Anniversary Svaneti Holiday (4 days)
Practical information about this Anniversary Svaneti Holiday
This is a holiday of 4 days
You have to be able to walk 1-2 hours, also up the hill and over rocks
It is advised to have comfortable hiking shoes and protection for the sun
Driver/guide/travel guidance is available in English
This holiday can only start on Thursdays or Fridays during April to October
For this holiday we need a minimum of 2 participants
Destinations of this holiday in Georgia: Chiatura, Katskhi Pillar, Kutaisi, Bagrati Cathedral, Enguri Dam, Mestia, Chalaadi Glacier, Hatsvali and Ushguli
This Anniversary Svaneti Holiday was specially created to celebrate the 10 years anniversary of Why Me Tbilisi. This holiday is based on our best holiday in Georgia '20 Shades of Georgia'. You will have the chance to visit Europe's highest village Ushguli, see the twin peak mountain Ushba, visit a real Svan family and have a traditional dinner, visit a ghost town, see amazing glaciers, waterfalls, and valleys.
Day 1: Tbilisi Chiatura Katskhi Pillar Kutaisi
Today we will be traveling to Kutaisi and on the way, we will visit Chiatura, Katskhi Pillar, and when arriving in Kutaisi we will visit the Bagrati Cathedral.
Ghost town Chiatura
Chiatura is an industrial city but they call it a disappearing town and ghost town as locals slowly go away from Chiatura leaving their homes behind. Also, the town looks abandoned because of rusty and creepy cabins swinging here and there over the cable net. Exactly these extremely old cable cars attract tourists for many years, but now you can enjoy a ride in one of the new cable cars to see the city from the top.
Katskhi Pillar
One of the little wonders of Georgia is Katskhi Pillar. Just looking at it is surprising and raises the question of how did they build it?! When you travel to Georgia you have to see this wonder while you are here.
Bagrati Cathedral
One of the most visited landmarks of Kutaisi, the ancient Bagrati Cathedral. For 300 years it was staying in ruined condition. However, the Bagrati Cathedral was restored in 2012 and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists. Despite the fact it is quite a large church, it is located on top of a mountain. These sizes of temples are usually built on the plains in Georgia. The Bagrati Cathedral became the symbol of the city of Kutaisi and holds special importance in the history of Georgia.
Colchis Fountain
On the central square in Kutaisi you will find the Colchis Fountain. It's a fountain with statues of animals, replicas of ancient Georgian figures made out of gold.
Day 2: Kutaisi Enguri Dam Waterfall Mestia Svan Tower Museum
Today we will be traveling to Mestia, the capital of Svaneti, and on the way, we will visit the Enguri Dam, a lunch stop at a restaurant with its waterfall, and when arrive in Mestia, the Svan Tower Museum.
Enguri Dam
Enguri Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in the Caucasus. The dam is located in another picturesque region of Georgia, Svaneti. The 271.5 meters high dam creates a spectacular reservoir of clean mountain water which is 20 km long. Here you can admire the landscape and the amazing blue color of the water from the observation deck and make some impressive photos.
Mestia and its mysterious Svan Towers by night
The Svan Towers are the symbol of the region Svaneti. They are mysterious and have a lot of history. The Svan Tower Museum is an original Svan Tower that you can enter and go all the way on top of its roof. While we are climbing up we will tell you about its history and explain about each level for what it was used. Once on top of the roof you can shoot some unique photos and enjoy the view.
Day 3: Hike to the Chalaadi Glacier and free time
Today in the morning we will start with a short jeep safari to the parking of the Chalaadi Glacier. From the parking, we will hike to the Chalaadi Glacier. In the afternoon you will have free time to visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography or go up to Hatsvali Ski Resort by ski elevator.
Chalaadi Glacier
Looking at the immense mass of ice created over the centuries it is difficult to remain indifferent. Glaciers hypnotize and fascinate. We invite you to an ancient Georgian glacier located way up in the mountains of Svaneti, the Chalaadi Glacier. The route to the glacier is quite difficult as the hike goes over hilly and rocky paths. However, it is one of the most popular walks in picturesque Svaneti and even throughout Georgia.
Twin peak of mountain Ushba
The twin peak of mountain Ushba makes you feel so little when it appears from behind the clouds.
Hatsvali Ski Resort
Probably Svaneti is the most unique and marvelous region of Georgia. We offer you to go to Hatsvali Ski Resort by ski lift and see the beauty of the wild nature and enjoy the awesome views of Svaneti from the top of the high mountain Zuruldi. After a short walk, you will reach the highest restaurant in Svaneti at a height of 2340 meters and the viewpoint where you can see many mountain peaks of Svaneti and make amazing photos with the legendary twin peak of mountain Ushba.
Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography
Svans are highlanders and until the last century, they had an almost isolated way of living. This created their special, original, and unique life. Visitors of the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography can find items from the authentic world of the Svans. The biggest part of the historic artifacts comes from the Svaneti region, including unique icons and engravings.
Day 4: Mestia Ushguli Tbilisi
Today we will start with a jeep safari on one of the most dangerous roads of Svaneti heading for the highest village in Europe, Ushguli. We spend about two hours in Ushguli and drive back to Tbilisi.
Ushguli
Ushguli is a true home of the Georgian fairy tale. The ancient family towers, little castles, medieval architecture, and the people who still live respecting the centuries-old traditions transfer the visitors into the atmosphere of a Georgian fairy tale.
Ushguli, Chazhashi
This little community is the most remote settlement of Svaneti and the highest settlement of Europe. The central village of Ushguli, Chazhashi, has been declared a museum and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Price of this holiday, inclusive and exclusive
Inclusive:
All transportation
English speaking driver/guide
Accommodation (3 nights)
Exclusive:
Entrance fees
Meals
Transfer hotel and airport