Greater Caucasus with Trekking in Svaneti

Departure for Georgia. Arrival at Kutaisi International Airport. Meet and greet, followed by transfer to the hotel (on request). Overnight stay in Kutaisi.

Nature

70%

History

30%

Adventure

50%

Food

40%

Breakfast at the hotel. Kutaisi, one of the oldest cities in Georgia, has played a central role in the country’s history and is linked to the myth of Jason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece. The day begins with a Kutaisi city tour exploring the historic center, the traditional local bazaar, and the city’s most authentic corners. After free time for lunch, departure for spectacular Svaneti, a mountain region renowned for alpine landscapes, glaciers, and traditions still preserved today. Along the way, stop at the panoramic Enguri Dam, the largest hydroelectric power station in the Caucasus, surrounded by mountains and an artificial lake. Arrival in Mestia, dinner and overnight in guesthouse. (B/-/D)

Culture

30%

Nature

70%

Adventure

50%

Food

40%

After breakfast in the guesthouse, departure by 4x4 from Mestia to scenic Mount Zekari at 2,200 meters, offering magnificent views over the valley and the town of Mestia. Continue with the trek to Koruldi Lake, a beautiful alpine lake located at 2,740 meters, surrounded by views of Mount Dalakhora and the Mestiachala River Valley. Picnic lunch along the route and return by 4x4 to Mestia. In the afternoon, visit the Svaneti Ethnographic Museum, guardian of the historic treasures of Georgia preserved for centuries in these mountains. Dinner and overnight in guesthouse in Mestia. (B/PL/D)
8 km | Elevation gain/loss: ↑↓400 m | 4 hours

Nature

70%

History

30%

Adventure

70%

Food

20%

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by 4x4 from Mestia to Adishi, the starting point of one of the most spectacular treks in Svaneti. The route crosses the scenic Adishi Valley to the foot of the glacier of the same name, then climbs to panoramic Chkhunderi Pass at 2,722 meters, with extraordinary views over the peaks of Tetnudi and Shkhara. Descent through alpine landscapes to the charming village of Iprali, where overnight accommodation is provided in a guesthouse. Packed lunch during the excursion. Dinner and overnight in Iprali. (B/PL/D)
17 km | Elevation gain: ↑650 m ↓800 m | 8 hours

Culture

50%

History

30%

Adventure

60%

Food

20%

Breakfast at the hotel. From Iprali, the route follows the valley to reach Ushguli, an extraordinary complex of medieval villages dominated by the famous defensive towers of Svaneti. Located at the foot of the great Caucasus peaks, Ushguli is considered the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring its ancient hamlets, a UNESCO heritage site, set within a unique mountain landscape. Packed lunch during the route. Dinner and overnight in guesthouse in Ushguli. (B/PL/D)
12 km | Elevation gain/loss: ↓400 m ↑650 m | 4 hours

Culture

30%

Nature

60%

Adventure

60%

Food

20%

After breakfast, transfer by 4x4 through the Enguri River Valley, one of the most spectacular landscapes in Svaneti. From here begins the trek to the scenic Namkvami Lake, a glacial lake located at 2,500 meters above sea level. The route then continues to the foot of the majestic Shkhara Glacier, dominated by the highest peak in Georgia, rising to 5,068 meters. A full day immersed in alpine panoramas, glacial valleys, and some of the most scenic mountains of the Greater Caucasus. Packed lunch during the excursion. Return to Ushguli, dinner and overnight in guesthouse. (B/PL/D)
18 km | Elevation gain/loss: ↓↑300 m | 6 hours

Nature

80%

History

30%

Adventure

60%

Food

20%

After breakfast in the guesthouse, departure by 4x4 from Ushguli to Lentekhi along one of the most scenic off-road routes in Georgia, following the spectacular valley of the Tskhenistskali River. The first 70 kilometers cross remote mountain landscapes accessible only by off-road vehicles, through wild valleys and alpine panoramas of the Greater Caucasus. Arrival in Lentekhi and continuation toward Kutaisi. Picnic along the route and accommodation in hotel in Kutaisi. (B/-/-)

Transfer to Kutaisi Airport. Departure with scheduled flight to Italy. (-/-/-)