Authentic Georgia
Type: SMALL GROUP tour
Dates: every second Sunday
Total distance: 1425 km
Available: from May to September
Authentic Georgia offers to travel diverse regions between the Black sea and Great Caucasus Mountains. The tour covers five regions of Georgia: Kartli, Imereti, Samegrelo, Svaneti and Adjara.
You will sightsee major Georgian cities and towns – Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Mtskheta, Zugdidi, Mestia and Gori, drive through the highlands of the Caucasus, explore the seashores of the Eastern Black Sea, take a journey into the caves of Uplistsikhe and Sataplia, and visit the well-known museums, such as the Georgian National Museum, Dadiani Palace, and museum of Joseph Stalin.
The group is “Guaranteed to Run” after two people book the tour.
Full day Tbilisi sightseeing tour starts at 10:00 am.
In the morning we organize pick up service for the group members.
First, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba)- the most prominent and one of the tallest Orthodox churches in the world. Tour will take about 40 minutes around and inside the cathedral.
City tour continues to the Metekhi Church of 13th c. which stands on a rocky plateau overlooking the river Mtkvari and Tbilisi downtown. The place was a residence of the first royal family, who moved the capital city from Mtskheta to Tbilisi in 5th c. Equestrian statue of the King Vakhtang IV Gorgasali is erected here.
Next site to visit is Narikala Fortress, which is available to reach by the areal cable car connecting Europe Square and the top of the hill on the other side of the river, where the fortress stands. Built-in the 4th c. Narikala served as the main fortification of Tbilisi and was repeatedly sieved.
Take the downhill stroll from Narikala to the old city, follow Botanical Street, visit Tbilisi Mosque, Legvtakevi (the Fig Ravine) and visit the natural waterfall in a downtown. Continue to the Bathhouse Square - Abanotubani, where the Sulfur Bathhouses of the Tbilisi Historical District are located.
Passing along the Maidan Square, Shardeni and The King Erekle II streets with souvenir shops and art galleries, Tbilisi city tour proceeds to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral (13th c) and Anchiskhati basilica – the oldest church in Tbilisi (dates back to the 6th c AD).
Visit the Golden Treasury of Georgian National Museum. The collection features gold and silver artifacts from the pre-Christian period from different parts of modern-day Georgia.
After visiting the Georgian National Museum, take a walk on Rustaveli Avenue towards the building of Parliament of Georgia, Rustaveli Drama theater, National Museum of Contemporary Arts, Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater, Prospero’s book store, shopping center and the First Republic Square.
In the evening return back to the hotel.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Driving distance: 271 km (4 h 34 min)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to the West through Gori, the central town in Kartli region. Visit the museum of Joseph Stalin. Museum consists of Stalin’s memorial house of late 19th c, exhibition building from Soviet era and Stalin’s personal train including personal belongings with interior (he used to travel to Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam).
After guided tour in the museum, drive to the ancient caves of Uplistsikhe that is 14 km away from Gori. Cut in limestone rocks, Uplistsikhe dates back to the Early Iron Age and is one the oldest urban settlements in Georgia. The archaeological artifacts discovered here date as early as Early Iron Ages. Most of the items found in Uplistsikhe are parts of the collections of Georgian National Museum. It is also possible to visit a small museum nearby and watch 7-minute movie about Uplistsikhe.
The trip continues to the western part of Georgia through Rikoti Pass on Lesser Caucasus, natural border of East and West. 1800 m long tunnel was dig in 19th c on the watershed of the rivers of the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea basins. The small 9th c Ubisa monastery is located on the way, behind the green cover. Don’t miss to see 14th c fantastic murals on the walls of Ubisa Basilica painted by local painter Damiane in Paleologos style.
In the evening arrive to Kutaisi, the third largest city in Georgia, Imereti region. Take a walk in central square and park, visit beautiful Bagrati Cathedral (built in 11th c.), the Cathedral is among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Overnight in Kutaisi.
