North and South Caucasus Mountains Cultural Tour


This tour is a relatively easy, mostly cultural exploration with 3-6 km of walking in the nature each day.

From May to November
Hotel, Guesthouse
14 Days / 13 Nights

Take a journey through the mountains Georgia, where you’ll discover the diverse cultures and traditions of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus.

We’ll visit some of the most historically and culturally significant towns and sights in the region, including Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and Svaneti, Kazbegi, Kutaisi and many more. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the ancient architecture, visit local markets, and learn about traditional customs and practices.

In addition to the cultural experiences, the tour also includes visits to natural wonders like the Enguri valley, Chaukhi mountains, Imereti canyons and the historical monuments, monasteries and ancient settlements.

This tour is perfect for those interested in learning about the diverse cultures and history of the North and South Caucasus. Join us on this journey and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the region.

Highlights

  • Discover the hidden gems of Javakheti, Adjara, Svaneti and Kazbegi with 4WD vehicle as you traverse the rugged terrain of North and South Caucasus mountain regions.
  • Daily short walks in the nature reserves, as well as wildlife watching activities to learn more about the Caucasus flora and fauna.
  • Meet locals in the mountains, see how people grow tobacco in the Adjara Mountains, make cheese with mint in the Svaneti Mountains, and harvest sea buckthorn in Kazbegi.

Trip Details

PRICE

$2,289 USD (twin share)

  • $450 deposit
  • Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
  • Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
  • Private supplement available: $840 USD, max 6 spots

TRIP LENGTH

14 Days / 13 Nights
Trip starts and finishes in Tbilisi city.

DATES

April 2024
12 booked • 0 spots left
Starts: 17 April 2024
Finishes: 30 April 2024

July 2024
Waitlist
Starts: 3 July 2024
Finishes: 16 July 2024

September 2024
Waitlist
Starts: 28 September 2024
Finishes: 11 October 2024

STARTING POINT

Tbilisi International Airport or Freedom Square

ENDING POINT

Tbilisi International Airport or Freedom Square

GROUP SIZE

Max 12 persons, Min 3 persons.
Trip will be confirmed once 3 deposits have been received.

Gallery

  • Uplistsikhe cave town, Georgia
  • Rabat castle in Akhaltsikhe, Georgia
  • Vardzia cave town
  • Village in Adjara mountains
  • Paravani lake panorama, Javakheti National Park, Georgia
  • Gergeti church and Mt Kazbek panorama
  • Katskhi pillar, Imereti, Georgia
  • Mestia in summer, Svaneti, Georgia
  • Okatse canyon, Georgia
  • Narikala fortress, Tbilisi city, Georgia
  • Tetra cave wine degustation, Imereti, Georgia
  • Ushguli in summer, Svaneti, Georgia

Tour Plan

On the first day of your North and South Caucasus Mountains Cultural Tour, you will be welcomed to Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of Georgia. After a long journey, you will be greeted by your tour guide at the airport, who will then take you to your hotel where you can freshen up and rest after the flight. Tbilisi is a city of contrasts with its unique mix of ancient and modern architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. You will get a chance to explore the city in the next days and learn more about its rich history and culture.

Accommodation: Hotel

On the second day you will embark on a journey to discover Tbilisi, a city where the East and West have come together to create a unique blend of architecture and traditions. You will be guided through the winding streets of the old town, where you will see the city’s rich history come alive. You will visit the iconic landmarks of Tbilisi such as the Sulfur Baths, the Metekhi Church, and the Narikala Fortress, all of which offer breathtaking views of the city. You will also have an opportunity to sample some of the delicious Georgian cuisine, famous for its mix of meat, cheese, and bread. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the history and traditions of Tbilisi.

Walking: 4-5km
Accommodation: Hotel

On the third day of your tour, you will set out on a scenic drive from Tbilisi towards Javakheti National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, famous for its high-altitude lakes, volcanic peaks and diverse birdlife. You will start the day with a bird-watching session, where you can see a variety of migratory birds that call the park home. After that, you will visit Paravani lake, the largest lake of Georgia surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Abuli mountain range. After taking in the natural beauty of the area, you will continue your drive to Vardzia village, which is famous for its cave complex and medieval cave city. Once you arrive in Vardzia, you will check-in to your accommodation and have some time to rest before dinner.

