Private tour: 4 days in the Highlands of Georgia from Tbilisi

Itinerary

Day 1: Tbilisi – Zugdidi – Mestia

Pass By: Georgian Holidays, Georgia Tsereteli Akakis ave. Tbilisi st 116, Tbilisi Georgia
Pickup from the hotel in Tbilisi and departure to Svaneti. Way to Svaneti is long, so we will make a few stops on our way.

Stop At: Dadiani Palaces Historical and Architectural Museum, Zviad Gamsakhurdia St., 2, Zugdidi 2100 Georgia
First we arrive in Zugdidi – administrative center of Samegrelo region to visit Dadiani Palace History and Architectural Museum – the former residence of Mingrelian Kings and Queens. Have lunch in Zugdidi restaurant with local dishes and continue way to Caucasus highlands.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: River Enguri, Zugdidi Georgia
On the way, stop near Enguri Dam, currently being world’s second highest concrete arch dam – 271.5 m in height. In the evening, you’ll arrive in Mestia, the center of Svaneti and check in the hotel. Have dinner at the hotel and prepare for next day’s off-road adventure.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3* hotel in Mestia

Day 2: Mestia – Ushguli – Mestia

Stop At: Ushguli, Georgia
After breakfast at the hotel board 4x4 vehicles and start driving to one of the most remote places in Europe – Ushguli village. The whole village with its fortifications is included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the way, you’ll visit villages Ipari and Kala to see the churches rich with murals and frescos. After a picnic lunch en-route arrive in Ushguli.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: LaMaria Church, Ushguli Georgia
A short walk in 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. Explore the church and then take a relaxing walk towards the foothills of Shkhara glacier – the highest peak in Georgia (5068 m). Return back to Mestia in the evening for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3* hotel in Mestia


Day 3: Mestia and its surroundings

Stop At: Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, A. Lozeliani st. 7, Mestia 384750 Georgia
After breakfast at the hotel explore Mestia and its surroundings. First stop at Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, which houses old Georgian manuscripts, ethnographic and archaeological items, Georgian Orthodox icons painted in Svanetian style, and etc.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Margiani's House Museum, Lanchvali st., მესტია, Georgia
Next, walk up to the tower-museum of Margiani (12th c.). Svan Towers are considered to be the symbol of Svaneti and a large portion of them date back to Medieval times. Explore the Margiani tower and take a break to have lunch in one of the local restaurants.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mkheri church in Latali, 42°58'02. 42°37'16., 9 GA-1, Roopville, Georgia
After lunch you’ll visit the villages Latali and Lemjeri located near Mestia town. Visit several churches decorated with medieval frescos and murals and get back to Mestia for dinner and overnight.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3* hotel in Mestia


Day 4: Mestia – Zugdidi – Tbilisi

Stop At: Zugdidi City Center - Liberty Square, Zugdidi, Georgia
After breakfast at the hotel start driving back to Tbilisi. On your way visit farmer’s market Zugdidi, where local ecologically clean fruit, vegetables and homemade Sulguni cheese are sold. Take a lunch break en-route and continue to Tbilisi. The tour ends with a drop off at your hotel in Tbilisi.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.