Discover Unknown Georgia - Svaneti - 7 days (GE-08)

Today your Georgian adventure begins as you arrive in the capital Tbilisi. You’ll be met at the airport to transfer to your city centre hotel. Overnight Tbilisi

Today’s your chance to get acquainted with the characterful Georgian capital. Begin at the 13th century Methekhi church, one of the best viewpoints in the city, where you can appreciate the sprawling old town from across the River Kura. Crossing the bridge, we’ll head up to the Narikala Fortress, a cliff top castle which dates from the 4th century and whose sturdy walls could tell a tale or two. There’s another splendid view of the city from up here, so we’ll take our time before continuing on to several of Tbilisi’s most significant religious buildings including the 6th century Antchiskhati basilica (the oldest surviving church in the city), the mediaeval Sioni cathedral and also to one of its synagogues. After a visit to the treasury of the Georgian National Museum, there’ll be an opportunity to stroll along Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main shopping street. You might also opt to experience one of Tbilisi’s fabulous thermal baths. Breakfast, dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.

It’s a long drive across Georgia to reach Mestia; often the journey involves 8 hours or more on the road. But don’t let that put you off: it’s not only a chance to see some of the country but your destination is one of the most enigmatic and breathtakingly beautiful in Georgia. Mestia is the main tourist town in the region of Svaneti. Historically, this was a wild and remote region whose inhabitants were once feared for their banditry. Today, you’ll encounter the exact opposite: a warm welcome awaits those who seek out this relatively unspoilt corner of the Caucasus. As you approach Mestia, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with stone towers providing the foreground interest to a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and Alpine meadows. Check into your hotel and take in the extraordinary view. Breakfast in Tbilisi, dinner and overnight in Mestia.

The town of Mestia is an attractive resort, with wooden chalets and lodges interspersed with stone properties and ancient towers. Though there are signs of modern development, it’s not unusual to spot a cow ambling up the main street as you mosey up to the bakery. Off the main drag, there are plenty of cobbled side streets to explore. Your guide will give you the opportunity to climb one of the town’s many stone towers and show you round the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, located on the edge of town. Its displays and artefacts will help you to paint a picture of how this region has evolved and understand a little about its people, culture and traditions. From there, you’ll ride the Hatsvali cable car up the mountain and take in the remarkable panorama from the upper station on Mount Zuruldi, 2347 metres above sea level and around half a kilometre higher than Mestia itself. Breakfast, dinner and overnight in Mestia.

If you were impressed with Mestia, you’ll be blown away by Ushguli. This cluster of five small villages - Zhibiani, Chvibiani, Chazhashi, Murqmeli and Lamjurishi - nestles at the head of the Enguri gorge. Ushguli is littered with Svaneti’s distinctive towers; there’s an estimated 200 in Chazhashi alone. The place has a distinctly rural feel, with plenty of farm animals around and bucolic views at every turn. The road trip up here is an adventure, with plenty of dramatic switchbacks that enable you to cross the Ughviri Pass and motor along steep-sided gorges cut by tumbling rivers. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Lamaria religious complex in Zhibiani, whose fresco-covered chapel was built in the 12th century. There’ll also be plenty of time to potter around and see what gives Ushguli its charm. Breakfast, dinner and overnight in Mestia.

Today you’ll retrace your steps to Tbilisi, a drive which will afford you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery or review the photos you took of Svaneti. In Tbilisi, there’s a treat this evening: dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant where you’ll be treated to a performance of folk dancing or singing. Breakfast in Mestia, dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.

You’ve come to the end of a wonderful trip and we hope you’ve fallen for Georgia’s charms during your stay. Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.