Mountain resort Canyons and Cave Town

Mountain resort Canyons and Cave Town

9 Day Tour - Adventure, Hiking, Tracking, Horseback riding, Sightseen, Canyons, Cave towns Just From $335

Itinerary

Day 1: transfer from the airport to the hotel

Stop At: Old Town (Altstadt) Tbilisi, Tbilisi Georgia
Holy Trinity Cathedral, Narikala Fort, Legvtakhevi waterfall, Sulfur bathhouses, Shardeni street and its neighborhood, Meidan square, Bridge of Peace,  Rustaveli Avenue.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: Departure from Tbilisi to Mestia

Stop At: The Cross Over Mestia, Mestia Georgia
After a long way to Mestia (500km), you will have a rest and then walk through the town
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 3: Mestia

Stop At: Mikheil Khegiani House Museum, M. Khegiani st. 34, Mestia 384750 Georgia
The museum houses materials belonging to famous Georgian alpinist Mikheil Khergiani (1932-1969) There are: alpinist’s memorial things and different exhibits of life Svaneti: icons, furniture, vessels, agrarian work implements, clothes, alpinist’s implements, also paintings and different publication about alpinism.
Working hours: Everyday, except Monday, 10.00 – 17.00
Ticket price: free
Exhibitions: permanent exhibition
Educational programs: projects of Museum’s Literature saloon
Total space of the museum: 1376 m²
Display space: 278.5 m²
Temporary exhibition: 108 m²
Storage space: 9.5 m²


Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, A. Lozeliani st. 7, Mestia 384750 Georgia
Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, A. Lozeliani st. 7, Mestia 384750 Georgia
Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography was founded in 1936. In 1973 in Svaneti was created the zonal system of the Monument Protection and the Museum became the headquarters of this system. In the Museum are kept very important and valuable archaeological and ethnographical materials, the rich collection of the Georgian manuscripts, icons, etc. There are high-level items in the collections donated to Svaneti churches by Georgian kings. There are some items of foreign origin, like Syrian, Sasanian Persia, from the Byzantine Empire, and Venice. In 2003 the museum moved to the new building. Permanent exhibitions are presented in the three halls. Collections of the Svaneti Museum are: archaeological collections – 2187 items, engraved and painted icons – 242 items, manuscripts – 68 items, armor – 192 items, metalwork – 292 items, wooden ethnographical objects – 650 items, jewelry and silverware – 421 items, textiles – 37 items. Museum already had done exhibitions of contemporary local painters' works. There is started work on preparing the educational programs
Opening hours: Every day 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed on Monday and public holidays
Entrance Fees:
Adults - 5GEL
School children - 0.5GEL
Admission is free for:
Children (under 6)
Friends of Museum
ICOM members
Museum employees
People with limited abilities
Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
Socially unprotected persons
Guided Tours in Georgian, English, German, and Russian languages:
Up to 10 persons 25GEL
School children groups 10GEL
Recommendations and Regulations:
The last entrance tickets are sold 30 minutes prior to the end of the working day. Visitors should leave exhibition halls 10 minutes before the museum closes.
Children (under 12) should be accompanied by parents or authorized persons
Parents, teachers, nurses, and group supervisors are responsible for children's actions
Running, smoking, and excessive noise are prohibited in the museum. Parents are asked not to carry small children on their shoulders.
Eating and drinking is allowed only in the cafe or the yard terrace of the museum
Each member of the group should stay nearby the authorized supervisor
Copying artworks in the exhibition hall without authorization from the museum administration is prohibited
Visitors must keep their tickets until the end of the visit
Photo and Video Shooting:
Taking photos of the museum building and permanent exhibitions for personal purposes are allowed without using flash and tripods
Photo and video are strictly prohibited at temporary exhibitions
Photography for commercial purposes is subject to prior negotiation and written permission issued by the museum administration and communications department
Taking a photo or video featuring GNM employees is a subject of prior negotiation with the museum administration

Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 4: Mestia

Stop At: Ushguli Ethnographic Museum, Ushguli 3214 Georgia
Ushguli - UNESCO world heritage site is the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe, located in Svaneti, at the feet of Shkhara, one of the highest Caucasian summits. About 70 families, approximately 250 people live in the village, which dates back more than 2000 years. For 6 winter months, snow covers the whole place and sometimes the road to Ushguli is closed. However, a small school is always open and life goes on.
The village is located 45 km from Mestia town – the center of the Svaneti region. To get to Ushguli local 4x4 Jeeps are needed, which can be hired in Mestia. The way to the village is off-road and takes approximately 3 hours one way. It passes several villages, like Ipari and Kala, where you can find small churches with old murals and frescos inside.
The mountainous region of Svaneti in the northwestern part of Georgia is one of the most remote and inaccessible regions of the country. Svaneti retains a pristine medieval quality. This sense of time warp, combined with the grandeur of the natural setting, makes a trip to Svaneti well worth the effort no matter how difficult it may be to get there.
The Svans are indigenous Georgians and speak their own language. Svanuri belongs to the Southern Caucasian language group known as Kartvelian. It has no alphabet and is mostly spoken at home and socially. The harsh climate and mountainous landscape of the region are the principal factors behind the Svanetian character. They are proud, laconic people who find the virtue in a certain austerity and stoicism. Hunters and alpinists are the most respected members of the community. Svans in no way remiss in the practice of traditional Georgian hospitality.
Over 20 medieval typical Svanetian protective towers are found throughout the Ushguli with goats, pigs and cows happily mingling with the local population on the narrow cobbled lanes. There is an Ethnographic Museum in a tower located in the center of the settlement containing the first-rate examples of medieval repousse work, icons, and processional crosses from churches in this region and other parts of Georgia. A short walk above the village leads to a small hilltop where the Lamaria Chapel is located, dating back to the 12th century. The Chapel is full of magnificent old frescoes. From there a broad valley leads to the foot of Shkhara through flower-strewn alpine meadows.
The superb location of Ushguli and the unique lifestyle of the people in the village turn the place into a popular destination to visit. The severe location isolates Ushguli from the rest of modernized Georgia, and as a result, many Svanetian religious and cultural traditions have remained virtually intact.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: Mestia-Martvili Canyon-Okatse Canyon-Tskaltubo

Stop At: Martvili Canyon, Martivili Georgia
Martvili Canyon Natural Monument is located in Martvili municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region.
Visitor center: Village Inchkhuri
700 m long stone-paved circular route starts from the Martvili Canyon visitor center and crosses the Dadiani historical trail. There are 2 bridges, 3 platform views and historical 30 steps stair constructed by large limestone boulders.
Visitors can enjoy a 300-meter boat tour on river Abasha and beautiful views of the mountain river canyon

Entrance fee:
Tickets under 6 years old children for free
Ticket from 6 to 18 years old people - 5.50 GEL
Ticket for citizens of Georgia and residents, except people under 18 years old - 10.35 GEL
For foreigners, except people under 18 years old - 17.25 GEL
During pupils or students visit a period of time, one school or college teacher has a free visit for free
Guides of tourist agencies are allowed to visit the territory for free in the case os signed agreement between the tourist agency and Agency of Protected Areas for free
Additional Service:
Civil marriage ceremony – 100 Gel
Diving - 57.5 GEL
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Okatse Canyon, Village Gordi of Khoni Municipality Gordi, Khoni, Georgia, Kutaisi 5900 Georgia
Okatse Canyon, Village Gordi of Khoni Municipality Gordi, Khoni, Georgia, Kutaisi 5900 Georgia
Okatse Canyon Natural Monument is located in the village Gordi, Khoni municipality, Imereti region.
Visitor center: Village Gordi
Okatse Canyon 2-3 hour pedestrian route passes through Dadiani historical forest, 780 m length hanging trail and finishes with panoramic view.
Entrance fee
Tickets under 6 years old children free
Ticket from 6 to 18 years old people - 5.50 GEL
Ticket for Georgian citizens and residents, except people under 18 - 9.20 GEL
Ticket for other citizens, except people under 18 - 17.25 GEL
During pupils or students visit a period of time, one school or college teacher has a free visit for free
Guides of tourist agencies are allowed to visit the territory for free in the case of the signed agreement between the tourist agency and Agency of Protected Areas for free
Additional offer:
Civil marriage signing ceremony: 100 Gel
You can enjoy tours whole year-round. The active season lasts from April to November
Working hours: 10:00- 18:00
Working days: every day except Mondays
Due to visitors' safety walking isn’t allowed in rainy and snowy weather.
Notice: While visiting Okatse Canyon Natural Monument, visitor height must be more than 1m and 20 sm.


Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 6: Tskaltubo-Rabati-Vardzia-Borjomi

Stop At: Rabati Castle, Akhaltsikhe Georgia
Rabati Castle is a medieval structure in Akhaltsikhe, Georgia, which dates back to the 13th century. Originally, the fortress was called the Lomisa Castle until it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans ruled the land for centuries until Russia took it due to the Treaty of Adrianople in 1829.
A renovated Rabati Castle was opened in Akhaltsikhe in August 2012. Restoration and reconstruction work on Rabati began on May 2011 and covered a space of seven hectares. Old, nearly destroyed buildings were restored by architects and engineers, using archive materials and images. A mosque, a minaret, a synagogue, a Christian church, the Jakelis’ Palace, a museum and a citadel are the restored antique buildings, which can be seen at the renovation site.
At present, Rabati Castle is one of Georgia’s national landmarks and a tourist attraction.
Entrance fee to the complex is GEL 7 

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Vardzia, Erusheti Mountain, Aspindza 383770 Georgia
Vardzia, Georgia’s unique cave city continues to amaze people from all over the world. This time, a famous travel blog, Journal of Nomads devoted a wonderful and very interesting article to Vardzia – Georgia’s unique ancient cave city. Vardzia is a rock-carved fortress stretched over 500 meters. It is located in the historic region of Samtskhe-Javakheti and consists of 600 rooms. It can freely be called the Honor of Georgians.
This Cave Town is a monument of Georgian history, culture, and religion. It should be mentioned that the site is included in the UNESCO Culture World Heritage List as one of the most unique rock-hewn towns.

Moving at a steady but comfortable pace, it's possible to visit the entire Vardzia complex in 2 to 3 hours. Entrance Fee + Guide. The Vardzia entrance fee is 7 GEL (€2.30), plus 10 GEL (€3.30) for the optional audio guide
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 7: Borjomi-Tbilisi

Stop At: Borjomi Central Park, 50, 9 Aprili Street, Borjomi 1200 Georgia
Borjomi is a hydrothermal health spa resort in the southern region of Samskhe-Javakheti in Georgia. This picturesque valley of 10,500 residents lies within the Agura River gorge at an altitude of 800 m. Borjomi has an international reputation for its geothermal spring mineral water resources. Its accessible location in the beautiful Lesser Caucasus Mountains attracts tourists in search of nature, escape and enlightenment tourism opportunities year-round.

Borjomi’s mineral waters were first mentioned as early as the 15th century but gained wider notoriety when the daughter of Evgeny Golovin, viceroy of the Russian Czar in the Caucasus, was cured there. The Yekaterinsky spring and the Yevgeniyevsky springs are named after them, respectively.
Borjomi mineral water has become a well-known brand and a calling card for Georgia. The sulfuric water’s healing properties are proven to be directly beneficial to the digestive system and metabolism. Today, Borjomi mineral water is sold in over 30 countries. Samples and history of the brand can be found in the Museum of Local Lore. The primary water source is found in Borjomi Central Park.

There are dozens of mineral spring health spas, recreation complexes, and rest houses in Borjomi. All of which are located within the vicinity of Central Park.

The tourist information center in central Borjomi provides maps and information pertaining to popular attractions in the park, hiking routes and walking tours. The center will also recommend accommodation according to your preferences.

Modern Borjomi is perfect for ecotourism activities and family rest. According to local statistics, most tourists are from CIS countries, Israel, Poland and Germany. Bird watching, amateur botany, and geological interests are among the many nature-based activities which draw visitors.

Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 8: Tbilisi

Stop At: The City-Museum Reserve of Mtskheta, Mtskheta Georgia
Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Uplistsiche Cave Town, Kvakhvreli 15 km Eastwards to Town Gori, Gori Georgia
The museum includes the rock streets and squares, see heathen temples, palaces, depressions used for several ritual purposes, richly adorned halls, bakeries, a secret tunnel, etc. Besides, the remains of an ancient three-nave basilica, early medieval “crown-prince” church erected over the basement of a once heathen temple in the central neighborhood of Uplistsikhe, coupled with medieval houses and palaces make the site one of the most requested visiting points in Georgia. Several valuable artifacts excavated on the territory of the ancient settlement and its surroundings are exhibited in the museum, the most noteworthy of which is the unique samples of small plastics, embroidery, weaponry, agricultural tools, and cult service goods.

Working hours: Everyday, 10.00-19.00

Ticket price: Adult - 7 GEL, schoolchildren and students - 1 GEL. Guided tour - 25 GEL. Audio guided tour - 10 GEL.
Free of charge: Children under 6 years of age and homeless children. Groups: Employees of Georgian and Foreign Museums, ICOM, ICOMOS members (with valid identification), People with disabilities, soldiers, refugees.

Total space of the museum: 60 Ha
Display space (museum): 66.5 m²
Storage space: 88 m²
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 9: Transfer to the airport

Stop At: Rustaveli Avenue, Freedom Square to Kostava Street, Tbilisi Georgia
walking tour
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.