Unspoiled nature, original architecture, ancient customs and artisan ship combine to impress the visitor with the wealth of Svaneti culture. This province of Georgia has remained largely unaffected by the pace of modern civilization.

 

                                       

Day1

Tbilisi-Zugdidi-Mestia (490km, app 9-10 hours driving) Car journey from Tbilisi via Samegrelo province-the land where the epic legend of the Argonauts was acted out and the Golden Fleece was kept, to one of the most attractive provinces of Georgia-Svaneti.

08:00 departure 13:00 – 14:00 lunch (Zugdidi – restaurant) en route 15:00 meet Svan local guide / driver at main the squire of Zugdidi and continue up the Enguri Gorge where the first inhabitants, mainly gold prospectors, settled in ancient times. For centuries the Svan ethnic group evolved there, cut off from the outside world by the high and inaccessible mountains, their culture preserved almost intact.

On the way visit to: Latai &Lenjeri single – nave basilicas of the 8^th-9^th-14^th cc., built by stones without ornamentation, with the interior richly decorated with murals.

Arivve Mestia Dinner & overnight in private home.

 

Day2

Mestia to Ushguli (45km, 2.5-3 hours driving)

Breakfast

After breakfast visit to historical and ethnographic museum of  Mestia, which houses manuscripts from the 10^th and 12^th centuries, religious tracts from the 19^th – 11^th century, icons, metal and other artifacts of the 14^th  - 16^th century, gold coins of the antique and late antique periods and several Bronze Age treasures.

Depart for village Ushguli- middle age fortification, surrounded by the 5,000 m giants of the Caucasus mountain range. It is considered to be one of the highest populated places in the world (2,200m above sea level)

Optional visits to:

The church of St. George in Nakipari (1130 AD) and old cemetery

Private collection of Ethnographic items in Ushguli

Lunch on the way to Ushguli

Dinner & overnight in private home in Mestia

 

Day3

Ushguli to Mestia (45km, 2.5-3 hours driving)

Breakfast

In the morning short trek towards the foot of mount Shkhara. After lunch depart for Mestia.

Afternoon return to Mestia and visit to: Laghami Sait George’s church (medieval cc) and Svan dwelling complex.

Dinner & overnight in private home in Mestia

 

Day4

Mestia-Zugdidi-Tbilisi (490km, app. 8-9 hours)

Breakfast. Drive back to Tbilisi. Lunch.

Optional stop at Ubisi architectural complex (9^th c 14^th c frescos)

Evening arrive Tbilisi

 

Number of tourists: 2 - 40  people

Age limit:  no limit

Meals  in Mestia: Three meals a day FB

3 nights in Mestia

Meals (one meal a day, dinner ): �B

1 night in Tbilisi

Recommended season: from the end of  May– to the end of September

 

Accommodation in DBL rooms on FB basis in Tbilisi

Accommodation in DBL rooms on BB basis in Mestia

Transfer

Transportation

Russian  speaking guide

    

Extra charge:

 

Jeeps to the church of Ushguli

50$ per person