Chronicles of Antique Georgia
A small ancient settlements are scattered throughout this wild landscape with medieval watchtowers and fascinating views of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, roaring rivers and waterfalls. Still inhabited dwellings are recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Exploration of this remote part of the world and its preserved traditions will leave you with unforgettable pleasant memories!
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Full Board
All accommodation
All domestic transfers
Comfortable bus service
Tour guide and assistant
First Aid Kit
Historical monuments entrance fees
Bottle of Mineral Water
Covid-19 Safety Kit
Details:
Regions: Tbilisi – Samtskhe Javakheti - Samegrelo - Svaneti
Duration: 9 nights
Food: Full Board
Accommodation: Hotels/Chateau
Best Season: From May to early November
Group Size: Not limited
Travel: Bus/Minivan
Main Activities: Sightseeing/Culture Experience
Overview
A singular journey through Samtskhe-Javakheti and Samegrelo regions, combined with Svaneti highland.
Follow a trial of antiquity; start exploration from Tbilisi, capital city since 5th century; walk along the vibes of ancient civilization and modern life-style, get acquaintance with the chronicles of Georgian history, explore Mtskheta, UNESCO world heritage site, heat the road to the south.
Experience the most unique and still untouched natural and architectural monuments of Samtskhe-Javakheti region; visit rock-hewn city Vardzia, explore plethora of craftsmanship at Upper Vardzia Nunnery, discover Saro megalith site, dated from the II millennium often referred as “Georgian Stonehenge”, taste Meskhetian wines from Khizabavra terrace vineyards, sip exceptional beer made in “Qvevri” and continue trip to Svaneti, a place related to the legend of “Golden Fleece and the Argonauts”. Visit Martvili canyon that offers boat touring and lots of fun; enjoy Megrelian hospitality, exotic cuisine and natural wines at local wine-maker’s family.
Explore Ushguli village - the highest inhabited dwelling in Europe at 2200m. the UNESCO world heritage site; be guested at the Dadiani’s Palace, family museum and summer residence.
Return to the capital with full of emotions and authentic experience!
Tour Map
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival 1
Arrive in Tbilisi. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 - Tbilisi City Tour
Sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, capital city since 5th century; the city is extraordinary with its turbulent history, elegant and remarkable architectural monuments; explore old town, sulfur bathhouses district, “art nuevo” 19th century architecture, the monument dedicated to the “History of Georgia”, tasting fine wines and cognac. Welcome dinner with folk performance. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 3 - Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gori/Uplistikhe – Vardzia
Explore Mtskheta, UNESCO world heritage site, important political and cultural center from 3rd century BC; Excursion at J. Stalin’s museum and house of birth; visit Uplistsikhe rock-hewn city dated from 1st millennium BC. Depart to Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Vardzia.
Day 4 - Vardzia – Upper Vardzia Monastery – Saro – Khizabavra Wine Terrace – Aspindza “Qvevri” beer – Akhaltsikhe
Excursion at 13th century rock-hewn city Vardzia; visit Upper Vardzia nunnery and taste local cheese, “sweat bread” and jams produced by nuns. Specially for you, for lunch the nuns will cook snails on clay pot and some shots of locally produced liquor will be offered. Trip continues to mysterious Saro village; explore Saro megaliths site, dated from II millennium, often referred as “Georgian Stonehenge”. Visit “Khizabavra” terrace structure vineyards, taste local wine varieties. Next stop at local family in Aspindza who ventured technique of beer making in “Qvevri” – traditional clay vessel for keeping wine. Dinner and overnight in Akhaltsikhe.
Day 5 - Akhaltsikhe – Rabath Castle – Kutaisi
Exploration of Rabath castle and transfer to west Georgia. Visit Bagrati cathedral dated to 1003 and Gelati monastery and the former academy dated to 12th century. Dinner at local restaurant with live jazz; overnight in Kutaisi.
Day 6 - Kutaisi - Martvili Canyon - Mestia
Heat the road towards Samegrelo region first. Visit Martvili monastery, dated from middle ages. Explore Martvili canyon and enjoy boat tour. Lunch with tasting of organic wines at family house and wine cellar. Trip continues to Mestia, administrative center of Svaneti province. Evening arrival in Mestia. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 7 - Mestia – Ushguli – Mestia
Day trip to Ushguli – the highest inhabited village in Europe at 2200m. explore the local dwellings, middle age fortifications, 12th century Lamaria complex, light walk towards the foot on Mt. Shkhara 5068m. Dinner and overnight in Mestia.
Day 8 - Mestia – Zugdidi - Gordi
Morning for leisure, visit ethnography museum of Mestia, Depart to Zugdidi, lunch at family house with folk performance. Visit Dadiani Palace and Salkhino summer residence of Dadiani royal family. Dinner and overnight at Chateau in Gordi village.
Day 9 - Gordi - Kutaisi – Tbilisi
Excursion at Prometheus speleological caves; *Optional visit at 9th century Ubisa church. Arrive in Tbilisi, check-in at hotel. Time for rest & own arrangements. Farwell dinner at traditional restaurant. Overnight at hotel.