Svaneti 3 days

The highest region of Georgia

Svanetia, one of the higest regions of Georgia situates on the southern slopes of the central Caucasus. Svanetia extends over the upper valleys of the Rioni, Enguri and Tskhenistskali. Geographically and historically, the province has been divided into two parts—Upper Svanetia (the present day Mestia region) and Lower Svanetia (the present day Lentekhi egion)—centering on the valleys of the upper reaches of the two rivers Enguri and Cxenis-c’q’ali, respectively. Historical Svanetia also included the Kodori Gorge in the adjoining rebel province of Abkhazia, and part of the adjacent river valleys of Kuban and Baksan of Russia. Svanety differs from other regions with its waterfull rivers and plenty of glaciers. Most of the rivers besides snow, rain and grunt waters are fed with glacier waters. More then 100 glaciers are there. Svanetia is rich in mineral waters. (Muashi)

Surrounded by 3,000–5,000 meter peaks, Svanetia is the highest inhabited area in Europe. Four of the 10 highest peaks of the Caucasus are located in the region. The highest mountain in Georgia, Mount Shkhara at 5,201 meters (17,059 feet), is located in the province. Other prominent peaks include Tetnuldi (4,974m/16,319ft.), Shota Rustaveli (4,960m/16,273ft.), Mt. Ushba (4,710m./15,453ft.), and Ailama (4,525m./14,842ft.).

Day 1 Tbilisi - Zugdidi - Mestia (490 km, 9 - 10 hours driving) Car journey from Tbilisi via Samegrelo province.
departure 08.00 lunch stop 13:00 - 14:00. Arrival to Zugdidi about 15.00, after short rest 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 visits to: Latali & Lenjeri single-nave basilicas of the 8th-9th-14th cc., built by stones without ornamentation, with the interior richly decorated with murals.
19:00 - 20:00 arrive to Mestia, Dinner & overnight in hotel-type private home.

Day 2 Mestia - Ushguli (45 km, 2.5 - 3 hours driving)

After breakfast visit to historical and ethnographic museum of Mestia, which houses manuscripts from the 10th and 12th centuries, religious tracts from the 9th-11th century, icons, metal and other artefacts of the 14th - 16th 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.
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 and overnight at the private home in Ushguli .

Day 3 Ushguli - Mestia (45 km, 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 Saint George's church (medieval cc) and Svan dwelling complex.
Dinner & overnight in private home in Mestia

Day 4 Mestia - Zugdidi - Tbilisi
Breakfast, Lunch en route
Optional stop at Ubisi architectural complex (9th c, 14th c frescos)
Evening arrive to Tbilisi

Note: Price includes:
- Transfers Tbilisi / Zugdidi / Tbilisi by comfortable minibus
- 4WD vehicle for Svaneti area
- All meals
- 2 x overnight / breakfast in private home in Mestia
- 1 x overnight / breakfast in private home in Ushguli

Prices exclude:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance

- Museums Entrance fees