Ancient Georgia
A private tour that reveals to you the mountainous and exotic corner of Europe, special for its remote and authentic villages, medieval towers and churches, alpine valleys, and mountainous rivers. UNESCO World heritage site Ushguli village in Svaneti is the highest permanently settled village in Europe. Jeep adventure starts in Mestia and takes you to the village along Enguri River. The trip is designed for travelers’ who enjoy professional guided and chauffeured traveling.
Arrival at Tbilisi International Airport. Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
After breakfast at the hotel we begin a half-day Tbilisi city tour. We start from Mtatsminda Park – overlooking Tbilisi from the Mtatsminda mountain, the highest point of the city. Mtatsminda can be reached from the old Tbilisi by the funicular train.
Next we continue to the Rustaveli Avenue to visit the Georgian National Museum and its various collections including the archaeological, medieval and golden treasuries. From Rustaveli we drive to the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba) – the largest cathedral in Georgia and one of the tallest orthodox Christian churches in the world.
We finish Tbilisi sightseeing tour and head to the western Georgia, to the Imereti region. We arrive in Kutaisi – the administrative center of Imereti, historical capital of Georgian kingdoms in different historical periods and third largest city of the country nowadays.
Overnight in Kutaisi.
On day 3 after breakfast at the hotel we head to the Prometheus Cave (Kumistavi) – one of the most major attraction of the region and one of the largest karst caves of Georgia. Located near town Tskaltubo, Prometheus cave has a 1.8 km long trail open for tourists that passes through different halls.
From Prometheus cave we continue our journey to Nokalakevi village. Located by the river Tekhuri, Nokalakevi is famous for its excavation site that occupies about 20 ha. Here, archaeologists have discovered numerous ancient artifacts and remnants of the ancient city and fortress Archaeopolis.
From Nokalakevi we drive to the North passing through the Enguri river gorge and stop by the Enguri hydroelectric dam, that is among the highest concrete arch dams in the world with a height of 271.5 meters (891 ft).
From here we continue our way to mountainous region Svaneti and arrive at the town of Mestia – largest settlement and the administrative center of Svaneti. Mestia, as well as the whole province, is famous for its traditional authentic medieval defensive buildings – Svan towers.
Overnight in Mestia.
After breakfast at the hotel we start driving to Ushguli community by 4 x 4 WD jeeps. On our way we make several stops at Ipari and Kala villages.
Ushguli is a community comprised of four different villages that has a well-preserved medieval lifestyle and architecture because of its remote location. In addition, this settlement is special as it is one of the highest inhabited places in the entire Europe (2200 m). Ushguli is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We are going to visit Zhibiani, one of the villages of Ushguli community, that has a little chapel – La Maria, named after the goddess of fertility in Svan belief.
After Ushguli tour we drive back to Mestia.
Overnight in Mestia.
On day 5 after breakfast we start short morning tour in Mestia and visit Margiani Museum. In this tower-museum visitors can take a look at local dwelling – “Machubi”, and get introduced to the traditional lifestyle of the Svans.
From Mestia we depart for Kutaisi. On the way we will make a stop at Zugdidi – administrative center of Samegrelo region. Major attraction of Zugdidi is Dadiani Palace and its History and Architectural Museum. Dadiani Palace was the residence of the local noble house of Dadiani – Mingrelian dukes. The museum complex includes palaces of the Dadiani, court church, and the botanical garden.
From Zugdidi we return back to Kutaisi to make a sightseeing tour of the city and its surroundings. First, we are going to visit Gelati Monastery and Academy. The monastic complex of Gelati was established in the 12th century by King David IV of Georgia (David the Builder), the most prominent king from Georgian history. From Gelati, we are going to drive to Bagrati cathedral, built in the 11th century. Situated in the center of Kutaisi, cathedral is considered as a symbol of the city. It is worth noting that both Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati monastic complex are recognized as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.
Overnight in Kutaisi.
After breakfast at the hotel we drive to Motsameta Monastic Complex, 6 kilometers from Kutaisi. Established in the 11th century, monastery is remarkable for its location.
From Motsameta, we depart from Imereti and drive towards Borjomi town, where we can have a walk inside the Borjomi National Park and taste the famous local mineral water ‘Borjomi’. From Borjomi we leave for Bakuriani – a skiing resort located on the northern slope of Trialeti mountain range, at an elevation of 1700 meters and 26 kilometers away from Borjomi.
Overnight in Bakuriani.
On day 7 after breakfast at the hotel we head to explore Samtskhe-Javakheti region. We get to Akhaltsikhe – the administrative center of the province, and visit Rabati Castle, located in the heart of the town. The complex includes the fortress from the 14th c., fortress church from late medieval period, 18th century palace and the Church of Saint Marine (1865) with built-in relief works, as well as mosque, synagogue and a catholic church.
From Rabati tour we drive to Vardzia Cave Monastery – a unique monument from the medieval Georgia. Hewn in the rocks of Erusheti mountains, Vardzia was established during the Georgian Golden Era in the 12th-13th centuries.
After excursion in Vardzia we drive back to Bakuriani.
Overnight in Bakuriani.
After breakfast at the hotel drive back to Tbilisi. On day 8 we make sightseeing tours of Mtskheta and Tbilisi.
First we stop at Mtskheta town, the ancient capital of early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia, located at the confluence of the rivers Mtkvari and Aragvi. In Mtskheta we are going to visit two monuments: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the 11th century, and Jvari Monastery from 7th century overlooking the town and the two rivers from the mountain. Both Svetitskhoveli and Jvari represent Georgian church architecture and are recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
From Mtskheta we arrive in the capital and the largest city of Georgia – Tbilisi. On day 8 we are going to have a have half-day Tbilisi city tour. We take a cable car from Rike park in the old town and go up to the Narikala fortress, which stands on the cliff overlooking Tbilisi. The fortress consists of two walled sections and is situated between the Sulfur bathhouses and Tbilisi Botanical Garden.
From Narikala we stroll down and continue our sightseeing tour in Tbilisi old town. We are going to visit Legvtakhevi canyon and waterfall, continue to the Sulfur Bathhouse District, and Maidan Square.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport for departure.
Group size | Price per adult |
Solo | € 1950 |
2-3 people | € 1173 |
4-5 people | € 940 |
6-7 people | € 808 |
8-9 people | € 705 |
10-15 people | € 694 |
Online booking deposit*: | € 30 |
The above prices (except for solo) are based on two people sharing a twin/double room accommodation.
Additional charge for a single room ("Single Supplement") is: € 92
1 person from the group will be FREE of charge if 10 and more adults are traveling together
Child Policy |
0-1 years - Free |
2-6 years - 347 € |
7 years and over - Adult |
*This deposit will be deducted from the total tour price. As for the remaining sum, you can pay it with one of the following methods:
For a larger group or custom itinerary please contact us at travel [at ] georgianholidays.com
How to know which “Operator” to select?
You only need to select the Operator name if you have previously communicated with one of our sales agents via phone or email, otherwise please leave it at default.
Cancellation is free of charge prior 7 days of the starting day.
If Tourist cancels the booked tour for some reasons not depending on Tour Operator, the following sums are kept back as a fine: