On the Caucasus Trails: Culture and Hiking
Between Caucasus peaks and troglodyte cities, a journey into the heart of ancestral Georgian traditions.
Duration
14 days
From
€1,060/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Grandiose high altitude landscapes, rich and varied nature, fertile plains brimming with fresh springs alongside semi-arid zones, Géorgie is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Georgian Caucasus will also delight caving enthusiasts with its multiple cave and sinkhole networks, as well as hiking passionate fans thanks to its valleys, peaks and exceptional panoramas.
Here, Man has adapted to the majesty of the places and built buildings, fortresses, monasteries and churches that blend into the natural environment, in the depths of valleys or at the top of hills, in a millennial harmony that will enchant the visitor. Throughout this circuit, you will also discover preserved mountain villages, sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage and the ancestral traditions that make up all of Géorgie's cultural wealth, between hospitality, gastronomy and wine-growing.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Discovering the Georgian capital with an English-speaking guide
Breakfast.
The day is devoted to exploring the Georgian capital and more particularly its Old Town, whose reduced expanse on either side of the Mtkvari river makes its discovery on foot very pleasant. We visit notably the Metekhi Church, which dates from the 13th century and offers a magnificent panorama over the river, the synagogue, the Sioni Cathedral, built in the 12th century and a strong symbol of Georgian identity, and the city's last mosque. We also do not forget the ancient Narikala fortress, built in the 4th century on a hilltop overlooking the city.
We then head towards the Abanotubani sulfurous baths before strolling through the charming lanes of the Chardin district with its many cafés and restaurants.
In the afternoon, we visit the National Museum and its collections of archaeological finds from the ancient period.
Stroll along Rustaveli Street and Liberty Square, visit to the opera and ballet house (exterior), the parliament building, visit of XIX-XX century architecture, art nouveau buildings.
UNESCO Sites to the Mountains of the Greater Caucasus
Breakfast.
This morning we take the road to Mtskheta, capital of the ancient Kingdom of Iberia which reigned for 9 centuries (from -300 to 600) over the southern and eastern regions of present-day Géorgie. We visit the Jvari Monastery, one of the most beautiful in the country, built in the 6th-7th centuries on a hillside overlooking the meeting point of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, as well as the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral built in the 11th century.
Mtskheta → Ananouri
We continue our journey north and make a stop at Ananouri to admire its fortress from the 16th-17th centuries, which overlooks the artificial Jinvali lake, offering a beautiful panorama of the rugged landscape of the region.
Ananouri → Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
We continue our journey on the mythical Georgian Military Road, one of the most beautiful roads in the world bordering gorges and valleys and crossing the Cross Pass at nearly 2400m altitude. Arrival in Kazbegi.
Departure by car to the Trinity Church (14th century), located at a height of 300 m. above the village. From here we admire the breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek and its surrounding peaks.
Dinner at a local home.
Hiking in Trousso Valley
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) → Gorge De Trousso
Breakfast.
Departure towards Trusso Gorge (2000m) (Trusso is accessible by 4x4 vehicle). The valley is interesting for its variety of geological layers demonstrating the formation of the Greater Caucasus. We follow the rocky banks of the Tergui river until the area of limestone springs which form reddish travertines here. Hiking 5 hours, 14 km, elevation gain/loss +/-150m, easy.
Crossing the bridge over the river and following the extraordinary path we will arrive at the natural lake of carbonated waters. We continue the route to the shepherds' tents which guard herds of cattle and sheep here. We finish our hike in the only inhabited village in the valley and then we return to the car on the other side of the Tergui river.
Departure to the Soviet city of Gori, which is the birthplace of J. Stalin.
Dinner with a local family.
Ouplistsikhe Caves and towards the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region
Breakfast. Visit to the Gori Fortress. Next, you can visit Stalin's house-museum and his armored train…
Gori → Uplistsikhe
We set off to discover the remains of Uplistsikhe, an incredible cave city built in the 1st millennium BC, making it one of the oldest human settlements in the Caucasus.
Continuing on the road to Borjomi, a small town nestled in a gorge of the Mtkvari River at over 800m altitude, renowned for its many thermal springs and lush nature. Visit to Borjomi Park. From the park, a short hike to the sulfurous pool (approximately 1-1.5 hours, easy).
