This journey explores Georgia’s remote mountain regions, where medieval fortresses, defensive towers, and abandoned settlements preserve traces of a turbulent past. The easy hikes, lasting 2 to 4 hours, follow mostly wide paths with gentle inclines, providing a relaxed way to experience the area.
Highlights include the scenic Truso Valley, known for its colorful mineral springs, and the historic village of Shatili, an extraordinary mountain settlement featuring interlinked defensive towers. These fortifications, used for both defense and habitation, reflect the challenging life in the isolated borderlands, where constant vigilance was a necessity.
The landscape features vast valleys, lush meadows, and the stunning views of the Greater Caucasus, including the Kazbek peak (5054 m). Traditional local cuisine adds to the experience, showcasing the hearty flavors of the mountain regions.
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Charming 19th-century hotel, steps from Tbilisi State Opera, elegantly restored.
Arrival in Tbilisi on this day or next day early in the morning. Transfer to your hotel in Tbilisi. Next 3 nights in Tbilisi.
The Old Town of Tbilisi enchants visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and fascinating blend of past and present. Narrow, winding streets lead through historic neighborhoods, where the architecture tells stories of centuries gone by. Key highlights include the Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in the city, and the majestic Sioni Cathedral, deeply embedded in Tbilisi’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The sulfur baths in the Abanotubani district stand as a testament to the city’s centuries-old bathing and healing traditions. Nearby, the modern Bridge of Peace spans the river, symbolizing the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Adjacent Rike Park offers green spaces and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a short rest. If accessible, the Narikala Fortress provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding hills from its ancient walls.
For nature lovers, an optional hike awaits in the hills above Tbilisi. The trail connects the serene Turtle Lake, a popular retreat for relaxation, with Mtatsminda Park, renowned for its stunning viewpoints and recreational offerings. The 2-hour hike winds through shaded forests and picturesque paths, offering magnificent views of the city below.
After the hike, you have two options for descending from Mtatsminda Mountain to Tbilisi’s downtown: either take the cable car to Rustaveli Metro station, or for a more adventurous option, walk an additional 1.4 km down a steep slope.
The day concludes with a delightful dinner in a traditional Georgian restaurant, where you can savor authentic local dishes and experience the warm hospitality that Georgia is renowned for.
After an approximately 1.5-hour drive from Tbilisi, you will arrive in the historic village of Samshvilde, known for its natural beauty and rich history. Begin with an easy 1.5-2-hour hike to the Samshvilde Fortress, a key historical site perched above the surrounding landscape. As you walk along ancient trails, you will encounter weathered gravestones scattered throughout the area, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once lived and fought here. The fortress ruins, though crumbled, still reflect the site’s strategic importance, and the gravestones add a poignant connection to the past.
Following the hike, you can choose between two lunch options. Either enjoy a picnic near the Samshvilde Fortress (be sure to bring snacks with you from Tbilisi), surrounded by nature, or head to the village of Asureti, once known as Elisabethtal, for a meal at the "Bahnhof" restaurant.
After lunch, explore the village of Asureti, formerly a German settlement. Wander through the streets, where you can visit the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Elizabeth and see the German cemeteries. The well-preserved half-timbered houses offer another glimpse into the past, reflecting the life and culture of the early German community.
Return to Tbilisi, where you’ll have free time to relax and explore the city before departing the next day for the mountains, where you will spend 5 nights.
Guesthouse
Sulphoni is a charming, simple guesthouse with a beautiful garden, located across the river from the medieval town-fortress of Shatili, offering stunning direct views of this historic site.
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Drive to the Greater Caucasus Mountains, with a stop at the old capital Mtskheta, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both of which hold deep historical and religious significance. After exploring Mtskheta, continue your journey toward the mountainous region of Khevsureti. The drive to your accommodation in Shatili takes approximately 4.5 hours, with 2.5 of those hours off-road.
Before reaching the Datvisjvari Pass, enjoy a scenic drive along the lesser-known side of the Jinvali Water Reservoir. This route offers stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding landscapes, providing a peaceful and picturesque contrast to the more commonly traveled roads.
Next, cross the breathtaking Datvisjvari Pass, which rises to over 2,400 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the valleys and peaks of the Greater Caucasus. The road winds through rugged terrain, showcasing the raw beauty of Georgia’s northern regions.
Khevsureti, nestled in the northern mountains of Georgia, is a hidden gem offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. The region borders the republics of Chechnya and Ingushetia to the north. During the winter months, the villages in Khevsureti are often cut off from the outside world due to harsh weather conditions and impassable roads.
The region is renowned for its medieval architecture, with numerous fortresses and defensive towers once used to protect the local people. Shatili, a remarkable fortified village, is one of the highlights, with its stone towers and houses built into the mountainside, blending seamlessly with the landscape.
Upon arrival in Shatili, check in at a guesthouse with basic facilities and shared bathrooms. Enjoy a traditional dinner at the guesthouse, immersing yourself in the local flavors and hospitality.
Start the day in Shatili, a remarkable fortified town of stone towers and interconnected homes that once served as a border stronghold. Stroll through its labyrinthine alleys and immerse yourself in its timeless atmosphere.
From Shatili, take a 2 km walk to the village of Anatori, famous for its medieval crypts. These haunting stone burial chambers, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, tell a poignant story of a plague outbreak in the past.
