Canyons and Mountains of Georgia Tour

Welcome to Tbilisi! You’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel in Old Town for the evening. Feel free to find a cozy spot for dinner or take a walk around this 5th-century city.

Tbilisi was a vital crossroads for the Silk Road long ago, and it has ever since been a city where different cultures come together. Explore a mix of architecture, cuisine, and energy truly unlike any other as you take a guided walking tour of the city today. Stroll the cobblestoned streets, see the Metekhi Church, and wander through several important districts. Take a dip in the soothing sulphur baths, then snap some photos from the panoramic Mt. Mtatsminda viewpoint.

You’ll have free time in the afternoon to wander as you please, lingering to admire the pastel-washed buildings or the river dividing the city.

Leaving Tbilisi this morning, head to the mining town of Chiatura up north. Until recently, the only public access to this town was using cable cars, which were called “Stalin’s caskets” due to their appearance and creation under Stalin’s rule.

Once you’ve had your fill of this somewhat dystopian town, you’ll stop at Katskhi Pillar, where a hermit monk comes down from his perch once a week to pray with his followers. Next, you’ll explore the Promethe Karst Caves before checking into your hotel in Kutaisi. Years and years ago, this town was said to be where the Argonauts came to look for the golden fleece.

Start today with a visit to the local farmer’s market (a perfect excuse to stock up on local snacks), then take a tour of Okatse Canyon. You’ll trek over a 2300m stone pathway that traverses the forest park of Dadiani. Once you reach the centre of the canyon, you’ll hike a thrilling 780m hanging cliff trail, descending 989 metal steps. You’ll be handsomely rewarded for your efforts with a panoramic view.

To cap off your day, you’ll go on a boat tour in Martvili Canyon and have a tea tasting at a local tea farm.

Begin the day with a visit to the Upilistsikhe Cave Town, right above where the Silk Road once was. This cave town is also near Gori, the birthplace of Stalin.

Continue following the Old Georgian Military Road, stopping at a fascinating fortified church. You’ll cross the pass to Stepantsminda at the foot of the impressive Mt. Kazbek (5054m). Legend has it that this is where Prometheus became famously enamoured with his ideas.

You’ll spend today making your way back to Tbilisi, but not without plenty of exciting stops along the way. First, you’ll hike up to Gergeti Trinity Monastery on Mount Kazbek for exceptional views of the surrounding mountains. Next, you’ll stop in the old Georgian capital of Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in the country and the centre of the action for a millennium leading up to the 5th century AD. You’ll explore the Jvari Monastery and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, known as the spiritual centre of Georgia.

Finally, return to Tbilisi to enjoy the rest of the evening however you prefer.

All too soon, your tour comes to an end! Head to the airport and catch your flight home, or continue exploring Georgia on your own.