Walking in the Georgian Caucasus

A landscape of alpine flower-filled meadows, towering mountains, and glaciers make the Greater Caucasus mountains a thrilling walking destination. Explore Tbilisi and the Svaneti region, where you’ll come across ancient stone defensive towers known as koshki as you hike its heart-achingly beautiful trails. From the thundering Ushba waterfalls to Georgia’s highest peak, Shkhara (5,068m), this holiday introduces you to Georgia’s most jaw-dropping sights.
What you’ll love
- Walking in the stunning Svaneti region of the Greater Caucasus mountains
- Soaking up views of meadows, lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls
- Sightseeing in Georgia’s eclectic capital, Tbilisi
- Staying in locally run guesthouses in traditional villages
- Exploring Gelati Monastery and Academy
- Visiting UNESCO sites in Mtskheta – Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
What’s included
- Full programme of guided walks led by experienced local leaders
- All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
- All in-destination transport
- Accommodation in a mix of hotels and family-run guest houses
- 11 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 1 lunch, 9 dinners
-
Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
Gallery
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Tbilisi.
Arrive at Tbilisi airport in the early hours and transfer to the hotel. Unpack, settle, in and get some rest. After breakfast, you're free to relax around the hotel or explore the city. In the evening there'll be a welcome dinner with fellow group members and your local guide.
Folk Boutique Hotel - Tbilisi
Sleek and contemporary, the Folk Boutique Hotel offers a stay fit for Georgia’s trendy capital city, Tiblisi. Rooms come with all mod cons but with décor that pays tribute to traditional Georgian designs. When it comes to facilities, there’s a stylish bar area, plus an outdoor terrace for alfresco drinks. Best of all, this hotel is just a five-minute stroll from all the city’s major attractions.
Today, we will explore the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. We’ll begin at the 13th century Metekhi church which enjoys magnificent views over old Tbilisi. Stroll along winding little streets admiring the colourful houses and patterned balconies as we tick off all the top sights of the city. Following the tour, we’ll take a scenic cable car ride up to the ancient Narikala fortress and soak up to panoramic views over Tbilisi's cityscape before walking down to the historical domed sulphur bath area. We’ll round off with a visit to the Georgian State Museum.
Folk Boutique Hotel - Tbilisi
Sleek and contemporary, the Folk Boutique Hotel offers a stay fit for Georgia’s trendy capital city, Tiblisi. Rooms come with all mod cons but with décor that pays tribute to traditional Georgian designs. When it comes to facilities, there’s a stylish bar area, plus an outdoor terrace for alfresco drinks. Best of all, this hotel is just a five-minute stroll from all the city’s major attractions.
This morning we’ll take a train to the charming city of Zugdidi. The capital of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, it was once a powerful principality, and its faded grandeur can be seen in landmarks like the Dadiani Palace. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Becho village, where we’ll spend the night.
Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Ascent: 3100 feet (950m)
Descent: 3300 feet (1000m)
Nestled in the mountains like a swallow’s nest, the village of Esteri makes a great starting point for our hike today. Arriving to the village by road, we’ll set off on foot accompanied by views of the snowy peak of Laila – one of the highest points of Georgia's Svaneti Range at 4,008m. Upon reaching the top of Mazeri Pass we are treated to views of Ushba glacier. Descending through green meadows, we’ll meet up with our transport and return to the guesthouse.
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent/Descent: 3500 feet (1050m)
Today begins with a drive to Shikhra village. From there we will set out on foot to the waterfalls of Ushba. Follow a forest trail alongside the course of a river, whose mouth is the mighty Ushba glacier. Enjoy the unforgettable scenery of several waterfalls cascading down the mountainside before the option of adding 3km distance and 400m of ascent to the walk by heading up to the glacier to gaze out over the picturesque Dolra River Valley.>
Distance: 8 miles (13kn)
Ascent: 1700 feet (520m)
Descent: 2100 feet (650m)
Mulakhi is our destination today. This remote village is famous for its centuries-old towers that stand watch over the surrounding landscape of wildflower meadows and mountains. We’ll walk through a variety of forested paths and open trails before finally returning to our guesthouse.
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent/Descent: 2000 feet (600m)
This morning sees us set off in a fleet of 4x4s for a drive up to Jvari point (2170m) where we’ll begin our walk through the Koruldi lakes. On the way, we will see countless summits and glaciers including Tetnuldi (4800m), Laila (4008m), Chatini (4012m), and Banguriani (3838m). Passing by a collection of small mountain lakes, we’ll be rewarded with impressive 360-degree panoramas of the Greater Caucasus. After lunch in a scenic picnic spot, we’ll descend back to Jvari and drive to the village Ushguli where we’ll spend the night.
