Beautiful, wild and mysterious, Svaneti is an ancient land locked in the Caucasus, so remote that it was never tamed by any ruler. Uniquely picturesque villages and snow-covered, 4000m-plus peaks rising above flower-strewn alpine meadows provide a superb backdrop to the many walking trails. Svaneti’s emblem is the koshki(defensive stone tower), designed to house villagers at times of invasion and local strife (until recently Svaneti was renowned for its murderous blood feuds). Around 175 koshkebi, most originally built between the 9th and 13th centuries, survive here today.
DAY 1
Check-out from the hotel at 0 7 :00
Today we are going to a very unique place called Svaneti. The region is located in the north-west part of the country and is famous for its ancient towers, mountains, lakes and of course for its locals – Svans.
On our way we will visit a Dadiani Palace – house of ancient Megrelian Dukes of Dadiani, located in Zugdidi. Dadiani family had a ties of relationship with Napoleon Bonaparte and because of this they inherited some of Napoleons’ belongings. Here you can also find a shroud of Virgin Mary, brought to Georgia by the ancestors of Dukes of Dadiani from Byzantium in the 15th century and the posthumous masks of Napoleon. We will visit an Enguri Water Reservoir – the biggest hydroelectric power station in Caucasus. From there to Svaneti road goes through the picturesque nature and is very good for adrenaline lovers. The final destination is Mestia, capital city of the region. We will take a walk around Mestia, drink mineral waters –coming right from the mountains. And then take a lift on a cable car to the ski resort of Hatsvali. Here we can have a coffee/tea break while looking at the picturesque views of Caucasus mountains and the Mt.Ushba with its peak covered with the snow all year-long. You will be delighted by the nature around you.
Night and dinner in Mestia.
DAY 2
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today we are going to take off-road cars to Ushguli –one of the highest settlements in Europe, located at an altitude of 2200 m. above the sea level at the southern part of the Mt. Shkhara(5193m),which is the highest peak of Caucasus mountains on the territory of Georgia. The most architectural monuments are of the 9 th and 10 th century surrounded by cloud-kissing snowy mountains. Svans are special-very modest and strict people. The architectural complex of Ushguli is a unique cultural and historical ensemble, and for that, it is listed among UNESCOs’ World Heritage Sites.
Return to Mestia.
Night and dinner in Mestia.
DAY 3
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today we are returning to back to Black sea pearl - Batumi.
Tour price includes:
- Transport service according the program.
- Professional guide service.
Tour price does not include:
- 1. Accommodation in a hotel for 2 nights with breakfast and dinner (65 USD per person).
Or
- 2. Accommodation in local family guest house with breakfast (35 USD per person).
Tour price upon request: info@georgia.rsp.travel