Georgia at leisure – highlights tour with your own driver
from/to Tbilisi
18 days (17 nights)
private guide
18 days / 17 nights from / to Tbilisi, private tour with your own driver / guide
Georgia is a sparsely populated but nonetheless very interesting, culturally rich, and scenically attractive Eurasian country located on the border between Europe and Asia in Transcaucasia, east of the Black Sea and south of the Greater Caucasus. The area of the "Balcony of Europe" is roughly equivalent to that of Bavaria. Mountains and foothills cover 87 percent of the country.
Experience Georgia at your leisure and in private.
This trip has the following requirements: You need to be sure-footed and fit enough for the hikes, as well as open-minded about other cultures, mentalities, customs, and traditions. A good sense of adventure is also essential for traveling and hiking in the Caucasus.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
This trip is a customized trip that we plan just for you. We are happy to tailor the destinations, accommodations, route, and duration to your preferences.
Arrival: We will be happy to provide you with a personalized quote including flight arrival and departure.
Pre- and post-program: Extend your trip a little longer. More destinations in Europe and Asia await you!
Entry requirements: German citizens need only a passport (valid until the date of departure) to enter Georgia. -> Further information
The trip is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites ( royal capital Mtskheta, mountain villages of Svaneti, and Gelati Monastery)
- The historic capital city of Tbilisi – Persian and Russian past
- The mountain panorama of the Greater Caucasus
- The Trinity Church in Gergeti
- Excursion to the largely untouched mountain region of Svaneti
- Boating through Martvili Canyon with its many small waterfalls
- Visit to Ushguli – the highest village in Europe
- Batumi – the port city on the Black Sea coast invites you to explore
- Hotel room available on arrival day in Tbilisi (early check-in)
itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Georgia!
Welcome to Tbilisi. After we greet you at the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel. Arrival in the evening and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, we will take a walk down Rustaveli Avenue and visit the artists' market.
Enjoy dinner at a Georgian restaurant.
(Travel time: approx. 25 km, 30 minutes
Meals included: breakfast – dinner
Hotel in Tbilisi – Rooms Hotel Tbilisi or similar)
Day 2: New and Old Tbilisi
Guided tour of Tbilisi with its old town, the historic center of the city, located at the foot of the sacred mountain Mtsumi. Historical and cultural monuments: The Metekhi Church (5th–8th century), which was once the residence of the Georgian kings, the brick vaults of the sulfur baths, and the Orbeliani Baths with the facade of a Persian madrasa. You will climb the Nariqala Fortress (4th century) and visit the synagogue, Sioni Cathedral, and Anchiskhati Church (6th century), the oldest church in Tbilisi.
Optional:
Off to the steam bath: the famous sulfur baths of Tbilisi. Most are underground and located beneath a brick dome. Incidentally, the city's name also derives from these baths: Tbilisi, as Tiflis is called in Georgian, means "hot spring." /additional $25 per person
(Meals included: breakfast – dinner
Hotel in Tbilisi – Rooms Hotel Tbilisi or similar)
Day 3: The ancient capitalof
Today you will visit the ancient royal capital of Mtskheta. With its Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the most revered church in Georgia, you will visit the Jvari Monastery, which is located on a promontory of the Sagurani ridge, very close to Mtskheta. Together with other buildings in Mtskheta, this monastery has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Back in Tbilisi, you can relax at the hotel or spend time in the city.
(Travel time one way: approx. 25 km, 30 minutes
Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Hotel in Tbilisi – Rooms Hotel Tbilisi or similar)
Day 4: Monastery & Fortresses
From the diverse capital city of Tbilisi, you will travel eastward. You will visit the 3,000-year-old cave monastery "David Gareja," a place shrouded in legend. The monastery was founded in the 6th century by Dawit, one of the "thirteen Syrian fathers." There you will go on a short hike. On the way to Telavi, you will pass the 3rd-century Ujarma Fortress. The remains of the fortress's once-towering walls and towers offer an excellent vantage point for viewing the majestic Gombori Mountains. The last stop is in Telavi. The city, considered the cradle of viticulture, is located in one of the most beautiful
valleys of the Alasani River. You will walk through colorful streets and admire the beautiful architecture, which will give you an insight into ancient Georgian culture.
(Travel times in stages: approx. 100 km, 3 hours
Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Telawi – Schuchmann's Wine Chateau or similar)
Day 5: Kakheti, the wine region
In the morning, drive to Gremi Fortress. In the 16th century, Gremi was the capital of Kakheti until it was completely destroyed by the Persian ruler Shah Abbas. In the small church, you can admire magnificent murals. Afterwards, wine tasting at Georgia's largest winery, Khareba. The three 7 km long tunnels in which the wine is stored are impressive. Afterwards, drive to Alaverdi Cathedral, the third largest cathedral in Georgia and part of the Orthodox monastery.
On the way back to Telavi, visit the historic Tsinandali estate of Prince Chavchavadze with its beautiful park and museum of the princely family.
Optional:
Guided tour of the Tsinandali Estate wine cellar
(Travel times in stages: approx. 80 km, 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast – wine tasting – dinner
Telawi – Schuchmann's Wine Chateau or similar)
Following Day 6, there is the option of spending 2 or more days relaxing at Lake Lopota.
Day 6: On the Georgian Military Highway
Today's route takes you along the Georgian Military Highwayto the mountainous region of Kazbegi. On the way, you will make a detour to the northwestern shore of the Shinvali Reservoir and visit the 16th-century Ananuri Fortress, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Aragvi Valley. Your route takes you through majestic mountain landscapes to Stepanzminda. Once there, it's time to relax!
(Travel times in stages: approx. 178 km, 3 hours 45 minutes
Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Stepanzminda – Rooms Hotel Kazbegi or similar)
Day 7: Prometheus
Surrounded by magnificent mountains, the idyllic village of Stepanzminda looks particularly beautiful. In good weather, you can admire one of Georgia's highest glaciers, Kazbek (5047 m), from here. According to ancient mythology, Prometheus was chained here. Afterwards, you will hike to Gergetis Sameba, the Church of the Holy Trinity, which is perched high up on the mountain. In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Sno with its medieval fortified tower from the 16th century. Afterwards, it is time to return to Stepanzminda.
(Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Stepanzminda – Rooms Hotel Kazbegi or similar)
Day 8: In the footsteps of the Argonauts legend
In the morning, you will continue westward to Georgia. On the way, you will visit the Ubisa Church with its beautiful, partially destroyed murals. Today's destination is Kutaisi, whose name is closely linked to the Argonauts legend. Kutaisi was once the capital of the Kingdom of Colchis. On a city tour, you will discover the city with its unique architecture.
(Travel times in stages: approx. 327 km, approx. 5 hours
Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Kutaisi – Best Western Kutaisi or similar)
Day 9: Monastery, gorges, waterfalls
Today you will visit Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral. Afterwards, it's time for adventure in Martvili Canyon. Over time, the Abasha River has carved out spectacular gorges, caves, and waterfalls here. You will travel through part of the gorge by boat and see many waterfalls. Afterwards, it's time to return to Kutaisi.
(Travel times in stages: approx. 120 km, 2 hours 30 minutes
Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Kutaisi – Best Western Kutaisi or similar)
Day 10: Off to Svaneti
The journey continues to mountainous Svaneti. Your route takes you through breathtaking mountain landscapes to Mestia, where you will experience the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. Marvel at the snow-covered slopes of the legendary Ushba. After a short break, you can go on a hike and explore the small village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its old buildings and stone towers.
(Travel times in stages: approx. 221 km, 4 hours 30 minutes
Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Mestia – White Mountain Guesthouse or similar)
Day 11: Ushguli
Early in the morning, you will set off for the village of Ushguli (2200 m), which is considered the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe. From here, you can see the summit of Mount Shchara (5200 m). You will visit the 12th-century Lamaria Church. After a short hike, you will drive back to Mestia.
(Travel times in stages: approx. 100 km, 3 hours 30 minutes
Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Mestia – White Mountain Guesthouse or similar)
Day 12: Another day in the land of the Swanen
You set off for another dayin the land ofthe ancient Swanen. About 10 km from Mestia, surrounded by majestic mountains, is a small lake that will be your destination. To get there, you hike through alpine scenery. Many glaciers and idyllic natural monuments make your journey particularly beautiful. Here at the lake, in the beautiful landscape, you will enjoy your picnic.
(Travel times in stages: approx. 20 km, 30 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast – Picnic – Dinner
Mestia – White Mountain Guesthouse or similar)
Day 13: Batumi – The city on the Black Sea
Today's destination is "the city of eternal blue" on the Black Sea. Your journey there takes you through the diverse landscape of Georgia. Once you arrive in Batumi, you will reach Piazza Square. Here you can marvel at the magnificent mosaics and glazing before heading to Era Square. Here you will have free time to admire the beautiful buildings, an old astrological clock, and the monument to Medea, the most famous Georgian woman. Afterwards, you will continue on to St. Mary's Cathedral.
(Travel times in stages: approx. 267 km, 5 hours
Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Batumi – Bloom Hotel or similar)
Following day 13, there is the option of relaxing for two or more days at the Black Sea.
Day 14: Akhaltsikhe
After a hearty breakfast, you will drive to the old town of Akhaltsikhe. Here you can still find Darbasebi, traditional Georgian-style houses. You will visit the fortress, which houses a mosque and the ruins of a madrasa (Koranic school)
. Your journey continues to the cave city of Vardzia. Relaxation at the hotel.
(Travel times in stages: approx. 195 km, 5 hours 30 minutes
Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Vardzia – Vardzia Resort or similar)
Day 15: The cave city with its fortresses
Today's program includes a tour of the cave cityand a hike. You will explore the cave complex of Vardzia (12th–13th century) from the Golden Age. Over 900 m along the banks of the Kura River, up to 600 rooms were carved out:
Church, chapels, storage rooms, bathing pools, dining halls, library, and treasury. More than 1,000 monks lived in the monastery fortress, and thousands of people could hide here during an attack. You will take a walk to the two fortresses of Tmogvi and Khertvisi, which are partially destroyed.
(Travel times in stages: approx. 30 km, 30 minutes
Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Vardzia – Vardzia Resort or similar)
Day 16: En route to Tbilisi
After breakfast, you will continue towards Tbilisi. On the way, you will stop at Lake Paravani and enjoy the unique view of the lake. Before arriving in Tbilisi, you will explore Asureti, the village of the Caucasian Germans.
(Travel times in stages: approx. 236 km, 3 hours 30 minutes
Meals included: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Tbilisi – Rooms Hotel Tblisi or similar)
Day 17: "See you again"
Your journey ends after the transfer to the airport. We wish you a pleasant journey home and look forward to your return! Because: "Every guest is a gift from God" (old Georgian proverb).
Further information
Your accommodations
Tbilisi, Rooms Hotel Tblisi**** (or similar)
Stepanzminda, Rooms Hotel**** (or similar)
Telavi, Schuchmanns Wine Chateau**** (or similar)
Kutaisi, Best Western Kutaisi**** (or similar)
Mestia, White House Guesthouse ***+ (or similar)
Batumi, Blooms Hotel**** (or similar)
Vardzia, Vardzia Resort**** (or similar)
All rooms with private shower/WC.
Dates & Prices
Travel dates: We offer this trip all year round. You can choose your own dates.
Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
| date | Price per person | further information |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Dec |
starting at 2.800 € Surcharge for single room: €4,989 |
Arrival is possible every day. |
appointment
personal data
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Summary
Information
Included services:
- upscale accommodations
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) (as advertised)
- 1 wine tasting
- private guide
- All transfers as per the program in a comfortable (off-road) car
- Airport transfer 2x
- Full-time, German-speaking ICIAR Travel tour guide
- Admission according to the program
additional services
- Flights from €285 per person
- Train to flight from €60 per person (if flight booked through ICIAR Travel)
Not included in the price:
- flight
- travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages except for tastings as per the program
- tip
Information about your trip:
- Everything from a single source: also bookable with flights from Germany/Austria/Switzerland.
- When planning your trip, it is important to note that almost all flights arrive and depart from Tbilisi between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
- Private tour bookable for 2 or more people
- This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. We would be happy to put together a trip tailored to your specific needs.
- We would be happy to organize a pre- and post-program for you in Europe, e.g., XXX.
- If you have a citizenship other than German, please let us know your nationality when making your inquiry or booking so that we can inform you about the relevant entry requirements. Thank you!
- The organizer is ICIAR Travel GmbH, Eisenbahnstr. 1, 63150 Heusenstamm, Germany.
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