Uplistsikhe → Akhaltsikhe
Arrival in Akhaltsikhé. Dinner at a local home.
From the troglodyte city of Vardzia to the city of Kutaisi
Akhaltsikhe → Vardzia
Breakfast.
Departure for the Saro village to visit a very specific house of the region, called "Mitsuri" or "Meskhitian house" built underground.
This morning we explore the monastic troglodytic city of Vardzia, carved into the slopes of Mt Erusheti in the 12th century and overlooking the Koura river. 2 hours of walking allow us to discover this incredible network of tunnels and fortresses on the cliff face.
From Kutaisi with UNESCO Sites in Svaneti
Breakfast.
Kutaisi was several times the capital of Géorgie when Tbilisi was occupied, and housed the country's parliament until recently. This city, some of whose archaeological remains date back 3500 years, is full of churches and other historic buildings.
We visit the remarkable sites of the city, including the Bagrati Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture and the city's pride, and the Gelati Monastery, inscribed in Unesco's World Heritage.
Along the long road of Svaneti, visit to the magnificent palace and museum of Dadiani history in Zugdidi. We discover exhibitions of Georgian cultural heritage linked to the Emperor of France Napoleon Bonaparte, treasures of the Tagiloni and relics of the Dadiani dynasty.
Mestia Visit
Breakfast.
Mestia, a small town perched at over 1500m altitude, is the historical, cultural and religious centre of Upper Svaneti. You will find many medieval stone towers, typical of the region. The mountain scenery is simply breathtaking.
In Mestia we visit the ethnographic museum, some famous Svanetian towers, and admire grandiose landscapes and architectural treasures.
Departure towards Europe's highest village and hike to the Shkhara glacier
Breakfast.
We take a challenging 4x4 road to the village of Oushguli, the highest in Europe at 2100m altitude. We stroll through the UNESCO-listed village and its surroundings, under the gaze of the imposing Shkhara glacier. After visiting the small Lamaria chapel, a magical place in a stunning setting, we leave the village for a hike towards the Shkhara glacier (5200 m.) (3-5 hours of hiking, easy, elevation gain/loss +/-150 m) through breathtaking mountain landscapes.
After the hike, we descend to Mestia by 4x4 vehicle.
Dinner at a family hotel.
Trekking to Tchalaadi Glacier
Breakfast.
In the morning the 4x4 vehicle takes us to the small wooden bridge suspended above the Mestiatchala River. Here, at 1600m altitude, our adventure begins, a small 2-hour hike (easy) through the Tchalaadi Gorge. We cross the bridge and enter the alpine forest. After the forest, the trail continues on gravel until the Chalaadi Glacier (at 1900m). The glacier gives birth to the river also named Tchalaadi and offers us a splendid view with the north peak of Mount Oushba on one side and Mount Chatin on the other side.
The road to the capital
Breakfast.
Visit of the local market of Kutaisi and then departure towards the capital.
On the way, visit to Ubissa Church, and its very beautiful medieval frescoes. The evening free in Tbilisi.
Optional visit (additional cost): Before departure from Kutaisi, the possibility to visit the Prometheus Caves (located 20 km from the city), a karst cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites decorated with colored laser lights. The visit is done partly on foot, partly by boat.
Wine Traditions in Kakheti
Tbilissi → Ikalto Monastery
Breakfast.
We leave Tbilisi this morning and head east toward the city of Telavi. This city is the capital of the historic region of Kakheti, which is none other than the birthplace of wine and home to the oldest uninterrupted tradition of using Qvevri, those large terracotta amphoras in which delicious organic unfiltered wines are produced. Several hundreds of grape varieties are still cultivated in this terroir with very vibrant traditions. We visit two exceptional historical sites: the magnificent Cathedral of Alaverdi, built in the 11th century, and the great Monastery of Ikalto, founded in the 6th century, as well as its academy, where scholars came from all over the country during the Middle Ages to study disciplines as varied as theology, astronomy, geography, and pharmacology.
Ikalto Monastery → Alaverdi Monastery
We make a brief stop at a Georgian house with an ancient cellar, where the inhabitants present their traditional winemaking methods, very different from French practice. Wine tasting.
