Discover Georgia
Discover Georgia
Discover Georgia
12 Days Starting and ending in Tbilisi, Georgia
Visiting: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Mestia, Adishi, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Ushguli, Sighnaghi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
4021
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Tour Overview
- Trek through the Svaneti, the region of the highest mountains and glaciers and the most abiding ancient traditions
- Hike to the UNESCO World Heritage listed village of Ushguli
- Visit the 1st millennium BC cave town of Uplistsikhe
- Sample the unique BIO wines produced by a traditional Georgian method in Kvevri
- Get hands on and participate in Churchkhela making (Georgian sweets)
Looking for the lesser known side of Europe? Totally off the tourist radar, join us as we trek through the fabled and mysterious mountain region of Svaneti, Georgia.
Discover wild landscapes dotted with quaint stone villages, friendly locals who welcome you into their home to fill you up on their flavoursome traditional cooking, defensive watchtowers that punctuate the scenery and local wine crafted by the Svan's themselves.
An enchanting journey through untouched lands sharing with you the quieter, lesser visited side of Eurasia, for those who love to explore outdoors.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Terrace Hotel or similar
Welcome to Georgia! Upon arrival in Tbilisi you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
Tbilisi’s cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. Its diverse architecture encompasses Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over it all are Narikala, a reconstructed 4th century fortress, and Kartlis Deda, an iconic statue of the “Mother of Georgia.”
2 nights Terrace Hotel or similar
Distance and Journey Time: Airport – Tibilsi (18-20km) Approx 25-30min
Day 2 - Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Terrace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast you will set off on foot to explore the city, starting at the 13th century Metekhi Church taking in the magnificent views over old Tbilisi.
Wander the narrow streets of the old districts of the city full of traditional style colourful houses structured like terraces with their patterned balconies, mixed together with wonderful examples of modern architecture. The charm of the old town is overwhelming. Learn how Tbilisi is the only city where Georgians, Armenians and Azerbaijani’s all live peacefully alongside each other and how the city is so well blended with mosques, cathedrals, Russian churches, synagogues and Zoroastrian temples with no religious conflict what-so-ever.
Continuing on, take a cable car up to the 4th century Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of the town below, before walking down to the historical domed sulphur bath area. Finally, the Golden Fund of the National Museum of Goergia (closed on Mondays) will prove the fact that Georgia is truly the land of the Golden Fleece. Dinner this evening is at a hidden local gem. Walk here from your hotel with your guide. (B,D)
Walking Distance: Approximately 3.5km
Walking Time: Approximately 3-4hours
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate, city walking
Distance and Journey Time: (4-5km) Approx 20-30 Minutes
Day 3 - Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Sachkhere - Chiatura - Kutaisi
Location: Kutaisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Argo Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia. With a history dating back 3,000 years, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites including the 6th century Jvari Church, and the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – where the Robe of Christ is said to be buried.
Continue the drive to Imereti Province in West Georgia, its landscape varying greatly from the cool springs, green fields and beautiful gardens of East Georgia’s Kartli Province. On route, you will visit the mining town of Chiatura. Here, there are still around 20 Soviet cable cars which are still active today! Continue on to the pretty town of Kutaisi and the splendid 11th century Bagrati Cathedral. (B)
Overnight Argo Hotel or similar
Distance and Journey Time: Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Sachkhere-Chiatura-Kutaisi (280kms) Approx 5.5hrs
Day 4 - Kutaisi To Okatse To Mestia
Location: Mestia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kala Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning you will have the opportunity to see the locals buying and selling their produce at a farmers market before continuing to Okatse Canyon (closed on Mondays; involves 3 hours walking and approx. 1,000 steps).
