Day 1 Shanghai → Urumqi → Tbilisi
All day
Tourists are advised to arrive at Hongqiao Airport at least three hours in advance. You will then board a China Southern Airlines flight via Urumqi to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and begin your beautiful, exotic journey. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and you will check into your hotel for the night.
Special note: As National Day is a peak travel period, China Southern Airlines does not support multi-city connections. National Day itineraries only support connections departing from Shanghai. Tourists from other cities must travel to Shanghai on their own. Tourists are responsible for their own transportation, accommodation, and other expenses during this period.
Luggage cannot be checked directly between Shanghai and Tbilisi and needs to be picked up and re-checked in at Urumqi Airport.
Currently, the 13-day National Day tour in Georgia is fully booked. Tourists who have not registered or are interested can choose the Caucasus Three Countries and Georgia Hiking Conference which is scheduled at the same time.
Day 2 Tbilisi → Mtskheta → Kazbek
·morning
After breakfast, we will depart for the ancient capital of Mtskheta, which was once the capital of the ancient Iberian Kingdom on Georgian soil. A large number of temples, tombs, ancient architectural ruins and fortifications from the ancient Greek and Roman periods have been discovered here.
Visit the Jvari Monastery. It is said that in the 4th century AD, Saint Nino, in order to convert the King of Iberia to Christianity, erected a wooden cross on a hill. This wooden cross performed miracles, attracting many believers to worship. A small church was built here, which has been continuously renovated and maintained since then. Due to the location, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire ancient city.
Stroll through the Pillar of Life Cathedral, the second largest cathedral in Georgia. The cathedral's founding is closely linked to the robe of Jesus. Legend has it that St. Nino brought the robe of Jesus to Georgia and built this sacred cathedral, making it a symbol of faith and hope. As sunlight streams down the walls of the Pillar of Life Cathedral, the ancient stones seem to speak of the passage of time.
·afternoon
Enjoy a local Georgian meal for lunch, followed by a visit to Ananuri Castle, a riverside castle featured on the cover of the book "Lonely Planet: Transcaucasian Kingdoms." Today, the castle has become one of Georgia's most famous landmarks, attracting countless visitors to this magical and beautiful land. Nestled on a mountainside, the castle's emerald-colored waters, Aragvi Lake, complement the castle's green dome. Beyond, the majestic Transcaucasian Mountains frame the surrounding landscape, a scene of classicism and beauty captured to the fullest.
On the way to Kazbek, we will visit the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument, which was built in 1983 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the friendship between Georgia and the Soviet Union.
·night
After enjoying a local dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 3 Kazbek → Great Tower Canyon → Gudauri
·morning
After breakfast, take a van (6-7 seats/vehicle) to Holy Trinity Church.
Visit the Holy Trinity Church on the mountain. The church offers a panoramic view of Kazbegi, with the entire village at your feet, allowing you to experience the magnificent Caucasus scenery. Legend has it that long ago, in Georgian legend, a god similar to Prometheus stole divine fire from heaven and brought it to the human world. As punishment, the gods imprisoned him in a cave on the top of Mount Kazbegi.
After church, we took a van to Juta Canyon. Juta Village is a small village nestled in a mountain pass. After a stroll through the village, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the snow-capped mountain views from the Secret Snow Mountain Lodge. Looking out from the lodge, pink clothes and sheets drying on the drying line illuminate the lush greenery. The snow-capped mountains in the background create a cozy and beautiful scene of harmony between man and nature.
Note*:
1. There is a relatively steep gravel road on the way to the tower, which is a bit difficult and is about 2 kilometers long.
2. The total length of the hike is about 3-4 kilometers, and the round trip takes 1.5 hours.
3. If you encounter road construction or road closures, you can hike into the village and then to the Giant Tower Canyon. The total duration is 4-6 hours, about 8 kilometers.
·afternoon
After the hike, we'll head to Gudauri, passing through the village of Sno. We'll get a closer look at the Sno colossal heads, nicknamed the "Easter Island of Georgia." These colossal works of art are nestled in the rolling hills at the entrance to Sno Village.
·night
Upon arrival at Gudauri, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 4 Gudauri → Kutaisi
·morning
After breakfast, we will depart for the Stone City of Uplissikhe in Gori. This city, carved out of stone, was built in the Bronze Age and was one of the political and cultural centers of Georgia in the centuries after AD.
