Hiking Georgia's Caucasus Mountains

With group members arriving throughout the afternoon, evening and night, today is a 'free' day for you to arrive, be transferred to the start hotel, and to shake off any travel fatigue and get your bearings. Your adventure starts in earnest, tomorrow, after breakfast - so please book flights / transportation that will get you to Tbilisi in time for Breakfast at the latest!If you are able to arrive earlier in the day, please feel free to ask us for guidance on how to spend this free day, where to eat and what to visit (or to try to save for the tour). We are on hand to help!Accommodation: Hotel Zeg

Welcome to Georgia! After breakfast, today you can enjoy a guided tour of Tbilisi. We will begin at Metekhi church which dates back to the 13th century and offers wonderful views of Tbilisi Old Town. Explore the winding, narrow streets and admire a blend of modern and traditional architecture. Our tour continues from above, with a cable car experience offering panoramic views of the city. It drops us off at the Narikala Fortress, known as the Mother Fortress of Tbilisi, one of the oldest and most important buildings of the city. Descending from the Fortress we will pass the historical sulphur bath quarter - Tbilisi has hot springs running under the city and has a number of thermal baths. Tonight you will have the chance to experience one of Tbilisi’s many delicious restaurants. Make sure to try khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread filled with butter, cheese and egg.Accommodation: Hotel Zeg

After breakfast we will head to the railway station to catch a train to Zugdidi. Located in Western Georgia, it is the biggest city in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region and a gateway to the beautiful mountains of Svaneti. We will enjoy true Georgian hospitality at a late lunch with a local family. With energy restored, we can now head to Svaneti to visit the Greater Caucasus, the mountain range which offers breathtaking dramatic views and is the natural land border to Russia. Svaneti is home to snow-covered glaciers, towers from the Middle Ages and beautiful waterfalls and lakes. We will stay in a family-run hotel in the village of Becho, located at the foot of Ushba Mountain (4700m). Accommodation: Family Hotel in Becho

Today we will get to witness the spectacular natural scenery of the Greater Caucasus. After breakfast we will drive to the village of Shikhra which will be the starting point for our walk to the waterfalls of Ushba. Hike through the forest along the Dolra River before getting your first view of the waterfalls, with several cascades of water flowing downwards side by side on the mountain slope creating an unforgettable panorama. From here we have the option to visit the base or head to the top to get spectacular views of the valley.  After our visit we will return to Becho before continuing our adventure to Mestia, the main town of Svaneti and our base for the next few nights. Hiking options:Military Base: Stage 1 (easy)/ walking time: 2-3 hrs totally; ↑↓ 250 m; 8 km. 1st waterfall: Stage 2 (medium)/ walking time: 4-5 hrs totally; ↑↓ 550 m; 10 km. 2nd waterfall: Stage 3 (hard)/ walking time: 6-7 hrs totally; ↑↓ 1100 m; 12 kmAccommodation: Family Hotel in Mestia

This morning we drive to the village of Mulakhi to enjoy a hike around the area which offers beautiful views from any way you look. Walk past wild mountain meadows and spot its famous ancient towers which are dotted across the landscape. Walking time: 4-5 hrs. 14 km. ↑320 m. ↓500 m.Return to Mestia for dinner at the family-run hotel. Accommodation: Family Hotel in Mestia

After breakfast we will take 4WD cars to Jvari Point (2170m) and start our walk to Koruldi Lake. On the way, enjoy views of countless summits and glaciers, as well as the gigantic mountains arising out of each other: Tetnuldi (4,800 m.), Laila (4,008 m.), Chatini (4,012 m.), Banguriani (3,838 m.). On arrival at the beautiful mountain lakes, admire the spectacular 360 degree panorama view of the Greater Caucasus. From Mestia to Jvari point: 30 min. driving time 9 km. From Jvari point to Koruldi lakes: 3-4 hrs. totally; ↑↓ 600 m. 8 km. Later, we will descend back to Jvari Point for the return journey to Mestia where a hearty dinner will be served.Accommodation: Family Hotel in Mestia

This morning, we drive to the highest permanent village in Europe - Ushguli (2200m). Ushguli and generally the whole Upper Svaneti region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is famous for its abundance of watchtowers. We will visit the 12th century complex of Lamaria and wander the twisting ancient alleys between houses. Our adventure continues, driving towards Mt. Shkhara where we will walk to the foot of the mountain. After our morning activity we will return to Ushguli for a well-deserved traditional Georgian lunch, hosted by a local family. Enjoy a delicious meal and have some time to interact with your hosts learning about life in Georgia and the family recipes that have been served! Later, return to Mestia to relax for the evening. Accommodation: Family Hotel in Mestia

This morning we leave Mestia and drive to Martvili to visit the Martvili Canyon. Enjoy a walking trail of the gorge before having the option to take a boat along the Abasha River into the canyon itself. Later we will drive to Kutaisi, the second largest city in Georgia. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy and you can visit some of the many sites including Bagrati Cathedral, a beautiful, historic cathedral which offers wonderful views of the city. Tonight dinner is served at the family-run hotel. Accommodation: Family Hotel in Kutaisi

This morning we drive to Gori and visit the Uplistsikhe troglodyte settlement. It dates back to the 1st millennium BC and is the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. It is a fascinating complex with a number of structures cut from rock including dwelling quarters, wine cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church and even an ancient amphitheatre. After our visit, we will drive to Tbilisi but on the way make a stop in Kaspi. No trip to Georgia would be complete without tasting delicious Georgian wine. Visit a local wine cellar and learn about the history of wine making, with deep-rooted traditions being continued by the younger generations. The method of wine-making in Georgia is inscribed in the UNESCO intangible heritage list. After sampling the local wines we will continue to the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia - Mtskheta - and enjoy a tour of its historical sights including Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Our adventure concludes back in Tbilisi where you will have a final night in this wonderful city. Accommodation: Hotel Brim

Today your adventure in Georgia comes to an end. It's time to return home, rejuvenated!