This afternoon, get ready for the most exciting part of your trip – a journey to Svaneti, the region of the highest mountains and glaciers and the most abiding ancient traditions. Following Svaneti, you will transfer to Mestia – the centre of Upper Svaneti. (B,D)
Overnight Kala Hotel or similar
Walking Distance: Approximately 8kms
Walking Time: Approximately 3.5-4hours
Distance and Journey Time: (270kms) Approx 7hrs
Day 5 - Mestia To Mulakhi To Adishi
Location: Adishi
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: local guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you will drive to Mulakhi village, from where you will start your trek towards Adishi village. Traversing along the slopes of Mt. Tetnuldi at heights of approx. 2,800m it offers spectacular views of Chaneri Glacier, Mt. Ushba (4,700m) and the Svaneti range with its highest peak, Mt. Laila (4,010m). You will cross Ugviri Pass (2,480m) and then walk to the untouched village of Adishi (2,000m), its remoteness means that even in summer it is largely inaccessible, even for 4WD vehicles. There are only a handfull of families living in the village, and tonight you will be welcomed into their homes, where you will experience true Svanetian hospitality and enjoy traditional cuisine. (B,L,D)
Overnight in a local guesthouse (basic shared facilities)
Walking Distance: Approximately 15kms
Walking Time: Approximately 5hours
Difficulty: Moderate Trek, altitude ↑930m ↓380m
Distance and Journey Time: (6kms) Approx 15 Minutes
The first half of your trek is uphill on often shale and muddy surfaces. The second half of your trek follows a gentle downhill decline. There is regular shade.
Day 6 - Adishi To Iprari
Location: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: local guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning after bidding farewell to your host family, you will begin your trek to the remote village of Iprari. This full day trek will lead you along a river, down beautiful Rhododendron lined paths, past the remains of Kalde village and along the picturesque Chkhutnieri Pass (2,720m). The trek involves crossing a river, which may be crossed on horesback if the water level is high.
This afternoon, you will experience the unique cultures and traditional way of life of the Iprari people. (B,L,D)
Overnight in a local guesthouse (basic shared facilities)
Walking Distance: Approximately 16-17kms
Walking Time: Approximately 6-7hours (all day)
Difficulty: Moderate Trek, altitude ↑760 ↓950m
Distance and Journey Time: (25kms) Approx 45 Minutes
Today’s trek starts off with a gentle two hour trail trek before a steep, challenging and lengthy ascent. Once you cross the pass, the descent is steep. If there has been rain, there can be a lot of water on this trail and slippery muddy conditions.
Day 7 - Iprari To Ushguli
Location: Ushguli
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: local guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will trek to the UNESCO World Heritage listed village of Ushguli, which at 2,200m, is the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe. The village is punctuated by ancient stone watch towers, from which you can get an impressive view of the highest mountain in Georgia – Mt. Shkhara, at 5068m.
As todays trek isn’t overly long, and if you’re feeling energetic, you might take the opportunity to walk up the hill to Queen Tamar’s Tower, before to returning to Ushguli. (B,L,D)
Overnight in a local guesthouse (basic shared facilities)
Walking Distance: Approximately 13kms
Walking Time: Approximately 4-5hours (all day)
Difficulty: Moderate Trek, altitude ↑765 ↓500m
Distance and Journey Time: (12kms) Approx 30 Minutes
Day 8 - Shkhara Glacier To Mestia
Location: Mestia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kala Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from your guesthouse this morning bound for the base of Georgia’s highest mountain, Shkhara (5068m) and the glacier which is the main water source of the Enguri river. After reaching the glacier (2,500m) you will return to Ushguli. Todays trek will take you through beautiful meadows filled with rich alpine flowers and will finish in Mestia. (B,L,D)
Overnight Kala Hotel or similar
Walking Distance: Walk from Ushguli to Skhara glacier and back, Approximately 19kms
Walking Time: Approximately 5-6hours (all day)
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Trek, altitude ↑ ↓550m
Distance and Journey Time: Drive Ushguli to Mestia (41kms) Approx 2hours
Day 9 - Zugdidi To Kutaisi
Location: Kutaisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Argo Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning after breakfast, if time permits, and if it is open, visit the local museum housed in one of the watch towers. You will then leave the Svaneti region and drive to Zugdidi where you will stop for lunch (payable locally). This afternoon, continue your drive to Kutaisi. (B)
Overnight Argo Hotel or similar
Distance and Journey Time: Drive Mestia-Zugdidi-Kutaisi (252kms) Approx 6hours
Day 10 - Kutaisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Kaspi -Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Terrace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will drive to Gori and visit the 1st millennium BC cave town of Uplistsikhe. Once passed through by the great Silk Road, you will explore the tunnels, streets, wine cellars and bakeries of this ancient, abandoned town. There is even a three-nave basilica church, a jail and an amphitheatre carved into the rocky mountainside.