·afternoon
After lunch, proceed to Kutaisi.
Upon arrival, we'll explore the city center of Kutaisi, including David Agmashenebeli Square and the Colchis Fountain. The Rado Meshkheshvili Georgian Kutaisi Theatre is located on David Agmashenebeli Square, next to the Colchis Fountain. It's one of Georgia's oldest theatres.
Visit the "Tiffany Blue" Bagrati Cathedral, built at the beginning of Georgia's Golden Age. The cathedral is located on Ukmeriona Hill, offering panoramic views of the city of Kutaisi.
·night
After enjoying a local dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 5 Kutaisi → Tsqaltubo → Mestia
·morning
After breakfast, we'll drive to the abandoned Soviet sanatorium in Tskaltubo, a former palace hidden in the forest. Walking through it, you'll sigh at the decline of a great power. Under the sunlight, any abandoned place here is very photogenic, making it an underrated niche location.
Prometheus Cave is Georgia's signature destination. Its magical caverns are filled with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. Tourists can explore the caverns and enjoy boat tours. A hanging waterfall awaits.
·afternoon
After the tour, we will drive to Mestia, located in the heart of ancient and unique Svaneti, Georgia, which is a world cultural heritage site in Georgia.
Special note: One-third of the road to Mestia is a winding mountain road with average road conditions, so the bus drives slowly and the overall time may be later than expected.
After arriving in Mestia, if there is enough time, tourists can stroll through the streets of the town.
Day 6 Mestia → Ushguli
·morning
After breakfast, we will take a van to the Skyline Cable Car. Then, we will take the cable car to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Mestia and everything in the world.
After reaching the top of the mountain, you can check in at the popular cafe or have free time at the top of the mountain.
·afternoon
Meet at the designated time to descend the mountain by cable car, then journey by ATV to the dreamland of Ushguli. Ushguli Village and Upper Svaneti are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Ushguli, visit Queen Tamara's castle and the exterior of the Ushguli Museum.
Nestled in the Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of 2,200 meters, Ushguli Village is renowned for its numerous medieval defensive towers. Surrounded by rolling snow-capped mountains, gurgling rivers, and herds of cattle and sheep, it feels like a paradise, allowing visitors to experience the simple nature of Georgia's mountain people. Despite its limited accessibility, Ushguli Village has preserved a timeless sense of place and timelessness. Ushguli Village and Upper Svaneti are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
[Ushguli Home Visit]: Visit a local family and learn about life in Europe's highest village. Enjoy homemade tea and snacks. (Due to local family commitments, home visits cannot be arranged during National Day. We will arrange for tourists to watch the Ushguli film "DEDE").
If you have enough time, you can explore the village on your own and experience rural life in Georgia.
·night
In the evening, stay at a local homestay in Ushguli and enjoy dinner.
Day 7 Ushguli → Mestia
·morning
After breakfast, proceed on foot to Ushguli (3-4 hours).
The Ushguli hike is roughly divided into three sections:
Section 1: Ushguri to Ramaliya Church (1 km, 0.5 hours): Walk about one kilometer or less to Ramaliya Church in Ribyanyi.
Section 2: La Maria Church to Shikala Glacier Restaurant (6 km, 1.5-2 hours). After leaving La Maria Church, tourists will follow a gravel jeep road along the banks of the Inguri River. This section of the trail passes through the valley and is mostly flat. Tourists may occasionally have to cross a small stream, but this is not a difficult task.
Section 3: From the Shikala Glacier Restaurant to the gravel road, stop at the Shikala Glacier (2 km, 1 hour). From here, the walk continues gradually to the foot of the glacier. Tourists should avoid getting too close to the glacier and be careful of falling rocks. Due to recent climate change and glacial melting, conditions in the area have become unstable.
·afternoon
After the walking tour, we will return to Mestia by ATV.
Visit the Svaneti History and Ethnology Museum: Founded in 1936, the museum is divided into several exhibition areas according to the exhibits: archaeological artifacts from the 3rd century AD, golden icons from the 11th to 14th centuries, Georgian manuscripts and books, various traditional Svaneti handicrafts and furniture, etc.
Near the exit of the museum, you can see part of the fortress complex (Svanta) through the glass window.
Afterwards, you can relax at your own leisure if you have enough time.
Day 8 Mestia → Batumi
·morning
After breakfast, drive to Batumi, a famous coastal city on the Black Sea (from here to the north is Sochi, Russia, and to the south it borders Turkey), which was also a sanatorium and holiday resort during the former Soviet era.