Driving distance: 239 km (5 hrs 22 mins)
After breakfast check out and drive to Sataplia natural reserve and karst caves. The sight is famous for its well-preserved fossilized dinosaur footprints. The karst cave is 900 meters long and is enhanced with light and audio effects. The Colches forest- park, the glass observation platform and a small museum of Jurassic animal remains are part of the attraction.
Next place to visit today is Martvili Canyon s , sight of beautiful waterfalls in Samegrelo region. Take a boat trip in the river Abasha and observe the surrounding area.
After Martvili , continue the trip to the north, to Enguri Dam situated on the way from Samegrelo to Upper Svaneti region. The dam represents the highest arched dames in the world. Make a short photo-stop and continue the way to the Great Caucasus Mountains . Roaring river Enguri is our guide today. The canyons are narrow and very picturesque. Several waterfalls greet us on the way.
In the evening arrive to Mestia – the administrative town of Zemo (upper) Svaneti region (elevation 1500 m). Svaneti is unique for its geography and landscapes, as well as authentic and well-preserved traditional culture and architecture. Svaneti towers are good examples of medieval architecture, used for defensive as well as dwelling purposes. Some of them date back as early as 9th -10th cc.
Dinner and overnight in Mestia .
NOTE: Sataplia Nature Reserve and Martvili Canyon are not open for visitors on Mondays .
Driving distance: 93.7 (3 hr 15 min)
After breakfast in Mestia, start 4x4WD mountain adventure to the most remote and isolated community Ushguli.
Ushguli is comprised of 4 villages, and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list for the authentic lifestyle in the mountains. It is one of the highest settlements in the entire Europe (2200m above sea level).
The Upper Svaneti roads are narrow, curvy, mainly paved, but damaged because of waterfalls, falling stones and frequent avalanches. The last 16 km before entering Ushguli is gavel. Make couple of stops to enjoy mountain views, see Ipari and Kala villages, and take a look at small Svanetian churches with heart worming medieval frescoes.
Walk inside the village, visit Lamaria church and if the weather permits, admire the magic power of Shkhara mountains (5201 m).
In the evening return back to Mestia.
Dinner and overnight in Mestia.
Distance: 25km (1h)
Trail: Round trip, trekking in nature, good for all skill levels.
Max elevation: 1925 m
Minimum elevation: 1665 m
Total climb: 337 m
Total descent: 337 m
Drive to the Mestia chala river, a starting point of the trail. Cross the bridge and start walking uphill through the forest. After about 1.5 km., the trail continues on rocky area, covered with stones of different shapes and size, so one should walk extra careful. From here, you can already observe mount Chatini (4412 m) in front of you. We continue towards Chatini mountain and at 1920m asl . we reach our destination point - Chalaadi glacier .
Dinner and overnight in Mestia
Driving distance: 268 km (4 hours 55 minutes)
After breakfast check out and visit Margiani family museum and tower. The Margiani family lived here from the XII-XX centuries. The living room consists of an open fireplace in the center of the room and meeting place around: dominates the carved wooden armchair for the head of the family and simple wooden chairs for all adult man from both sides of fire. Under the sleeping area there is a stable for cows, bulls and goats.
If the weather permits, take time for Hatsvali cable car and ride up to Zuruldi Mountain (2455m). The breathtaking panoramic views of Ushba (4,710 m South & 4,690 m North), and Tetnuldi (4852 m) open in front of you. After drinking hot cup of coffee say good bye to Svaneti and drive to the lowlands and Black Sea .
Supplement for Hatsvali cable car is Mestia Museum . Fantastic location, absolutely distinctive collection of manuscripts, gospel books, medieval goldsmith and icons are displayed in the permanent exhibition hall.
