5-Day Svaneti Tour
From the ancient stone streets of Georgia’s first capital to the towering peaks and medieval watchtowers of the High Caucasus, this 5-day odyssey is the ultimate Georgian adventure. Discover a land of glaciers, legends, and untouched mountain culture that time forgot.
Pick-up:
Duration:
Transport:
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Price:
$500 – 700 USD
Key Stops:
5-day Expedition Departing at 8:00am
Scheduled Pickups from Your Hotel in Tbilisi.
5-Day Expedition At a Glance
This immersive 5-day journey takes you from the bustling energy of Tbilisi deep into the heart of the Great Caucasus Mountains. We begin with the UNESCO heritage sites of Mtskheta and the rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe, before crossing into the lush west to explore Kutaisi and the subterranean wonders of Prometheus Cave. The highlight of the expedition is three days in Svaneti, where we visit Ushguli—one of the highest continuously inhabited villages in Europe—and hike to the foot of massive glaciers like Shkhara and Chalaadi. Along the way, you’ll experience the unique heritage of the Svan people, famous for their medieval defensive towers and fierce hospitality. We conclude our adventure with a visit to the royal Dadiani Palace and the emerald waters of Martvili Canyon before returning to the capital.
Pick-up Time
8:00 AM from your hotel in Tbilisi.
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Highlights
- Ancient History: UNESCO sites in Mtskheta, the Uplistsikhe Cave City, and the royal Dadiani Palace.
- Subterranean Wonders: A guided walk through the illuminated stalactites of Prometheus Cave.
- Medieval Svaneti: Explore the iconic watchtowers of Mestia and Ushguli (one of Europe’s highest villages).
- Glacier Adventures: Moderate hikes or horse riding to the base of the massive Shkhara and Chalaadi glaciers.
- Alpine Views: Ride the Hatsvali Cable Car for 360-degree views of the Great Caucasus peaks.
- Nature & Canyons: A final boat trip or zipline through the emerald-green Martvili Canyon.
Price
Daily Rates
| Group Size | Price Per Day |
| 1 – 2 Guests | $100 USD |
| 3 – 4 Guests | $120 USD |
| 5 – 6 Guests | $150 USD |
Day 1: The Road to the West
- Mtskheta: We visit the 6th-century Jvari Monastery for a stunning view of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. We then explore Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the robe of Christ is said to be buried.
- Uplistsikhe: A tour through the ancient “Lord’s Fortress,” a city carved entirely into sandstone cliffs.
- Kutaisi: We explore the historic academy of Gelati and the secluded Motsameta Monastery, perched high above a forested river bend.
- Overnight: Kutaisi
Day 2: Into the High Caucasus
- Prometheus Cave: A morning walk through 1.5km of illuminated stalactites and underground “symphonies.”
The Ascent to Svaneti: We begin a scenic 4-hour drive deep into the mountains, stopping for “killer” photos of the peaks. - Ushguli: We reach this remote UNESCO site in the evening, famous for its medieval towers and views of the Shkhara mountain wall.
- Overnight: Ushguli
Day 3: Glaciers & Ancient Towers
- Shkhara Glacier: A 10km trek (round-trip) to the base of Georgia’s highest peak. You can choose to hike, ride horses, or take a local 4×4.
- Culture: Visit the 12th-century Lamaria Church and the tower-filled village of Chajashi.
- Overnight: Ushguli
Day 4: Mestia & Alpine Views
- Mestia: A scenic drive to the regional center. We’ll take the Hatsvali Cable Car for a bird’s-eye view of the Caucasus and visit the famous Heshkili Huts.
- Chalaadi Glacier: A moderate 3km hike through a pine forest to witness the power of a rushing glacial river.
- Overnight: Mestia
Day 5: Royal Palaces & Emerald Canyons
- Zugdidi: We descend from the mountains to visit the Dadiani Royal Palace, a 19th-century residence of Mingrelian royalty.
- Martvili Canyon: Our final stop features emerald waters and hidden waterfalls. You can choose to take a boat trip, try the zipline, or go rafting.
- Return: We arrive back in Tbilisi after a 4-hour drive.
Extend Your Journey: The Batumi Option
Not ready for the adventure to end? If you have two extra days, we can continue from the canyons to Batumi, Georgia’s vibrant seaside capital on the Black Sea, for sun, modern architecture, and subtropical gardens.
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