Svaneti Treasure
Starts from: Zugdidi
Type: City Break
Available: May-October
Total Distance: 365 km
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Type: City Break, Private Trip
Travel to one of the highest inhabited places in Europe - Village Ushguli in Upper Svaneti, which is included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Private escorted jeep tour to Svaneti is an authentic experience of Caucasus. Explore the hidden treasures of Georgia - a land of extraordinary beauty and its highlands dotted by medieval villages and Svanetian defensive towers.
*Please indicate your preferred pick-up and drop-off locations in the comment at check-out.
Morning pick-up from the hotel in Zugdidi – administrative center of Samegrelo region.
Visit Dadiani Palace History and Architectural Museum – the former residence of Mingrelian Kings and Queens. The first exhibition here was prepared by the Prince of Samegrelo, David Dadiani and presented archaeological findings from the ancient city of Nokalakevi. The museum now includes palaces of Princess of Samegrelo, Ekaterine Dadiani and Prince of Samegrelo, Niko Dadiani, court church, and the botanical garden.
Start driving up to the Caucasus Mountains. On the way, stop at Enguri Dam, currently being world’s second largest dam – 271.5 m in height. Excursion will take about 30 minutes.
In the evening arrive to Mestia. Dinner and overnight in Mestia.
Dinner and overnight in Mestia.
Breakfast at the guesthouse. Today explore Upper Svaneti and drive with 4x4 vehicles to Ushguli community – one of the highest continually inhabited places in Europe. The whole village with its fortifications is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The road to Ushguli is an off-road but very picturesque. On our way, we will visit villages of Ipari and Kala to sightsee the medieval churches with famous murals and frescos.
Stop by Lamaria church in Ushguli - a notable local sacred place of worship. Take a walk towards Shkhara glacier – the highest peak in Georgia (5068 m).
In the evening, return back to Mestia.
*Optional visit: Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography
Dinner and overnight in Mestia.
Breakfast at the guesthouse. Morning start for Mazeri village (20 km from Mestia) and Becho valley.
Walking route: 8 km, 2.5 hours, moderate;
Ascent 466 m/ Descent 466 m
The trail begins at the "Hikers Cafe" - a small wooden hut on the right embarkment of Dolra river.
Soon after the hut, the road enters a beautiful pine forest and turns into a pleasant footpath. It will eventually lead you to the broad wooden bridge. At the other side lies the Georgian border guards post.
Behind the camp, the trail climbs again through the forest. At its end is the turn-off to the Shdughra waterfall.
If you feel more adventurous, you can continue hiking further up to reach the Ushba Glacier, although this is difficult hike on exposed trail and requires more experience.
Hike back with the same trail.
In the evening return back to Mestia.
Dinner and overnight in Mestia.
Breakfast at the guesthouse. Check out.
If the weather is fine, Hatsvali cable car is strongly recommended. The panoramic views from Zuruldi mount (upper station is located 2,347m altitude).
*Optional visit of Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, which houses old Georgian manuscripts, ethnographic and archaeological items, Georgian Orthodox icons painted in local style, etc.
Walk up to the tower-museum of Margiani (12th c.) to see how the locals were living.
Drive back to Zugdidi.
Staff:
Accommodation:
Meals:
Other:
Group size | Price per adult |
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Solo | 1326 $ |
2 - 3 people | 755 $ |
4 - 5 people | 623 $ |
6 - 15 people | 519 $ |
The above prices (except for solo) are based on two people sharing a twin/double room accommodation.
There is additional fee for single room accomodation that you can select at checkout.
Child Policy |
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0-6 years - Free |
7-12 years - 50% |
12 years and above - Adult |
*Online booking deposit will be deducted from the total tour price.
The balance can be paid in one of the following ways:
For a larger group or custom itinerary please contact us at info[at]georgianholidays.com
Tips for booking procedure:
How to know which “Operator” to select?
You only need to select the Operator name if you have previously communicated with one of our sales agents via phone or email, otherwise please leave it at default.
*Optional services:
Private transfers:
Private pick-up transfer from Tbilisi airport: 32 $
Private drop-off transfer to Tbilisi airport: 27 $
Discounted double way private transfer to/from Tbilisi airport to/from Tbilisi hotel: 49 $
To arrange airport transfers and additional hotel overnights, contact us info [at] georgianholidays.com
1 person from the group will be FREE of charge if 10 and more adults are traveling together
Cancellation is free of charge prior 5 days of the starting day.
If Tourist cancels the booked tour for some reasons not depending on Tour Operator, the following sums are kept back as a fine: