Georgia Tailormade – Mystical Svaneti and trekking the High Caucasus

On arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Early check-in has been arranged, including breakfast, allowing you to settle in and rest following your flight. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring Tbilisi independently. The Georgian capital is an intriguing mixture of ancient and modern, with historic churches and traditional houses sitting alongside contemporary architecture, cafés and lively squares. Your local guide will also provide a briefing on the journey ahead.

Your Georgian adventure begins this morning with a journey west towards the mountains. En route, stop at Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital and spiritual heartland.

With a history stretching back more than 3,000 years, Mtskheta was the centre from which Christianity spread throughout Georgia following its adoption as the country's religion in the 4th century. The town and its surrounding monuments form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral at its heart.

After exploring Mtskheta, continue towards the Greater Caucasus, following the scenic valleys of western Georgia and the Enguri River. The landscape gradually becomes more mountainous as you approach Svaneti, with forested slopes and increasingly dramatic peaks announcing your arrival in this remote corner of the country.

Continue to Mestia, the regional capital and gateway to the high valleys of Svaneti, where you will settle into your family-run guesthouse.

Today you begin exploring the magnificent mountain scenery surrounding Mestia with a trek into Chalaadi Gorge, on the northern slopes of Mount Ushba.

The trail follows the river through atmospheric forest and alpine scenery, gradually opening towards the spectacular mountain landscape beyond. After approximately 3–4 hours of walking, reach the Chalaadi Glacier, where ice and rock descend dramatically from the surrounding peaks.

Return to Mestia during the afternoon. Later, visit a traditional Svanetian house and the Mestia Museum, whose collections provide an insight into the remarkable history and traditions of this isolated mountain region.

Discover Svaneti

High in the western Greater Caucasus, Svaneti is one of Georgia's most extraordinary regions. Glaciers descend from peaks rising to more than 5,000 metres, while ancient stone towers stand beside traditional homes in villages that have retained much of their distinctive character. For centuries, Svan communities lived in relative isolation, preserving their own traditions, architecture and customs. The famous Svan towers, many of which date back hundreds of years, were built as fortified structures and remain an unmistakable feature of the landscape. Svaneti's hospitality is equally renowned, and staying in family-run accommodation provides an opportunity to experience local life and enjoy traditional Georgian and Svan cuisine.

After breakfast, drive to Mazeri village, situated at approximately 1,700 metres beneath the imposing slopes of Mount Ushba. From here, set out on a rewarding trek towards the Ushba Waterfalls. The trail climbs through beautiful mountain scenery, reaching approximately 2,450 metres, with increasingly impressive views across the surrounding valleys and peaks.

After enjoying the mountain scenery, descend along the trail towards Mazeri. The trek takes approximately six hours in total and provides another excellent opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Caucasus away from the more frequented areas.

Return to Mestia for another evening at your welcoming family-run guesthouse.

Today you leave Mestia on foot, beginning with a cable-car journey towards the Hatsvali ski area.

From the mountains above Mestia, set out along a spectacular trail towards the village of Zhabeshi. The approximately 4–5-hour trek crosses a mountain pass at around 2,300 metres, with panoramic views across the surrounding valleys and high peaks in clear weather. The trail eventually descends towards Zhabeshi, a small traditional community surrounded by the magnificent scenery of Upper Svaneti. Tonight, stay in a family-run guesthouse, offering another opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of rural Svaneti.

Today brings one of the most spectacular trekking stages of the journey as you continue deeper into the remote valleys of Svaneti. The trail climbs steadily through mountain scenery before crossing a high pass at approximately 2,500 metres. From the high ground, the surrounding Caucasus unfold in a succession of rugged ridges, green valleys and snow-covered peaks. Continue towards the isolated village of Adishi, situated at approximately 2,070 metres beneath the imposing Mount Tetnuldi, which rises to 4,858 metres. After approximately 7–8 hours of walking, arrive at this remote mountain settlement and settle into your simple village accommodation.

Your final full day of trekking takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery in Upper Svaneti.

Leaving Adishi, climb along a serpentine mountain trail to approximately 2,800 metres, before beginning the descent towards the atmospheric Khalde Valley. Along the way, pass the remains of medieval settlements, providing reminders of the communities that have inhabited these remote valleys for centuries. After approximately 5–7 hours of trekking, meet your driver and continue by road to Ushguli, one of Europe's highest permanently inhabited settlements. Set at approximately 2,350 metres and surrounded by towering mountains, Ushguli is dominated by Mount Shkhara, Georgia's highest peak at around 5,200 metres. Its cluster of ancient stone towers and traditional buildings creates one of the most evocative landscapes in the Caucasus.

Spend the evening in a family-run guesthouse, enjoying your final night in the mountains.

After breakfast, begin the long but scenic journey back to Tbilisi.

The drive takes approximately eight hours, with regular comfort and photo stops along the way. Leaving the high mountains behind, the landscape gradually changes as you travel through the valleys and lower regions of western Georgia.

Arrive in Tbilisi later in the day and check into your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the evening is free to relax after your mountain adventure. Your local guide will be happy to make a dinner recommendation in town.

Today discover the fascinating Georgian capital on a guided walking tour through its historic heart. Begin around Metekhi Church, dramatically positioned above the Mtkvari River, before exploring the atmospheric Abanotubani district, famous for its traditional sulphur baths. Continue towards Narikala Fortress, which has overlooked the city for centuries, before visiting the historic Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church, one of Tbilisi's oldest surviving churches.

The tour also reveals the more contemporary side of the capital, including the striking Peace Bridge, before continuing towards Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi's principal boulevard.

Allow time to wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, where traditional houses, small galleries, artisan workshops and carpet shops provide a glimpse into the city's distinctive character.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy Tbilisi independently and perhaps sample some of Georgia's celebrated cuisine and wine.

Your Georgian adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, transfer to Tbilisi International Airport for your onward flight. We hope you leave Georgia with lasting memories of its spectacular Caucasus Mountains, ancient traditions and warm hospitality.

Note - If you wish to extend your stay in Georgia, perhaps with a trip into the beautiful and culturally rich winelands, please contact us