Lesser-known Georgia: the secrets of Svaneti

Arrive In Kutaisi International Airport - Transfer from Kutaisi airport to your hotel

Tag 1: Kutaisi

Transfer from Kutaisi airport to your hotel
Car Transfer: You'll be met at Kutaisi airport and transferred to your hotel in Kutaisi. Estimated travel time: 30 minutes.

Visit the Gelati Monastery - Transfer from Kutaisi to Becho

Tag 2: Kutaisi - Becho

Visit the Gelati Monastery
Excursion: The Gelati monastery is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, built during the legendary Byzantine Empire. An era widely revered for the use of gold aesthetic in their paintings and buildings, this monastery was erected to not only demonstrate how Christianity encompassed all of the land, but also as an academic centre in the 12th century. In 1106, it was founded by King David 'the Builder', as a centre for Christian culture and Neoplatonist learning. A handful of Medieval chroniclers described this academy as a ‘second Jerusalem’ and a 'new Athens'. In fact King David was so enamoured with his complex that he chose to be buried there too. As you will discover, Gelati was a cultural hub of Georgia's medieval renaissance, and you will encounter breathtaking frescoes and mosaics in the main Cathedral of the Virgin, painted between the 12th and 18th centuries. There are few explanations around, so we recommend bringing a guide book or going with the guide. You will be lead through chapels, the observatory, and tombs, getting a feel for the significance of this East-West crossroad.


Transfer from Kutaisi to Becho
Car Transfer: You'll be driven from Kutaisi northwards into the magnificent, mountainous Svaneti region, before arriving in the village of Becho. Estimated travel time: around 5 hours.

Full day hike through Becho Pass to Ushba Falls - Transfer from Becho to Mestia

Tag 3: Becho - Mestia

Full day hike through Becho Pass to Ushba Falls
Excursion: Prepare for a refreshing hike through the Georgian highlights. Becho is famous for its beautifully scenic walks, and this one is of no exception. As the hike elevates, you'll gradually move closer towards Mt Ushba, on your way to the great Ushba Falls. You'll cross dense forest and bypass incredible panoramic views, as you eventually find yourself at the falls. This is a setting that could have been pulled from your childhood fairytales. After stopping for a picturesque picnic lunch and admiring the mountain vistas, you'll make your way back to Becho. The hiking time there and back takes 4-5 hours in total, depending on which route you choose to take.


Transfer from Becho to Mestia
Other Transfer: You'll be transferred from Becho to the similarly scenic town of Mestia - the centre of Upper Svaneti and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Estimated travel time: around 40 minutes.

Visit the Koruldi Lakes - Kubdari Making With Locals In Mestia

Tag 4: Mestia

Visit the Koruldi Lakes
Excursion: You'll explore this wonderful collection of alpine lakes. Many are drawn to the breathtaking scenery around the lakes, rather than the lakes themselves. Encapsulated by snowy peaks and sprawling greenery, the landscapes have a legendary quality to them. All around you, dazzling vistas stretch as far as the eye can see; you will feel truly engulfed by nature.


Cheese making with locals in Mestia
Excursion: Get stuck in with rural farming life and take part in a cheese making workshop! Using local produce and an ancient method, you'll make a number of culinary delights fit for any Georgian dinner table.

Private transfer from Mestia to Ushguli - Explore Ushguli

Tag 5: Ushguli

Private transfer from Mestia to Ushguli
Car Transfer: Enjoy a scenic drive to Europe's highest inhabited village, Ushguli. Estimated travel time: 2 hours.


Explore Ushguli
Excursion: Today you will explore the wonder that is Ushguli with a local guide; it is the highest permanent village in Europe at 2200m, perching above the mountains in the upper Svaneti region. A town protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will see how the nature, architecture and old traditions merge seamlessly into one another. As you wander around with your guide, you may hear the distinct Georgian dialect being spoken and witness the devout practice of Orthodox Christianity. Svan cultural identity is unmistakable. You'll pay a visit to the 12th-century Lamaria church. From here, you'll be treated to some spectacular views of the Shkhara mountain and elegant frescoes. From here, head out into the village and get familiar with the daily life here; learn how people lived in the recognisable defensive towers, gain an insight into the struggles the town has faced and connect with the stories passed down over time.

Hike to Shkhara glacier, highest peak in Georgia - Transfer from Ushguli to Mestia

Tag 6: Ushguli - Mestia

Hike to Shkhara glacier, highest peak in Georgia
Excursion: Today, you'll embark on an incredible hike to the highest glacial peak in Georgia. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll begin the journey from the guesthouse. The route takes you to the base of Shkhara (5068m) and leads to the rich tongue of the glacier. This is the spot where the main river of Svaneti can be sourced. After reaching the glacier (2500m) you'll spend some time admiring the incredible surrounds and taking stock of the entire hike. Then, return to Ushguli, marvelling at beautiful meadows rich with alpine flowers along the way. The hotel will provide you with a packed lunch for the hike. ↑↓550m, walking time is between 5-6 hours there and back.


Transfer from Ushguli to Mestia
Car Transfer: Return to Mestia along gorgeous alpine roads. Transfer time: approx. 2 hours.

Transfer from Mestia to Kutaisi - Visit Prometheus Cave - Transfer To Kutaisi

Tag 7: Kutaisi

Transfer from Mestia to Kutaisi
Other Transfer: Leave Mestia behind and return to Kutaisi. Estimated travel time - 5 hours


Transfer from Kutaisi to Tskaltubo
Car Transfer: You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Tskaltubo to see the Prometheus Grotto. Estimated travel time - 20 minutes.


Prometheus' Grotto
Excursion: Visit Prometheus' Grotto, a stunning cave formation in which you will see beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed thousands of years ago, as well as stunning cave rivers and lakes. The walking route through the cave goes as far as 1080 metres. If you'd rather relax, there is also the chance to take a boat trip through cavernous surrounds, which is 280 metres long. The 'grotto' is named after the boulder that Prometheus was chained to, supposedly held inside. Please note that the Grotto is closed on Mondays.


Transfer from Tskaltubo to Kutaisi
Car Transfer: Approx. 20 min

Departure transfer from Kutaisi to the airport

Tag 8:

Departure transfer from Kutaisi to the airport
Car Transfer: Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and you will be transferred to the airport of Kutaisi for your departure flight.