Private Tour
Private tour to Mestia - Ushguli - Svaneti - the magical mountains
Overview
Available languages
96 hours
Mobile ticket
Svaneti is one of Georgias best kept treasures.
The self sufficient Svan people have been living high in the Caucasian mountains for thousands of years and they could preserve their ancient traditions and culture, but also the beautiful virgin nature of this region.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The order of sights can be modified according to your wish. We can substitute some of the sights by others en route or change the order of the days.
Hikes are optional and require a moderate physical level. They can be canceled or substituted with cultural activities on your request.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Best of Svaneti - Mestia, Hatsvali, Ushguli
Welcome dinner in Mestia
Optional - half-day hike during the dry season or ski day in winter season
Professional english speaking guide
Transfer in a private comfortable car
Options with and without accommodation are available
Meals are not included
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Tbilisi - Western Georgia
Real Georgia Tours
Enjoy the ultimate short tour to the scenic region of Svaneti and discover breath taking views, unspoiled landscapes and an authentic culture.
Okatse Canyon
The Okatse canyon offers a true vertiginous experience with its wooden bridges and platforms hanging along the high rocks of the canyon. The walk up and down the 800m long trail is at times thrilling and always scenic with a beautiful river running at the bottom of the gorge.
Kinchkha Waterfall
Kinchkha offers a different perspective on the canyon with its three step waterfall, springing from an altitude of up to 80m and forming an astonishing natural site.
Martvili Canyon
Next stop is the picturesque Martvili canyon. Once the bath place of the local royal family, today it still attracts thousands of visitors with its blue green water, old moss covered trees and relaxing boat trips.
Western Georgia - Mestia
Dadiani Palaces Historical and Architectural Museum
The beautiful garden of the Dadiani palace invites for a nice morning walk before the long drive to Mestia and if you wish you can also visit the museum and the treasury of the most famous royal family in Western Georgia.
Inguri Dam
With its 271 dam the Enguri dam is the world sixth highest dam and offers impressive views from its top platform. The "gate to Svaneti" holds a unique position among the dams of the world, as it requires two parties to operate - the region of Samegrelo and the breakaway region of Abkhazia.
Mestia
Last stop of the day is Mestia, the picturesque "capital" of Svaneti and the cultural center of the highlands. Located high in the Caucasus mountains, Mestia is a place where history comes alive and where ancient family towers coexist with modern ski lifts.
A day trip to Ushguli
Ushguli
One of the highest settlements in the world, Ushguli offers an even more authentic experience of Svanetian culture. Here, the modern has not reached yet and the wild nature surround the secluded village deep in the Caucasus. The thousand years old towers are filled with stories of honor, battles and love.
LaMaria Church
On a lonely hill at the end of the village stands the ancient church of Lamaria. Loaded with mysticism it is one the main sanctuaries of Svan people and is a beatiful example of their culture and beliefs. Lamaria was a local goddess, unique to Svan culture, who gradually turned into Holy Mary as Christianity reached Svaneti and locals still believe that the legendary Queen Tamar is buried below this church.
Shkhara Glacier
In warm season it is possible to do an intermediate hike to the Shkhara glacier, from where the Inguri river springs. The hike takes about 5 hours round trip. As an easier alternative you can chose a short but steep hike to the tower of Queen Tamar located on a hill edge above Ushguli or a hike to the Chubedishi mountain, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Ushguli and Caucasian mountain range/
Svaneti - Tbilisi
Before departure for a long drive back to Tbilisi, we recommend to visit the view point of Zuruldi mountain, that is used as a ski resort in winter times and a panoramic platform in summer season. The ride in the open ski lift and the beautiful view of the two horned Ushba mountain are a perfect way to start this day.
Gelati Monastery
The medieval monastery of Gelati, next to Kutaisi is a perfect place to take a break on a long ride to Tbilisi. The UNESCO listed monastery was built by one of the most famous and respected Georgian kings, David the Builder and was a cultural hub of Georgian renaissance.
Options
Standard Private Tour
Private Tour: The original private 4 days tour to Svaneti from Tbilisi incl. natural and historical highlights. Accommodation not included
Pickup included
Private Tour + Accommodation
Accommodation and breakfast: A 4 days private tour to the highlights of Svaneti incl. 1 night in Kutaisi and 2 nights in Mestia with breakfast
Pickup included
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing time visiting Ushguli and other areas
K269FVleoa,
May 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a 4 day tour with Irakli and it was great! We got to climb up an ancient tower, visit abandoned soviet buildings, hike to a glacier, and more. Would highly recommend visiting Svaneti on a trip to Georgia and this is the ideal way to do it because it would be decently hard to do on your own. The accommodations and food were great too!
Exceptional guide and great variety of sites visited
MikeMfromWashDC,
Sep 13, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zurab was a perfect guide with great knowledge of the country, the route, the towns we visited and the places we hiked. The company is flexible in building itineraries around what visitors want to see, so we experienced a tremendous variety including: mountain monasteries, old Soviet towns, museums, great food including a meal with a family, churches, a vineyard, canyons, a glacier, abandoned sanitariums and a cooking class. The highlight, though, was the mountain towns around Mestia and Ughguli, which were spectacular, and so unique. We spent five days with Zurab and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. His English was fantastic, and he speaks French as well. His knowledge and insights, along with his love of his country and willingness to go out of his way to help made a truly special trip. Highly recommend this company and Zurab.
Incredible trip to Svaneti
nxdat,
Jun 1, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an exceptional trip to Svaneti with Levan. From the moment he picked us up, every aspect of the tour was perfect (the weather even cooperated despite the forecast - just as Levan predicted). Thanks to Levan, we really felt like we got to know Georgia in addition to seeing breathtaking sights and eating some of the best food in the world. His professionalism, warm and bright personality, and personal touch made the trip truly memorable for us, and we're already planning our return to Georgia!
Amazing trip to Ushguli
Discover01530413529,
May 31, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour is amazing. Ushguli is the highlight of our trip. Our guide Irakli is passionate and knowledgeable. Highly recommend 👍
Highly recommend!
F1746VLlaurenk,
Jul 25, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip is a must! The stops were unique, beautiful, and authentic and our driver Irakli was great!!! From the get go coordination and communication with the company was smooth and accommodating, and the company was even able to add an extra stop to Vardzia per our request. Throughout the duration of the tour Irakli was engaging, professional, and knowledgeable. If you have more than a couple days in Georgia on your holiday, this tour is a must!
Four-day tour to Svaneti — , Zugdidi, Mestia, Ushguli
Roam303216,
May 25, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Irakli was thoroughly delightful. His companionship and the spectacular mountain scenery were the highlights of our trip to Georgia. He not only showed us the significant points of interest share but also, and importantly, stopped for experiences that brought us closer to Georgian people and culture. This was our first experience with private tours. There were four others, and we learned the importance of having a guide who genuinely likes meeting people and is willing to share something of him/herself. One of those people is Irakli from Real Georgia Tours.
Safe, comfortable and knowledable
Boris L,
Jun 30, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a private tour for our family of 4, for 9 days all around Georgia. the price was great, cheaper, much cheaper then any other tour company we talked to! We were in a well maintained minivan, the drive drove extra safe since we had kids, and he was nice to everyone. He knew his country and was very proud of it and told us all he knew. There were many stops during long driving days allowing us to see a few things and get some exercise. Everything was on time and professional. Its not a professional tour guide or anything like that, but for the price you get great transportation and driver who knows his country, so its a great deal, highly recommended to anyone who doesn't want to rent a car and try to find thins on thier own!
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Operated by Real Georgia Tours