
Explore the stunning mountain scenery and historical mountain villages of Georgia’s mysterious Svaneti region on your own two feet with this hiking tour. In addition, discover many of Georgia’s other historical and scenic highlights, from the mix of old and new in the vibrant capital city of Tbilisi, to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mtskheta, the ancient rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe, and the beautiful Okatse Canyon. Get to know the culture of this fascinating country in the heart of the Caucasus as you meet the local people, taste their food and wine, and hear their stories.
Tour itinerary:
Hiking distance: 7 km
Hiking distance: 16 km, including 763m uphill and 523m downhill
Hiking distance: 10 km, including 909m uphill and 527m downhill
Hiking distance: 18 km, including 860m uphill and 1,070m downhill
Hiking distance: 12 km, including 677m uphill and 436m downhill
Hiking distance: 12-14 km
We suggest the following activities and places to visit in Tbilisi:
- Georgian National Museum on Rustaveli Avenue – to visit the “Archaeological Treasury” exhibition.
- National Gallery on Rustaveli Avenue – to see the works of the famous Georgian artists Niko Pirosmani, David Kakabadze, and Lado Gudiashvili.
- Tbilisi flea market at Dry Bridge – where you can find antiquities (many of which are from the Soviet era), paintings by local artists, and handmade Georgian souvenirs.
- David Agmashenebeli Avenue – a recently-renovated pedestrian street full of historical buildings that have beautiful facades in the art nouveau, pseudo gothic, and classicist styles with a mix of typical Georgian ornamentation and balconies. All along the street there are plenty of cozy art cafés, galleries, shops, and wine bars.
- Dezertirebi Bazaar – which sells local, natural products including Georgian sweets (such as churchkhela); various types of dried fruits, nuts, and spices; and Georgian cheeses.
- Funicular railway to Mtatsminda Mountain – which offers a beautiful view of Tbilisi.
- Wander around Sololaki – a neighborhood full of art nouveau houses
- For nature lovers, we offer a day hike to Birtvisi Canyon and Fortress. Contact us to find out more.
For those who are interested in culture, we suggest visiting the State Opera House of Georgia of Georgia to enjoy a ballet or opera performance (opera.ge). You can find out what other cultural events are on in Tbilisi, and book tickets, at tkt.ge.
- All transfers;
- Accommodation, with breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing tour programme with local, English-speaking guide on days 2-4;
- Local, English-speaking mountain guide in Svaneti on days 5-10;
- Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
- Transport for your luggage during the Svaneti hike (please note: you will need to carry your own day pack but your main luggage will be transported separately to the guesthouse each day);
- Horses for the river crossing in Svaneti;
- Meals: 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches (on days 6-10), 6 dinners in Svaneti (on days 5 to 10), and a welcome dinner in Tbilisi;
- Economy class train ticket Zugdidi-Tbilisi;
- Mineral water (500ml per person per day).
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Personal travel insurance;
- Personal expenses;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
- International flights before and after the tour.
Accommodation:
Tbilisi - 4 nights | ||
Tiflis or similar | River Side, Citrus or similar | Tiflis Palace, Ambassadori or similar |
Kutaisi - 2 nights | ||
Solomon, Terrace Kutaisi, Old Town, Empire or similar | King David, Tskaltubo Plaza, Argo Boutique or similar | Best Western Kutaisi |
Mestia - 2 nights | ||
Chubu, Villa Mestia, or similar guesthouse | Banguriani | Banguriani |
Zhabeshi - 1 night | ||
Local guesthouse | Local guesthouse | Local guesthouse |
Adishi - 1 night | ||
Local guesthouse | Local guesthouse | Local guesthouse |
Iprali - 1 night | ||
Local guesthouse | Local guesthouse | Local guesthouse |
Ushguli - 1 night | ||
Local guesthouse | Local guesthouse | Local guesthouse |