5-day Georgia Tour from Kutaisi5 Days | Kutaisi, Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati, Motsameta monastery, Prometheus Cave, Mestia, Ushguli, Zugdidi

Arrive at Kutaisi International Airport. Meet your guide and drive to Kutaisi. Early check-in to the hotel on arrival.
After breakfast start sightseeing in the second biggest city of Georgia – Kutaisi, which according to the legend was the ultimate destination of the Jason and Argonauts searching for the Golden Fleece. Visit Bagrati Cathedral (11th century), one of the best samples of medieval architecture towering over Kutaisi and visible from almost any point in the city. Next stop is the Gelati Academy, built by King David the Builder in the 12th century. Gelati was the center of spiritual and scientific life of the Middle Ages, the tomb of Georgian kings and a cult place for pilgrims. It is under UNESCO protection as an object of cultural and historical legacy. Continue to Motsameta monastery to enjoy fantastic views over the Rioni river gorge. Drive back to Kutaisi to overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to the Prometheus Cave, where you will walk in 1.5 km long tunnel and  enjoy breath-taking views of stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, underground rivers and lakes along the cave. The underground light system is filled with LED lights of all colours of the rainbow, marvellously highlighting the natural beauty of the Prometheus Cave. In the afternoon, head to mysterious Svaneti passing through the Inguri Gorge. This region is the birthplace of the Svans, a unique ethnic group, who are distinguished by their amazing old culture and traditions. Svaneti is also famous for its original and authentic architecture and is dubbed “the land of thousand towers”. Those towers used to play an important economic and defensive role in the history of Svaneti. There are still dozens of the towers – stone houses from the Middle Ages with fire watchtowers and churches from the 10-14th centuries. Overnight at the hotel.

After the hotel breakfast, drive to Ushguli village, the highest standing settlement in Europe (2200 m). The Ushguli architectural complex is a valuable architectural and historical monument, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its exclusiveness. There are about 70 families (around 200 people) living in Ushguli. Spend time in Ushguli strolling through the old narrow streets. Visit Lamaria Church complex, with impressive 12th century wall frescoes. Locals believe that Queen Tamar was buried under this church. Enjoy picturesque view of the Mount Shkhara. Return to Mestia. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning visit Mestia Ethnographic Museum. The museum was established in 1936 and has one of the richest collections of artifacts in the region. At noon depart to Kutaisi (240 km).
On our way back to Kutaisi we offer an optional visit to one of the following places:

• A lunch at ethno- village “Sisatura” close to Zugdidi, in the village Chkhoria. Here you will see old Megrelian house “Oda” with fascinating relics (old utensils, newspapers from last century and authentic Megrelian clothing that have been kept from ancestors). The whole place is dedicated to ethnography and is essentially a living museum. Having a lunch here is a unique experience, enabling you to enjoy traditional Megrelian meals like Gebzhalia (cheese in mint sauce), Ghomi (a hot porridge made with corn flour) and Sulguni (type of cheese) in an authentic Megrelian place. To be booked in advance.
• Alternatively, we can stop at Dadiani palace in Zugdidi. The 17th-century palace was built by Levan Dadiani, a local prince, and served as a residence of Megrelian princess and princesses. Nowadays, Dadiani Palace is a historical and architectural museum complex that includes a palace for Ekaterine Chavchavadze-Dadiani, a residence of her son Niko Dadiani, a church, and beautiful botanical garden.

Arrive in Kutaisi. Overnight at the hotel.

Check-out from the hotel till noon. Transfer to Kutaisi International Airport. End of the tour.

Economy:
Mestia Inn / Chubu / Old House Mestia / Old Seti / Villa Mestia
Comfort:
Lahili / Chalet Mestia / Sunset Terrace
Luxe:
Gistola Mestia / Posta