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Ascent/Descent: 1050 feet (320m)
Today’s route takes us to the base of Georgia`s highest mountain, Shkhara (5068m). A huge glacier, it’s the source of the Svaneti region’s main river, the Enguri. After reaching the edge of the glacier (2500m) we return to Ushguli and continue to Mestia, where we’ll overnight in a guesthouse.
Today we leave the Svaneti region and drive to Kutaisi. But before we go, there’s time to visit Dadiani`s Palace in Zugdidi. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at our hotel in Kutaisi.
Newport Hotel - Kutaisi
Built in 1914, the Newport stays true to its period feel but has been given a modern makeover throughout. Rooms are both stylish and comfortable, and the choice of a casual café or a more formal restaurant covers all your dining needs. There’s also a rooftop terrace that offers excellent views over the town.
In Becho, Mestia, Ushguli, we’ll stay in traditional family-run guest houses. En-suite rooms are simple but comfortable and there'll be a dining room for group meals.
Our final day includes a visit to Gelati Monastery and Academy complex – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – plus a stop in Georgia’s ancient religious centre, Mtskheta. We’ll explore Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli cathedral, both of which are also listed by UNESCO. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Tbilisi where we’ll check in to our hotel for the final night of our trip. Together we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant.
Folk Boutique Hotel - Tbilisi
Sleek and contemporary, the Folk Boutique Hotel offers a stay fit for Georgia’s trendy capital city, Tiblisi. Rooms come with all mod cons but with décor that pays tribute to traditional Georgian designs. When it comes to facilities, there’s a stylish bar area, plus an outdoor terrace for alfresco drinks. Best of all, this hotel is just a five-minute stroll from all the city’s major attractions.
Transfer to Tblisi airport for your return flight to the UK.
Folk Boutique Hotel - Tbilisi
Sleek and contemporary, the Folk Boutique Hotel offers a stay fit for Georgia’s trendy capital city, Tiblisi. Rooms come with all mod cons but with décor that pays tribute to traditional Georgian designs. When it comes to facilities, there’s a stylish bar area, plus an outdoor terrace for alfresco drinks. Best of all, this hotel is just a five-minute stroll from all the city’s major attractions.
Newport Hotel - Kutaisi
Built in 1914, the Newport stays true to its period feel but has been given a modern makeover throughout. Rooms are both stylish and comfortable, and the choice of a casual café or a more formal restaurant covers all your dining needs. There’s also a rooftop terrace that offers excellent views over the town. In Becho, Mestia, Ushguli, we’ll stay in traditional family-run guest houses. En-suite rooms are simple but comfortable and there'll be a dining room for group meals.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Advertised prices listed below show the lowest economy flight price option for that departure. On holidays where we offer local UK airports, details will appear in the “Important Information” section below and available alternative flight options will be offered when you book. Seating upgrades may be available on request and at an additional charge, please call 020 3974 8865 for a quote.
Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | ||||||||
26 Jun - 07 Jul 2024 10 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £2,469 £2,344 Double from £2,199 £2,074 pp |
from £2,199 £2,074 pp |
from £2,469 £2,344 |
Save £125 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
07 Aug - 18 Aug 2024 10 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £2,719 £2,619 Double from £2,449 £2,349 pp |
from £2,449 £2,349 pp |
from £2,719 £2,619 |
Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
18 Sep - 29 Sep 2024 10 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £2,469 £2,369 Double from £2,199 £2,099 pp |
from £2,199 £2,099 pp |
from £2,469 £2,369 |
Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now |
Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | ||||||||
26 Jun - 07 Jul 2024 10 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,969 £1,844 Double from £1,699 £1,574 pp |
from £1,699 £1,574 pp |
from £1,969 £1,844 |
Save £125 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
07 Aug - 18 Aug 2024 10 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,019 £1,919 Double from £1,749 £1,649 pp |
from £1,749 £1,649 pp |
from £2,019 £1,919 |
Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
18 Sep - 29 Sep 2024 10 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,969 £1,869 Double from £1,699 £1,599 pp |
from £1,699 £1,599 pp |
from £1,969 £1,869 |
Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now |
Important information
- With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to Tiblisi International Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
- Regional flights: Please click BOOK NOW to view Manchester and other UK airport options
- Our airport taxi service operates at this resort – price available on request
10 nights
from
£2,199pp
£2,074pp
with flights
New holidays
or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ guests click here