Exploring Georgia (from Batumi)

Your adventure begins in Batumi, where your friendly guide and driver will greet you at your hotel or upon arrival at the airport. The day starts with a visit to the fascinating Miniatures Park, a relatively new attraction showcasing meticulously crafted models of nearly 50 iconic Georgian architectural landmarks. It’s a perfect introduction to the diversity of Georgia’s cultural heritage. From there, the journey leads deep into the highlands of Svaneti—a region renowned for its remote beauty, ancient traditions, and iconic medieval towers. Home to the Svan people, this mountainous land is often referred to as the “land of a thousand towers,” thanks to its well-preserved stone watchtowers, once vital for defense. Upon arriving in Mestia, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a traditional Svan house, or machubi, and a distinctive koshki tower to understand their daily life and architectural ingenuity. Overnight stay in a hotel in Mestia.

After breakfast, set off on an unforgettable journey to Ushguli, the highest continuously inhabited village in Europe, perched at 2,200 meters above sea level. This UNESCO World Heritage site captivates visitors with its untouched medieval charm, narrow lanes, and backdrop of the towering Mount Shkhara. Visit the revered Lamaria Church, famed for its 12th-century frescoes and local legends that suggest Queen Tamar herself was buried beneath its sacred grounds. Explore the timeless stone structures and breathe in the spirit of the Caucasus before returning to Mestia for an overnight stay.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography. This museum offers a remarkable glimpse into Svan culture, featuring ancient artifacts, manuscripts, and religious icons. Depart for Kutaisi, Western Georgia’s ancient capital, but first stop at the breathtaking Martvili Canyon. Take a serene boat ride through its turquoise waters and witness the majestic waterfalls and moss-covered cliffs. Later, take a scenic walk along paths and viewing platforms that offer panoramic canyon views. Arrive in Kutaisi in the evening and check into your hotel.

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Okatse Canyon, where you’ll hike through dense forest trails and eventually step onto a suspended walkway that stretches above the gorge of the Satsikvilo River. From the sky bridge and panoramic platform, you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring views of the lush canyon landscape. Continue to Prometheus Cave, one of Georgia’s most spectacular natural wonders. Venture through a 1.5-kilometer underground route illuminated by colorful LED lights, highlighting magnificent stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, and crystal formations. Return to Kutaisi in the evening for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, begin your day with a city tour of Kutaisi, the legendary city believed to be the destination of the Argonauts’ quest for the Golden Fleece. Visit the Bagrati Cathedral, an 11th-century masterpiece of Georgian architecture perched on a hill overlooking the city. Continue your journey to Borjomi, famous for its healing mineral waters. Upon arrival, stroll through the picturesque Borjomi Central Park and sample the naturally carbonated mineral water straight from the spring. Enjoy a restful overnight stay at a local hotel.

Today’s adventure takes you to the medieval town of Akhaltsikhe to explore the impressive Rabati Fortress, a restored complex that combines Georgian, Ottoman, and European architectural styles. Next, stop at the scenic Khertvisi Fortress, perched above a river gorge, before continuing to the extraordinary cave city of Vardzia. This 12th-century monastic complex carved into the cliffs was built during the reign of Queen Tamar and includes more than a thousand interconnected rooms, staircases, tunnels, and a church with remarkable frescoes. Return to Borjomi for an overnight stay.

On the final day of your journey, travel back toward Batumi. Along the way, visit the ancient Petra Fortress ruins, dating back to the 6th century. This site once played a crucial strategic role due to its elevated position above the Black Sea coast. Conclude the tour with a tranquil walk through the Batumi Botanical Garden, an oasis on the Green Cape that showcases over 2,000 plant species from around the world. Bask in the beauty of the subtropical landscape and ocean views before returning to Batumi. Drop off at your hotel or airport—marking the end of your unforgettable Georgian tour.