perfect point for observation here.

Arrive in Kutaisi city – the administrative center of Imereti, capital of Georgian kingdoms in different historical periods and nowadays, the third largest city. Easy walk in the central park.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and head to the Prometheus Cave (Kumistavi) – one of the largest karst caves of Georgia. Located near town Tskaltubo, Prometheus Cave has a 1.8 km long trail open for tourists that pass through different halls. The boat trip is available at the very end of the exit (if the water level is navigable).

Continue the journey to Nokalakevi village. Located by the transparent, green river Tekhuri, Nokalakevi is well-known for its excavations that occupy about 20 ha. Here, the archaeologists have discovered numerous ancient artifacts and remnants of the Archaeopolis. The excursion will take about 45 minutes. Electric vehicles are available at the site.

After Nokalakevi, drive to the North passing through the Enguri river gorge, and stop by the Enguri hydroelectric dam, which is among the highest concrete arch dams in the world with a height of 271.5 meters (891 ft).

Continue to the Caucasus Mountains along the roaring Inguri River and a narrow winding road with an endless serpentine up to the Zemo Svaneti region. In the evening arrive in the town of Mestia – the administrative center of Svaneti and the largest settlement. The whole area is famous for its traditional authentic medieval defensive buildings – Svan towers.

Overnight in Mestia.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Ushguli Community by local 4 x 4 WD jeeps. On the way make several stops to observe shining picks of Ushba and Tetnuldi glaciers, medieval villages Mulakhi, Ipari and Kala.

Ushguli is comprised of four villages that have a well-preserved traditional lifestyle and architecture. Because of its remote location, difficult road and harsh climate, the area was cut from the world 8-9 months a year. This settlement is special as it keeps rural traditions and is one of the highest inhabited places in entire Europe (2200 m). Ushguli is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Zhibiani, one of the villages of the Ushguli Community, that has a little chapel – La Maria, named after the goddess of fertility in Svan belief. The picturesque Shkhara glacier is in the background. Take a walk in the village, meet locals, taste tea, cheese, honey, and return back to Mestia.

Overnight in Mestia.

On the 5th day, after breakfast start short morning tour in Mestia. Visit the Mestia Museum or the Margiani Tower Museum to look at the local traditional dwelling "Machubi", see household items and the ethnographic world, introducing the traditional way of life of the Svans.

Depart for Kutaisi. On the way make a stop at Zugdidi town –the administrative center of Samegrelo region. Major attraction of Zugdidi is Dadiani Palace and its Museum of History and Architecture. Dadiani Palace was the residence of the local noble house of Dadiani – Mingrelian Princes. The museum complex includes palace of the Dadiani, court church, and the botanical garden.

Return back to Kutaisi - an evening sightseeing tour of the city and its surroundings will accomplish the day.

Bagrati Cathedral, built in the 11th century is situated in the center of Kutaisi, and is considered as a symbol of the town. It is worth noting that, both Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati monastic complex are recognized as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

After breakfast at the hotel we drive to Motsameta Monastic Complex, 6 kilometers from Kutaisi. Established in the 11th century, monastery is remarkable for its location.
From Motsameta, we depart from Imereti and drive towards Borjomi town, where we can have a walk inside the Borjomi National Park and taste the famous local mineral water ‘Borjomi’. From Borjomi we leave for Bakuriani – a skiing resort located on the northern slope of Trialeti mountain range, at an elevation of 1700 meters and 26 kilometers away from Borjomi.
Overnight in Bakuriani.

On day 7 after breakfast at the hotel we head to explore Samtskhe-Javakheti region. We get to Akhaltsikhe – the administrative center of the province, and visit Rabati Castle, located in the heart of the town. The complex includes the fortress from the 14th c., fortress church from late medieval period, 18th century palace and the Church of Saint Marine (1865) with built-in relief works, as well as mosque, synagogue and a catholic church.
From Rabati tour we drive to Vardzia Cave Monastery – a unique monument from the medieval Georgia. Hewn in the rocks of Erusheti mountains, Vardzia was established during the Georgian Golden Era in the 12th-13th centuries.
After excursion in Vardzia we drive back to Bakuriani.
Overnight in Bakuriani.

After breakfast at the hotel drive back to Tbilisi. On day 8 we make sightseeing tours of Mtskheta and Tbilisi.
First we stop at Mtskheta town, the ancient capital of early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia, located at the confluence of the rivers Mtkvari and Aragvi. In Mtskheta we are going to visit two monuments: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the 11th century, and Jvari Monastery from 7th century overlooking the town and the two rivers from the mountain. Both Svetitskhoveli and Jvari represent Georgian church architecture and are recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
From Mtskheta we arrive in the capital and the largest city of Georgia – Tbilisi. On day 8 we are going to have a have half-day Tbilisi city tour. We take a cable car from Rike park in the old town and go up to the Narikala Fortress, which stands on the cliff overlooking Tbilisi. The fortress consists of two walled sections and is situated between the Sulfur bathhouses and Tbilisi Botanical Garden.
From Narikala we stroll down and continue our sightseeing tour in Tbilisi old town. We are going to visit LegvtaKhevi canyon and waterfall, continue to the Sulfur Bathhouse District, and Maidan Square.
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport for departure.