Itinerary
Day 1 — Discovering Ancient Nokalakevi and Martvili Canyon
We'll pick you up from your hotel in Tbilisi to start our journey. Along the way to Senaki, we'll make several stops to stretch our legs.
After a short rest at a caffe in Senaki, we'll head to the Nokalakevi Archaeological Museum-Reserve. Here, we'll explore the ancient acropolis of Kudzhi, restored museum halls, remnants of thermal baths, medieval churches, a citadel, and a tunnel leading to the Tekhuri River.
Next, we'll visit Martvili Canyon to enjoy the scenery of Samegrelo Waterfalls and take a 20-minute boat ride down the clear, azure Abasha River.
In the evening, we'll arrive in the small town of Chkhorotsku, rarely visited by tourists — a unique experience!
For dinner, we'll visit Obene, a family-run winery where you can taste Ojaleshi, a rare local wine. This is the perfect place to experience the authentic flavor of the Samegrelo region.
Overnight in Chkhorotsku.
Route:
Tbilisi
— Private car | 312 km · 4 h
— Chkhorotsku
Activities:
Food Tasting
| 1 hours
,
Canyoning
| 1 hours
,
Boating
30 minutes
,
Sightseeing
| 3 hours
,
Wine Tasting
45 minutes
Accommodation:
Included
Guest House
* Or similar | Guest House |
Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower
Meals:
breakfast: not included,
lunch: not included,
dinner: included
Guide: Full day
Visited Attractions*:
Nokalakevi Fortress,
Abasha Waterfall,
Martvili Canyon.
Day 2 — Journey to Mestia and the Great Caucasus Peaks
After breakfast at the guesthouse in Chkhorotsku, we'll check out and drive to Mestia in the Zemo Svaneti region, ascending the mountain roads of the Great Caucasus.
Our first stop is the impressive Enguri Dam, located in a picturesque gorge. It's the largest construction from Soviet times. We'll have a 20-30 minute photo stop here. Optional: A boat trip on the Enguri Reservoir is available.
We'll make additional stops to enjoy roaring waterfalls, the Inguri River, and unspoiled wildlife.
Upon arrival in Mestia, the administrative center of the Svaneti region, you'll be surrounded by major summits: Ushba North (4,690 meters / 15,387 feet), Ushba South (4,710 meters / 15,453 feet), and Tetnuldi (4,858 meters / 15,938 feet). Nearby villages like Latali, Lenjeri, and Mulakhi maintain traditional lifestyles, with 78 medieval churches and defensive towers adorned with frescoes.
We'll visit the Margiani Tower-Museum (12th century) upon arrival.
We'll also walk to the mineral sparkling spring and Seti Square. Optional visit: Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, featuring ethnographic and archaeological artifacts, old manuscripts, and Orthodox icons in the Svaneti style.
We'll stay at a local family guesthouse in Mestia and enjoy a homemade dinner.
Dinner and overnight in Mestia.
Route:
Chkhorotsku
— Private car | 140 km · 3 h
— Mestia
Activities:
Food Tasting
| 1 hours
,
Sightseeing
| 4 hours
Accommodation:
Included
Guest House
* Or similar | Guest House |
Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower
Meals:
breakfast: included,
lunch: not included,
dinner: included
Guide: Full day
Visited Attractions*:
Mount Tetnuldi,
Mount Ushba,
Svaneti Ethnography Museum,
Enguri Dam,
Margiani House Museum.
Day 3 — Trekking to Chalaadi Glacier or Optional Jeep Tour to Ushguli
After breakfast in Mestia, possible options for this day:
Option 1: Trek to Chalaadi Glacier *
— Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
— Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
— Duration: 5-6 hours
— Elevation: 1,920 meters (6,299 feet)
— Trail Type: Trail trek, sleigh track
After breakfast, we'll start the Chalaadi Glacier trail by crossing a small hanging bridge over the Mestiachala River. The trail continues through birch forests and rocky valleys with unique stone formations. You'll see Mount Chatini and, on its south face, the Chalaadi Glacier.
We'll reach the glacier at 1,920 meters (6,299 feet) above sea level. The trail offers stunning views of high mountains and snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus range.
We'll walk back to Mestia after the trek.
Dinner and overnight in Mestia.
Option 2: Optional Jeep Tour to Ushguli *
If you'd prefer, we can arrange a local 4x4 vehicle for an optional jeep tour to Ushguli.
— Driving Distance: 93.7 km (58.2 miles)
The road to Ushguli is 45 km (28 miles) from Mestia, mostly paved but narrow and steep. The last 16 km (10 miles) is a gravel road, sometimes impassable even in summer due to avalanches. Ushguli is one of the highest permanently inhabited places in Europe, consisting of medieval settlements with authentic communities. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We'll walk around the village, visit the Lamaria Church, and hike to the foot of the Shkhara Glacier (2480 meters / 8136 feet), the highest peak in Georgia.
In the evening, we'll return to Mestia.
Dinner and overnight in Mestia.
Route:
Mestia
Activities:
Sightseeing
| 4 hours
Accommodation:
Included
Guest House
* Or similar | Guest House |
Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower
Meals:
breakfast: included,
lunch: not included,
dinner: not included
Guide: Full day
Visited Attractions*:
Chatini Peak,
Shkhara Glacier,
Lamaria Church,
Tower of Love,
Ughviri Pass,
Mount Shkhara,
Chalaadi Glacier.
Day 4 — Exploring Zugdidi and Returning to Tbilisi
After breakfast in Mestia, we'll check out and drive to Zugdidi, the administrative center of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region. We'll visit the Dadiani Palace Historical Museum and Botanical Garden; the excursion takes about one hour.
* Optional: Visit the Zugdidi farmer’s market to buy local spices, homemade Tkemali and Satsebeli sauces, Suluguni cheese, and honey.
We'll then drive back to Tbilisi, arriving in the evening. Drop-off at your accommodation or airport is included.
* Optional: A gala dinner in a Tbilisi restaurant can be arranged in advance.
This concludes our 4-day tour package. We hope you enjoyed your trip and look forward to seeing you again on future tours from Tbilisi.
Safe travels and see you soon!
Route:
Mestia
— Private car | 455 km · 7 h
— Tbilisi
Activities:
Sightseeing
| 2 hours
Accommodation:
Not Included
Meals:
breakfast: included,
lunch: not included,
dinner: not included
Guide: Full day
Visited Attractions*:
Zugdidi Botanical Garden,
Dadiani Palace.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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/
