Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Mestia - Three Amazing days of your life

Day 1: Tbilisi – Uplistsikhe – Shrosha – Kutaisi

After breakfast, drive to Uplistsikhe, cross point of many Great Silk Road routes. Explore this cave town dating back to Hellenistic Period and notable for unique combination of various styles of rock-cut cultures and the co-existence of pagan and Christian architecture. Drive to Kutaisi, the central city of Western Georgia once called “Aia”. The road to Kutaisi will take you over Rikoti pass and through the longest tunnel of Georgia (1,722 m), that is also considered to be a border between Western and Eastern parts of Georgia. On the way make a stop at village Shrosha where you will have a chance to see versatility of Georgian pottery: “doqi” - jug, “piala” - bowl, “ketsi”- plate and many more are made from clay that is extracted from the soil of the area. Arrive in Kutaisi, take a walking tour around the city’s main sights. Visit Bagrati cathedral (11th century) - one of the best samples of Georgian late medieval architecture towering over Kutaisi and visible from almost any point in the city. Overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 2: Kutaisi – Gelati – Motsameta – Prometheus cave – Mestia

In the morning visit the Gelati monastery (12th century) built by King David the Builder. Gelati was the center of spiritual and scientific life of the Middle Ages. Next stop is Motsameta monastery that stands above the rough Rioni river and is buried in coastal vegetation. Tombs of brothers David and Constantine Mkheidze are located here. Continue to Prometheus cave to walk in 1.5 km long tunnel to enjoy breathtaking views of stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, underground rivers, and lakes along the cave. Underground light system filled with LED lights of all rainbow colors marvelously highlights natural beauty of Prometheus cave. After lunch get ready for the next part of the tour: a journey to the remote Svaneti region, the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus. On the way you'll see the largest water Dam in the world - Enguri Dam. Mestia is surrounded by mountains, medieval-type villages and distinctive tower-houses. Spend the night in a local guesthouse with shared facilities

 

Day 3: Mestia –Hatsvali – enguri Dam - Tbilisi

Hatsvali is one of the closest peak to Mestia. It's a great destination in Svaneti not only in winter but also in summer because there are stunning views from Hatsvali mountain. Hatsvali ski resort is about 6 kilometers away from Mestia city. But now you don't need a car to get there, as there is a new cable car from Mestia city, which connects the city and resort together. There is a cafe named Zuruldi on top of Hatsvali and it's working on all seasons. You have to experience drinking Glintwine (Mulled Wine) in Zuruldi and watching Ushba at least once in your life.

Drive back to Tbilisi. Drop off at your hotel/place Tbilisi.