Georgia from Sea to Mountain
An 8-day journey of extreme contrasts spanning from the glaciers of Svaneti to the subtropical coast of Batumi, through the medieval towers of Ushguli, the cave city of Vardzia, and the treasures of Kutaisi.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to the capital
We will transfer from the airport to the hotel with the assistance of our guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
18 km
DAY 2: Tbilisi - Guided tour
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our cultural immersion on the vibrant Rustaveli Avenue, the beating heart of Tbilisi. On this elegant boulevard, we will admire architectural gems such as the imposing Parliament and the neo-Moorish Opera Theatre, as well as the distinctive Rustaveli Theatre and the beautiful Kashveti Church. Our tour will then take us to Metekhi Square, where the historic church and the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali will offer us privileged views over the Mtkvari River. The experience will reach new heights as we ascend by cable car to Narikala Fortress, the ancient 4th-century defensive citadel that offers the best panoramic views of the capital. Later, we will enter the picturesque district of Abanotubani, known worldwide for its historic sulfur baths and the charm of its medieval streets. Finally, we will conclude this unforgettable day by visiting the Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in the city.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
2 km
DAY 3: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi
We will leave Tbilisi behind to first visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia, Mtskheta. There we will explore its UNESCO World Heritage treasures: the panoramic Jvari Monastery and the sacred Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Next, we will travel through ancient history in Uplistsikhe, an impressive rock-hewn city from the Iron Age where we will walk among caves and temples carved into sandstone. Our next stop will be in the nearby city of Gori, where we will visit the Stalin Museum to learn about the birthplace and career of the Soviet leader. Finally, we will continue our journey westward, entering the legendary land of Colchis, until we reach Kutaisi.
Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*
267 km
DAY 4: Kutaisi - Ushguli - Mestia
Today an epic journey awaits us as we ascend towards the highest peaks of Europe. From Kutaisi, we will embark on the journey to the remote Svaneti region until we reach Ushguli, recognized as one of the highest inhabited settlements on the continent (2,200 meters). This group of villages, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, seems frozen in time with its dozens of medieval defensive towers. There, under the imposing shadow of Mount Shkhara, Georgia's highest peak, we will walk along paths that bring us close to the base of its glacier and share moments with locals who keep the ancient Svan culture alive. We will breathe the pure air of the high mountains and marvel at breathtaking landscapes before descending slightly to end our day in the main town of the region, Mestia, surrounded by history and wild nature.
Accommodation: Hotel Posta Mestia 4*
208 km
DAY 5: Mestia - Zugdidi - Dendrological Park - Batumi
We will leave behind the majesty of the snow-capped peaks and defensive towers of Mestia to begin a spectacular descent from the Greater Caucasus. The winding road will treat us to unforgettable views of deep gorges and rushing rivers until we reach the fertile plains of the Samegrelo region, passing through its capital, Zugdidi. As we approach the coast, we will make an essential stop at the Shekvetili Dendrological Park. This unique space is a biodiversity sanctuary where we will walk among giant, centuries-old trees. We will explore its diverse microclimates, crossing bamboo forests and observing exotic fauna such as lemurs and pink flamingos in the wild. The day will culminate upon arriving in Batumi, the pearl of the Black Sea, where futuristic architecture and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the promenade will welcome us.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Batumi 4*
268 km
DAY 6: Batumi - Ubisa - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe
After enjoying breakfast and saying goodbye to the coast of Batumi, we will venture into the interior of Georgia to discover hidden gems along the way. Our first stop will be the ancient Ubisa Monastery, a 9th-century complex wrapped in the serenity of the Imereti forests. There we will admire its exceptional 14th-century frescoes, a masterpiece of medieval art notable for its realism and color. We will continue the journey to the green Borjomi gorge, the famous spa town that was a refuge for aristocracy. We will stroll through its Mineral Park to taste its famous healing volcanic waters and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere. Finally, the day will conclude upon arriving in Akhaltsikhe, a historic crossroads city of cultures, where we will settle at the foot of its imposing fortress.
Accommodation: Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath 4*
324 km
DAY 7: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Tbilisi
Today we will begin the day exploring the majestic Vardzia, an extraordinary 12th-century rock-hewn city-monastery that will transport us to the past. We will venture into its labyrinthine tunnels to discover unique medieval frescoes and visit its ancient wine cellars, witnesses to the millennial winemaking tradition of the area. We will continue our route to the imposing Khertvisi Fortress, one of the oldest fortifications in Georgia, strategically situated in the Samtskhe-Javakheti valley; there we will admire its robust walls and enjoy unparalleled panoramic views. Finally, we will head towards Tbilisi. We will cross dreamlike landscapes dominated by the imposing mountains of the Lesser Caucasus, where wild nature and peaks will accompany us all the way to the vibrant capital.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
287 km
DAY 8: Transfer from Tbilisi to the Airport
We will transfer from the hotel to the airport according to the scheduled flight time, with the assistance of our guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey.
18 km
About this trip
Embark on a journey of extreme contrasts with "Georgia from Sea to Mountain", an 8-day itinerary that spans from glaciers to the subtropical coast. Starting in Tbilisi, we will travel west to explore the medieval treasures of Kutaisi before ascending to the roof of the country: the Svaneti region.
The Magic of Svaneti
In Mestia and the village of Ushguli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will find ourselves surrounded by defensive towers and 5,000-meter peaks. It is an immersive experience in one of the most isolated and authentic cultures of the Caucasus.
Descent to the Black Sea
From the perpetual snows, we will descend towards the coast to relax in Batumi, visiting the Dendrological Garden along the way. The return to Tbilisi is a history lesson, passing through the cave city of Vardzia and the fortress of Akhaltsikhe. A trip that has it all: adventure, relaxation, history, and unforgettable landscapes.
Included
- Accommodation: 7 Nights in selected 4* hotels
- Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
- Transportation: 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 fees
- Entrance fees: Monuments according to itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and Dinners (unless indicated)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses