Svaneti is one of the most remote and spectacular regions in the entire Caucasus. The medieval Svan towers, some dating to the 9th century, rise above glacial valleys at the foot of Europe's highest peaks. Ushguli — 2200m above sea level — has been continuously inhabited for millennia. This is Georgia's most dramatic landscape.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Tbilisi to Mestia

We drive west from Tbilisi through Imereti, stopping at Kutaisi (Gelati Cathedral, UNESCO) or Prometheus Cave en route. The final section of the drive winds through the Enguri gorge — a stunning approach to the mountains. We arrive in Mestia in the evening. The town itself is remarkable: stone Svan towers rise between modern buildings, the Caucasus peaks are visible from every street, and the mountain air is extraordinary after Tbilisi.

Day 2 — Mestia and Local Hikes

Morning at the Svan History Museum (extraordinary collection of medieval icons, gold objects, and manuscripts preserved by isolation). Then we choose: the hike to Chalati glacier (3-4 hours return, stunning views of the Leila massif), or the drive up to Koruldi Lakes (2700m) for a 360-degree panorama of the Greater Caucasus range including Mount Shkhara (5068m — Georgia's highest peak).

Day 3 — Ushguli

The crown of the Svaneti tour: a day trip to Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited settlement in Europe at 2200m. A cluster of ancient stone towers and houses surrounded by glacier-fed peaks, Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most otherworldly places in Georgia. The drive from Mestia takes 1.5-2 hours each way on a rough mountain road.

Day 4 — Return via Kutaisi

We drive south via Kutaisi, stopping at either Prometheus Cave (if not visited on the way up) or Okatse Canyon before the final drive back to Tbilisi.

Included

  • Private transfers all days
  • English-speaking guide (Timur)
  • Hotels (3-4 nights) in Mestia
  • Mestia town and Svan towers
  • Chalati glacier or Koruldi Lakes hike
  • Ushguli day trip
  • Kutaisi stop on return

Not Included

  • Meals and drinks
  • Museum entrance tickets
  • Personal purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get to Svaneti?

The drive from Tbilisi to Mestia takes 7-8 hours. We stop in Kutaisi along the way, turning the drive into a sightseeing day.

When is Svaneti accessible?

May to October. Best months: June-July (wildflowers, clear peaks) and September (harvest, clear skies, thinner crowds).

What is there to see in Svaneti?

Medieval Svan towers (UNESCO), Chalati glacier or Koruldi Lakes, and Ushguli — the highest permanently inhabited settlement in Europe at 2200m.

Practical Information

Departs from your Tbilisi hotel. Up to 7 people. Season: May-October. WhatsApp: +995 511 272 623.