After breakfast we head out on our journey back to Tbilisi. This will give us all a last glimpse of the beautiful terrain Georgia has to offer.
We will stop for lunch on the way before arriving in Tbilisi in the late afternoon. (B,D)
Georgian Luxury
Explorer
ჯორჯიან ლუქშერი ექსპლორერი
10 Days 6000 ex Tbilisi
Accommodation
9 Nights Luxury Hotel and Chalet
Transportation
Mostly by foot.
Vehicle transfers
Included Meals
9 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
8 Dinners
Trip Grade
Category 3
High Heart Rate Holiday
Medieval towers dot the landscape. Small villages would go unnoticed if it weren’t for these stone fortifications. Draped with permanent snow, Europe’s highest mountains, serve as a backdrop and another, this time, natural defense against the Russians to the north.
This is a land frozen in epochs; medieval, soviet. However, unlike its other post soviet brothers who remain stuck, frozen, rusted in a glorious past, Georgia is thawing. Modernity has arrived and its people have awoken to a world of possibilities.
From its capital, Tbilisi, a curious mix of past and futuristic blend perfectly into a charming bookend for our luxury Georgia exploration.
But it is the mountains of Mestia that are the real highlight. Snow capped, glaciated, their enormous geology gives way to grassy meadows and pristine streams and rivers. These are the grand Caucasus Mountains.
From your Chalet, we will explore this gorgeous landscape, sample traditional food, hike remote trails and ride steeds through open fields. We will immerse ourselves by day and indulge ourselves by night.
The Georgian alphabet has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. The oldest form, Asomtavruli, originated around the 5th century CE. It evolved into Nuskhuri in the 9th century, and finally Mkhedruli in the 11th century, which is the modern form used today. The alphabet has 33 letters and is unique to the Georgian language.
ნო როუდს ექსპედიციები
(No Roads Expeditions)
(No Roads Expeditions)
There is something familiar about Georgia. Is it the food; delicious stuffed breads called Khachapuri, and stuffed pasta (ish) khinkalis, meat stews, kebabs and mouth-watering salads?
Is it the wine, of which they have been making for 8000 years?
Is it the landscape, with its snow capped mountains, rolling pastures filled with sheep and cattle?
And yet, you know you are somewhere you have never been before. This is an in-between place, one foot in Asia, one in Europe, one foot in the past and one in the future, caught between the Caspian and the Black Sea. It is a place that needs time to understand. That is exactly what you will have on your Georgia Lux Explorer.
Anthony Bourdain once said of Georgian Polyphonic Singing : “Hauntingly beautiful and otherworldly — kind of like Georgia.”
Anthony Bourdain
The Journey
Today you will arrive in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Tbilisi blends ancient and modern charm. Nestled along the Mtkvari River, its cobblestone streets and diverse architecture reflect a rich history. The city boasts thermal baths, historic churches, lively markets, and a burgeoning arts scene, making it a captivating cultural hub in the Caucasus. We will have a Welcome Dinner tonight. (D)
Today you are free to explore this marvelous city. In the afternoon we have organised a town tour, highlighting some of the things you may have missed on your own, taste testing local food and learning the history of Georgia. (B)
Today we head to the mountains on our private bus. It is a fascinating 8 hour journey through a large section of Georgia. We will have time for lunch and of course some photo stops as well. We will arrive in time for a short wander through town and then dinner. (B,D)
Our first hike in the Caucasus Mountains, will give us an overview of what we will be hiking through for the remaining week.
We will take the cable car up to the ridgeline where our trek starts. This hike is relatively easy with undulating terrain throughout. We will have superb views of Ushba and Tetnuldi as well as the small Svaneti villages found in the valleys. A perfect way to start our week in Mestia. (B,L,D)
Today we mix it up a bit with a horse ride from Mestia out to Zhabeshi. The horses are well versed in taking inexperienced riders so don’t worry if you don’t know how to ride. This experience will give us a great insight into the long Georgian tradition of horse husbandry and the relationship between humans and horses.
Once we arrive in Zhabeshi we will leave our steeds behind and hike back to Mestia. The return journey is mostly downhill. (B,L,D)
Our first big hike with over 1000 meter gain, rewards us with incredible views, as usual. Starting at an altitude of 1,400 meters, the trail ascends to 2,740 meters, covering a total distance of about 21 kilometers round trip. The initial part of the hike is the most difficult, with a significant elevation gain as you climb to the Mestia Cross viewpoint at 2,239 meters. From there, the trail becomes easier, leading through alpine valleys to the picturesque Koruldi Lakes. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the famous peaks of Ushba and Tetnuldi. (B,L,D)
For those who wish to relax, there is plenty to “not” do in and around Mestia. For those who wish to get out into nature again, we will have plenty of local, not too difficult walks through nearby forests and trails.
Or we could head out to Ushguli to see the famed tours and one of the oldest and highest settlements in all of Europe. It’s up to you. (B,D)
The hike to Chalaadi Glacier offers a stunning variety of scenery. Starting with a walk through a lush, mixed forest, the trail transitions to a rocky path as it approaches the glacier. As the forest clears, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the glacier itself, nestled against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Ushba. The trail follows the Chalaadi River, which flows from beneath the glacier, providing picturesque sights of glacial meltwater and moraine landscapes. The combination of verdant forests, rocky terrains, and the majestic glacier makes this hike a visually captivating experience. (B,L,D)
We bid you gamarjobat or farewell from our Georgian Explorer. We hope you had a great time and take with you fond memories of Georgia. (B)
We will transfer you back to the airport for your flight home.
