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Essential Georgia

Destination: Caucasus
Easy - nothing more than normal walking while sight-seeing
Moderately Easy - 1-3 hours of physical activity daily
Moderate - 3-5 hours of physical activity daily
Challenging - 5-7 hours of challenging physical activity daily
Extreme - 7+ hours of challenging/extreme physical activity daily
Difficulty
Basic — most of nights in tents or rooms with shared WC, some nights in comfortable rooms.
Standard — most of nights in comfortable rooms, some nights in tents or rooms with shared WC.
Upgraded — all nights in comfortable rooms.
Comfort
Minimum age of the participant of this trip
8 Days
Highlights
  • Wandering through the cozy streets of Tbilisi and get acquaintance with the history of Georgian capital
  • Fascinating trip along picturesque Georgian military highway
  • Visit of famous UNESCO world heritage sitesL Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Gelati Monastery complex
  • Discover natural beauties of Okatse Canyon and Martvili Canyon
  • Excursion to Prometheus cave - one of Georgia’s natural wonders with bizarre stalactites
  • Enjoy the stunning landscapes with alpine meadows and high mountains of Svanetia province
  • Get acquaintaince with the largest city Batumi located on the Black Sea coast
  • Visit the famous spa resort of Georgia and taste famous mineral water in Borjomi
  • Tasting of best dishes of Georgian cuisine
Tour Overview

Like a gate between Europe and Asia, Georgia has a unique cultural heritage, and is famous all over the world for its original culture and rich history since the time of the Iberian state. It is difficult to determine what attracts tourists from all over the world to the ancient country “Sakartvelo”, as the Georgians themselves proudly call it, but we try to do it.

For those who would like to discover this incredible country and have just over a week, we offer a short but intensive tour gives you a chance to explore famous sights of Georgia and have rich cultural experience in a limited amount of time. Don’t miss the opportunity to have an amazing journey to the very heart of the Caucasus, where all the best is collected: a rich history reflected in archaeological and architectural monuments, picturesque nature with a subtropical and mountain climate, and, of course, freedom-loving and hospitable people who are proud of their national cuisine and fine wines.

During 8 days, we will make our way through the capital of Georgia  – Tbilisi with its own mix of old narrow streets, to the Batumi city - the “Pearl of the Black Sea” striking modern architecture and cosmopolitan energy. We will easily get to the pearl of Georgia – Kazbegi village and enjoy its untouched beauty. After that, take a chance to discover the ancient capital of Georgia –  Mtskheta with its UNESCO heritage monuments, the second biggest city of Georgia – Kutaisi with Prometheus cave, Martvili canyon and Okatse Canyon.  Travelling to the province Svaneti will allow you to discover the remote pristine locations hidden high among snow-captured mountains, and understand mysterious culture of isolated Svans people. And the last stop will be the world famous Borjomi spa resort with its pleasant atmosphere.

Let's go to Georgia to have a life time experience in 8 day tour of acquaintance with Caucasian country. We are waiting for you on the great land of Sakartvelo to tell you: “Gamarjoba genacvale! Welcome to Georgia, dear friend”.

