Essential Georgia

Your First Step into the Magic of Georgia

Detailed Description

Overview

Difficulty
Comfort
Imereti   Shida Kartli   Tbilisi   Kakheti   Adjara   Guria   Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti  
Destination
Discovery
Tour type
June — October
Period
8 days
Duration
6-12
Group
4+
Age
GT002
Program code

Discover a land unlike any other! Georgia sits at the crossroads where Europe meets Asia, and its rich cultural heritage reflects this unique blend. From its diverse landscapes to its one-of-a-kind alphabet, this country is a treasure trove of wonders.

Take an action-packed 8-day tour and see the best of Georgia! Marvel at breathtaking mountain views, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, savor the finest cuisine and sip on wines made using ancient methods.

Embark on an adventure in a truly unique land, steeped in culture, tradition and its own language. Come experience Georgia, where ancient meets modern and every day is an unforgettable journey. Welcome!

Itinerary

Day 1 — Welcome to Tbilisi

Our team will meet you at Tbilisi airport and escort you to your hotel for some rest. After, we will embark on a tour of the city to ensure you have an unforgettable time in Georgia. Your Tbilisi itinerary will include visits to the pedestrian streets of the old town with its wooden balconies, historic churches such as Anchiskhati and Sioni, the ancient Meydan square, the famous sulfur baths and mosque. We will also take a cable car to Narikala Fortress and the statue of Mother Georgia for some photo opportunities with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Our tour will conclude with a visit to the Sololaki district, once a neighborhood of wealthy merchants and artists and still a captivating destination for visitors. If you have the energy, we can attend a free open-air puppet show in front of the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Dinner and overnight stay in Tbilisi.

Route: Tbilisi

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours , City Walking | 3 hours 30 minutes

Accommodation: Included Old Meidan Tbilisi by Urban Hotels * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: not included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Half day

Visited Attractions*: Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, Sioni Cathedral, Meidani Square, Sulfur Baths, Jumah Mosque, Sololaki District, Gabriadze Theatre, Anchiskhati Basilica, Mother of Georgia, Bridge of Peace, Rike Park, Abanotubani.

Day 2 — Georgia's Premier wine region

On the second day, we will travel to the Kakheti region, known for its wine. Along the way, we will stop at the Gombori Pass to take in the stunning mountain views at the entrance of Kakheti. Then, we will visit the Telavi market to see the diverse fruit and vegetable offerings, including specialty items like Kakhetian oil, churchkhela, and delicious nuts. Our next stop is the famous Tsinandali Estate, where you can take a peaceful walk in the park, visit one of the oldest cellars in Georgia, explore the beautiful home of Prince Alexander Chavchavade, and sample the estate's renowned wine. After lunch at a restaurant, we will continue exploring Kakheti by visiting the charming Bodbe Monastery. Our final destination for the day is the gem of the region: the charming city of Sighnaghi, known as the "City of Love." Walking through its narrow streets will give you a deeper understanding of its nickname. Dinner and overnight stay in Sighnaghi.

Route: Tbilisi — Private car | 95 km · 2 h — Telavi — Private car | 70 km · 1 h 45 min — Sighnaghi

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours , City Walking | 1 hours 30 minutes , Wine Tasting 45 minutes

Accommodation: Included Hotel Brigitte * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Bodbe Monastery, Tsinandali Palace, Sighnaghi Wall, Telavi Bazaar, Giant Plane Tree, Monument of Erekle II.

Day 3 — Discover the Majestic Cave City of Uplistsikhe

After a delicious breakfast in Sighnaghi, we will participate in a masterclass to learn how Kakhetian bread is made and how it can be so crispy and tasty. You will have the opportunity to make your own bread and taste it afterwards. To further tantalize your taste buds, we will sample some traditional Kakhetian cheese. After one final meal in Kakheti, we will continue our journey to the central region of Shida Kartli, starting with a visit to the museum dedicated to one of the most famous Georgians: Stalin. After this historical excursion, we will visit the cave city of Uplistsikhe, built along the Great Silk Road. Dinner and overnight stay in Gori.

Route: Sighnaghi — Private car | 225 km · 4 h — Gori

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours , Masterclass 30 minutes

Accommodation: Included Guesthouse Hestia * Or similar | Guest House | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Uplistsikhe, Stalin Museum, Gori Fortress.