Walking: 2-3km
Accommodation: Hotel

You will start the day by exploring the incredible Vardzia cave complex. This complex is a network of caves carved out of the cliff face, and you will have the opportunity to take a guided hike through the caves, exploring the secret tunnels and discovering the springs that flow out of the rock. After your visit to Vardzia, you will continue your drive towards Goderdzi pass, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you will stop in Akhaltsikhe to visit the Rabat castle which is a medieval fortress that has been beautifully preserved over the centuries. Once you arrive at the Goderdzi pass, you will have some time to take in the views and enjoy a dinner.

Hiking: 4-5km, 2 hours
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Today we will journey to villages in the Adjara mountains. This unique region offers a glimpse into the cultural diversity of Adjara, including traditional cheese-making and winemaking. We will sample local cuisine paired with locally fermented mountain wine. Afterwards, we will make our way to the coastal city of Batumi, where we will take an evening stroll through the charming old town.

Walking: 3-4km
Accommodation: Hotel

On this day we will drive to the town of Kobuleti, where we will have the opportunity to visit the Kobuleti Nature Reserve. Depending on the weather, we will explore the local flora and fauna and learn more about the unique ecosystem of the area. Afterwards, we will continue our drive to the Kolkheti National Park, where we will take a boat ride through the channels of the park and marvel at the lush, verdant landscape. In the evening, you will have the chance to take a refreshing swim in the Black Sea, right in front of the hotel.

Walking: 3-4km
Boating: 8km
Accommodation: Hotel

After departing from Poti, we will embark on a scenic drive towards the north. Along the way, we will make a stop in the charming town of Zugdidi, known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious local cuisine. As the capital of the Samegrelo region, Zugdidi is particularly renowned for its traditional polyphonic songs and spectacular regional dishes. After indulging in a delicious lunch, we will continue our journey towards the picturesque mountains of Svaneti, where we will spend the next few days exploring its rugged landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty.

Walking: 2-3km
Accommodation: Hotel

From the picturesque mountain town of Mestia, the capital of the Svaneti region, we will set out on an exciting hike to the Chalaadi glacier. This is an incredible opportunity to experience the majesty of Georgian mountains, and to take in the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. After the hike, we will visit Hatsvali ski resort for a thrilling ride on a chairlift, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. After descending, we will unwind with a relaxing sauna session and a delicious dinner in a cozy forest hut. In the evening, we will take a 15-minute ride back to Mestia, where we will spend the night.

Hiking: 5-6km
Accommodation: Hotel

Our next destination is the iconic mountain settlement of Ushguli, located at an altitude of 2100m. This ancient village is known for its impressive medieval towers, which were built over a thousand years ago and still stand to this day. It’s a remarkable example of human engineering and resilience. Here we will take a hike to the Queen Tamar Castle, a 12th century fortress that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After the hike, we will experience local cuisine masterclass in the evening and savor delicious traditional dishes made by local chefs.

Hiking: 4-5km
Accommodation: Mountain Hotel

Leaving Ushguli, we will embark on a scenic drive to Zagaro Pass, the highest point of our journey. We will then start descending towards the lower Svaneti region, passing through the charming town of Lentekhi, en route to Tskaltubo. Tskaltubo is renowned for its healing water and air, and is home to a number of mineral springs, which have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. Here, we will visit a cave for a wine degustation and experience the unique benefits of speleotherapy. After our cave excursion, we will drive to the city of Kutaisi, where we will spend the night.

Walking: 3-4km
Accommodation: Hotel

Leaving Kutaisi, we will drive to the small town of Chiatura, known for its unique cable car system, which has been in operation since the 1950s. We will take a ride on the cable car to the top of the town, where we will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. After descending, we will walk through the winding streets of Chiatura, taking in the local architecture and culture. After lunch, we will visit the ancient cave complex of Uplistsikhe, an important archaeological site that dates back to the 1st millennium BC. Then we will drive to Stepantsminda, the capital of the Eastern Caucasus and spend the night there.

Hiking: 5-6km
Accommodation: Hotel

On the next morning, we will begin our day with a visit to the Gergeti church, a beautiful 14th-century church perched on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the valley below. After the visit, we will drive to the Kakheti region, known as the wine center of Georgia. Here, we will visit a boutique winery where we will have an opportunity to taste some of the finest wines of Georgia. The winery tour will give you insight into the traditional wine-making process, and you will get to sample a variety of wines, from dry to sweet.

