Tbilisi Trip Overview
Beautiful, wild and mysterious, Svaneti is an ancient landlocked in the Caucasus, so remote that it was never tamed by any ruler. Uniquely picturesque villages and snow-covered, 4000 m-plus peaks rising above flower-strewn alpine meadows provide a superb backdrop to the many walking trails. Svaneti’s emblem is the koshki (defensive stone tower), designed to house villagers at times of invasion and local strife (until recently Svaneti was renowned for its murderous blood feuds).
Tour available from Tbilisi or Kutaisi.
Additional Info
Duration: 4 days
Starts: Tbilisi, Georgia
Trip Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours >> Multi-day Tours
Explore Tbilisi Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Tbilisi, Georgia, Georgia
Beautiful, wild and mysterious, Svaneti is an ancient landlocked in the Caucasus, so remote that it was never tamed by any ruler. Uniquely picturesque villages and snow-covered, 4000 m-plus peaks rising above flower-strewn alpine meadows provide a superb backdrop to the many walking trails. Svaneti’s emblem is the koshki (defensive stone tower), designed to house villagers at times of invasion and local strife (until recently Svaneti was renowned for its murderous blood feuds).
Tour available from Tbilisi or Kutaisi.
Itinerary
Day 1: TBILISI – ZUGDIDI – MESTIA
Stop At: Tbilisi, Tbilisi
Our guide will pick you up at early morning. On the way, you can grab a coffee and pastry
Stop At: Zugdidi, Zugdidi, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region
Arrive in Zugdidi – administrative centre of Samegrelo region. Visit Dadiani Palace History and Architectural Museum – the former residence of Mingrelian Kings and Queens. The first exhibition here was prepared by the Prince of Samegrelo, David Dadiani and presented archaeological findings from the ancient city of Nokalakevi. The museum now includes palaces of Princess of Samegrelo, Ekaterine Dadiani and Prince of Samegrelo, Niko Dadiani, court church, and the botanical garden.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pass By: Kutaisi, Kutaisi, Imereti Region
Kutaisi is a city in western Georgia.
Stop At: River Enguri, Zugdidi Georgia
After Samegrelo, we start driving up to the Caucasus Mountains. On our way we will stop near Enguri Dam, currently being the world’s second-largest dam – 271.5 m in height.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Mestia, Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region
In the evening arrive at Mestia. Dinner and overnight in Mestia. You need a rest and sleep well before the next day!
Duration: 45 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Night in Guest house in Mestia
Day 2: Ushguli
Stop At: Ushguli, Ushguli, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we’ll explore Upper Svaneti and drive with 4×4 vehicles to Ushguli village – the highest continually inhabited places in Europe. The whole village with its fortifications is included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The way to Ushguli is off-road but very picturesque. On our way, we’ll visit villages: Ipari and Kala to see the churches rich in murals and frescos.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: LaMaria Church, Ushguli Georgia
Stop by Lamaria church in Ushguli – a sacred place for locals. Take a walk towards Shkhara glacier – the highest peak in Georgia (5068 m).
In the evening return back to Mestia. Dinner and overnight in Mestia.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Night in Guest house in Mestia
Day 3: MESTIA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Stop At: Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, A. Lozeliani st. 7, Mestia 384750 Georgia
Visit Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, which houses old Georgian manuscripts, ethnographic and archaeological items, Georgian Orthodox icons painted in Svanetian style, etc.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Margiani’s House Museum, Lanchvali Street, Mestia 3200 Georgia
Walk up to the tower and house museum of Margiani (12th c.) to see how the locals were living. Have lunch in one of the local restaurants.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Mkheri church in Latali, 42°58’02. 42°37’16., 9 GA-1, Roopville, Georgia
After lunch visit villages: Latali and Lemjeri located near Mestia town containing churches decorated with medieval frescos and murals.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Night in Guest house in Mestia
Day 4: MESTIA – ZUGDIDI – TBILISI
Stop At: Zugdidi, Zugdidi, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive back to Tbilisi and visit Zugdidi farmer’s market on the way, where local ecologically clean fruit, vegetables, and homemade (Sulguni) cheese and sweets are sold. Have lunch en-route.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
