Day 1: Meeting in Tbilisi
All day
Today is the gathering day, and tourists will go to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, to assemble on their own.
This tour can be formed by 6 people. 6-8 people do not include the China-TravelNote tour leader, but only the Chinese local tour guide. 9 or more people include the China-TravelNote tour leader.
Recommended ways to reach Georgia: Tbilisi Airport Code TBS, Urumqi Airport Code URC, Xi'an Airport Code XIY
1. Take a China Southern Airlines flight from Urumqi to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
2. Take an China Eastern Airlines flight from Xi'an via Tashkent to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
3. Take Air China flight from Urumqi to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
4. Take other flights from a third country (such as Dubai, UAE, Türkiye, etc.) to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
Day 2 Tbilisi → Sighnaghi → Telavi
·morning
After breakfast, proceed to the small town of Sighnaghi:
This is Georgia's city of love. The famous Georgian song "A Million Roses" is the subject of this song.
After arriving, we will start our stroll through the small town of Sighnaghi. Bodbe Monastery is the burial place of Saint Nino, who led Georgia to convert to Christianity. The king built a tomb and a church in her memory here.
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.
Day 3 Telavi → Ananuri Castle → Kazbek
·morning
After breakfast, we started today’s journey.
Travel to the renowned Kazbek region of the Caucasus, and along the way, admire Ananuri Castle, the riverside castle featured on the cover of "Lonely Planet: The Three Kingdoms of the Transcaucasus." Today, the castle has become one of Georgia's most iconic landmarks, attracting countless visitors to this magical and beautiful land. Nestled mid-mountain, 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.
·afternoon
After enjoying a Georgian meal, we will pass through the famous ski resort of Gudauri, and admire the majestic, snow-capped Mount Mokovoli along the way.
On the way to Kazbek, we will visit the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument. The monument was built in 1983 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the friendship between Georgia and the Soviet Union. A monument corresponding to the building was erected in a square in Moscow.
We'll board a 6-7-seater minivan to Holy Trinity Church. The church offers a panoramic view of Kazbegi, with the entire village at our feet, allowing you to experience the magnificent Caucasian scenery. Legend has it that long ago, in Georgian legend, a god similar to Prometheus stole divine fire from heaven and brought it to Earth. As punishment, the gods imprisoned him in a cave atop Mount Kazbegi.
·night
After enjoying a local dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 4 Kazbek → Giant Tower Canyon → Gori
·morning
After breakfast, we'll depart for Juta Canyon by van (seats 6-7). Juta Village is a small village nestled in a mountain pass. After a stroll through the village, you can enjoy a cup of coffee at the Secret Snow Mountain Lodge, where you can admire the snow-capped mountain scenery. From the cabin, the view from outside is brightened by the pink clothes and sheets drying on the drying line, illuminating the lush greenery. The snow-capped mountains, set against the backdrop, create a tranquil scene of harmonious coexistence 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 Gori, passing through the village of Sno. We'll get a close-up look at the Sno Colossi, a site known as the "Easter Island of Georgia." These colossal works of art are nestled in the rolling hills at the entrance to Sno, just a short detour off the Georgian Military Highway.
In the afternoon, we will drive to Gori. Upon arrival in Gori, we will visit Stalin Park (without entering the museum).
·night
After arriving in Gori in the evening, enjoy the [Georgian song and dance welcome dinner] and experience the cultural customs of the Caucasus.
Then check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 5 Gori → Mestia
·morning
After breakfast, drive to Mestia.
We will pass by the Surami Fortress, which is located on a rocky cliff on the banks of the Surami River and has great strategic significance in history.
·afternoon
Since the journey is quite long today, tourists can take more rest in the car.
Upon arrival in Mestia, check in and rest.
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.
Special note: The cable car opens at 11:00, so you can set off later in the morning.
·afternoon
Meet at the designated time to take the cable car down the mountain, then travel by ATV to the dreamland of Ushguli. Ushguli Village and Upper Svaneti City are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Ushguli, visit Queen Tamara's Castle and Ramalia Church.
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 retains a timeless sense of place and timelessness.
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, start today's hiking tour (3-4 hours).
Arrive at the designated location by off-road van and get off to hike.
Tourists will follow a gravel jeep road along the banks of the Inguri River. This section of the trail passes through a valley and is mostly flat. Occasionally, tourists must cross a small stream, but this is not a difficult task.
Walk along the gravel road to the Shikala Glacier. Tourists should avoid getting too close to the glacier and be careful of falling rocks. Due to climate change and glacial melting in recent years, 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 → Zugdidi → Kutaisi
·morning
After breakfast, we will depart for Kutaisi by bus. We will have lunch in Zugdidi and visit the Kadadiniya Museum.
·afternoon
Upon arrival in Kutaisi, visit the "Tiffany Blue" Bagrati Cathedral, built at the beginning of Georgia's Golden Age. The cathedral is situated on Ukmeriona Hill, offering panoramic views of the city.
·night
After dinner, tourists can explore the city center, including David Agmashenebeli Square and the Colchis Fountain. The Kutaisi Theatre is located on David Agmashenebeli Square, next to the Colchis Fountain.
Day 9 Kutaisi → Tbilisi Disbandment Day
·morning
After breakfast, we will return to Tbilisi by bus. This tour ends in Tbilisi.
Estimated time of arrival in Tbilisi (between 12:00-13:00 noon).
Tourists who wish to go to Batumi can take a bus from Kutaisi. There is no refund if you leave in Kutaisi.
Recommended ways to leave Georgia: Tbilisi Airport Code TBS, Urumqi Airport Code URC, Baku Airport Code BAK, Yerevan Airport Code ENV
1. Take a China Southern Airlines flight from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, to Urumqi.
2. Take Air China flights from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, to Urumqi.
4. Take other flights via a third country (such as Dubai, UAE, Türkiye, etc.) to return to China.
5. Take a flight back to China from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, or Yerevan, the capital of Armenia (China Southern Airlines and Azerbaijan Airlines have direct flights)
