Mestia

6 days Svaneti private tour ( Mestia, Ushguli, Varzia-hiking)

ItineraryDay 1: Tbilisi- Mtskheta city (Jvari monastery)- Uplistsikhe cave city - Gori- Kutaisi - Bagrati temple- Night stay in KutaisiStop At: Jvari Church, Mtskheta, Mtskheta-Mtianeti RegionThis monastery is located close to the old capital city of Georgia and belongs to UNESCO list. this place offers to it`s visitors magnificent views on the old capital city as well as surrounding area and it`s famous because of the first cross ever risen in Georgia.Duration: 40 minutesStop At: Uplistsiche Cave Town, Gori, Shida Kartli RegionUplistsikhe cave town is one the most ancient historical heritage of Georgia. The place is over 2600 Y.O. and it`s located close to Stalin`s home town Gori, which is a great opportunity for you to visit even Stalin`s museum.Duration: 1 hour 30 minutesStop At: Gelati Monastery, Kutaisi, Imereti RegionGelati monastery, the same time early 12th century academy area, is located close to Kutaisi city and belongs to UNESCO list since 1994 Y. This place of interest attract visitors not only because of its age and historical significans, but also the views extended from the monastery backyard.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Motsameta Monastery, Kutaisi, Imereti RegionMotsameta monastery is also, located close to Kutaisi right over a top of the canyon, at the spectacularly beautiful location. The place, also, has got rich historical background, which starts after 8th century. Duration: 45 minutesNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 2: Kutaisi- Bagrati cathedral - Prometheus cave - Zugdidi - Enguri dam - Mestia townStop At: Bagrati Cathedral, Kutaisi, Imereti RegionBagrati cathedral, is 11th century cultural heritage of Georgia and the same time belongs to UNESCO list since 1994 Y. This place of interest is located is located in old Kutaisi, on the hill fortress named as Ukimerioni.Duration: 35 minutesStop At: Prometheus Cave, Kutaisi, Imereti RegionPrometheus cave is one of the Karst caves of Georgia and presents one the longest underground walking routs in the cave. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutesStop At: River Enguri, Zugdidi, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti RegionThe Enguri Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Enguri River in Georgia. Currently it is the world's second highest concrete arch dam with a height of 271.5 metres (891 ft). It is located north of the town Jvari. It is part of the Enguri hydroelectric power station (HES) which is partially located in Abkhazia.Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Mestia ResidenceMestia town is center of Upper Svaneti region. The region is surrounded by the highest mountains in Georgia and whole region is located along the main range of the great Caucasus. We can walk around Mestia in the late evening.Duration: 1 hourNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 3: Mestia- Ipari pass - Kala community - Ushguli- MestiaStop At: Ushguli Ethnographic Museum, Ushguli, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti RegionThe day 3we`ll be traveling to Ushguli community (includes 3 tower villages). Distance between Mestia and Ushguli is 45 km. On the way to Ushguli we`ll drive by the following places - Mulakhi, Ipari and Kala communities. the road goes mostly in a wild. In Ushguli we can:1. take a hike to the Shkhara mountain glacier (moderate level of hiking)2. Take a walk around tower villages3. visit Lamaria monastery4. Visit the local museum of Ethnography5. Or just discuss what else to do...Duration: 4 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 4: Mestia - Chalaadi Glacier - Hatsvali ski resort - Mestia tower blocksStop At: Chaladi Glacier, Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti RegionChaladi glacier is located close to Mestia town, in about 9km away from the town center. We`ll drive around 6 km, stop at a parking and continue hiking (light to moderate level) to the glacier. stay there as long as you want and come back the same way... Duration: 3 hoursStop At: Hatsvali Ski LiftHatsvali ski resort is located in 8 km from Mestia. we`ll drive to the ski lift station, get some tickets and take ride all the way up the top of Zuruldi mountain where, there is located nice restaurant with a large view veranda. We`ll have nice, 270 degree views of all around and short walk around the top, just see some views from the other side of the mountain.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Mestia Tourism Information CentreWe`ll take a walk around Mestia city tower blocks and visit one of the local regional museums.Duration: 1 hourNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 5: Mestia- Nokalakevi - Martvili or Okatse canyon - Borjomi city - Borjomi parkPass By: Town-Fortress Nokalakevi, Senaki, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti RegionNokalakevi village is famous because of the ancient fortress also, known as Archaeopollis. We`ll stop there in two cases: 1. fits in our timing 2. Short stop for PhotosStop At: Martvili Canyons, Martivili, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti RegionMartvili canyon is located close by Senaki town. This is small, but incredibly beautiful canyon with a cleaned mountain river. It`s possible to rent boats or just take a short walk in the small canyon with a volcanic rock river channel.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Borjomi Central Park, Borjomi, Samtskhe-Javakheti RegionBorjomi city is still famous resort of mineral springs and pine pollen, mostly among the travelers from the former USSR. Visitors can enjoy walking around the local Park (in the canyon) and taste the natural mineral spring of borjomi.Duration: 45 minutesNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 6: Borjomi - Fortress of Rabat - Khertvisi fortress - Varzia cave city- TbilisiStop At: Rabati Castle, Akhaltsikhe, Samtskhe-Javakheti RegionRabati castle is located in Akhaltsikhe city, which is situated on the ancient silk road (Alexander the great`s road). The castle was recently reconstructed and attract many visitors around the world.Duration: 45 minutesPass By: Khertvisi Fortress, Aspindza, Samtskhe-Javakheti RegionKhertvisi fortress is also, situated on the ancient silk road and could be considered as one the best remained historic sites of Georgia. Stop At: VardziaVarzia is one the cave cities of Georgia. This place is not as old as other cave cities, but it`s the biggest in Georgia and unique in the world. Varzia was built less than 900 Y. ago, but still looks great amazingly nice.Duration: 1 hour 30 minutesPass By: Tbilisi MallAfter finishing with visit to Varzia, we`ll return back to Tbilisi city, through the southern highway and see several beautiful lakes and totally different landscape than before. No meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.

