Overview
Mtskheta-Mtianeti
Destination
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in ancient Mtskheta town
- Travel the historic Georgian Military Highway through mountains
- 4x4 Jeep adventure to Gergeti Trinity Church atop Kazbegi
- Witness Mount Kazbegi and Kazbegi Glacier's breathtaking views
- Explore Dariali Gorge and Gveleti Waterfall's natural beauty
Embark on an unforgettable tour package that takes you deep into the heart of Georgia's majestic highlands. Travel north along the historic Silk Road toward the towering Great Caucasus Mountains, exploring the enchanting regions of Mtiuleti and Khevi within the Kazbegi municipality. This narrow mountain passage, known as the Georgian Military Highway, is a corridor of breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Along the way, immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Mtskheta town, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monasteries. Discover the formidable Ananuri Fortress, gaze upon the serene Zhinvali Reservoir, and ascend the Jvari Pass at 2,379 meters before arriving in Stepantsminda. Here, witness the awe-inspiring Kazbegi Glacier, soaring to 5,054 meters. Throughout this trip, marvel at natural wonders like the Gveleti Waterfall and Dariali Gorge, wander through the picturesque Sno Valley, and stand in awe of the medieval masterpiece — Gergeti Trinity Church.
Join us on this captivating 2-day tour and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're an avid history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking an enriching travel experience, this trip offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty that's not to be missed.
Itinerary
Day 1 — From Ancient Capitals to Mountain Peaks
9:00 AM – Begin your journey with a pickup from your Tbilisi hotel. Depart for Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia's eastern kingdom. Our first stop is the hilltop Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century architectural marvel offering panoramic views of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Next, delve into the historic streets of Mtskheta town, where we'll visit the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, celebrated for their profound artistic value and unique architecture.
Continue your trip along the scenic Aragvi River to the Zhinvali Reservoir and the imposing Ananuri Fortress from the 16th and 17th centuries. This stronghold was once the residence of the Aragvi Dukes, guardians of the trade routes and defenders against northern invasions. The intricate stone carvings on the church walls are a testament to the medieval artistry of the time.
Drive along the renowned Georgian Military Highway toward the ski resort of Gudauri and ascend the Jvari Pass at 2,395 meters. The road is a photographer's dream, winding through dramatic landscapes and offering numerous opportunities to capture the stunning scenery. We'll make several stops, including an observation platform perched on a cliff's edge overlooking the roaring source of the Aragvi River. Near the highest point, we'll pause at a 19th-century stone obelisk and the Kazbegi Travertine Natural Monument.
Arrive in Stepantsminda, formerly known as Kazbegi — the heart of the Khevi province and the main town of the Kazbegi municipality. Nestled at 1,700 meters above sea level, Stepantsminda, meaning "Saint Stephen," will be our base for the night. Settle into a cozy guesthouse and soak in the tranquil mountain atmosphere.
Overnight in Stepantsminda guesthouse.
Route:
Tbilisi
— Private car | 160 km · 2 h
— Stepantsminda
Activities:
Sightseeing
| 4 hours
Accommodation:
Included
Guest House
* Or similar | Guest House |
Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower
Meals:
breakfast: not included,
lunch: not included,
dinner: not included
Guide: Full day
Visited Attractions*:
Ananuri Fortress,
Mount Kazbek,
Jvari Pass Travertine,
Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument,
Jvari Monastery,
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Day 2 — Spiritual Heights and Natural Wonders
After a hearty breakfast at the guesthouse, we'll embark on an exhilarating trip in a 4x4 Jeep to the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church. This significant 14th-century sanctuary sits majestically on the slopes of Mount Kazbegi, its facade adorned with stone carvings that echo ancient rituals and beliefs.
Weather permitting, we'll be graced with the awe-inspiring sight of Mount Kazbegi itself, soaring to 5,054 meters above sea level. According to legend, Amirani — the Georgian counterpart of the Greek Prometheus — was chained to this very mountain as punishment by the gods.
Our tour continues as we drive to the dramatic Dariali Gorge, a crucial passage through the Caucasus range fortified since 150 BC. Here, we'll take a leisurely hike along the river to the Gveleti Waterfalls — a gentle 20-25 minute ascent that rewards with stunning views of verdant valleys and picturesque landscapes.
Next, we'll visit the tranquil Sno Valley, where contemporary sculptures of Georgian writers and public figures by artist Merab Piranishvili add a modern touch to the timeless scenery.
As the day winds down, we'll make our way back to Tbilisi, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of our travel through Georgia's historic highlands.
In the evening, return to Tbilisi.
Route:
Stepantsminda
— Private car | 10 km · 15 min
— Dariali Monastery
— Private car | 20 km · 30 min
— Sno
— Private car | 150 km · 3 h
— Tbilisi
Activities:
Sightseeing
| 4 hours
Accommodation:
Not Included
Meals:
breakfast: included,
lunch: not included,
dinner: not included
Guide: Full day
Visited Attractions*:
Dariali Monastery,
Sno Fortress,
Sno Church,
Gergeti Trinity Church,
Mount Kazbek,
Gveleti Waterfall,
The Stone Heads Of Sno,
Zhinvali Reservoir.
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 Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2025
- € 1,485 per person for the group of 1 participant
- € 879 per person for the group of 2 participants
- € 676 per person for the group of 3 participants
- € 575 per person for the group of 4 participants
- € 552 per person for the group of 5 participants
- € 505 per person for the group of 6 participants
- € 472 per person for the group of 7 participants
- € 488 per person for the group of 8 participants
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:
- Lightweight and breathable clothing (cotton t-shirts, shorts, etc.)
- Warm layers (fleece, sweater, etc.)
- Waterproof gear (rain jacket, umbrella, etc.)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock)
- Comfortable footwear (sneakers, hiking shoes)
- Insect repellent
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- Medications (if you require any)
- Cash and credit cards
- Camera and charger
- Travel adapter (if necessary)
- First-aid kit
- Maps and a guidebook (optional)
Accommodation
The accommodations in this tour are in good and clean 2-3 star hotels with private facilities and 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.
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.
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.
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.
