Tour to Racha & Lechkhumi (from Tbilisi)

We begin our journey at 09:00 AM with a scenic drive from Tbilisi to Racha, a hidden gem tucked into the Greater Caucasus mountains. Our first major stop is Oni, once a vibrant hub of Jewish culture in Georgia. We’ll pause to admire the Oni Synagogue, built in 1895 in an eclectic architectural style—one of the largest and most beautiful in the South Caucasus. Next, we travel to Utsera Resort, nestled among alpine meadows and dense forests. Here, we’ll taste the region’s famous mineral waters, praised for their healing properties, while enjoying the pristine natural setting. In the evening, we settle in at the cozy Manino Utsera Hotel to relax and unwind in nature’s embrace.

After breakfast, we depart Oni and head toward the wild beauty of Lechkhumi. On the way, we’ll stop at the elegant 18th-century Barakoni Church, perched dramatically above the Rioni River. Its cruciform design and intricately carved stonework offer a glimpse into the final phase of medieval Georgian architecture. Our next highlight is a moderately challenging 3-kilometer hike to the otherworldly Sairme Pillars—natural stone towers sculpted by erosion over millennia. The hike rewards us with panoramic views of the cliffs and valleys. After descending, we arrive at Korenishuli Veranda, a delightful hideaway surrounded by vineyards and highland tranquility. Here, we’ll enjoy a fresh, homemade lunch and spend the night surrounded by Georgia’s rustic charm.

Today is dedicated to uncovering the mystical energy of Lechkhumi. We start with a drive to Khvamli Mountain, rising 2,002 meters above sea level and steeped in mythology. Legend has it that Prometheus was chained here by Zeus for stealing fire from the gods. We’ll hike to the small St. George’s Church on its summit and enjoy the expansive views. Next, we descend to the serene Kulbaki Green Lake, a beloved local retreat accessible via a rough off-road track—worth every bump for its peaceful scenery and delicious lake-caught fish. After lunch, we visit the picturesque Rachkha Waterfall, which crashes down over moss-covered rocks into a crystal stream. We return to Korenishuli Veranda for another restful overnight.

After a hearty breakfast, we check out and drive to the banks of the Rioni River for an exhilarating two-hour rafting adventure. Equipped with safety gear and guided by experienced instructors, we’ll float past steep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and colorful rock formations. One unforgettable moment is the meeting point of two rivers—Rioni and Lajanuri—each with a different hue, creating a stunning natural contrast. After our active morning, we’ll head to the Aleko Sardanashvili wine cellar for a well-earned lunch of home-cooked Georgian dishes paired with locally produced wines. We then transfer to Ambrolauri, the regional capital of Racha, for a comfortable overnight stay.

On our final day, we make our way back to Tbilisi, but not without a few last memorable stops. First is the Nikortsminda Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece adorned with vibrant 17th-century frescoes. Next, we pause at the sparkling Shaori Lake for photos and a peaceful moment in nature. Our final highlight is Tskhrajvari, known as the “Place of Nine Crosses.” Legend tells of a mother who vowed to place nine crosses here if her nine sons returned safely from war—each cross now watching over the vast landscape below. After taking in the panoramic views, we continue to Tbilisi, where our extraordinary journey through Racha and Lechkhumi comes to a close.

End of Tour – Drop-off at your hotel in Tbilisi.