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 and sightseeing led by experienced local leaders
- Accommodation in a mix of hotels and family-run guest houses
- 11 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 1 lunch, 9 dinners
- All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
- Air-conditioned transport
- 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.
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.
Museum Hotel, Tbilisi - Georgia
What was once the home of Georgian nobility is now a boutique hotel with bags of character. Each air-conditioned room has individually designed décor, marble bathrooms, and all mod cons. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves local and international cuisine throughout the day while guests can enjoy cocktails and French pastries at Museum Café.
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.
Museum Hotel, Tbilisi - Georgia
What was once the home of Georgian nobility is now a boutique hotel with bags of character. Each air-conditioned room has individually designed décor, marble bathrooms, and all mod cons. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves local and international cuisine throughout the day while guests can enjoy cocktails and French pastries at Museum Café.
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.
Family-run guesthouses - Georgia
In Becho and Ushguli, we’ll stay in traditional family-run guest houses. These small and friendly properties are a great way to experience authentic Georgian hospitality and local food, where group meals are taken in a cosy dining room. Guest rooms are simple but comfortable and come with private bathrooms.
Distance: 6.2 miles (10km)
Ascent/Descent: 1800 feet (550m)
Today begins with a drive to Shikhra village. From there, we will set out on foot for a walk towards the twin peaked Ushba Glacier. After crossing a deep forest, we stop to admire the waterfalls and the impressive mount Ushba, which rises to 4700 metres. Afterwards, we will walk to Becho and drive to Mestia in the centre of Upper Svaneti region.
Family-run guesthouses - Georgia
In Becho and Ushguli, we’ll stay in traditional family-run guest houses. These small and friendly properties are a great way to experience authentic Georgian hospitality and local food, where group meals are taken in a cosy dining room. Guest rooms are simple but comfortable and come with private bathrooms.
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.
Hotel Shgedi, Mestia - Georgia
Nestled in the mountain ski resort of Mestia, this chalet-style hotel puts you in one of Georgia’s most gorgeous locations. Simple yet stylish rooms come with balconies and magnificent views over both mountain and city and facilities include relaxing lounge areas and a small bar area where breakfast is served.
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
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.
Hotel Shgedi, Mestia - Georgia
Nestled in the mountain ski resort of Mestia, this chalet-style hotel puts you in one of Georgia’s most gorgeous locations. Simple yet stylish rooms come with balconies and magnificent views over both mountain and city and facilities include relaxing lounge areas and a small bar area where breakfast is served.
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.
Family-run guesthouses - Georgia
In Becho and Ushguli, we’ll stay in traditional family-run guest houses. These small and friendly properties are a great way to experience authentic Georgian hospitality and local food, where group meals are taken in a cosy dining room. Guest rooms are simple but comfortable and come with private bathrooms.
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.
Hotel Shgedi, Mestia - Georgia
Nestled in the mountain ski resort of Mestia, this chalet-style hotel puts you in one of Georgia’s most gorgeous locations. Simple yet stylish rooms come with balconies and magnificent views over both mountain and city and facilities include relaxing lounge areas and a small bar area where breakfast is served.
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 - Georgia
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.
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.
Museum Hotel, Tbilisi - Georgia
What was once the home of Georgian nobility is now a boutique hotel with bags of character. Each air-conditioned room has individually designed décor, marble bathrooms, and all mod cons. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves local and international cuisine throughout the day while guests can enjoy cocktails and French pastries at Museum Café.
Transfer to Tblisi airport for your return flight to the UK.
Museum Hotel, Tbilisi - Georgia
What was once the home of Georgian nobility is now a boutique hotel with bags of character. Each air-conditioned room has individually designed décor, marble bathrooms, and all mod cons. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves local and international cuisine throughout the day while guests can enjoy cocktails and French pastries at Museum Café.
Hotel Shgedi, Mestia - Georgia
Nestled in the mountain ski resort of Mestia, this chalet-style hotel puts you in one of Georgia’s most gorgeous locations. Simple yet stylish rooms come with balconies and magnificent views over both mountain and city and facilities include relaxing lounge areas and a small bar area where breakfast is served.
Family-run guesthouses - Georgia
In Becho and Ushguli, we’ll stay in traditional family-run guest houses. These small and friendly properties are a great way to experience authentic Georgian hospitality and local food, where group meals are taken in a cosy dining room. Guest rooms are simple but comfortable and come with private bathrooms.
Newport Hotel, Kutaisi - Georgia
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.
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 | ||||||||
|
18 Sep - 29 Sep 2024 11 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
18 Jun - 29 Jun 2025 11 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,999 pp |
from £1,999 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Enquire | |||
|
06 Aug - 17 Aug 2025 11 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £2,419 £2,319 Double from £2,099 £1,999 pp |
from £2,099 £1,999 pp |
from £2,419 £2,319 |
Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
17 Sep - 28 Sep 2025 11 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £2,319 £2,219 Double from £1,999 £1,899 pp |
from £1,999 £1,899 pp |
from £2,319 £2,219 |
Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
18 Sep - 29 Sep 2024 11 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
18 Jun - 29 Jun 2025 11 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,669 pp |
from £1,669 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Last few spaces |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
06 Aug - 17 Aug 2025 11 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,989 £1,889 Double from £1,669 £1,569 pp |
from £1,669 £1,569 pp |
from £1,989 £1,889 |
Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
17 Sep - 28 Sep 2025 11 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,989 £1,889 Double from £1,669 £1,569 pp |
from £1,669 £1,569 pp |
from £1,989 £1,889 |
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
11 nights
from
£1,669pp
£1,569pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
1690Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