Visit the Stalin Museum, the former Soviet leader Josef Stalin was born in the town of Gori, before continuing your drive to Tbilisi. On the way you will stop to visit a local family, where you will have the opportunity to sample the unique BIO wines produced by a traditional Georgian method in Kvevri (inscribed in the UNESCO intangible heritage list). It’s noteworthy that this wine can be found on the list of unique wines of the Ritz Hotel in London.
This afternoon, check into your hotel in Tbilisi, where the remainder of the day is yours at leisure. (B)
2 nights Makmani Hotel or similar
Distance and Journey Time: Drive Kutaisi-Gori-Uplistsikhe-Kaspi-Tbilisi (280kms) Approx 5.5hours
Day 11 - Tbilisi - Sighnaghi - Sagaredjo - Tbilisi
Location: Sighnaghi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Terrace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you travel to the Kakheti region famous for being a wine making area, as well as having some of the countries warmest hospitality welcoming hospitality. Here you can see both the snowy Caucasus mountains and the fertile valleys. First, you will visit Bodbe nunnery (9th -17th centuries). Here, St. Nino, the woman from Cappadocia who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th Century is buried. Continue to the 18th century beautiful, small town of Sighnaghi which will impress you with its old fence like fortress walls and quaint houses with tiled roofs and decorated balconies. From here, you can see the picturesque views of Alazani valley and Great Caucasus mountains.
For lunch today, you will visit a local family where you will become familiar with the local peasant life. Enjoy a delicious meal of homemade food. Explore their gardens and vineyards, followed by a delicious homemade lunch. Experience some of the warmest hospitality in Georgia! Then its time to get hands on and participate in Churchkhela making (Georgian sweets). On the way back to Tblisi, you will visit a traditional Georgian wine cellar. Here you will taste wine made by the traditional way, in a Kvevri (clay vessel). This method of wine making is inscribed in the UNESCO intangible heritage list. Return to Tbilisi in the afternoon. (B,L)
Distance and Journey Time: Drive Tbilisi-Sighnaghi-Sagaredjo-Tbilisi (225kms) Approx 4.5-5hours
Day 12 - Departure
Location: Tbilisi
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is yours at leisure until it is time for you to be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
What's Included
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Return airport transfers
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11 nights accommodation
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10 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners
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Entrance fees as per the itinerary
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Services of English speaking local guide
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Sightseeing as per the itinerary
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Air-conditioned private transportation
What's Not Included
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International & domestic flights
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Visas
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Travel and medical insurance
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All services, meals other than those indicated above
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Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.
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All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides air-conditioned private transportation, including return airport transfers, ensuring a comfortable journey through Georgia's stunning landscapes and historic sites.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay at comfortable hotels such as the Terrace Hotel in Tbilisi, Argo Hotel in Kutaisi, and Kala Hotel in Mestia. Additionally, local guesthouses in Adishi, Iprari, and Ushguli offer a mix of modern amenities and traditional hospitality.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners as part of the package.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking local guide are included in the tour.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes trekking through the Svaneti region, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, exploring ancient towns, sampling traditional Georgian wines, and participating in Churchkhela making.
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Is there any opportunity to experience local culture during the tour?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to experience local culture by staying in guesthouses, participating in traditional activities like Churchkhela making, and enjoying meals with local families.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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Low Deposit
Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.