Five days covering Georgia's inscribed UNESCO sites, from Mtskheta's fourth-century churches to the Svan tower-houses of Ushguli, with a guide who reads the frescoes.
- —All of Georgia's UNESCO World Heritage properties on one route: Mtskheta, Gelati Monastery and Upper Svaneti
- —Ushguli included as a full day, not a rushed add-on — one of Europe's highest permanently inhabited settlements
- —A licensed guide briefed on Georgian church art, explaining the frescoes at Svetitskhoveli, Jvari and Gelati rather than just naming them
- —Qvevri wine-making, Georgia's UNESCO intangible heritage tradition, covered with an actual cellar visit and tasting
- —Private car throughout, 4×4 for the Svaneti legs, honest about the long drive days rather than pretending they are short
- —Fixed small group or fully private, with hotels booked and confirmed before you arrive
Map: OpenStreetMap · Road route and driving times: OSRM · Times exclude stops.
- ✓ Private transport throughout, 4×4 for the Mestia and Ushguli sections
- ✓ Licensed English-speaking guide for Mtskheta, Kutaisi and Svaneti days
- ✓ 4 nights accommodation, twin or double rooms, 3–4 star
- ✓ Daily breakfast
- ✓ Entrance fees at Jvari, Svetitskhoveli and Gelati
- ✓ One evening supra with qvevri wine tasting
- ✓ Airport pickup and final drop-off
- — Lunches and dinners other than the one supra noted
- — Entrance donations in Ushguli village if applicable
- — Personal expenses and tips
- — Travel insurance
- · Dress code for churches: shoulders and knees covered, headscarves provided for women at Svetitskhoveli and Jvari
- · The Mestia–Ushguli road is normally open in late October but can close after an early snowfall; we confirm the day before and have a 4×4-only alternative if it does, checked at booking
- · Ushguli sits at about 2,100 metres, mornings are cold even on clear days, bring warm layers regardless of forecast
- · Walking is on cobblestones and uneven village lanes rather than formal trails; comfortable closed shoes recommended
- · This is a drive-heavy itinerary, with two long transfer days (Kutaisi–Mestia and Mestia–Ushguli return); it is not a relaxed pace
- · Card machines are unreliable in Svaneti villages, carry some cash in Georgian lari
Is the road to Ushguli open in late October?
Usually yes, but it can close after the first heavy snow. We check the morning of the trip and have a 4×4-only backup plan if it is closed, confirmed at booking.
Can we skip Kutaisi and go straight to Svaneti?
Possible, but you would then miss Gelati Monastery, one of the three UNESCO properties this tour is built around. We can quote a revised itinerary and price if you prefer.
Is this tour physically demanding?
No formal hiking is required. Expect walking on cobblestones and uneven ground in Ushguli and around the churches; moderate fitness is enough.
What vehicle is used?
A sedan or minivan between Tbilisi, Mtskheta and Kutaisi, switching to a 4×4 for the Svaneti sections, which is required by road conditions.
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.
Medieval stone defensive tower rises above the village of Ushguli in Svaneti. · Photo: Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
| Group | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | €2,384 ≈ $2,652 · 6,884 GEL | €2,384 ≈ $2,652 · 6,884 GEL |
| 2 travellers | €1,490 ≈ $1,657 · 4,302 GEL | €2,980 ≈ $3,315 · 8,605 GEL |
| 3 travellers | €1,416 ≈ $1,575 · 4,089 GEL | €4,248 ≈ $4,726 · 12,266 GEL |
| 4–6 travellers | €1,267 ≈ $1,409 · 3,658 GEL | €5,068 ≈ $5,638 · 14,634 GEL for four |
Private tour: your own car and driver, guide and hotels as described. Conversions at today's National Bank of Georgia rate.
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the tour. Between 7 days and 48 hours: 50 % of the price. Less than 48 hours or no-show: no refund. If a mountain road closes and the tour cannot run, you choose a new date or a full refund.
20 % deposit confirms the booking. Deposit by card or bank transfer when the date is confirmed; the balance in cash or by card at the start of the tour. No hidden fees — fuel, parking, driver and guide are included; entrance tickets, meals and hotels are listed per tour.
Since 1 January 2026 every foreign visitor to Georgia must hold health and accident insurance with cover of at least 30,000 GEL — see our guide to the rule. Our vehicles carry passenger liability insurance; your travel policy covers you.
Full booking conditions · Terms of use · What "Verified by GTour" means
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DepartureYour hotel — we collect you
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Departure TimeThe time you prefer — every departure is private
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Return TimeAt your hotel
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