Walking in the Georgian Caucasus

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.

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.

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.

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.

Transfer to Tblisi airport for your return flight to the UK.