The glorious realm of Highlander Warriors, Svaneti

$185 / The Glorious Realm of Tough Highlanders, Svaneti
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Mestia, Georgia

$410.00

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Overview

Georgian highlands are some of the most awe-inspiring sights this small country has to offer. Surrounded by the timeless Caucasus mountains, you’ll feel connected to nature like never before. Already on your way to the mountains when you lay your eyes on the Enguri water reservoir for the first time, you will think the earth and the sky have shifted – trapped by the dam, the vivid blue surface of the Enguri river looks like a second sky. At Dadiani Palace you’ll have a peek behind the curtain of time and learn how the members of Georgian high society lived in the 19th century.

Reaching Svaneti, your lungs will start to fill with pristine air of the mountains. When visiting Ushguli you’ll find yourself in the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. The fusion of Ushguli’s extraordinary architecture with its exceptional location is recognized as a cultural world heritage by no other than UNESCO.

Tucked away safely between two mountains lies another jewel of mountainous Georgia – Mestia. Here you’ll be met with mesmerizing views of Svaneti and the enclosing Great Caucasus. Follow the call of the mountains and experience the beauty of Georgian nature firsthand.

Professional driving services

Sit back and enjoy the views while we do the driving for you.

Accommodation

Spend a relaxing night at a comfortable hotel or guesthouse.

Traditional cuisine

Taste the explosion of flavours that make Georgian cuisine so special.

Biking

Explore your surroundings in a healthy and eco-friendly way.

Great outdoors

Revel in the unique beauty of Georgian nature.

This tour includes

Overnight stay at a 3/4 star hotel
High class driving professional
Museum tickets
Free WiFi
Refreshing beverages
Wine/Chacha tasting
Certified tour guide
10% discount code for your next trip with Tour Guide Georgia

This tour doesn't include

Child car chairs
Dinner with Georgian entertainment program
Photographer

Itinerary

DAY 1: TBILISI, ZUGDIDI & MESTIA

Hotel pickup in Tbilisi and departure to Svaneti.
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ZUGDIDI
Zugdidi, meaning "big/great hill" in Laz and Mingrelian, was the capital of the principality of Mingrelia (Odishi). In 1867 the principality was abolished by the Russian Empire. Today it’s the capital of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region and a beloved tourist destination.

DADIANI PALACE
Dadiani Palace History and Architectural Museum is the former residence of Mingrelian Kings and Queens. It’s considered to be one of the most notable historic palaces in the Caucasus.
The museum complex includes palaces of the Samegrelo queen Ekaterine Chavchavadze-Dadiani and Prince Niko Dadiani, court church, and the botanic garden.
The museum’s history goes back to early 1848, when the prince of Samegrelo, David Dadiani used to show his guests the archaeological and numismatic collection from Nokalakevi, an archaeological site in Samegrelo.

LUNCH
We’ll stop at a local restaurant to have a traditional lunch.

ENGURI DAM
Enguri dam is the second highest concrete arch dam in the world with a height of 271.5 metres.
Its vivid blue water surrounded by the deep green of neighbouring forests is one of the most breathtaking sights of Georgia.

MESTIA
Mestia is a townlet at an elevation of 1,500 metres in northwest Georgia. It’s famous for the unique architecture - defence towers built out of local materials, magnificent nature and stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains.
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Dinner and overnight accommodation in Mestia.

DAY 2: MESTIA & USHGULI

Hotel pickup after breakfast.
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USHGULI
Ushguli is a community of four villages located at an altitude of 2,100 metres near the foot of infamous Shkhara in Svaneti. Covered in snow for at least 6 months in a year, it’s the highest continuously inhabited settlements in all of Europe. Ushguli’s remote location has preserved many of the villages’ unique characteristics and made the whole settlement a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

KALA
Kala is a union of 8 remote villages in Svaneti. The major tourist attractions are the 11th century Ipari church, the 11th century St. Kvirike Church, which are famous for their rich frescoes.

A PICNIC IN NATURE
For lunch, we’ll have an en-route picnic and take in the beautiful Svaneti landscape.

LAMARIA CHURCH
Back in Ushguli, we’ll stop at Lamaria church, which is a sacred place for locals. The church was built in the 10th century and hasn’t been altered since.

SHKHARA GLACIER
We’ll get close and personal with Georgia's highest peak Shkhara. Standing tall at 5068 meters, it’s covered with ice all year around - a wonderful sight to behold.
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Dinner and overnight accommodation in Mestia.

DAY 3: MESTIA & SURROUNDINGS

Hotel pickup after breakfast.
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SVANETI MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ETHNOGRAPHY
Svaneti museum is part of the National Museum chain. It has 6 permanent exposition halls, where visitors can see exponents discovered during archaeological excavations and numismatic samples from different eras.

MARGIANI HOUSE MUSEUM
This small museum is dedicated to the greatest Georgian mountain climber - Mikheil Khergiani. Visitors will get an intimate look into Khergiani’s life, see his personal belongings and learn about his incredible achievements. For the inspired, there is a small climbing wall inside the tower to test your strength and stamina.

LUNCH
We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant where you’ll get another opportunity to taste delicious food of the Svaneti region.

LATALI & LEMJERI
These villages near Mestia town contain medieval churches decorated with unique frescoes and murals.
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Dinner and overnight accommodation in Mestia.

DAY4: MESTIA, ZUGDIDI & TBILISI

Hotel pickup after breakfast.
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ZUGDIDI FARMER’S MARKET
Get to experience authentic Georgia at the farmer’s market in Zugdidi. Here you’ll find everything from fresh Sulguni cheese to traditional spices - the backbone of local cuisine.

LUNCH
On our way back to Tbilisi we’ll stop at a local restaurant to taste some more delicious Georgian food.
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We'll arrive in Tbilisi in the evening.