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Tour programme
  • Day 1
    Arrival in the capital of Georgia - Tbilisi
    Tbilisi
  • Day 2
    Travelling on the Georgian Military Highway
    Tbilisi — Kazbegi
  • Day 3
    Ancient cities of Georgia
    Kazbegi — Gory
  • Day 4
    Martvili Canyon and Hanged Bridges of Okatse from Kutaisi
    Gory — Kutaisi
  • Day 5
    Picturesque meadows and snow-covered mountains of Svanetia province
    Kutaisi — Svanetia
  • Day 6
    Sunny Batumi on the Black Sea coast
    Svanetia — Batumi
  • Day 7
    Borjomi - one of the most beautiful nature cities in Georgia
    Batumi — Borjomi
  • Day 8
    Return to Tbilisi
    Borjomi — Tbilisi
  • 10:00
    Meeting at the airport
    Meeting at the international airport, transfer to the hotel, currency exchange, accommodation and rest.
  • 13:00
    Lunch Not included
  • 15:00
    Exploration of the city
    After lunch you will take a walking tour that provides the ideal way to explore Tbilisi. During the tour you will visit: - Meydan square and Shardeni pedestrian street - the center of the old city; - Tbilisi's mineral sulfur baths; - Metekhi Church and Sioni Cathedral. Then, we go to the Peace Bridge in the very center of old Tbilisi, and go down to Rike Park, where the cable car to Narikala Fortress will be waiting for you. Best location for photo shooting with an impressive view of the city. - From the Narikala Fortress we walk to the statue of Mother Georgia, on the way we stop at the observation point. - Sololaki, ones the district of rich merchants and artists, that still captivates the visitors. Here you can see the real, authentic Tbilisi.
  • 19:00
    Dinner in the restauraunt Not included
    Dinner at any restaurant on your choice
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Tbilisi
Accommodation
Accommodation at the hotel Old Side Boutique Hotel
Standart twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 11:00
    Departure to Kazbegi village
    Travelling the heart of the Caucasus Mountains along the scenic Georgian Military road, built in the early 19th century and still the main road through the region., connecting Georgia and Russia. Along the way, we have stops at 17th century Ananuri Fortress Complex and at Gudauri, the highest village on the highway as well as Zhinvali artificial water reservoir, the Russian Georgian friendship monument and the Jvari pass.
  • 13:00
    Lunch Not included
    Upon arrival in Kazbegi village, we have a lunch at the local cafe.
  • 15:00
    Excursion around the village
    Get acquaintaince with the village of Kazbegi, situated at the foot of one of the Caucasus’s highest peaks, mountain Kazbek, and hike or drive to the Church of Tsminda Sameba (the Holy Trinity) or Gergety monaster..
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Tbilisi — Kazbegi
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel Sunshine Kazbegi
Standart twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 10:00
    Departure to Mtskheta city
    Next, we explore UNESCO-listed Mtskheta, capital of the eastern Georgian kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC through the 5th century AD. Mtskheta is also the mecca for all pilgrims. There we should definitely visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery, representing the culmination of the artistic and architectural aspirations of early medieval art.
  • 13:00
    Lunch in the local cafe Not included
  • 15:00
    Excursion to Uplistsikhe Cave Town
    The cave city of Uplistsikhe, built on the high rocky coast of Mtkvari, is the crossroads of many routes of the Great Silk Road. Founded in the late Bronze Age, it was inhabited until the 13th century, and was one of the most important political and religious centers of the kingdom of Kartli. It contains structures connected by tunnels and featuring a unique combination of Anatolian (Cappadocia) and northern Iranian styles of rock cultures, pagan and Christian architecture.
  • 17:00
    Discovery of Gory town
    Visit Gory, best known as the birthplace of Georgia’s most infamous native son, Joseph Stalin.
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Kazbegi — Gory
Accommodation
Accommodation at Hestia
Standart twin room
Note

2 h transfer  (133km)

  • 09:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 11:00
    Departure to the second largest city of Georgia - Kutaisi
    Kutaisi is the central city of Western Georgia. The road to Kutaisi passes through the Rikoti pass and through the longest tunnel in Georgia (1722 m), which is also considered the border between the western and eastern parts of Georgia.
  • 13:00
    Lunch Not included
  • 14:00
    Discovery of canyons Okatse and Martvili
    Then we go to the picturesque canyons of Georgia. In the Okatse canyon we will walk along the suspension bridge over the abyss, and in the Martvili canyons we will take a boat in the shade of the gorge. Optionally, you can also visit the Kinchkha waterfall.
  • 17:00
    Excursion to Gelati - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    We discover Gelati - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a medieval monastery complex and an academy founded in 1106 by King David IV the Builder. Then, we will visit the Kumistavi Cave, also known as Prometheus Cave, a wonderful array of stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, underground rivers and lakes.
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Gory — Kutaisi
Accommodation
Accomodation at Hotel Terrace Kutaisi
Standart Twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 11:00
    Departure to the Svaneti province
    Travelling to the "capital" of Svaneti, the city of Mestia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way, we will enjoy magnificent landscapes - alpine meadows and deep forests, ancient glaciers and high mountains. We go along the endless Enguri River, past gorges and Svan villages dotted with stone watchtowers built in the Middle Ages. On the way, we will stop by the Inguri hydroelectric power station to admire the beautiful landscapes.
  • 13:00
    Lunch on the roadside cafe Not included
  • 16:00
    Arrival in Mestia and accommodation at the hotel
    We will take a pleasant walk to discover the cosy city and definitely climb the roof of the ancient Svan tower - one of the main symbols of Svaneti.
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Kutaisi — Svanetia
Accommodation
Accommodation at Hotel Svaneti
Standart twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 11:00
    Road to Batumi city
    Today we descend from the mountains and go to the Black Sea capital of Georgia - Batumi.
  • 13:00
    Lunch at the roadside cafe Not included
    On the way we will visit the black sand beach in Ureki, try the famous lodochki-khachapuri, because we are in their homeland, in Adjara. Payment on site.
  • 15:00
    Excursion in Batumi
    We will start our acquaintance with the city from the Batumi embankment and its wonderful seaside landscapes. From here we will go to the Old Town, pass through 3 Batumi squares: Europe, Theater and Piazza, after which we will look into the Turkish quarter with colorful shops. On Rustaveli Street, the main artery of the city, you will observe Batumi contrasts, when high-rise buildings are combined with cozy courtyards.
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Svanetia — Batumi
Accommodation
Accommodation at Light Palace Hotel
Standart twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 11:00
    Transfer to Borjomi city
    Departure to the city of Borjomi, located in the picturesque Borjomi Gorge, in the east of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, famous for its mineral water springs, unique nature and many historical monuments.
  • 13:00
    Lunch Not included
    Upon arrival in Borjomi, we will have a lunch at the local restaurant on your own.
  • 15:00
    City excursion
    Then, we have a time to discover the city sights. Tasting healing water directly from the sources located in the city. It is possible to take an easy hike to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, which features a variety of ecological zones, landscapes, flora and fauna.
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Batumi — Borjomi
Accommodation
Accommodation at Milano Palace Borjomi
Standart twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 10:00
    Transfer to Tbilisi
    Departure to Tbilisi (about 2 h 20 min by car). Transfer to the airport/ hotel. The end of the programme.
Photo of the day
Route
Borjomi — Tbilisi
Detailed description
New departures available soon
Price includes
  • English-speaking guide
  • Russian-spaking guide
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • Excursions and visits as per itinerary
  • Meals according to the program
Price does not include
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Airline tickets
For more info, please download the detailed description of the trip.
Note

