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
Welcome to Géorgie!
Tbilisi International Airport → Tbilissi
We land in Tbilissi, capital of Géorgie, where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Rest of the day free for us to relax.
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.
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…
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).
Arrival in Akhaltsikhé. Dinner at a local home.
From the troglodyte city of Vardzia to the city of Kutaisi
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
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.
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.
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.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Georgia for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Georgia, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay. It is however recommended that it remains valid for at least three months after your planned return date and contains at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Nationals of many EEA countries can also enter Georgia with a valid national identity card in place of a passport. We recommend verifying this possibility according to your nationality before departure.
Tourism without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourism stays.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 365 days (one year) on Georgian territory, without prior formalities. This is one of the most liberal entry policies in the world.
Authorities may nevertheless request:
an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in Georgia.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one of their parents or legal guardians, an exit authorization may be required depending on the regulations of the country of residence. It is recommended to have a parental authorization letter accompanied by a copy of the parents' identity documents, even if this is not systematically requested.
Health
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Georgia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure, particularly against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid, depending on your travel profile and the areas visited.
It is advisable to consult your doctor or a travel medicine center before departure to obtain personalized recommendations.
Areas to avoid
The regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are conflict zones under de facto control of separatist forces supported by Russia. Entry to these territories is strongly discouraged by consular authorities of most European countries and Canada. Any access to these regions other than through official Georgian crossing points is illegal under Georgian law.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Georgia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have assistance-repatriation and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for worry-free travel!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim notification procedures. The participant should therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
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
