Highland Secrets of Svaneti

Discover the untamed beauty of Georgia's highlands on a private journey

Detailed Description

Overview

Difficulty
Comfort
Tbilisi   Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti  
Destination
Discovery
Tour type
May — October
Period
4 days
Duration
1 — 8
Group
8+
Age
ST009
Program code

Travel to one of the highest inhabited places in Europe — the village of Ushguli in Upper Svaneti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This private escorted jeep tour to Svaneti offers an authentic experience of the Caucasus. Explore the hidden treasures of Georgia — a land of extraordinary beauty, with highlands dotted by medieval villages and Svanetian defensive towers.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Unveiling the Wonders of Martvili Canyon and Zugdidi

Morning pick-up from your hotel in Kutaisi marks the beginning of our journey. We venture towards Martvili in the Samegrelo region to visit the stunning natural wonder of Martvili Canyon, where breathtaking waterfalls cascade from heights of up to 20 meters (65 feet). The canyon offers a mesmerizing blend of turquoise waters and lush greenery, making it a photographer's paradise. Our travel continues to Zugdidi, the administrative center of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region. Here, immerse yourself in local culture and perhaps explore the bustling markets. Overnight stay in a cozy guesthouse in Zugdidi.

Route: Kutaisi — Private car | 115 km · 2 h 30 min — Zugdidi

Activities: City Walking | 1 hours , Sightseeing | 2 hours , Canyoning 45 minutes

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

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

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Martvili Canyon.

Day 2 — Exploring Dadiani Palace and Ascending to the Caucasus Mountains

After a hearty breakfast at the guesthouse, we'll visit the Dadiani Palace History and Architectural Museum — the former residence of Mingrelian kings and queens. The first exhibition, curated by Prince David Dadiani, showcased archaeological findings from the ancient city of Nokalakevi. Today, the museum complex includes the palaces of Princess Ekaterine Dadiani and Prince Niko Dadiani, a court church, and a botanical garden rich with exotic plants. Our tour to Georgia's majestic highlands begins as we drive up to the Caucasus Mountains. En route, we'll stop at the Enguri Dam, currently the world's second-largest dam at 271.5 meters (891 feet) in height. An excursion here, lasting about 30 minutes, reveals panoramic views and the impressive scale of this engineering marvel. In the evening, we'll arrive in Mestia, a quaint mountain town that serves as the cultural heart of Svaneti. Enjoy dinner featuring local Svanetian cuisine. Overnight stay in Mestia.

Route: Zugdidi — Private car | 140 km · 3 h — Mestia

Activities: Food Tasting | 1 hours , Sightseeing | 4 hours

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

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

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Mount Banguriani, Mount Ushba, Nokalakevi Fortress, Enguri Dam, Dadiani Palace.

Day 3 — Venturing to Ushguli — the Highest Continually Inhabited Village in Europe

Following breakfast, we'll explore Upper Svaneti, driving in 4x4 vehicles to the Ushguli community. Perched at 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level, Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved defensive towers and stunning landscapes. The off-road journey is challenging but rewards travelers with unparalleled vistas of rugged mountains and deep valleys. On our way, we'll visit the villages of Ipari and Kala to admire medieval churches adorned with famous murals and frescoes. In Ushguli, we'll stop by the Lamaria Church, a significant local place of worship steeped in legend and history. For those eager to explore further, a hike towards the Shkhara Glacier — the highest peak in Georgia at 5,201 meters (17,064 feet) — offers an unforgettable experience. In the evening, we'll return to Mestia. If time permits, consider an optional visit to the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography to delve deeper into the region's rich cultural heritage. Enjoy dinner and another restful night in Mestia.

Route: Mestia — Private car | 50 km · 1 h 30 min — Ushguli — Private car | 50 km · 1 h 30 min — Mestia

Activities: Hiking | 3 hours , Sightseeing | 4 hours

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

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

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Mount Tetnuldi, Shkhara Glacier, Cathedral of Iveria Virgin Mary, Lamaria Church, Svaneti Ethnography Museum, Tower of Love, Ughviri Pass, Chazhashi Savior Church, Queen Tamar Castle, St. George Church, Mount Shkhara.

Day 4 — Farewell to the Enchanting Highlands

After breakfast at the guesthouse, we'll check out and begin our drive back to your Kutaisi hotel or Airport. Reflect on the myriad experiences of your Georgia trip — the natural wonders, historical sites, and the warm hospitality that makes this tour package truly special. This Georgia tour offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're captivated by the history of ancient kingdoms or the allure of towering mountains, this tour to Georgia's hidden gems promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Route: Mestia — Private car | 250 km · 5 h — Kutaisi

Activities: Sightseeing | 2 hours

Accommodation: Not Included

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

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Enguri Dam, Mount Ushba.

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.

Prices

This tour has open departure and can be organized based on your preferred dates. Remember, prices vary based on the exact group size.

From May 15, 2025 to Oct. 31, 2025

What's included?

Accommodation

3 nights — Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals

3 breakfasts, 0 lunch, 3 dinners.

Guide

4 days — Full day,

Transport

Private car: ~605 km. *

Activities

Hiking: ~3 hours, Sightseeing: ~12 hours, Food Tasting: ~1 hours, City Walking: ~1 hours, Canyoning: ~45 minutes. *

Additionally included

Two 0.5 bottles of mineral water per day.

Not included

Personal expenses and tips.

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

Please note that while our tour prices decrease per person for groups of 1 to 7 participants, the price per person for a group of 8 is slightly higher. This is because groups of 8 or more require a larger bus and a separate English-speaking guide to ensure your comfort and provide personalized service.

We are also pleased to offer this tour for even larger groups upon request. Please contact us to customize arrangements and receive pricing details for bigger groups.

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 unique blend of traditional character and modern conveniences, with the majority of nights spent in locally-run hotels or home-stays with shared facilities, and a few nights in good and clean 2-3 star city hotels with private facilities. Both types of accommodations, whether in family-run establishments or city hotels, are clean, good, and centrally located to maximize your time for exploring the sights. 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.

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.

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 +995 511 14 77 85 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.

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Last update: Dec. 6, 2024, 9:34 a.m.