Alaverdi Monastery → Tsinandali
Next, we head to our final visit of the day: the village of Tsinandali, about ten kilometers east of Telavi, a land of vineyards and a historic winery, as well as a museum.
Dinner at a family-run hotel.
David Garedja Monastery
Breakfast.
Departure towards the town of Sighnaghi. Perched at 800m altitude, this small city is known for its wine, carpets and landscapes and historical monuments. We visit the Bodbe Orthodox monastery then stroll along its paved streets and admire the superb Alazani valley dominated by the majestic Caucasus mountain range.
Sighnaghi → David Garedja
We then approach the border with Azerbaijan. In this arid corner of southeastern Géorgie lies an extraordinary Orthodox monastic complex carved directly into the rock: the David Garedja monastery, located in the semi-desert region. You can currently only visit part of the monastic complex. The other part is closed to the public.
David Garedja → Tbilissi
Have a good trip!
Tbilissi → Tbilisi International Airport
We make the most of our last free time in Tbilisi before heading to the airport for our return flight. Safe travels.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Flights (the price depends on travel dates)
- Insurance
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Everything not mentioned in "Included"
- The services of an English-speaking guide or an English-speaking driver-guide
Included
- Accommodations (13 nights, double/twin room basis)
- 4 nights in Tbilisi - 3* Hotel
- 1 night in Kazbegui - homestay
- 1 night in Gori - homestay
- 1 night in Akhaltsikhe - homestay
- 2 nights in Kutaisi - homestay
- 3 nights in Mestia - family hotel
- 1 night in Telavi - family hotel
- Private airport-hotel transfer
- Private hotel-airport transfer
- Private transport throughout the circuit with an English-speaking driver
- Local 4x4 vehicle for Truso Valley, Ushguli village and Tchalaadi Glacier
- The meals mentioned in the day-by-day description (all breakfasts and 9 dinners outside of Tbilisi)
- Wine tasting
- Entry fees to sites
- Our agency's 24/7 assistance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 30 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Géorgie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Géorgie, votre passeport doit être valide pour toute la durée du séjour prévu. Il est toutefois recommandé qu'il reste valide au moins trois mois après la date de retour prévue et comporte au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Les ressortissants de nombreux pays de l'EEE peuvent également entrer en Géorgie avec une carte d'identité nationale valide en lieu et place du passeport. Nous vous recommandons de vérifier cette possibilité selon votre nationalité avant le départ.
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 365 jours (un an) sur le territoire géorgien, sans démarche préalable. Il s'agit de l'une des politiques d'accueil les plus libérales au monde.
Les autorités peuvent néanmoins demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une adresse d'hébergement en Géorgie.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents ou tuteurs légaux, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence. Il est recommandé de se munir d'une lettre d'autorisation parentale accompagnée d'une copie des documents d'identité des parents, même si celle-ci n'est pas systématiquement réclamée.
Santé
Aucune vaccination n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Géorgie. Certaines vaccinations sont cependant recommandées à titre préventif, notamment contre l'hépatite A, l'hépatite B et la typhoïde, selon votre profil de voyage et les zones visitées.
Il est conseillé de consulter votre médecin ou un centre de médecine des voyages avant le départ afin d'obtenir des recommandations personnalisées.
Zones à éviter
Les régions d'Ossétie du Sud et d'Abkhazie sont des zones de conflit sous contrôle de facto de forces séparatistes soutenues par la Russie. L'entrée dans ces territoires est fortement déconseillée par les autorités consulaires de la plupart des pays européens et du Canada. Tout accès à ces régions autrement que par les points de passage officiels géorgiens est illégal au regard du droit géorgien.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Géorgie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Georgia, a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay is required. No visa is necessary under the current exemption regime. This exemption makes Georgia a particularly accessible destination. Before booking your trip, check the entry conditions applicable to your nationality with the Georgian consular or diplomatic authorities in your country of residence.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan for 100 to 170 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (350-600 euros return from Paris) are additional. Georgia is one of the most affordable destinations in wider Europe.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget, and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Around Tbilisi
Guardian of the Caucasus Mountains, based in Géorgie
In the mountains of Georgia, each village has its character, its stories and its traditions. That's where you truly understand the strength and soul of the country.
— Shorena