Day 4 — Embark on a Western Georgian Adventure

This morning, we will head to the western region of Georgia, crossing the Rikoti Pass, which connects East and West Georgia. Our first stop will be at the historic Gelati Monastery Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, we will take a break for lunch in Kutaisi, Georgia's third largest city. After lunch, we will explore the stunning Kumistavi Cave, also known as Prometheus Cave, with its awe-inspiring display of stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, and underground rivers and lakes. To cap off this unforgettable day, you will be hosted by a Georgian family for a delicious homemade dinner. If time permits, we may also visit the Okatse Canyon. Overnight stay in Gordi.

Route: Gori — Private car | 150 km · 2 h 45 min — Kutaisi — Private car | 85 km · 2 h — Zeda Gordi

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours , Caving | 1 hours 30 minutes , Food Tasting | 2 hours

Accommodation: Included Guest house in Gordi * Or similar | Guest House | Twin or double room, shared WC & shower on the floor

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Okatse Canyon, Gelati Monastery, Prometheus Cave, Kutaisi Opera Theatre, Kutaisi Green Bazaar, White Bridge.

Day 5 — Discover the Beauty of Svaneti: A Journey to Mestia

Today, we'll embark on a journey to Mestia, the heart of Svaneti. We'll be awed by the breathtaking landscapes of alpine meadows and deep forests, as well as the enormity of one of Europe's largest dams. After a delicious meal surrounded by glaciers and towering mountains, we'll continue on to the unique Svan villages and their intriguing defensive towers. Finally, we'll arrive in Mestia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we'll immerse ourselves in its beauty and history. Dinner and overnight in Mestia.

Route: Zeda Gordi — Private car | 200 km · 4 h 45 min — Mestia

Activities: Sightseeing | 2 hours

Accommodation: Included Mestia Plaza * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Lamaria Church, Enguri Dam.

Day 6 — Ushguli — The Highest Village in Europe

Today, experience the authentic charm of Svaneti in the idyllic village of Ushguli. If the weather is favorable, you'll journey to this remote village, situated at a breathtaking 2200m above sea level, making it the highest inhabited village in Europe and a proud UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the preservation of the unique Svan culture and early Orthodox Christian beliefs, as you take a leisurely walk through the village, visiting the Svan towers in Zhibiani, the Lamaria Temple, St. George's Church, and the Church of the Savior. Savor a delicious meal in the village. If you have time, climb to the castle of Queen Tamar for a memorable experience. To conclude the day, optionally, you may visit the Ethnographic Museum in Mestia, a treasure trove of local artifacts, or the House-Museum of the Georgian climber Mikheil Khergiani, a celebration of sporting glory. Overnight in Mestia.

Route: Mestia — Private car | 45 km · 1 h 30 min — Ushguli — Private car | 45 km · 1 h 30 min — Mestia

Activities: Sightseeing | 4 hours

Accommodation: Included Mestia Plaza * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: St. George Church, Queen Tamar Castle, Chazhashi Savior Church, Svaneti Ethnography Museum, Lamaria Church, Mount Ushba, Mount Tetnuldi.

Day 7 — Experience the thrill of Georgian Las Vegas in Batumi!

Today, we'll primarily descend from the high mountains of Svaneti. Along the way, we'll make several stops and end the morning in Zugdidi, a city known for its association with the Dadiani family and Napoleon. Then, we'll enter a different world as we reach Adjara, a subtropical region characterized by warm and humid weather, a stark contrast from the high mountains and cold temperatures. As the final destination, we'll welcome you to Batumi, Georgia's second-largest city. After checking you into a panoramic hotel, we'll go for a night walk by the tranquil seaside gardens, stopping by the animated sculpture of Ali and Nino, a Georgian equivalent of Romeo and Juliet. For dinner, we'll sample some Adjarian specialties at one of the best restaurants in the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Batumi.

Route: Mestia — Private car | 140 km · 3 h 15 min — Zugdidi — Private car | 135 km · 2 h 45 min — Batumi

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours , Nightlife | 1 hours 30 minutes

Accommodation: Included Old Town Batumi * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Ali and Nino, Dadiani Palace, Alphabet Tower, Batumi Boulevard.

Day 8 — End of the tour

For your last day, come with us as we explore the quaint pedestrian streets of Batumi, dotted with fountains, sculptures, towers, and skyscrapers. We'll take in the unique blend of Art Nouveau architecture, traditional buildings, and modernist structures. It's also your last chance to purchase some souvenirs to take back with you. Then, it's time to bid farewell as our team will escort you to the Batumi airport, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime. Departure from Batumi.

