Georgia Small Group Tour to Svaneti and Imereti 2024-20255 Days | Jvari, Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe, Gori, Kutaisi, Prometheus Cave, Enguri Dam, Mestia, Ushguli, Martvili Canyon

In the morning, meet your guide and driver at your hotel in Tbilisi. The first stop will be at Jvari Monastery, a true architectural masterpiece of the Early Middle Ages, which is picturesquely perched above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers. Continue to Mtskheta, one of the oldest towns in Georgia and the country’s cultural and religious center. Mtskheta was the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC. Visit Svetitskhoveli, the main cathedral of Mtskheta and a sacred place where the robe of Christ is kept. Explore the cave town of Uplistsikhe, which dates back to the Hellenistic Period and is notable for its unique combination of various styles of rock-cut architecture, including both pagan and Christian. Continue to Stalin’s hometown of Gori. Visit the Stalin Museum, which includes more than 60,000 artifacts, the tiny house where Stalin was born, and an impressive bulletproof train that Stalin used to travel to Yalta and Potsdam. Embark on the second part of our journey, beginning with a drive to Kutaisi. Reach Kutaisi in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 10-11 hours
Driving distance: 280 km

After breakfast, visit the Prometheus Cave and see its numerous stalactites and stalagmites. We will then pay a quick visit to the grandiose Enguri Dam, one of Georgia's most distinguished cultural heritage sights and the world's second-highest concrete arch dam. Our way will continue through the Enguri Gorge to the mysterious Svaneti region. Svaneti is the home of a unique ethnic group – the heroic and courageous Svans – who are distinguished from other Georgians by their culture, traditions, and customs. The region is also famous for its original architecture and is called “the Country of a Thousand Towers”. These towers historically played both economic and defensive functions. Mestia still has dozens of medieval stone houses with the watchtowers and inhabited towers that were used to protect valleys and churches between the 10th and 14th centuries. Visit an original Svan house (“machubi”) and tower (“koshki”). Stay overnight at a hotel in Mestia.
Duration of the sightseeing: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 280 km

After breakfast, take a scenic drive by 4x4 vehicle to Ushguli village, one of Europe’s highest continually inhabited settlements (2,200m). In recognition of its outstanding cultural value to humanity, the Ushguli architectural complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along Ushguli’s old, narrow, streets and visit the Lamaria Church complex with its impressive 12th century wall frescoes. Locals believe that Queen Tamara was buried under this church. Enjoy a picturesque view of Mount Shkhara before returning to Mestia. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 110 km

After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and visit Mestia Ethnographic Museum. The Museum hosts a beautiful collection of Svaneti culture items, including icons, jewelry, weaponry, houseware, etc. After saying goodbye to Svaneti we will head to Martvili Canyon. Afterward we will enter the gorge from the other side on foot to admire the canyon waters from special viewing platforms and bridges, watching the water change color at every turn. This is the perfect place for selfies! Reach Kutaisi for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Driving distance: 225 km

Check out of the hotel to explore Kutaisi, capital of Imereti and one of the oldest cities in Georgia. Our tour will include visit to Bagrati Cathedral, a reconstructed monument of 11th century which is seated on top of a hill overlooking the entire town. We will walk through old and new streets of Kutaisi center stopping by shady Kutaisi Park with numerous sculptures, Colchis Fountain, Drama Theater, historical Green Bazaar where you can find dried and fresh fruits, nuts, spices, homemade jams and many more. We will stop by Okros Chardakhi, a residence of Imereti kings featured by a centuries old plane tree, Kutaisi Holy Annunciation temple, and by Synagogue, if you are interested.
We will then depart to Tbilisi (3 hours 30 min). End of Georgia Small Group Tour to Svaneti and Imereti.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 220 km

Lahili / Chalet Mestia / Sunset Terrace / Old House Mestia