Journey Extensions
Check out our Journey Extensions for those that want to stay a little longer or try something different along the way.
Our journey take us to the ‘Telavi’ Region of Kakheti about 2hrs east of Tbilisi. Telavi is the largest town in the region with a fantastic market and quite a picturesque little town to visit. The regions best wineries are all within 30-45 mins from the town (and your hotel). The absolute must-do in Kakheti is Winery Khareba – it has the famous underground wine tunnels built into a mountain – great experience. There are also some lovely family owned wineries around Telavi itself as well as some more commercial ones.
Your home for 4 days will be the incredible Lopota Resort.
Day 1 – Depart Tbilisi, private bus/vehicle to Lopota. Private tour of Tsinandali Vineyards & Wine tasting. Afternoon/evening at leisure
Day 2 – Day Tour Telavi Region + Wineries. Walking Telavi Old Town + Market. Shumi Winery (birthplace of Georgian wine), Guramishvili’s Marani + Khareba WIne Tunnels
Day 3 – Day Tour – Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi walking tour + lunch at a Sighnaghi restaurant overlooking the valley, finish off at a winery on the way back to the hotel
Day 4 – Today we head back to Tbilisi.
Getting to Georgia
Georgia is well connected from all over the world, in particular from the Middle east. Emirates, Qatar and Turkish airlines all have daily flights from their Middle East hubs to Tbilisi. From Australia the flight is usually around the 22 hr. mark. From the US it ranges from 13 hrs. from the east coast and 17 hrs. from the west coast. From Europe (Germany) the flight is approximately 4 hrs.
Season
Late May through to late September
Includes
- All airport transfers
- Transport to and from the treks as required in private vehicle
- All equipment for activities as required (Horse Riding)
- Professional English speaking guides trained in first-aid and C.P.R.
- Boutique hotels in Tbilisi and Mestia
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Excludes
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Personal spending money
- Tips for General Guides
- Any meals not listed as included
Horse Riding?
A part of our immersion in Georgian culture, we will have 1 day of horse riding in the foothills around Mestia.
Georgian folklore is rich with stories that highlight the bond between horses and humans. Legendary tales, such as those featuring heroic figures and their steeds, illustrate the deep respect and admiration Georgians have for horses, viewing them as partners in life rather than mere animals. This cultural reverence is evident in the traditional sport of Lelo Burti, a rugby-like game played on horseback, which showcases the ongoing importance of equestrian activities in modern Georgian society.
Of course we won’t be playing Lelo Burti, but we will explore Georgia atop a local horse and escorted by a local guide. Do you need horse riding experience? Not at all!
All you need is the willingness to learn. We won’t be galloping around but more like meandering through the foothills, exploring this wonderful area.
And what if you don’t want to do the ride? That’s not a problem, there is plenty to do in Mestia and we will give you a few ideas that will excite your mind and body.
Accommodation
Like all our Lux adventures, your accommodation in Georgia is not only luxurious but also unique.
In Tbilisi we will be staying at the riverside Radisson Blu Iveria. This hotel is perfectly situated to take in the modern and ancient sights of Tbilisi’s.
In Mestia we will be staying at the wonderful Sami Chalet. This is the best place in town and offers very comfortable rooms in a private chalet format. We will dine for 4 nights at the Chalet with produce sourced locally on local and national cuisine. This is a unique and wonderful way to experience the high Caucasus mountains.
“Every Georgian dish is a poem”
Alexander Pushkin, Russian Poet and Playwright.
World Heritage Upper Svaneti
Upper Svaneti, nestled in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique cultural and architectural heritage. This remote, highland region, characterized by its dramatic landscapes and ancient villages, offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The village of Chazhashi in the Ushguli community, situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters, is the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. It exemplifies the traditional Svan architecture with its defensive stone towers, known as “koshki,” which date back to the 9th-12th centuries. These towers, built for protection against invaders and natural disasters, dominate the skyline and provide a striking visual testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Svan people.
Svaneti’s churches and their distinctive frescoes are also central to its cultural heritage. The region boasts numerous small, stone churches adorned with intricate frescoes that depict biblical scenes and local saints, reflecting the region’s deep Christian roots. The 10th-century Lamaria Church in Ushguli is particularly notable for its well-preserved frescoes and historical significance.
The isolation of Upper Svaneti has helped preserve its unique cultural traditions. The Svan language, a member of the South Caucasian family, is still spoken here, and the region’s folk music, characterized by complex polyphony, is a vital part of its cultural identity. Traditional Svan festivals, with their unique customs and rituals, are celebrated with fervor, showcasing the community’s rich intangible heritage.
The natural beauty of Upper Svaneti is equally compelling. The region is dominated by some of the highest peaks in the Caucasus, including Mount Shkhara, Georgia’s highest mountain. Glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine rivers create a breathtaking landscape that attracts trekkers and adventurers from around the world.
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