Explore Svaneti

Day 1Kutaisi - Mestia Meet your driver and guide in the morning and start unforgettable journey across the country to visit mountainous region Svaneti. Road trip to Mestia takes the half day, so on the way take a chance to have a lunch in Zugdidi or somewhere on the road. After tasting delicious Megrelian dishes drive to town Zugdidi, where you visit Dadiani Palace, the residence of Megrelian princes.Continue the way to Svaneti and stop near the world's second largest Enguri Dam, beautiful spot for photo shooting.In the evening arrive to Mestia and have Svanetian dinner.     Overnight at the hotelday 2Mestia After breakfast start exploring Svaneti with museum of history and ethnography, where you can find the real masterpieces of medieval Georgian iconography, manuscripts, ancient coins, ethnographic and archaeological artifacts. Mestia amazes its visitors with around 200 towers, originally built between the 9th and 13th centuries, take a chance and visit 1000 years old Margiani's family tower and house museum, to see how Svanetians lived during the centuries.After lunch drive to Chalaadi glacier , hiking activities takes 3 hours. In the evening enjoy with the dinner in local restaurant.Overnight at the hotel.Day 3UshguliAfter Breakfast start off-road journey to Ushguli village, the highest continually inhabited place in Europe. The whole settlement with its fortification is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Ushguli visit Lamaria church the most sacred place for the locals. After tasting Kubdari (Svanetian filled bread dish), visit King Tamar's Tower and enjoy with the picturesque view on Ushguli. We can hire horses and make unforgettable trip to Shkhara Valley.In the evening return back to Mestia.Overnight in MestiaDay 4Mestia - Ushba - Qoruldi lakesAfter breakfast Drive To village Becho, Hike to Mazeri Waterfall . Drive to the Mestia and take offroad trip to the Qoruldi lakes .Overnight in MestiaDay 5Mestia - KutaisiAfter breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive back to KutaisiEnd of the tour.  