Walking: 2-3km
Accommodation: Hotel

We will then make our way to the charming town of Sighnaghi, known as the “city of love” for its unique panoramas, romantic ambiance and cozy houses. Here, we will have another wine degustation session, where you will sample a variety of local wines and learn about the nuances of Georgian wine-making. After the degustation, we will drive to the Davit Gareji Monastery, a beautiful 6th-century monastic complex set in the stunning steppes of Eastern Georgia. Later in the evening, we will make the 1.5-hour drive back to Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia where our adventure travel will come to an end.

Walking: 4-5km
Accommodation: Hotel

After a memorable journey through the stunning landscapes, rich culture and delicious cuisine of Georgia, we will make our way to the airport for our return flight. We will arrange for a comfortable transfer, ensuring that you reach the airport in time for your flight. We hope that you had a wonderful experience and enjoyed your adventure travel with us. Have a good flight and safe journey back home!

Includes

  • Guide: 1 English speaking guide throughout the trip.
  • All entraces to sightseeing
  • All Transportation through the trip, including airport transfers.
  • Accommodation for 13 nights
  • All meals, from dinner of the first day to the breakfast of the last day
  • Culture and Cuisine masterclasses
  • Winery tours and degustation
  • Extra activity and tours (boating, caving, etc)

Not Includes

  • Flights and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses, alcohol, souvenirs

Dates & Availability

DepartingFinishingTotal From USD
17 April 202430 April 2024fully booked$2,289
10 May 202423 May 2024available$2,289
3 July 202416 July 2024waitlist$2,289
28 September 202411 October 2024available$2,289

Want to go private?

Book this tour for your group on your preferred dates. Customize the details according to your needs and desires. Get 10% discount for groups of more than 10 people.

Amenities & Accommodation

We will be staying in cozy boutique hotels whenever possible, but in some places, such as Goderdzi and Ushguli, we will stay in a mountain lodge/hotel. This family run accommodation is comfortable with great cuisine and vibe. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available, just let our travel manager in advance.

  • Vardzia Resort Hotel
  • Kenari Hotel, Tbilisi
  • Ushguli, Villa Lileo
    Ushguli, Villa Lileo
  • Ushguli, Villa Lileo
    Ushguli, Villa Lileo
  • Mestia, Old House Hotel
  • Mestia Old House Hotel
    Mestia, Old House Hotel

Difficulty: Easy

This is a relaxed adventure trip, requiring 3-6km daily walking or hiking, usually to explore cultural and historical sightseeing or easy hiking trails. Some places, such as Ushguli, includes hiking up and down the trail. Uplistsikhe also requires walking on uneven surface and walking down steep stairs.

Useful to Know

Flights to/ from Tbilisi

We don’t manage flights, but our travel managers will help you to purchase the best possible tickets, also will help with extra curriculum activities and extra stays in Tbilisi.

Insurance

Having a travel insurance is not mandatory. If you purchase one, make sure to have a package that includes outdoor activities in the insurance conditions. Consult our travel consultants in this regard to make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage or to get information about where to get such insurance coverage.

Money

Throughout this trip you can use your credit card, but in some small town and villages you might need to have a cash with you. Usually only local currencies are accepted in such places, so make sure to have some cash with you for souvenirs and gifts. Ask you guide in advance when cash could be withdrawn for later use.

What to bring with you


This trip is best experienced during late spring, summer and early autumn, which can be both warm or cold. For this reason, we recommend to bring clothes that you can use in temperatures between 5 – 30 Celsius degrees. Make sure to have a comfortable soft hiking shoes for daily walking or wildlife watching activities

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  • Solo traveler friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions

In general, if you are in good health and have an active lifestyle, all of our tours are acceptable for you. Easy, Medium, Hard, and Very Hard are the four levels of difficulty that we divide up our tours into. We only presume that you have prepared more thoroughly ahead for the Very Hard. Please get in touch with one of our travel managers if you have any questions so they can reassure you if necessary or, alternatively, help you decide which tour is more suitable for you. Unfortunately, those with disabilities mostly cannot participate in our tours. However, it also depends on the kind of disability, so it’s worth speaking with one of our tour managers about this in advance.