Sunday: Arrive in Kutaisi
Arriving at Kutaisi International Airport late at night, you’ll appreciate your transfer waiting to collect you to take you straight to the nearby guesthouse where you will stay for the night. Get settled and rest well in preparation for the days ahead.
Monday: Drive to Svaneti
After breakfast you’ll be collected from your guesthouse and taken to Mestia in the heart of Svaneti. As you journey into the mountains of this unspoiled land, you’ll take rest breaks at a local market; stop for a traditional lunch of Khachapuri, (cheese bread - indulge in the calories on this occasion, it's all good fuel for the adventure ahead); and visit the second highest arch dam in the world – The Enguri Dam.
When you arrive in Mestia, you’ll have time to truly get to know the place before retiring to your room at a local guesthouse where you will spend the evening.
4-hour drive
Tuesday: Trek to Adishi
After a short drive to Jabeshi (1650m), you’re ready to start your trek to the ancient village of Adishi.
This trek will take you through meadows and forests beneath the beauty of the prominent peak of Mount Tetnuldi (4858m). You'll make the most of this picturesque backdrop by stopping for a picnic lunch (and perhaps some 'selfie' opportunities) before you arrive in Adishi (2040m).
You’ll know you’ve arrived in the historic village as the trail descends with a magnificent view over its medieval monuments and iconic Svan towers. You’ll rest here for the night in a local guesthouse.
Distance: 10km - Elevation gain: 850m - Duration: 6-7 hours trekking
Wednesday: Trek to Iprali
Fueled up on a homemade breakfast and ready to go; you’ll start trekking further along the valley today towards the magnificent Adishi Glacier.
Next, the spectacular Chkhutnieri pass, where you will stop for an idyllic picnic lunch amidst the views of the Caucasus.
When you reach the village of Iprali (1950m) you’ll soon recognise why it’s famous for its’ rich church-art heritage; home to tiny churches boasting thousand-year-old frescos, and the biggest and most decorated church, Nakipari Church.
Arriving at your guesthouse for the night mid-afternoon will give you plenty of time to relax and recover from your spectacular journey.
Distance: 14km - Elevation gain: 650m - Duration: 6-8 hours trekking
Thursday: Travel to Ushguli
Today you can sit back and relax for a little while as you enjoy the scenic drive to the historical settlement of Ushguli (2000m). When you arrive you can take some time to explore the ancient sites and indulge in the stunning surrounding landscape.
After lunch, it’s time to set off on a spectacular trek along the valley to the Shkhara Glacier. Take a moment to admire the mountains from this viewpoint as the indigenous green slopes climb to a snow-covered peak. Once you’ve caught your breath from both the trek and the views, you’ll head back to Ushguli for your overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
Distance: 20km - Elevation gain/loss: 300m - Duration: 5-6 hours trekking
Friday: Trek to Ushba waterfalls
After a traditional, homemade breakfast (khachapuri, anyone?) you’ll be taken to Becho to start today’s exciting trek.
As you trek through woodland, this may feel like a tranquil stroll but as the woodland breaks open at the foot of Mt. Ushba (4700m), be set for a challenge. The now more complex route, will be worth every grimace as you trek a scenic trail to the Ushba waterfalls – stunning.
Suitably in awe of nature’s wonders, you’ll head back to your guesthouse in Becho for your overnight stay.
Distance: 28km - Elevation gain:1050m - Duration: 9 hours trekking
Saturday: Explore Kutaisi
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before you head off on the scenic drive back to Kutaisi. Arriving at around 1:00pm, you'll be well rested from the drive and ready to explore at your own leisure; you can walk the cobbled streets to the stately Bagrati Cathedral; get lost in the largest, liveliest and most colourful indoor produce market in Georgia, full of indigenous cheese, walnuts, spices, herbs, fruit, vegetables, and meat; or simply stroll around the city, ingesting the culture-rich architecture that surrounds you.
Retire to your hotel when you're ready and perhaps indulge in a final traditional Georgian meal to see your trip to a suitable end.
4-hour drive
Sunday: Travel home
After enjoying your last traditional Georgian breakfast, it’s time to go home with tales to tell – you’ll be transferred back to Kutaisi International Airport in time for your forward journey home.