Lunch will be served in Zugdidi, the capital of Upper Svaneti.
·afternoon
On the way, you'll pass by Miniature Georgia World. Here, tourists can see up to 60 historical monuments and structures from all over Georgia, all reproduced in miniature form, including the buildings of Tbilisi, Jvari Monastery, Sevantar, Akhaltsikhe Castle, Vardzia Caves, and Alaverdi Monastery.
Upon arrival in Batumi, visit the Batumi Botanical Garden. Founded in 1912 by Soviet botanist Andrei Krasnov, it features nearly 2,000 plant species, nine diverse areas, and a network of trails. It offers breathtaking views of the Black Sea and Batumi cityscape. A local favorite, it's a romantic destination for couples and a great place for family gatherings, combining natural wonders with a romantic experience.
·night
We arranged Chinese food for the tourists tonight to appease their Asian stomachs.
Day 9: Batong Tour
·morning
After breakfast, take a city walk in Batumi:
The tour begins at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Batumi, a historic structure that bears witness to the city's vicissitudes, its every stone telling a story of antiquity. Next, we reach Batumi Square, the heart of Batumi, where the surrounding buildings seem to evoke memories of the city's past glory. Across the square, we reach St. Nicholas's Orthodox Church, its spire gleaming in the sun, inviting tourists into its world.
A special arrangement: a Black Sea cruise, approximately 30 minutes in duration. Let tourists experience a Black Sea holiday!
After the cruise, visit the famous seaside Miracle Park. Miracle Park is a pedestrian zone in Batumi that features many of the city's attractions and several scenic spots. This area is filled with art and is visited daily by a large number of locals and tourists. Miracle Park is interesting not only for its unusual architecture and monuments.
Ali and Nino sculpture (exterior), the two sculptures tell a poignant love story through rotation.
·afternoon
Head to Europe Square and the Medea Statue. The architecture here is rich in European classical style, while also offering modern touches. Batumi's famous theater is also located here.
Tourists can then enjoy free time in Batumi. Some recommended places for free time are:
1. Gonio Fortress: Preserves cultural layers from three different periods. Within the stone walls of the fortress lie the remains of a mill, bathhouses, and barracks. According to folklore, the remains of the apostle Matthias (who replaced Judas as one of the Twelve after his betrayal) are buried within the fortress.
2. Seafood Market: There is a wide variety of seafood. Tourists can also buy fresh seafood and enjoy it in the restaurant next door.
3. Batumi Cable Car: From the mountain, tourists can witness this magnificent seaside scene unfolding slowly. They can't help but exclaim, "Batumi is so charming."
4. Check out the stunning McDonald's: The building's overall shape resembles an ultra-modern "fast food box," cleverly combining a McDonald's and a gas station without interfering with each other. The exterior walls utilize a multi-layered steel frame, and the reflective glass creates a futuristic illusion, imprinting the surrounding streets, houses, and sky.
·night
After dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 10 Batumi → Tbilisi
·morning
After breakfast, we will return to Tbilisi by car. We will have lunch on the way.
·afternoon
Upon arrival in Tbilisi, explore the National Historical Museum. The museum has four floors: the first floor focuses on the history of human development. The second floor focuses on the Old and New Stone Ages and the Bronze and Iron Ages. The third floor covers the history of Russian aggression. The lower floor houses a treasure hall displaying gold, silver, and gemstone artifacts from various periods. Here, tourists can also learn a wealth of historical knowledge.
Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the third largest Orthodox church in the world. Its striking golden dome is indeed made of gold, donated by Georgians. This cathedral is easily visible from either side of the Kura River in Tbilisi, and its interior is unpretentious. It's important to note that women should wear long pants or below-the-knee skirts for easy access.
·night
After the fortress tour, you can arrange a night tour of Tbilisi's old town. Tbilisi is a veritable mountain city. There are many cobblestone roads in the old town, but the various mixed architectural styles and the occasional barking of dogs and human chatter are full of the atmosphere of fireworks.
Recommended walking tour: Centered around the Kura River, admire Tbilisi's beautiful nightscape along both banks (King Statue - Theater Park - Peace Bridge - Bar Street - Puppet Clock Tower). Then, check in to your hotel and rest.
