Journey from the modern cities of Georgia to the remote snow-capped Caucasus mountains on this nine-day adventure. Explore the historical capital of Tbilisi, walk around the local market in Kutaisi, learn the secrets of Georgian cheese making and indulge your taste buds with fragrant Georgian wine. Visit Mtskheta and listen to the survival and revival stories at Ikorta, spend a night at a local guesthouse in Mestia and set off on a hike through the highest village in Europe – Ushguli.
Highlights
- Journey to the Svaneti region – a remote and alluring land of snow-capped mountains. Discover the region’s tower houses dotted in the mountain valleys and visit one of Georgia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ushguli.
- Visit Georgia’s former capital, Mtskheta, and listen to the survival and revival stories at Ikorta – an organisation supporting women and youth in the Tserovani Refugee Settlement
- Take a guided walking tour of Tbilisi and hear stories of kings, queens, intrigue and mystery from your local leader.
- Mingle with the locals in markets, learn the secret of Georgian Cheese and indulge in the national cheese bread of khachapuri.
- Relax in the seaside town of Batumi during your free time. Maybe cool off in the musical fountains in the square or take a cable car for panoramic views over the city.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2213
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Bus,Public Bus,Train,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: KFSG
Starts: Tbilisi, Georgia
Finishes: Tbilisi, Georgia
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (6),Guesthouse (2)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2445 ($272 /day)
Itinerary
Gamarjoba! Welcome to Georgia. Your adventure starts in Tbilisi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early maybe visit the Georgian National Museum and learn about the country’s history or walk through the Dry Bridge Flea Market and browse the various artworks and handicrafts for sale. Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your fellow travellers and try a classic dish like khachapuri (cheese bread) or khinkali (dumplings).
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head out on a sightseeing walking tour of Tbilisi. Explore the Old Town and pass by the Baratashvili Bridge, Gabriadze Leaning Tower, the Peace Bridge and the Sioni Cathedral. After your tour, you have free time to further explore the capital city at your own pace. Maybe visit the Narikala Fortress or the Sulphur Baths or learn about Tbilisi's lively theater scene at the Tbilisi Opera or the Ballet State Theatre.
Included Activities:
- Tbilisi - City tour
Optional Activities:
- Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography (20 GEL)
- Tbilisi - The National Gallery (25 GEL)
- Tbilisi – Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide - Free
- Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from (70 GEL)
- Tbilisi - Aerial Cable Car One Way (2 GEL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll travel to Georgia's former capital city, Mtskheta. When you arrive, visit the medieval Jvari Monastery and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Then, continue to the Tserovani Refugee Settlement – a neighbourhood built for over 8000 people displaced by the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. Continue to the Ikorta enamel jewellery workshop – a social enterprise supporting women and youth. Here, you’ll meet the artists, hear their stories and have a light lunch. Then, drive to the historic city of Kutaisi. When you arrive, take a walking tour to see City Hall, the Opera House, Mon Plaisir Arch, Golden Marquee Palace and Mtsvane Bazari Market. Later, you’ll have some free time to continue exploring the city. Maybe visit the Gelati Cathedral or the Bagrati palace ruins or find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Kutaisi - Leader-led city walking tour
- Kutaisi - Farmers Market
- Mtskheta - Jvari Monastery & Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
- Tserovani - Ikorta (TIF) visit & light lunch
Optional Activities:
- Kutaisi - Bagrati Cathedral & Gelati Monastery - Free
- Kutaisi - Pub Crawl (60 GEL)
- Kutaisi - State Historical Museum (5 GEL)
- Kutaisi - Aerial Tramway (1 GEL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, travel to the remote Svaneti region, the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus. As today is a bit of a long travel day, it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive in Mestia, take some time to explore the area known for its dramatic mountain scenery, medieval villages and tower houses built between the 9th and 13th centuries. This evening, learn how to make traditional Georgian cheese and enjoy the traditional dish, khachapuri (cheese-filled bread). Then, settle into a local guesthouse for the night.
Included Activities:
- Mestia - Georgian cheese making
- Mestia - Khachapuri Cooking class
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive to Ushguli this morning. Known for its medieval watchtowers and views of Mount Shkhara, Ushguli is one of Goergia’s four UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of the highest permanent settlements in Europe. When you arrive, visit the Lamaria Church before setting off on a hike through the village. If you’d rather stay in the village for the day, maybe visit a local museum or explore the medieval ruins like Queen Tamar’s Castle.
Included Activities:
- Ushguli - Lamaria Church
- Ushguli - Day trip
Optional Activities:
- Ushguli – Ethnographical Museum (10 GEL)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, set off on a scenic drive to Batumi. On the way, stop at a local winery and learn about Georgia’s winemaking traditions, which are among the oldest in the world. Enjoy a wine tasting here before continuing to Batumi on the Black Sea coast. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation. This evening, you’re free to epxlore at your own pace or relax and find a good dinner spot.
Included Activities:
- Adjara - Lunch & Wine Tasting at Local Winery
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend the morning on a short walking tour around Batumi. Then, the rest of the day is yours to relax. Maybe walk along the boulevard, cool off in the musical fountains on the square or see the Ali and Nino statue light up at night. You could also visit one of the city’s art and ethnographic museums or jump in a cable car for panoramic views over the city. If you’re unsure what the city has to offer, your local leader is always on hand with great local suggestions.
