11 Days
Specific Tour
12 people
English
Georgia Black Sea Horizon Tour Package includes hotel accommodations, expert guidance, meals, transportation, and more. Start and end in Tbilisi! With the Explorer tour Georgia Adventure, you have an 11-day tour package taking you through Tbilisi, Georgia, and 4 other destinations in Georgia.
This comprehensive journey takes you from the historic cities of Georgia to the remote, snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. Begin by exploring the historical capital of Tbilisi, strolling through the vibrant local market in Kutaisi, and experiencing the unmatched hospitality of Georgia. Venture into remote mountain villages, reconnect with nature on hikes through wooded forests and visit the breathtaking Chaladi glacier. Wander among the ancient Svan towers, uncover the secrets of Georgian cheese-making, and treat your taste buds to the fragrant flavors of Georgian wine.
On this trip, you’ll reach a significant altitude of 2,200 meters at the highest point, so a good level of fitness is required for hiking. However, alternative activities can often be arranged for those who prefer not to hike. Expect some long travel days and rough traveling in areas off the main tourist routes. Windy roads and uneven surfaces contribute to challenging travel experiences. To maximize our time at each destination, we often depart early in the morning. If you suffer from travel sickness, consider medication to ease any discomfort.
Our itinerary is densely packed to ensure you don’t miss any highlights, but there will be plenty of free time for independent exploration. Comfortable, waterproof shoes suitable for moderate-level hiking are recommended, as you may need to cross small streams during the hikes.
Accommodation
Please note: The specific hotels listed in your itinerary are a suggestion and may vary depending on availability. We will always ensure you receive a similar standard of accommodation if a change is necessary.
Early Arrival: We kindly request hotels to have rooms ready upon arrival, especially if it’s before check-in time. However, there may be instances where immediate check-in isn’t available. In such cases, luggage storage or shared day room access (on select trips) will be provided until your room is ready.
Supporting Local Communities: This trip includes stays in guesthouses, which directly benefit the local economies and offer opportunities to interact with residents. While all guesthouses are clean and comfortable, some may have occasional hot water fluctuations. Please be patient! Additionally, some guesthouses might have limited private bathrooms, and you may be assigned a room with shared facilities.
Accommodation Breakdown: This trip features a mix of hotels (6 nights) and guesthouses (4 nights).
Gamarjoba! Welcome to Georgia.Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, be sure to explore Tbilisi with it's picturesque architecture, inviting cafes and wine bars dotted around the downtown.
After breakfast take part in a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. The locals like to call their capital the "Balcony of Europe", placing it on par with many of Europe's graceful old cities. All the sights in the Old Town are very close to each other and within a few minutes’ walk. You'll pass by Baratashvili bridge, Gabriadze Leaning Tower, the Peace Bridge and Sioni Cathedral on your guided walking tour. Afterwards, you may choose to visit Narikala Fortress and the Sulphur Baths in your free time and to further explore the capital. The evening is also free for you to enjoy. Perhaps indulge in Tbilisi's lively theater scene and witness some of the energetic and acrobatic dance that Georgia is known for.
Today, head to the pretty city of Kutaisi on train, the third largest in the country (approximately 4.5 hours). Kutaisi is more than 3000 years old, connected to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, along with his mythical (or is it?) Golden Fleece. On arrival, follow your leader on a city walking tour in this charming city, passing City Hall, Opera house and Mon plesier Arch, and visit Golden Marquee Palace and Mtsvane Bazari (market) known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, natural dairy products, meat, a variety of spices. In your free time, maybe visit another significant historical site, the Gelati Cathedral or explore the cobbled streets of the town as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati palace and citadel.
After a restful night, journey to the remote Svaneti region (approximately 5-6 hours). Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus and is divided in two parts: Upper Svaneti and Lower Svaneti. Arrive into Mestia, the centre of Upper Svaneti. Mestia is surrounded by mountains, medieval-type villages and disctinctive tower-houses. The famous tower-houses were built to accommodate villagers at times of invasion and violence during the 9th -13th centuries. Around 175 towers still stand today, although many are uninhabited. The area is home to the Svans, a proud people with a long history of survival in this isolated part of Europe, who speak their own language. Spend the night in a local guesthouse.
Drive to the village of Lakhiri (approximately 20 minutes) We start our walk today from the village in the direction of Mestia. After little uphill walking we descend to the beautiful valley full with blooming flowers and enjoy an amazing view of Chalati Glacier (2300m) and of Mestia Valley with its watchtowers. The paths can be steep and the ground uneven so you will need good fitness and appropriate footwear for this walk. Those not wishing to hike can stay in Mestia. In the evening we discover how Georgians make their beloved cheese. Cheese is found in many Georgian dishes and is a key ingredient in the famous khachapuri, a traditional Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread which you will no doubt eat plenty of during your time here!
Today, visit the World Heritage-listed village of Ushguli, a town around 50 kilometres southeast of Mestia (approx 2 hours drive). The village is located at 2,200 metres above sea level, and is one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. Ushguli is most famous for its abundance of watchtowers – this is where you'll see the famous view of the towers set to the highest mountain in Georgia, the snow capped Mt Shkhara (5,068 metres). Visit the 12th-century Lamaria Church and walk to Queen Tamar’s tower. Total walking time is 2-3 hours depending on fitness and trail conditions. Those not wishing to walk may stay and explore Ushguli - maybe visit an ethnographic museums or walk around the village and become familiar with the daily life of the local people. Spend the night in a family-owned guesthouse.
Today's walk starts from the guesthouse. The route takes us along the river to the base of Mt Shkhara. You will cross some small streams along the way so pack your waterproof boots and fingers crossed for great weather! We will have a picnic lunch today. The walking trail ends at the Shkhara glacier, where the Enguri river originates below. In the afternoon, return to Mestia and stay overnight in the guesthouse. Approximate walking time is 5-6 hours. If you do not wish to walk, please discuss options with your leader in advance.
From the mountains to the sea today with a long drive to Batumi (approximately 7-8 hours) on the Black Sea coast. While past its Soviet heyday where it was one of the premiere seaside resorts, it is still popular with holiday makers from all over the region for its waterfront parks and beaches. Stay in a hotel tonight.
In the morning take part in a short tour around the city. The afternoon is yours to relax. Batumi has a relaxed atmosphere, great restaurants and nightlife. Stroll the boulevard, cool off in the musical fountains on the square or see the touching Ali & Nino statue lit up at night. There's also art and ethnographic museums or a cable car to panoramic views over the city. Highly recommended is the Batumi Botanical Gardens.
Today we'll make use of the regular public bus or train connections (depending on availability) to get to Tbilisi from Batumi (approximately 6.5 hours).. Enjoy the rest of the day in the nation's capital, perhaps with group dinner and night out together.
Your trip comes to an end today and your are free to depart at any time.
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