The price is indicated for the group of 4 people. If there are less people, the price is following: 900 USD per person for the group of 3 people 1100 USD per person for the group of 2 people 2200 USD for solo traveller

Reviews
No reviews anymore or no reviews at all for this tour. Below reviews for destination:
4.50
4.50
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
5.00
Quality of accommodation
5.00
Quality of transport / transfers
2.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Kimberly
From 28 May 2023 to 1 June 2023
Destination: Caucasus
Custom tourMeeting Caucasus
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
This is my first time using Baikal tours for my travels in Russia. I would say I did not regret one single moment booking a tour in the Caucasus. The guides and tours were simply amazing! Although the tours were in Russian, it was a great practice for me to listen and speak in Russian. The tour guides were hospital in ensuring my trip was good and assisted me whenever I could not communicate well with
  Read more
4.83
4.83
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
5.00
Quality of accommodation
4.00
Quality of transport / transfers
5.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Eva
From 24 October 2021 to 30 October 2021
Destination: Caucasus
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
My trip with Baikal Nature was amazing, with Pavel as our guide. All the logistics were taken care of and everything ran smoothly. The food was great, and there was always plenty of it. We were given a mix of facts about each place we visited, as well as photography advice and help. I would happily travel with Baikal Nature and Pavel again!!
4.83
4.83
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
5.00
Quality of accommodation
5.00
Quality of transport / transfers
4.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Zoran
From 17 October 2021 to 21 October 2021
Destination: Caucasus
Custom tourPhoto tour in Dagestan
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
We have just returned from our fascinating adventure to Dagestan with Pavel and Baikalnature. I cannot recommend visiting this region with Baikalnature highly enough. We feel honoured and privileged to have had such a great guide. Right from our initial inquiries, Olga was very efficient in replying to emails. We could customize tour and Olga was able to tailor it to our own interests and schedule.
  Read more
4.33
4.33
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
4.00
Quality of accommodation
5.00
Quality of transport / transfers
4.00
Quality of meals
4.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
4.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Fabienne
From 4 June 2019 to 14 June 2019
Destination: Caucasus
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Le voyage a été un réel plaisir et une très belle organisation si ce n est nôtre premier. Guide , Anna , qui était médiocre : aucune connaissance culturelle de la région, elle n a aucunement assuré les traductions quand nous étions accompagnés de guides locaux et elle ne faisait aucun rassemblement de groupe pour partager les informations ! Enfin elle pouvait même se moquer de notre groupe lorsque
  Read more
4.67
4.67
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
4.00
Quality of accommodation
5.00
Quality of transport / transfers
4.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Wendy
From 5 June 2019 to 25 June 2019
Custom tourJourney Across the Russian North Caucasus+Lake Baikal
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Our North Caucasus trip was very professionally organised and the tour was excellent with a good balance of attractions, historic and geographical sites. Most impressive was our friendly and highly competent tour manager Anna's attention to detail and ability to tailor the program exactly to our needs - not an easy task with older, experienced people with very exacting demands! Anna also organised
  Read more
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