Treasures of the Caucasus: From Kutaisi to Svaneti in 10 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Kutaisi

Reception at Kutaisi airport and transfer to hotel. Free time to rest and stroll around Georgia's second largest city, former capital of the Kingdom of Colchis. Accommodation in Kutaisi.

Day 2: Kutaisi - UNESCO Monasteries

Visit to Gelati Monastery, masterpiece of the Georgian Golden Age and World Heritage Site, famous for its 12th-century mosaic of the Virgin Mary. Continue to Motsameta Monastery, beautifully situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Tskaltsitela River canyon. In the afternoon, visit Bagrati Cathedral. Accommodation in Kutaisi.

Day 3: Kutaisi - Martvili Canyon - Svaneti

In the morning, we will visit the spectacular Martvili Canyon with its boat ride through turquoise waters. Then we head north toward the mystical region of Svaneti. We will cross increasingly impressive mountain landscapes, with a stop at the Enguri Dam, the second highest in the world. Arrival in Mestia at sunset. Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse.

Day 4: Mestia - Koruldi Lakes

4x4 excursion to Mount Zegari (2,200 m) followed by a hike to the Koruldi Lakes (2,740 m). Extraordinary panoramic views of peaks Ushba (4,710 m), Tetnuldi (4,858 m), and the entire Greater Caucasus range. Return to Mestia and visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography with its collection of medieval icons and religious treasures. Accommodation in Mestia.

Day 5: Mestia - Becho Valley - Ushba Waterfalls

Excursion to the Becho Valley, one of the most picturesque in Svaneti. Hike to the Shdugra waterfalls with impressive views of Mount Ushba, considered one of the most beautiful and technically challenging mountains in the Caucasus. Option to do part of the route on horseback. Return to Mestia. Accommodation in guesthouse.

Day 6: Mestia - Ushguli

4x4 transfer along a spectacular mountain route to Ushguli, a group of four villages that constitute the highest permanently inhabited settlement in Europe (2,200 m). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ushguli preserves defensive towers from the 9th-12th centuries and offers incomparable views of Mount Shkhara (5,193 m), Georgia's highest peak. Visit to Lamaria Church with its medieval frescoes. Accommodation in guesthouse in Ushguli.

Day 7: Ushguli - Shkhara Glacier - Mestia

In the morning, hike toward the Shkhara glacier area, enjoying unique high mountain landscapes. After lunch, return by road to Mestia through traditional Svan villages. Free afternoon to stroll through Mestia and explore its alleys and towers. Accommodation in Mestia.

Day 8: Mestia - Zugdidi - Batumi

Descent from Svaneti toward the Black Sea coast. Stop in Zugdidi to visit Dadiani Palace, residence of the last noble family of Mingrelia with its impressive art collection and one of Napoleon's death masks. Continue to Batumi. Arrival and stroll along the seaside boulevard. Accommodation in Batumi.

Day 9: Batumi

Day dedicated to exploring Batumi, the pearl of the Black Sea. Visit the old town, Europe Square, the Botanical Garden (one of the largest in the Caucasus), and Gonio Fortress, a 1st-century Roman citadel. Free time to enjoy the beach and the seaside promenade with its modern architecture. Accommodation in Batumi.

Day 10: Batumi - Kutaisi - Departure

Transfer to Kutaisi airport for return flight. Possible stop en route for additional visits depending on flight schedule. End of services.