Next, drive to Mutso, a medieval fortress village perched high above the Andakistskali River. Known for its dramatic location and defensive towers, Mutso offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into life in the 10th–14th centuries. Legends tell of the villagers’ devotion to the Broliskalo Icon of the Archangel and a hidden treasure in the surrounding mountains.
Climb to the fortress ruins, a 30-minute steep ascent over rocky terrain that requires surefootedness. The effort is rewarded with stunning views of the valley and an exploration of medieval houses and towers.
For lunch, visit a small café below the fortress (not included). Afterward, drive back to Shatili and enjoy some free time to relax or explore the village further.
End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the same guesthouse.
Family hotel
A family-run hotel in a quiet location, approx. 400 m from the town centre. The hotel has a beautiful garden and 15 rooms, all with beautiful views of Mount Kazbek.
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Today we head off to the neighboring mountain region Khevi, driving along part of the famous Military Highway, which connects Tbilisi with Russian border. The journey offers stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains as we venture deeper into this picturesque region.
On the way, we make a stop in Pshavi to taste Khinkali, the traditional Georgian dumplings, filled with meat, herbs, and spices—a must-try delicacy that perfectly represents Georgian cuisine.
Continuing our drive, we arrive at the Ananuri Fortress, a historic complex overlooking the Aragvi River. This medieval fortress, with its churches and watchtowers, provides a glimpse into Georgia's past and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Zhinvali Reservoir.
Afterward, we continue our drive to Gudauri, a well-known ski resort in the Caucasus. If time permits, we can take a cable car ride from Gudauri to Kobi village, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountains—a great opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty from above.
Finally, we make our way to Stepantsminda, a small town nestled beneath the towering Mount Kazbek. This majestic peak, one of the highest in Georgia (5054m), is often featured in the most famous photos of Gergeti Trinity Church, a historic church perched on a hill with the mountain in the background—a truly iconic image of Georgia.
Upon arrival in Stepantsminda, you will check into your hotel and have time to rest after the long journey. The evening is at your leisure, allowing you to enjoy the local cuisine or explore the area further.
After a 40-minute transfer through the picturesque Sno Valley, we arrive at the village of Juta, situated at an altitude of 2,150 meters above sea level. From here, we embark on a 3 to 3.5-hour hike with stunning views of Mount Chaukhi. After a short, gently ascending path, we reach a wide meadow and follow the trail past camping sites. With a slight incline, we walk along the river that quietly meanders through the open, treeless high valley. Upon reaching our destination, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Chaukhi (3,842 m) and its charming waterfalls. We return along the same path.
We will enjoy a picnic in a serene natural setting. Following lunch, we drive back to Stepantsminda and continue up to the Gergeti Trinity Church. Afterward, you will have free time to relax or explore at your leisure.
Optionally, you can visit a felt-making workshop to gain insight into this traditional craft. Following the workshop, you can sample herbal tea. This visit can be booked in advance for an additional cost of €13 per person.
You will spend the evening at your own leisure.
After a transfer of approximately 50 minutes in local off-road vehicles, we arrive at the village of Kvemo Okrokana. From here, our hike into the stunning Truso Valley begins—a geological paradise featuring white travertine terraces, a bubbling mineral lake rich in carbon dioxide, and vividly colored sulfur springs. The valley is located near the border with the autonomous region of South Ossetia. It was once inhabited by Ossetians, but today only a few shepherds remain, and the villages are mostly abandoned. Beware of shepherd dogs!
The hike is longer but easy, with minimal elevation gain. Initially, we follow a gorge along a track accessible to off-road vehicles. Between steep basalt cliffs and rugged shale slopes, the Tergi River has carved a deep gorge, revealing fascinating traces of the Caucasus's volcanic origins. After crossing the river, the valley opens up, and on the left side, we can see the travertine terraces (2130 m), formed by calcium-rich springs. On the opposite side, a bridge leads to the Abano mineral lake, where a bathing break is possible.
We continue hiking to Zakagori fortress at the end of the valley, passing old, crumbling watchtowers. We will have a picnic break near a nunnery. The return journey is by off-road vehicle.
In the afternoon, you can enjoy some free time in Stepantsminda or opt for another shorter hike, such as to the Elias Church (approximately 2 hours, easy) or to the Gveleti Waterfalls (approximately 1.5–2 hours, slightly steep and requiring sure-footedness). Dinner is at your own arrangement.
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Charming 19th-century hotel, steps from Tbilisi State Opera, elegantly restored.
Today, we leave the mountains and descend into the valley, heading to the Shida Kartli region and its capital, Gori. Gori is the birthplace of the infamous dictator Stalin. Upon request, we can make a photo stop at his birthplace, the museum, and his personal railway carriage.
For lunch, we visit a local family in the Ateni Gorge, renowned for its namesake wine. Here, we enjoy regional specialties paired with a tasting of Atenuri wine—a sparkling white wine made from the endemic Chinuri and Goruli Mtsvane grape varieties, known for its fresh, fruity aroma.
Afterward, we explore the cave city of Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn settlement that dates back to the early Iron Age. Uplistsikhe showcases a fascinating blend of pagan and Christian architecture, with its rock-cut halls, narrow streets, and wine presses. Once an important cultural and trading center on the Silk Road, this unique site offers a glimpse into Georgia’s rich history.
We then continue to Tbilisi, where you will check into your hotel. Farewell to the guide, and dinner is at your own arrangement.
Transfer to the airport. Departure.