Route: Batumi

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours , City Walking | 3 hours

Accommodation: Not Included

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Half day

Visited Attractions*: Batumi Boulevard, Ali and Nino, Batumi Lighthouse, Piazza Square, Europe Square, Batumi Synagogue, Batumi Fish Market.

Our tour program's list of attractions is a guide, not exhaustive. Unlisted sites may be visited, and listed ones might be viewed from a distance. Conditions like operating hours, weather, or local rules may affect access. Thank you for your understanding.

Departures

April 14, 2022 — April 21, 2022 € 1 EUR Sold out
May 23, 2022 — May 30, 2022 € 3,158 EUR Sold out
July 2, 2022 — July 9, 2022 € 2,125 EUR Sold out
Sept. 18, 2022 — Sept. 25, 2022 € 2,098 EUR Sold out
Oct. 2, 2022 — Oct. 9, 2022 € 2,902 EUR On sale
Oct. 4, 2022 — Oct. 11, 2022 € 2,435 EUR On sale
Aug. 5, 2023 — Aug. 12, 2023 € 2,190 EUR On sale
June 29, 2024 — July 6, 2024 € 2,280 EUR On sale
Aug. 3, 2024 — Aug. 10, 2024 € 2,280 EUR On sale
Aug. 31, 2024 — Sept. 7, 2024 € 2,280 EUR On sale

What's included?

Accommodation

6 nights — Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

1 night — Twin or double room, shared WC & shower on the floor

Meals

7 breakfasts, 0 lunch, 1 dinner.

Guide

6 days — Full day, 2 days — Half day,

Transport

Private car: ~1190 km. *

Activities

Sightseeing: ~24 hours, City Walking: ~8 hours, Masterclass: ~30 minutes, Wine Tasting: ~45 minutes, Caving: ~1 hours 30 minutes, Food Tasting: ~2 hours, Nightlife: ~1 hours 30 minutes. *

Additionally included

Entrance fees to all sites according to the programm, Bread baking masterclass, English speaking guide, Wine tasting.

Not included

Plane tickets, Personal expenses and tips, Travel insurance.

The provided measures of total kilometers for transport, duration of guide services, and activities in our tour program are approximate and may vary depending on the program flow and terrain conditions. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these numbers, please note that they are intended as estimates. We make every effort to provide the most precise information possible to give you an idea of the overall tour experience.

Note

Guide services can be provided in different languages, depending on the preferences of the group.
Please note that the indicated price is based on a group size of 8 participants. If the group size is smaller, the price can be adjusted accordingly.
If you're interested in extending the tour for more days, please let us know, and we'll be happy to provide options and prices upon request.

Equipment & Checklist

Summer in Georgia is a great time to visit both the lowlands and the mountains. The average temperature in the summer months (June to August) is around 25°C (77°F) in the lowlands and 15°C (59°F) in the mountains, although it can get quite hot during the day.

For this tour, it is recommended to bring lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton t-shirts and shorts for the lowlands. If you plan to spend time in the mountains, it's a good idea to pack some warm layers such as a fleece or sweater for cooler evenings, as well as waterproof gear for unexpected rain.

Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Enjoy your summer tour to Georgia!

Here's a comprehensive checklist for your summer tour to Georgia:

Accommodation

The accommodations in this tour offer a mix of traditional charm and modern conveniences, primarily in good and clean 2-3 star hotels with private facilities, with some nights spent in small, locally-run hotels or home-stays with shared facilities. All accommodations are located in excellent central locations. If a hotel name is marked with "* or similar," it means a similar hotel of equivalent or higher class may be provided based on tour dates, group size, and hotel availability. The itinerary section of the program description will specify the exact type of accommodation for each day.

Meals

Eating is an integral part of travel, and with Georgia.to, you will have the opportunity to savor the delicious cuisine that Georgia has to offer. While breakfast is included, some lunches and dinners may be held at local restaurants, giving you the flexibility to choose where, what, and with whom you want to eat. Although meals are not typically included in the trip price, food is generally inexpensive, with an average cost of 10-15 euros per person for dinner or lunch, including drinks. However, our group often eats together to allow for a diverse taste of dishes and for the enjoyment of each other's company, though this is not a requirement.