Day 11 Tbilisi → Sighnaghi → Telavi
·morning
After breakfast, proceed to the small town of Sighnaghi:
This is Georgia's renowned wine region. The famous Georgian song, "A Million Roses," was dedicated to the painter Manishvili from Sighnaghi. He fell in love with the Parisian actress Marguerite. To win her heart, he sold all his possessions and bought a million roses for her. Because of this romantic story, Sighnaghi became known as the City of Love.
Upon arrival, we'll begin our stroll through the town of Sighnaghi. Bodbe Monastery is the burial place of Saint Nino, the woman who converted Georgia to Christianity. The king built a tomb and a church in her honor here. In the Middle Ages, many kings of the Kingdom of Kakheti chose to be crowned here, making it one of Georgia's most important pilgrimage sites.
Sighnaghi Viewing Point: There are many viewpoints in the whole town. This is the most classic panoramic angle of the town. It is at the fork in the road and is also the source of the representative picture of Sighnaghi.
The Sighnaghi City Wall is also a very solid defensive facility. The total length of the wall is over 4.5 kilometers, with a total of 23 towers. The view from the top is very spectacular.
·afternoon
At noon, we will stroll around Sighnaghi and enjoy a free lunch. After lunch, we will proceed to Telavi.
Stroll through the Telavi wineries. Unearthed in Telavi are pottery jars dating back to 8000 BC, providing key evidence that Georgian wine is considered the world's birthplace of winemaking. Telavi is also a major wine-producing region in Georgia.
Tourists can taste traditional red wine, visit the wine cellar, and learn more about the traditional Georgian Qvevri and classic winemaking methods. At the same time, tourists can also experience making local traditional snacks and enjoy singing performances at the winery.
·night
After dinner, enjoy the winery's signature red wine bath to relieve travel fatigue. (Due to hotel resource constraints, the National Day group red wine bath cannot be arranged. We will refund tourists $15 per person after the trip.)
Day 12 Telavi → Tbilisi → Urumqi
·morning
After breakfast, stroll through Telavi Bazaar. This vibrant market, rich in aromas and bustling with commerce, has been a cornerstone of culinary and cultural exchange since the 17th century and has successfully evolved into an enticing marketplace filled with local delicacies and handicrafts.
Then return to Tbilisi.
Climb the Narikala Fortress*, including cable car tickets. Located on a small hill south of Tbilisi's Old Town, the fortress served as the city's last line of defense and is now considered a landmark not only for the Old Town but also for Tbilisi itself. While Narikala is now just a section of the ruins, Tbilisi residents consider it the "heart and soul of the city," and a massive cross has been erected at the highest point of the ruins. It's also a great spot for panoramic views of Tbilisi, especially the Old Town.
Not far away is the Statue of Mother Georgia. This majestic and tall statue faces the ancient city. She holds a bowl in her left hand and a sword in her right hand, symbolizing the great victory of Georgia in the anti-fascist war and becoming the symbol of the city.
·afternoon
After the fortress tour, tourists are free to move around Tbilisi.
Recommended places for free time in Tbilisi:
1. Ganqiao Flea Market: Tourists can't imagine the sheer number of treasures packed into this garden flea market. From vintage jewelry and vinyl records to antique cameras, exquisite porcelain cutlery, and even a variety of stamps, banknotes, and other small finds, vintage lovers are ecstatic. No one will leave empty-handed.
2. Fabrica Cultural Center: This is a veritable graffiti street. The walls are covered in so much graffiti that it feels like you've been transported to a time and space where the future and the past intertwine. Hundreds of graffiti pieces in various styles can be found throughout the neighborhood. This former Soviet textile factory was transformed into the Fabrica Youth Hostel we see today through the creative hands of Georgian youth. The main building houses a shared living room, bar, restaurant, and guest rooms, filled with interesting vintage items.
3. Tbilisi Sulfur Baths: One of the most worthwhile things to do in Georgia is to soak in a sulfur bath. Sulfur baths have a long history in Georgia!
4. Tbilisi Underground Printing House: Visit the printing house. Tourists can go down the spiral staircase that was later installed. You can still see the passage connecting to the well, the damaged warning bell, and the original printing press.
·night
After dinner, we will go to Tbilisi Airport and take an international flight back to Urumqi. This is the end of our pleasant journey!
Day 13 Urumqi → Shanghai
·morning
After arriving in Urumqi in the morning, we transferred to Shanghai and ended our in-depth trip to Georgia.