Included Activities:
- Batumi - Leader-led city walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Batumi - Botanic Garden (20 GEL)
- Batumi - Cable car (30 GEL)
- Batumi – Wine Tasting (30 GEL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, join the the locals on public transport (long distance bus or train) as you travel back to Tbilisi. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the nation’s capital. When you arrive, maybe spend the afternoon walking through Rike Park, then find a local restaurant and head out to dinner with your group to celebrate the last night of your trip.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
As there are no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Marion - Traveled, June 2023
A beautiful trip, especially the hiking in Svaneti, one of the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Just be ready for many hours of mountain roads.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2023
Heather - Traveled, June 2023
This trip provided an excellent overview of Georgia, from history to culture to nature to a beach resort, while also giving the opportunity to experience Georgian food and wine. Best of all, I liked the opportunity to experience and hike in the Svaneti region, a unique cultural experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/02/2023
Christina - Traveled, September 2023
Incredible! From the city to the mountains and the sea, this trip has a perfect balance of rich culture, the most amazing scenery and relaxation. The views from the hikes, all the animals that we saw along the way, the most amazing food and our knowledgeable tour leader Zurab are standouts for me. Thank you for an unforgettable trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Lindsay - Traveled, September 2023
Absolutely loved Georgia! The Culture, People, places of interest. Homestays and Guesthouse were Fabulous and travelling and staying in villages in the Caucasus Mountains a real highlight for me. Zurab being Georgian was an absolute wealth of knowledge on his country and a very proud Georgian and made the crossing of borders between Azerbaijan and Georgia go very smoothly. He's the person you want to lead your trip. Nothing was to much trouble for him, always will to help the group and translate for us all. Highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Susan - Traveled, September 2023
If you’d like to learn more about this lovely little country, while enjoying spectacular scenery, good food and wine, sign up. You won’t regret it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Marilynn - Traveled, June 2023
This was a very interesting and beautiful trip. Our tour leader Pavel was very personable and knowledgeable. The hiking in the mountains was spectacular and we had an excellent local guide named Merab. While I would have liked to spend more time in the mountains hiking and less in cities, the tour was exactly as described.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2023
Richard - Traveled, May 2023
An excellent trip to an area we in western Europe know little about. Our leader organised the trip very well. Georgian hospitality and food is excellent. Walking in the Caucasus was the highlight of our trip; at times challenging for an older person, the views more than made up for the hard work
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2023
Ruth - Traveled, May 2023
Georgia is very beautiful, especially the mountains. I would've liked to have spent more time hiking in the mountains. The Georgians we met were friendly and hospitable. I really enjoyed attending the Tbilisi opera and learning more about Georgian culture. I recommend taking some easily transportable dog food when going out of the major cities to feed the lovely, friendly dogs who need a feed. The Georgians are doing the best they can but need all the help we can give.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2023
Greg - Traveled, September 2022
This tour was mix of wonderful mountain hikes and city sights with local guides also providing an insights to fascinating and extensive history and culture of Georgia, whilst enjoying amazing foods and wines.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2022
Lauren - Traveled, August 2023
Georgia has been an incredible country to explore. Especially the mountains! The food, accommodation and activities were spot on! Anton our guide was absolutely fab! I can’t wait to come back again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2023
Michael - Traveled, August 2023
We visited three of the most important cities in Georgia as well as the mountains in Svaneti. The highlights of the tour for me were hiking in Svaneti and learning about the history, culture and food of Georgia with our superb guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/16/2023
Dilys - Traveled, July 2023
This a great trip to sample Georgia. The trip highlights some of Georgias best. Mestia and ushguli being the highlights but not taking away how fabulous Tbilsi is. Great trip would certainly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, June 2023
Our guide, Pavel, was exceptional. His knowledge of the region was excellent. Hiking in Mestia and Ushguli was the highlight for me as the region was stunning. The Georgian people are very hospitable and there is great food and wine. I thoroughly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2023
Dalia - Traveled, July 2022
Georgia was the perfect getaway after COVID. Filled with adventure, breathtaking scenery, great food and the kindest people who went out of their way to make sure we are all having a great time. The hiking in the Svaneti mountains was the highlight of my trip. I highly recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2022
Patricia - Traveled, September 2022
Intrepid Georgian Adventure is just that a true adventure where you'll meet fascinating people, learn about incredible histories and see amazing landscapes. A well thought out itinerary presents a complete range of experiences in just 10 days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2022
Thomas - Traveled, September 2022
A very interesting trip that did bring me to places I would not have discovered myself. Well organised with a very good balance of culture, cities and great nature. Similar great food for vegetarians and meat lovers. Good accommodations for this trip category. - The tour leader was exceptional.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2022
Agata - Traveled, August 2022
Excellent trip which gives good overall of Georgia. Stay in Svanetia region is a highlight.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2022
Matthew - Traveled, August 2022
A good introduction to Georgia, though be prepared for some long travel days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2022
Jayna - Traveled, August 2022
Great trip with good included activities. We got to see a lot of the country, and although there is a lot of travel, the itinerary is well paced. Local guides and included activities were very good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2022
Ramla - Traveled, July 2022
Incredible trip to see stunning Georgia. Hiking in the Svaneti mountains and waking to incredible views were real highlights. Georgia's cities were beautiful and lovely to explore. Food was delicious!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/11/2022
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