Essential Georgia - From the Caucasus Monasteries to the Black Sea
An 8-day journey across Georgia from east to west, from the snowy peaks of Kazbegi to the subtropical beaches of Batumi, passing through medieval monasteries, spectacular canyons, and rock-hewn cities.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Tbilisi
Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to hotel with guide assistance. 18 km
DAY 2: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Tour of Rustaveli Avenue with the Parliament, Opera House, and Rustaveli Theatre. Visit to Metekhi Square, cable car ride to Narikala Fortress. Stroll through Abanotubani district with its sulfur baths and visit to Anchiskhati Basilica, the city's oldest church. 2 km
DAY 3: Tbilisi - Jvari - Svetitskhoveli - Kazbegi - Gudauri
Visit to Jvari Monastery from the 6th century with views of the river confluence. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, a World Heritage Site. Georgian Military Highway to the Gergeti Trinity Church facing Mount Kazbek. Night in Gudauri. 216 km
DAY 4: Gudauri - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi
Visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori with his birth house and armored train car. Exploration of Uplistsikhe, a cave city over 3,000 years old with pagan temples and Christian basilicas. Arrival in Kutaisi. 335 km
DAY 5: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Motsameta - Gelati - Nikortsminda - Kutaisi
Visit to Bagrati Cathedral with panoramic views. Motsameta Monastery above the Tskaltsitela River. Gelati Academy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Excursion to the Racha region to visit Nikortsminda Cathedral with its magnificent stone reliefs. 191 km
DAY 6: Kutaisi - Okatse - Martvili - Batumi
Exploration of Okatse Canyon with its suspended walkway over the abyss. Martvili Canyon with turquoise waters and boat ride on the Abasha River (water level permitting). Arrival in Batumi. 241 km
DAY 7: Batumi and surroundings
Visit to the Batumi Ethnographic Museum and Gonio Fortress, a 1st-century Roman bastion. Stroll through the old town and Batumi's coastal Boulevard. 30 km
DAY 8: Departure
Transfer to Batumi airport. 6 km
About this trip
Discover Essential Georgia on an 8-day journey that crosses the country from east to west. Starting in Tbilisi, we will climb to the mountains of Kazbegi via the Military Highway and visit the ancient capital Mtskheta.
The West and the Coast
The journey continues westward, exploring the Imereti region. We will visit the monasteries of Gelati and Motsameta in Kutaisi, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Martvili and Okatse canyons. We will finish on the Black Sea coast, in the vibrant city of Batumi. A complete tour that showcases Georgia's diversity: from the snows of the Caucasus to subtropical beaches, passing through its rich history and culture.
Included
- Accommodation: 7 nights in 4* hotels
- Meals: Bed and breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with A/C and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local taxes
- Entrances: Monuments as per itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses