TOUR TO SVANETI 7 DAYS | OKATSE & MARTVILI CANYONS, MESTIA, USHGULI, KORULDI LAKES TOUR

Day 1Arrival - Tbilisi Tour

Arrive at Tbilisi international airport and transfer at the hotel.

The city offers a wide variety of sights, most of them very ancient. Starting at the church of Metekhi, we walk to the brick domes of sulfur baths and then on to spectacularly located Narikala’s fortress – one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia, overlooking the Mtkvari river gorge.

Metekhi Church is located in the ancient historical district of Metekhi, on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, in old Tbilisi. Metekhi Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is one of the oldest churches built in Tbilisi. Researchers confirm that the temple was built in the 6th century. King Vakhtang I Gorgasali erected a church, a castle, and a palace here, which also served as the king's residence

Sulfur baths - Chreli Abano located at the eastern bank of the Mtkvari River at the foot of Narikala fortress is an important historic part of the city — the place, where according to a legend the King of Iberia, Vakhtang Gorgasali’s falcon fell, leading to a discovery of the hot springs and, subsequently, to the founding of new capital.

Narikala’s fortress - is nowadays the leading sighting among the most visited places in Tbilisi by tourists. Narikala Fortress draws your attention from all sides of Tbilisi, you can notice it from almost every part of Tbilisi. It overlooks the Mtkvari River, which makes Narikala even more incredible. Narikala consists of two walled sections between the sulfur baths and the Tbilisi Botanical Garden. The fortress walls date from various periods, the earliest from the 4th century when it was a Persian citadel. In Georgian sources, it is called “Mother Fortress”. Narikala offers you some of the best panoramas of the city. This is an ancient symbol of Tbilisi’s defensive brilliance. You will get there by cable car.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 2Tbilisi to Kutaisi

After breakfast drive to Kutaisi city, west Georgia, Imereti region. Upon arrival we have time to visit Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi and Gelati monastery complex, 10th century UNESCO heritage site, the monastery complex is connected to the Kind David 4th, the king which was the most famous even outside of Georgia as one of the strongest king (it's up on your interests). We can visit Sataplia reserve - Sataplia Nature Reserve is located 6 kilometers North-West of Kutaisi. Here you can find preserved dinosaur footprints and a beautiful cave complex featuring numerous stalactites and stalagmites. Within the area of the reserve there is a museum and a glass walkway overlooking breathtaking natural scenery.

After the tour check in at the hotel in Kutaisi.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

Day 3Kutaisi – Prometheus cave - Dadiani Palace - Mestia

After breakfast we will visit the cave of Prometheus, Prometheus Cave is one of Georgia’s natural wonders providing visitors with breathtaking examples of stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, petrified waterfalls, cave pearls, underground rivers, and lakes.

Continue the way to Dadiani Palaces Historical and Architectural Museum, one of Georgia’s most beautiful examples of 19th century architecture. Dadiani Palace was the home of the final ruling family of the Principality of Samegrelo, whose reign ended in 1857 when Russian Imperial rule began. The complex was built primarily by Russian architect Leonid Vassilyev. It includes the palace of Ekaterine Chavchavadze-Dadiani, the last queen of Samegrelo, a residence for her son Niko Dadiani, a monastery, and a large garden which is now the Zugdidi Botanical Gardens. Continue the way to Mestia, on the way to Mestia you will see biggest water reservoir in Georgia, Enguri reservoir - located in high mountains, along the river Enguri you will arrive in Mestia town. Continue the way to Mestia, on the way to Mestia you will see biggest water reservoir in Georgia, Enguri reservoir - located in high mountains, along the river Enguri you will arrive in Mestia town.

Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Mestia.

Day 4Mestia - Mount Zuruldi and Ushguli villages

Drive to Hatsvali Ski Resort, 20 minutes from Mestia. Get on the top of Mount Zuruldi (2347 m), the most popular sightseeing attraction in Svaneti, to have an amazing Panoramic view over the Caucasus mountains. It's possible(optional) to take a short hike for more views from mount Zuruldi. You can walk 1 - 2 KMs and enjoy the beautiful views of the Svaneti mountains.

Drive to Ushguli, Community Ushguli includes villages: Jibiani, Chvibiani, Murkmeli, Chajeshi. All on the UNESCO world heritage list, are authentically reserved unique medieval villages with unique Svanetian towers and huge histories. From Ushguli you will have an amazing, iconic view over the second-highest peak in Europe -mount Shkhara, which is famous for its exceptional beauty. In Ushguli you will have time to walk in centuries-old villages and explore historical, cultural, and religious places like King Tamar Tower, Lamaria(mother of god) Church, and local house museums. Return in Mestia.

Overnight in Mestia.

Day 5Mestia - Cross viewpoint or Koruldi Lakes

After breakfast, you will have a 4x4 off-road drive to Cross viewpoint(2200m) and /or Koruldi alpine Lakes (2740m). These places are famous for one of the best panoramic views in Caucasus mountains. Return in Mestia and visit Archangel church at Lanchvali district, which in past was small museum, keeping unique Svanetian style engraving art samples. We will visit Ethnography museum of Svaneti; The Museum's collections include important archeological and ethnographic materials, a rich collection of Georgian manuscripts, and Georgian Orthodox icons painted in the unique Svan style. It also houses ancient objects dating back to early empires and cultures that made their mark on Georgian history. After the tour check in at the hotel in Mestia.

NOTE: You may have to hike about 1.5 - 2 KMs, it depends on weather and the place you wish to reach.

Day 6Mestia - Martvili Canyon - Kutaisi

After breakfast drive back to Samegrelo and visit Martvili canyon, an amazing place where we can walk on the small trail in a natural canyon of the river Abasha, we can see unique Kolkheti forests flora with impressive waterfalls. The canyon trail is very small and we will walk for about 40 minutes

700 m long stone-paved circular route starts from Martvili Canyon visitor center and crosses the Dadiani historical trail. There are 2 bridges, 3 platform views and historical 30 steps stairs constructed of large limestone boulders.

Visitors can enjoy a 300-meter boat tour on river Abasha and beautiful views of the mountain river canyon.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

Day 7Kutaisi to Tbilisi and transfer

After breakfast we will drive to Tbilisi - driving time about 3.5 hours, arrive in Tbilisi airport for departure.