Step In Svaneti Fairy Tale

ItineraryDay 1: Tbilisi - Mazeri Stop At: Liberty SquareStarting Point Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Mestia Tourism Information CentreToday, we’ll leave early as we have a long drive, but it’s worth it as we’ll have magnificent views as we cross the Zagaro Pass. Go through Mestia and head towards mazeri Duration: 12 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • DinnerAccommodation included: Check in the guest house (in a small village Mazeri)- Dinner and overnight.Day 2: Mazeri - Shdugra Waterfall - MestiaStop At: Mestia PassIn the morning after breakfast hike to Shikhra valley, Shdugra waterfalls. Total hiking distance 12 km. Then, we drive to Mestia. Duration: 12 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight at the guesthouseDay 3: Mestia - Ushguli - Shkhara Glacier - Mestia Stop At: UshguliJeep tour to the highest permanently inhabitant village in Europe – Ushguli. Altitude of village is 2100 m above the sea level. Around 12 pm, we will start our morning walk to the foot of Mt. Shkhara, walking alongside the wonderful Enguri River, which will eventually lead us to its origin – the Shkhara Glacier. Afterwards, we return to Ushguli. En route we also plan to visit the Lamaria church with its 12th century stone defence tower. Duration: 7 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight in Mestia Day 4: Mestia - Tbilisi Stop At: Mestia Tourism Information CentreOn the last day of our journey make Mestia overview. Proceed and hike to Chalaadi glacier. Whereas, after lunch break head back to Tbilisi.Duration: 12 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • LunchNo accommodation included on this day.

2-Day Tour to Svaneti & Martvili

We will pick you up from place of your stay in Batumi.  First, you will follow the Black Sea coast of Georgia. Moving up higher to the mountains, you will make a little detour to Enguri Dam which happens to be the largest hydroelectric power station in the Caucasus. At Enguri Dam you can enjoy a boat ride with scenic views (for an additional price), and later you will have lunch (for an additional price).  Arrival in Mestia, Svaneti. Svaneti – is one of the most isolated and remote regions of Georgia. For centuries, Svans rarely descended from the mountains. In winter the passes were overwhelmed with snow, and Svaneti was completely isolated from the outside world. The result of this isolation was the preservation of a unique culture and architecture in Svaneti. Here you will see 1000-year-old tower-houses and get acquainted with the life of local people. Our guide will tell you many interesting stories and legends about unruly mountaineers who lived according to the laws of the mountains.  Here you can visit Svaneti Historic and Ethnography Museum (for an additional price) which houses historic artifacts from the Svaneti region, including unique icons and engravings, a rich collection of manuscripts, medieval weaponry, iron, silver and copper ornaments, jewelry, pottery and a collection of textile items, ethnographic artifacts depicting ancient life in Svaneti. After a walk around Mestia, you will have local homemade dinner (for an additional price).  Overnight at a guesthouse in Mestia. After homemade breakfast, you will depart from Mestia. You will descend from the mountainous part of Georgia to the lowlands. You will stop at the summer residence of Prince Dadiani in Salkhino. Here you will taste the unique wine of Ojaleshi. The variety of this grape is endemic to the region and can be vinified into semi-sweet and dry red wines with incredible depth of character, and lifted notes of spice and pepper. Later you will visit the 7th-century Monastery of Martvili with splendid views. The Martvili Cathedral was constructed on top of the roots of an enormous oak tree that was worshiped during pagan times but cut down after the conversion of the population to Christianity.  After the visit to the monastery, you will have lunch (for an additional price). Next, you will go to Martvili canyon which is famed for its natural beauty and picturesque views. Here you can enjoy a boat ride through the mountain river.  Later you will go back to Batumi where we will drop you off at place of your stay.

