Georgia Off the Beaten Track — 9 Days in Racha, Samegrelo and Guria

Nine days through Racha, Samegrelo and Guria, from Khvanchkara vineyards and the Shaori lake to Megrelian canyons and Gurian tea country, finishing on the Batumi seafront.

• —Khvanchkara wine tasting in Ambrolauri, the valley behind Georgia's best-known semi-sweet red
• —Nikortsminda Cathedral, an 11th-century church with some of the country's finest carved stone relief work
• —Martvili Canyon by rowing boat through turquoise water, combined with the adjoining monastery
• —Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi, former seat of Megrelia's ruling princes, with items reportedly linked to Napoleon
• —Small family-run guesthouses in Racha, Samegrelo and Guria instead of hotel chains
• —A route most visitors to Georgia never take, finishing on the Black Sea coast at Batumi

• · Roads in Racha and between some Guria villages are winding, partly unpaved, and slower than the distances suggest; plan for long but scenic driving days
• · Late October brings cold mornings and possible early snow at altitude in Racha; bring layers and a warm jacket
• · Bakhmaro's high mountain road is normally closed from October to May, so the Guria day focuses on lower villages and the coast instead
• · Walking is gentle throughout (short canyon and monastery paths); no technical hiking is involved
• · Guesthouses in Racha and Guria are family-run and modest rather than luxury standard, with limited English spoken outside Tbilisi and Batumi
• · Carry some cash in Georgian lari for small village guesthouses and markets

Prices are per person for two travelling together, in euros; solo travellers and larger groups are quoted on request. Every departure is private and adjusted to you. Hotels, wineries and restaurants on our routes are verified by GTour.