Georgian Holidays » Travel » Racha

	87 Tsinamdzgvrishvili str. 0107 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: +99532 184539; Fax: +99532 956963; Cellular: +99593 529685

Racha - Svaneti 11 days

From where did the Argonauts take the Golden Fleece?

Best Time

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

This itinerary offers a unique opportunity to those interested in mythology. You will discover the sites related to Argonauts and Golden Age of our country, get acquainted with the oldest Colchis religious culture, related to the cult of the Sun and observe ancient ritual dances and songs. We will be following the way, by which during the invasions the treasures of Georgia were transported to the most remote, high mountain region - Svaneti.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi
Meeting at the airport; accommodation in a hotel
Tbilisi sightseeing tour: Metekhi Church 13th c., Narikhala fortress 4th c., sulfur baths, Sioni Cathedral 6-13th c., Anchiskhati basilica 6th c. Funicular. Visit Georgian history museum after lunch.
Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi

Day 2: Tbilisi - Sachkhere
After breakfast we will drive to Mtskheta, capital and religious center of East Georgian kingdom from 4th c. B.C. to 5th c. A.D. Visit Jvari monastery (6th c) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.), both included in UNESCO world Heritage sites.
Drive to Gori, birth place of J. Stalin; visit Stalin's house-museum.
Later we will explore ancient temple town Uplistsikhe from 10th c. B.C. and continue travel to Sachkhere.
Overnight in Sachkhere

Day 3: Sachkhere - Phutiethi
Nakerala pass (1270 m)
Travel by foot or by horse from village Mokhva through Chishkara Pass (15 km.)
On our way we'll see stone column with inscriptions on it in ancient Georgian. We will enjoy beautiful view of Central Caucasus Range, Shaori reservoir (1160m.) and soon arrive in village Phuthieti.
Racha region, where according to the canon law, bright stars first entered was announced as cathedral province of Colchis Kingdom. You will see the oldest cult stone of the Sun (Ra), ritual dances and songs; hear the oldest hymn of the sun worshippers - "Rashovda".
Overnight in Phutiethi

Day 4: Phutiethi - Ambrolauri - Sadmeli
We will explore: Nikortsminda Cathedral of 12th c. (1200 m.); Agara church, Khotevi fortress and church, and Museum in Ambrolauri.
There are remains of the earliest Colchis temples of the sun where Argonauts arrived and stole the Golden Fleece. It was temple of legendary Medea, Colchis king Ayety's daughter, and nearby, on alpine zone, the peculiarity of the flora gives us ground to believe that Medea, besides her responsibilities to her religion grew unique plants here, observed even today in this region.
Overnight in village Sadmeli

Day 5: Sadmeli - Shkedi
We leave our cars in Sadmeli and continue our way by foot - 10 km.
We pass Shkedi Pass (2750 m) and arrive in village Shkedi.
Overnight in village Shkedi

Day 6: Shkedi - Ushguli
After Racha you will pass to Svanethie region, where authentic culture was developed uninterrupted during 4 000 years.
In the morning we pass through village Khalakholi by car.
We drive through Zagari Pass (2623m.) and arrive in the highest permanently inhabited village Ushguli.
Overnight in village Ushguli

Day 7: Ushguli
We visit Ushguli Ethnographical museum, Lamaria church.
We will hike towards Peak Shkhara (5068m)
Overnight in village Ushguli

Day 8: Ushguli - Mestia
We pass villages Kala, Ipari, Mulakhi, where we visit small churches from 10th - 11th cc. with excellent frescoes.
Overnight in Mestia

Day 9: Mestia - Engurhesi
Visit Mestia Ethnographical museum, churches from 12th c. in villages Latali and Lenjeri with frescoes from 10-12 c.
Overnight at Engurhess

Day 10: Engurhess - Kutaisi
We visit Zugdidi museum and Vani museum near archeological site, where during excavations unique treasures of Colchis kingdom were found.
Overnight in Kutaisi

Day 11: Kutaisi - Tbilisi
Visit Bagrati Cathedral (11th c.) and Gelati Cathedral (12th c.)
Arrival in Tbilisi
Departure

Price

11 Days

EUR 390

Note
prices are given per person.
Prices do not include transportation expanses and overnights in Tbilisi

Let us know your wishes and desires to support your personal preferences and design a perfect trip for you. Do not hesitate to Contact us. We are ready to fit your interests, abilities and budget.

Weather forecast

Currency rates