Five day tour to Svaneti including Mestia, Ushguli and Becho gorge

ItineraryDay 1: Tbilisi/Qutaisi/Batumi - Mestia Pass By: Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti RegionThe first day of the tour will be reserved for a transfer either from Tbilisi, Qutaisi or Batumi to Mestia. These locations were chosen owing to the fact that all these cities have international airports. On this day guests will check in at one of the hotels in Mestia and in the evening have a walk in the center of the town. Meals included: • LunchAccommodation included: Overnight stay at a cozy family owned hotel in Mestia. Day 2: Mestia - Chalaadi Glacier - Hatsvali Mountain - Mestia Pass By: Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti RegionThe second day of the tour will be reserved for a hike to Chalaadi glacier near Mestia which is one of the most beautiful glaciers of the country. The hike one way takes 45 minutes so it is from the easy ones. After finishing the hike guests accompanied with a guide will leave for Hatsvali mountain where they will get with a cable car. From there the best view on Ushba peak opens up. The main reason for visiting Hatsvali is the fascinating view. After spending some time there guests will have a lunch in one of the family owned restaurants in Mestia and after lunch there will be an opportunity to visit Mestia museum which is the home to numerous ancient Georgian artifacts. Meals included: • LunchAccommodation included: Guests will stay in a cozy family owned hotel in Mestia. Day 3: Mestia - Ushguli - Mestia Pass By: Ushguli Ethnographic Museum, Ushguli, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti RegionThe third day of the tour will be reserved for a trip from Mestia to Ushguli. The road from Mestia to Ushguli takes 2 hours one way due to poor road conditions however it is worth it. Ushguli is the second highest populated village in Europe (the highest one is also in Georgia) and is the home to numerous ancient defensive towers. Highlight of the trip in Ushguli is the visit to La Maria church - from where the highest mountain peak of Georgia - Skhara can well be seen. The village itself is very beautiful and guests will have the opportunity to walk in the narrow and cobbled streets of the village. In case of interest there will be an opportunty to visit Ushguli museum as well. After lunch in one of the families in Ushguli guests will leave for Mestia from Ushguli. Meals included: • LunchAccommodation included: Guests will stay overnight in Mestia. Day 4: Mestia - Shtugra Waterfall/Becho gorge - Mestia Pass By: Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti RegionOn the fourth day of the tour guests will hike to Shtugra waterfall located at the foothills of Mount Ushba. The hike one way takes two hours but it is definitely worth it. The views during the hike are fascinating. After finishing the hike guests with the guide will go to a local family owned restaurant to try Georgian food specialties and Georgian spirit named Chacha. This will be the last day of tour before departure. Meals included: • LunchAccommodation included: Overnight stay in a family owned hotel in Mestia. Day 5: Mestia - Tbilisi/Qutaisi/Batumi Pass By: Tbilisi Mall, TbilisiThe fifth day of the trip will be for a transfer from Mestia either to Tbilisi, Qutaisi or Batumi. Guests can choose the final destination themselves. Meals included: • LunchNo accommodation included on this day.

Tour in Svaneti

Day 1 : Transfer from Tbilisi International Airport / Overnight in Tbilisi hotel I will meet you in Tbilisi International airport and transfer to Tbilisi hotel ( 3 * hotel price is included in DBl room ) Day 2 : Tbilisi  - Mestia ( 8 – 10 hour drive from Tbilisi ) Driver will leave you in Mestia and there you can make your own trekkingMorning after breakfast will drive directly to Mestia , approx. 8-10 hour drive is needed to ge till Mestia .On the way we will stop in ZUgdidi and visit ZUgdidi market , ENguri dam and in several places for small waterfalls . Day 3 :  Mestia - Zhabeshi – AdishiDrive from Mestia to Zhabeshi , visit Village Zhabeshi and then start trekking to Adishi . ( Transportation + trekking) Dinner and Overnight in Adishi guest house. ( local family house) (guided) 6 hour trekking Day 4 : Adishi- Iprali ( no transportation / trekking) (guided) 7 hour trekking Trekking from Adishi to IpraliDinner and Overnight in Iprali guest house .( local family house )(guided)Day 5 : Iprali – Ushguli  ( Overnight in Ushguli) ( no transportation / trekking)(guided)Trekking  6 hour trekkingDinner and overnight in Ushguli . ( local family house )Day 6  Ushguli- Mestia ( guest house Ushba) ( transportation )(guided) morning trekking in ushguli 3 hour Mornign small track in Ushguli and driev from there to Mestia . On the way visit Hatsvali ski resort and use cable ca rif weather iwll be suitable for it  Day 7 : Mestia – Tbilisi (transportation)Day 8 : Departure