Trekking the Caucasus Range to the Black Sea

Welcome to Tbilisi! Georgia is off the beaten path for many travellers, but you’re one of the lucky ones who gets to discover its lush rolling hills and splendid mountain scenery.

You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Old Town for the evening, so find a cozy spot for dinner or feel free to roam about this 5th-century city.

Tbilisi was a lucrative crossroads for the Silk Road and has long since been a point of connection for different cultures. Explore this beautiful mix of architecture, cuisine, and energy as you enjoy a guided walking tour of the city today. Stroll the narrow streets, see the Metekhi Church, and wander through several important districts. You’ll smell the sulphur baths before you arrive at them!

You’ll have free time in the afternoon to meander as you please, lingering to admire the buildings or the pretty river splitting the city.

After breakfast, head out towards the Lower Caucasus Region, where you’ll enjoy a short hike to a scenic waterfall tracing its way down Dashbashi Canyon. Savour a picnic lunch next to Paravani Lake, then hop back in the car en route to Vardzia.

Vardzia boasts a famous 12th-century Cave Town, built in the Golden Age of Georgia under the careful eye of Queen Tamara. Explore this ancient monastery site carved into the hillside, marvelling at the faded wall paintings predating the Ottoman Empire.

History buffs and hikers alike will love today! Head out in the morning on a hike to the Tmogvi Fortress, a ruined fortress and medieval town first mentioned in sources from the 9th century. This grand fortress was a former defensive stronghold along a trade route.

Next, you’ll be heading to the Rabati Castle, a gorgeous white and gold restored castle complex originally built in the 9th century. Snap photos to your heart’s content and then head to Akhaltsikhe for the night.

Begin the morning by getting whisked towards the Black Sea in a Jeep. Stop for a short hike around Green Lake, a pretty spot to explore. You’ll crest Goderdzi Pass to reach the coastline at the city of Batumi, where stunning architecture meets the dramatic wide blue water. Soak up the sun on this idyllic stretch of sand, then head to a local’s house for lunch (or enjoy a picnic depending on the time of year).

You’ll spend the night in Batumi, so sunset watching over the ocean is an absolute must.

After breakfast in Batumi, you’ll be driven to Mtirala National Park, an impossibly lush forest filled with jewel-blue streams and jungle-style rope bridges. You’ll hike to the Tsablnari Waterfall, a 28-metre tall cascade surrounded by bright green foliage.

You’ll have a hard time leaving the park, but eventually, it’ll be time to head back to Batumi. Spend the afternoon enjoying a walking tour of the city followed by free time to explore as you please.

Missing the greenery from yesterday? Soak up the beauty of the botanical gardens near Batumi this morning. The view of the flowers blends right into the view of the sea- picture-perfect!

After your morning at the gardens, you’ll drive to the Upper Svaneti region, known for its watchtowers and glaciers. Enjoy the rest of the day here and then settle in for the evening.

Do waterfall hikes ever get old? We think not. Hike to the waterfalls that thunder around the base of Mount Ushba this morning, letting the fresh mist cool your face as you appreciate this stunning place.

You’ll transfer to Mestia for the night, where you’ll get comfy at a local guesthouse.

Today is the first of four trekking days leading you to the village of Ushguli. You’ll hit the road to Mulakhi village, traversing gorgeous valleys. Come face to face with the Chalaadi Glacier, a pristine mountain valley where a glacier is flanked by jagged peaks.

You’ll head to Mulakhi for dinner and a night in a welcoming guesthouse.

You’ll spend today trekking through mountaintop villages, crossing through the forest, and hiking high passes. Enjoy incredible views of the Chaneri Glacier, Mount Ushba (4700m, 15,419ft), and Mount Laila (4010m, 13,156ft). Get that camera ready!

Your day’s journey ends in Adishi, a charming mountain settlement. Kick back in a local guesthouse and get some rest.

Get ready for sky-high views today. You’ll be trekking over the Chkuntieri Pass (2720m, 8923ft). Along the way, cross a river on horseback, feeling like you’re in an adventure film.

Once you reach Iprali, settle in at the guesthouse and watch the stars come out overhead.

You’ll quite literally reach new heights today as you hike to Ushguli, one of the highest permanent settlements in Europe and the highest in Georgia. You’ll be arriving at the foot of Shkhara (5202m, 17,066ft), one of Georgia’s most impressive peaks. Marvel at the great mountain before you, a sight you’ll certainly look back on in coming years.

Once you arrive, you have the option to head out on another hike if you’ve still got some gas left in the tank. You’ll hike to Tamara Tower before hitting the hay in a guesthouse in Ushguli.

After breakfast, hit the trails to climb Latipari Pass. Savour the alpine views, then hop in an off-road vehicle to cross Sagaro Pass to the town of Lentekhi. You’ll spend the night here in a hotel, so enjoy the amenities here you’ve spent a few days without. You’ll feel brand-new!

Get a chance to rest your legs and enjoy new sides of Georgia today as you cruise through the Racha region, replete with dense forests. After your adventure through the trees, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local family-run winery. Sufficiently sampled, stroll through the Nikortsminda Monastery.

Next, you’ll take a quick flight to Natakhtari. Savour your last evening in Georgia, perhaps swinging by some of the wine bars in the Old Town. (Note: If required for any reason, you can also drive back to Tbilisi today.)

All too soon, it’s time to leave Georgia. After 15 days of trekking through the country’s best corners, you’ll be dropped off at the airport to head home. Nakhvamdis!