Late afternoon arrive in Zugdidi – the administrative town of Samegrelo region and capital of former principality of Mingrelia . In Zugdidi visit Dadiani museum, established inside the palace by Prince David Dadiani . Museum's collection includes death masks of Napoleon Bonaparte, important Georgian cultural and archaeological artifacts and botanical garden around.
Drive to Adjara region – its capital city and port town Batumi . In the evening take a walk on city's boulevards.
Overnight in Batumi .
Driving distance: 28 km
After breakfast visit Roman’s time fortification of Gonio Fortress located in about 10 km from Batumi on the direction of Georgia-Turkish border Sarpi. Excursion will take about 30 minutes.
Next stop is open area ethnographical museum Borjgalo. Wood carving master Kemal Turmanidze, with the support of his family, created this unique museum, carved models of different style houses and dolls to human size to show the local domestic lifestyle in the mountains of Adjara.
Half day Batumi walking tour. Visit Batumi Boulevard, Piazza square, Alphabet tower, Ali and Nino kinetic sculpture. Leisure evening
Overnight in Batumi
Driving distance: 171 km (3 hr 13 min)
Breakfast in the hotel. Check out.
Leave Batumi and drive 45 km to Shekvetili Dendrological Park and Georgia in Miniatures. These lovely places summarize all tour covered in previous days.
Next site to visit is Vani archaeological museum. The permanent exhibition of the museum displays cultural development of the site between 800 BC and 100 AD (gold work, silver, unique bronze sculptures and their fragments, samples of coins, etc.). Highlights of the exhibition include spectacular collection of jewellery.
In the evening arrive to Kutaisi. Take a walk through the city center.
Overnight in Kutaisi.
Driving distance: 230 km (3 hr 29 min)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive back to Tbilisi.
On the way visit Mtskheta town. The town was the capital of early Georgian kingdom Iberia up to 5th c. and is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th), Antioch(5th c) and Jvari Monastery (6th). Various legends of early Christian times about the storage of the Robe of the Savior are associated with the cathedral.
Arrive in Tbilisi. Check in the hotel. Leisure evening.
Overnight in Tbilisi hotel.
* farewell dinner with Georgian folk show and wine is available to book in advance (optional).
Those taking extension trips to Georgia will start their tour next morning after breakfast.
Note: In case you want to travel longer, please see the extensions or contact us at [email protected]
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out time until 12:00 pm.
End of service.
Have a nice flight!
The private short extension trip start at 09:00, Tuesday.
We pick you up at the hotel lobby for:
Kazbegi, Gudauri and Stephantsminda
Dmanisi and Bolnisi archaeological sites
PRICE INCLUDES:
Transportation:
Staff:
Accommodation in double/twin rooms:
Meals:
Entertainment and other:
Start Date | End Date | Seats Left | Price From | Availability | Reserve |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025-04-27 | 2025-05-06 | 15 | 1856 $ | ||
2025-05-11 | 2025-05-20 | 15 | 1856 $ | ||
2025-05-25 | 2025-06-03 | 15 | 1856 $ | ||
2025-06-08 | 2025-06-17 | 15 | 1856 $ | ||
2025-06-22 | 2025-07-01 | 15 | 1856 $ | ||
2025-07-06 | 2025-07-15 | 15 | 1856 $ | ||
2025-07-20 | 2025-07-29 | 15 | 1856 $ | ||
2025-08-03 | 2025-08-12 | 15 | 1856 $ | ||
2025-08-17 | 2025-08-26 | 15 | 1856 $ | ||
2025-08-31 | 2025-09-09 | 15 | 1856 $ | ||
2025-09-14 | 2025-09-23 | 15 | 1856 $ |
The deposit for this trip is: $300
10% discount is available for “Early Bird” bookings (6 months before your landing).
Flights MUST be booked individually.
Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and it says 'Guaranteed' on the trip.
Optional Services:
CHILD POLICY:
To arrange airport transfers and additional hotel overnights, contact us [email protected]
Cancellation is free of charge prior 14 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: