Georgia Svaneti: Batumi, Ushguli and Tbilisi in 7 Days

A 7-day adventure through the heart of Georgia, a country where lush nature, millennia of history and the warmth of its people combine to offer you an unforgettable experience. From the shores of the Black Sea in Batumi to the mountains of Svaneti, this itinerary is designed to explore the most picturesque landscapes and cultural treasures of this unique destination. You'll visit vibrant cities and ancestral villages, immersing yourself in the rich Georgian tradition as you discover places like Tbilisi, Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe. Get ready to live an experience that will feed your adventurous spirit! Your journey begins in Batumi, a vibrant Black Sea port with its modern seafront promenade and botanical gardens. You'll explore the charming surroundings of the region before venturing into the impressive Dendrological Park. In the mountains of Svaneti, you'll discover Mestia and Ushguli, the latter the highest permanently inhabited settlement in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll then marvel at the cave city of Uplistsikhe and the spirituality of Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. The journey ends with a guided tour of the enchanting Tbilisi, whose old town will captivate you with its blend of cultures and unique architecture. An itinerary packed with discoveries that will make you want to return to Georgia again and again!

Itinerario

Day 1 - Transfer from Batumi Airport to Batumi

Total road for the day - 0KM 0 Hours and 0 Minutes Transfer will be arranged according to the scheduled time Road 0KM 0 Hours and 0 Minutes

Day 2 - Batumi and surroundings

Total road for the day - 27KM 0 Hours and 50 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our adventure. The following visits are planned: Road 6KM 0 Hours and 15 Minutes

Batumi Ethnographic Museum

The Borjgalo Ethnographic Museum, located in Batumi, Georgia, is a fascinating space that celebrates Georgian culture and traditions. Created by sculptor Kemal Turmanidze, this museum offers a unique collection of wooden sculptures and interactive exhibitions representing everyday life, traditional crafts and customs from the country's diverse regions. Surrounded by a welcoming atmosphere, Borjgalo is the ideal place to discover the essence of Georgian life. During our visit we'll explore the detailed sculptures, learn about Georgia's ancestral traditions and immerse ourselves in the cultural richness that makes this museum a one-of-a-kind destination. "

Gonio Fortress

Gonio Fortress, located near the Black Sea coast a few kilometres from Batumi in Georgia, is a historically significant monument. Built in the Roman era, this fortification dates from the 1st century AD and is considered one of the oldest archaeological sites in the country. Famous for its defensive design and its connection to the Silk Road, Gonio also harbours legends related to the tomb of the Apostle Matthias, making this place a blend of history and myth. During our visit we'll walk its ancient walls, explore the archaeological museum and uncover the mysteries and legends surrounding this fascinating destination on the Black Sea.

Day 3 - Batumi - Dendrological Park - Mestia

Total road for the day - 271KM 5 Hours and 21 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our adventure. The following visits are planned: Road 49KM 0 Hours and 51 Minutes

Shekvetili Dendrological Park

The Shekvetili Dendrological Park is located on the Black Sea coast in Georgia's Guria region, and stands as one of the most innovative and modern botanical gardens in the Caucasus. This fascinating green space, opened in 2020, covers 60 hectares where over 200 species of exotic plants are displayed across different microclimates and themed environments. The park is distinguished by its state-of-the-art tropical greenhouse, Japanese gardens and an impressive collection of giant bamboo and palm trees. During our tour we'll marvel at the elevated walkways through the treetops, explore the largest hedge maze in Georgia and enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower that overlooks the entire botanical complex.

Day 4 - Mestia - Ushguli - Kutaisi

Total road for the day - 208KM 5 Hours and 20 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our adventure. The following visits are planned: Road 47KM 1 Hour and 45 Minutes

Ushguli

Nestled at 2,200 metres above sea level, Ushguli stands out as one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe, located in the remote Svaneti region of Georgia. This cluster of medieval villages, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates with its more than 20 12th-century defensive stone towers — iconic symbols of Svan architecture rising majestically against the backdrop of Mount Shkhara, Georgia's highest peak. The village preserves intact the traditions, language and customs of the ancient Svan culture, resisting the passage of time. During our exploration we'll stay in traditional local homes, hike to the Shkhara glacier, photograph the stunning sunrise over the medieval towers and share unique moments with the inhabitants of this community who keep the spirit of ancient Svaneti alive.

Day 5 - Kutaisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Mtskheta - Tbilisi

Total road for the day - 267KM 4 Hours and 44 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our adventure. The following visits are planned: Road 154KM 2 Hours and 25 Minutes

Stalin Museum

The Stalin Museum in Gori, birthplace of the controversial Soviet leader, is one of the last museums in the world dedicated to Josef Stalin. The complex includes the original birthplace house, a Soviet palace-style building and Stalin's personal railway carriage. The exhibition holds an extensive collection of personal belongings, photographs, historical documents and the dictator's original death mask. During our visit we'll explore the halls documenting Stalin's life from his youth in Georgia to his Soviet leadership, examine his luxurious armoured railway carriage and reflect on the complex historical legacy he left in the region. Road 14KM 0 Hours and 20 Minutes

Uplistsikhe

Located in the Kartli region of central Georgia, Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock-cut cave city dating from the first millennium BC. This extraordinary archaeological complex, considered one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus, was an important religious and commercial centre on the historic Silk Road. Its architectural structures include pagan temples, Christian basilicas and civic buildings that reflect a unique fusion of Christian and pagan styles. The city is notable for its street system, secret tunnels and an exceptionally well-preserved Roman theatre. During our visit we'll explore the ancient wine cellars, walk along stone-carved alleyways and marvel at panoramic views of the Mtkvari river from atop this natural acropolis, travelling back through more than 3,000 years of Caucasian history. Road 61KM 1 Hour and 5 Minutes

Svetitskhoveli

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, located in the ancient capital of Mtskheta, represents the spiritual heart of Georgia and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. This majestic 11th-century cathedral, built on the site where Christ's robe is said to be buried, is an extraordinary example of medieval Georgian architecture, with its tall decorated stone facade, central dome and historic frescoes. During our exploration we'll uncover the many legends surrounding this sacred place, admire the extraordinary ecclesiastical architecture and witness the ancient religious traditions that still live on in this spiritual centre. Road 13KM 0 Hours and 18 Minutes

Djvari - Monastery of the Cross

The Djvari Monastery, known as the "Monastery of the Cross", is an iconic religious site located near Mtskheta, Georgia, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 6th century on a hilltop, this monastery offers stunning panoramic views of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Considered a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture, it is a sacred place that symbolises the adoption of Christianity in Georgia. During our visit we'll explore its unique architectural design, enjoy the spectacular views and learn about its deep historical and spiritual significance. Road 25KM 0 Hours and 36 Minutes

Day 6 - Tbilisi - Guided tour in Spanish

No driving After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our adventure. The following visits are planned:

Rustaveli Avenue

Rustaveli Avenue, the main artery of Tbilisi, stretches 1.5 kilometres from Freedom Square to Republic Square. This iconic street, named after the medieval poet Shota Rustaveli, is home to the city's most prestigious buildings, including the Parliament of Georgia, the Opera Theatre and the National Museum, all built in neoclassical and Art Nouveau style during the 19th century. During our stroll, we'll soak up the vibrant Georgian cultural life, stop at its elegant historic cafés and admire the monumental architecture while exploring the many shops and art galleries.

Metekhi Square

Metekhi Square, one of the most iconic historic sites in Tbilisi, rises on a cliff with sweeping views of the Mtkvari river. This landmark is dominated by the 13th-century church and the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of the city. The square was for centuries home to the royal palace, establishing itself as a strategic and cultural centre. Although the original church was built in the 5th century, the structure visible today is a 13th-century reconstruction. During our tour we'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the old town and the famous bathhouse district, explore Metekhi Church and immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of the king whose vision made Tbilisi the capital of Georgia.

Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress, the iconic symbol of Tbilisi, has dominated the city skyline since the 4th century. This ancient citadel, originally Persian and later expanded by Arabs and Georgians, rises on a steep hill overlooking the Mtkvari river and the old town. Its imposing walls and towers have witnessed the many civilisations that have ruled Georgia, including the reconstructed St Nicholas Church from the 12th century. During our visit we'll ride the cable car up to the fortress, walk its ancient defensive walls and capture stunning panoramic views of Tbilisi as the sun sets over the city.

Abanotubani

Abanotubani, the historic sulfurous bathhouse district in the heart of old Tbilisi, represents the original core where the Georgian capital was founded. Located on the right bank of the Mtkvari river, this neighbourhood is famous for its distinctive sulfur baths with brick domes rising from the ground, bearing witness to over 1,500 years of history. The natural thermal waters that flow from beneath the earth maintain a constant temperature of 37–40°C, and their healing properties have attracted illustrious visitors such as Alexander Pushkin and Alexandre Dumas. During our visit we'll wander through these streets of legendary thermal waters and lose ourselves among the picturesque medieval alleyways that wind between the bathhouses, breathing in the most authentic essence of ancient Tbilisi.

Anchiskhati

The Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in Tbilisi, is a vital testament to Georgia's Christian history since the 6th century. Located in the heart of the old town, this sandstone church dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary takes its name from the miraculous icon of Christ (Anchiskhati) it sheltered for centuries. Its three-nave basilica architecture, typically Georgian, is complemented by medieval frescoes and a 17th-century bell tower. During our exploration we'll take in the mystical atmosphere of the temple, listen to the ancient Georgian polyphonic chants that still echo through its walls and admire the craftsmanship of its traditional icons.