Georgia in Depth

Day 6, Telavi – Stepantsminda
Head deep into the Caucasus today, on a picturesque route following the Georgian Military Highway north towards the Russian border. En route, stop for an adrenaline hit as you take a white water rafting experience on the beautiful Aragvi River. The scenery is glorious as the river cuts through the hills with lovely views on each side.

Later you can stretch your legs at the 17th-century Ananuri fortress, overlooking the Zhinvali water reservoir before you arrive in Stepantsminda. The setting here is sublime, surrounded by forested hills against the backdrop of the snowy peak of Mt Kazbegi.

Day 7, Gergeti Church – Stepantsminda
Walk up to Gergeti Trinity church, the most popular tourist destination in Georgia. The route is picturesque, taking you through valleys and woodland to the church, located at 2,170m. The views all around are superb, with green slopes covered with mountain flowers in spring.

This afternoon head to a local family home in Stepantsminda village to learn about the traditional felt making in the valley. Here you’ll use colourful skeins of thread to decorate your own souvenir. You’ll also have the chance to taste home-made specialities, including pine-cone and winter berry jam, washed down with a mug of steaming barbery tea.

Day 8, Stepantsminda
Head deep into the mountains to a beautiful river valley, surrounded on all sides by snow-capped peaks. Even the drive to get here is an adventure, as you follow a rutted track into the mountains, with incredible views up and down the valley. The hike takes you along the side of the valley, through wildflower meadows and an abandoned village with a traditional stone tower. At the end of the valley is a small nunnery where you will enjoy a picnic before retracing your steps the same way.

Return to Stepantsminda for the night.

Day 9, Stepantsminda – Gori
After breakfast, leave the mountains behind and retrace your steps back to Tbilisi. En route visit Mtskheta, the 3,000-year-old ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia. Wander through the narrow streets that surround the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and drive into the hills to 6th century Jvari church. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

From here, continue to a 1st millennium BC Cave Town, dating back to ancient times when the Silk Road traversed Central Asia and Europe. The town was hewn entirely out of rock, and you can still see the living quarters, wine cellars and even a church that were carved out of the limestone.

You will spend the night in Gori, a city that has become famous as the birthplace of Stalin.

Day 10, Gori – Kutaisi
This morning visit the Stalin Museum which offers a fascinating in-depth look at the Soviet leader’s life.

From here you will continue on to Kutaisi, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Wander through streets of traditional old stone houses with carved wooden balconies, decorated with tubs of fragrant chamomile flowers. Time permitting, you may wish to visit the iconic Bagrati Cathedral, with stunning views from its hilltop location, or perhaps explore the impressive monasteries dotted around the city.

Day 11, Kutaisi
After breakfast head to Tskaltubo, a spa town that became famous during the Soviet era as a place that the party elite would go to relax and enjoy the hot springs. Elaborate bath-houses were built, some with ornate columns and intricate classical facades. After the demise of the Soviet Union, the town fell into disrepair and the spas were abandoned. Nature has take over again, and the columns are now pitted and cracked, with dense thickets of ivy growing around them. You will have time to explore this ghost city.

Afterwards head to Prometheus Cave, a natural cavern with stalactite and stalagmite formations, illuminated by brightly coloured lights against a background of classical music. Your final stop is Martvili Canyon, where you will take a boat ride along the river, passing stunning cliffs and greenery. Return to Kutaisi for the evening.

Day 12, Kutaisi – Vardzia
Drive to Borjomi, a charming spa town famous for its healing mineral water. Continue to the town of Akhaltsikhe where you will have time to stroll the streets and explore the recently renovated Rabati Castle. End the day at your hotel in Vardzia.

Day 13, Vardzia
Visit 12th century Vardzia Cave Town, a highlight of any trip to Georgia. Here the town stretches over half a kilometre along the Mtkvari River, with 19 different levels. Although there used to be around 3,000 caves, only 500 remain but the views of the cliff face are remarkable. There is even a church hewn out of rock with amazing 12th century frescos.

The afternoon is free to relax back at your hotel.

Day 14, Vardzia – Tbilisi
Head back to Tbilisi for your final night. En route you can stop to visit the beautiful Paravani lake for great photo opportunities. Once you have arrived in Tbilisi the remainder of the day is free for some last-minute souvenir hunting.

Day 15, Tbilisi
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.