Transport

In this tour, all transportation is private and tailored to your group's needs. Depending on the size of the group, transportation options can range from a car, a mini-van, or a minibus. In areas with challenging road conditions, a 4x4 vehicle may be used to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. With private transport, you will have the flexibility to customize your itinerary and move around at your own pace.

Guides

Our group tour leaders are the most experienced and knowledgeable individuals with excellent English language skills. If the common language of the group is different, we can provide guides in other foreign languages by coordinating with our travel assistant team. The guide will be available to the group for the entire duration of the trip, and their exact availability is marked in the Itinerary section of the program for each day. Please refer to the Itinerary section to know how long the guide will be available on each day.

Money

In Georgia, the currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Small exchange offices are omnipresent throughout Georgia and offer competitive exchange rates. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best place to exchange money, as exchange rates may vary depending on the location. You can also check the current exchange rates on www.xe.com

Bank cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops, but it is advisable to have some cash as a backup, in case there are issues with local ATM machines or credit cards. However, it is possible that in remote villages, bank cards may not be accepted, so it is best to have some cash on hand. The most widely accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard. We recommend exchanging only small amounts of money at a time, as exchange rates can fluctuate frequently. It is also advisable to inform your bank in advance of your travel plans to avoid any issues with international transactions.

Tipping

The Georgia.to travel team, including guides, drivers, cooks, etc., are paid a fair wage and do not expect tips. If you choose to leave a gratuity as a way of expressing your satisfaction, please note that damaged or adhesive coins or banknotes cannot be exchanged. Tips can be left at your discretion in envelopes. In restaurants, it is customary to leave 5-10% as a tip.

Health

For your health and safety, it's important to be in good health before traveling to Georgia. Consult with a doctor or travel medicine specialist for recommended vaccines and preventive measures. To prevent insect bites and follow food safety measures, it's best to drink only bottled or treated water and be mindful of what you eat.

Bring enough of your prescription medicine and ensure that it is legal in Georgia if you have a pre-existing medical condition. A basic first-aid kit, including pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and insect repellent, is also recommended in case of minor illnesses or injuries.

While Georgia has modern medical facilities in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, it's still wise to have travel insurance in case of unexpected medical expenses. There are no specific health requirements for this trip, but it's important to prioritize your health and safety while traveling.

Visa Requirements for Georgia

Visa requirements for Georgia for foreign citizens vary depending on the country of origin. Citizens of most countries are eligible for a visa-free entry to Georgia for stays of up to one year. However, some countries require a pre-arranged visa, which can be obtained from a Georgian embassy or consulate. It is recommended to check the specific visa requirements for your country of origin before traveling to Georgia. Here is a short list of countries with citizens that do not need a visa to enter Georgia for a stay up to one year:

EU countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and more. Switzerland, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico etc.

Please find the exhaustive information on the Ministry of Foreign Affaires of Georgia website: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/

Dress Code

When visiting Georgia, it is important to be mindful of the local customs and dress codes, especially when entering religious buildings. In such places, it is expected that visitors dress modestly with women covering their heads and legs. Shorts and skirts above the knee are usually not allowed. Outside of religious buildings, there is a more casual and relaxed dress code with no specific restrictions, and visitors are free to wear what they prefer. It is worth noting that Georgia is a modern and European-influenced country, so visitors may encounter a mix of styles from traditional and contemporary.

Laundry

Laundry service is available at the majority of our hotels for a reasonable fee, usually around 10 euros or less per load. If you need this service, please speak to your guide in advance to arrange it.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not a requirement to enter Georgia, but it is highly recommended. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can provide coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, lost or stolen belongings, and emergency evacuation. In case of unexpected events, having travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. It is important to review the coverage and terms of your travel insurance policy before departing to ensure it meets your specific needs and provides adequate protection while traveling in Georgia.

Safety and Security

Georgia is considered one of the safest countries in the world and visitors can generally feel safe while exploring the country. Crime rates, including pickpocketing, are low and tourists can move around freely without major concerns for their safety. However, as with any destination, it is always advisable to take basic safety precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight, not carrying large amounts of cash, and being aware of one's surroundings in busy areas.

Emergency Contact

In case of any emergencies, we are available for support. During office hours (Tbilisi time), you can reach us at +995 591 257 715 for any urgent questions. Additionally, upon booking, you will be provided with a 24/7 personnel travel assistant for the duration of your trip. They will be available to assist you with any needs or concerns.

© 2024 Georgia.to All rights reserved.

Last update: April 12, 2024, 6:02 a.m.