A Holiday in Georgia: from the Mountains to the Black Sea - Batumi - 10 days (GE-10)

Begin your adventure as you touch down in the capital Tbilisi. Our representative will be waiting in the arrivals hall to welcome you to Georgia and see that you reach your city centre hotel safely. Overnight Tbilisi. (Dinner)

Tbilisi has bags of charm and you’ll soon see why it’s a favourite with travellers. After breakfast we’ll help you get acquainted with the characterful old town, starting at the 8th century Methekhi church from which there’s a fabulous view over the city. There are several key sites that any visitor should include on their itinerary and we’ll make sure you don’t miss them: the 4th century Narikala fortress, the 6th century Antchiskhati church, Sioni cathedral built in the 12th century and Tbilisi’s synagogue. Over in the newer part of town, you’ll admire the exhibits on display in the Georgian National Museum and also take a stroll along the main shopping street, Rustaveli Avenue. Tonight’s dinner is a special one - you can get to know your fellow travellers as you enjoy a typically Georgian meal and some folk dancing or singing. Breakfast, dinner and overnight Tbilisi.

Before Tbilisi was the Georgian capital, that status was awarded to Mtskheta, so we’ll call in and pay a visit to the UNESCO-listed Jvari Church, and the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Today’s highlight, however, is likely to be the 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church, which we’ll reach by jeep as the road is a bumpy one. Located on a lofty hillside in the shadow of a glacier, this extraordinary place is well worth the bumpy ride and the views from all sides are simply magnificent. Tonight our base is in the ski resort of Gudauri, where the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Kazbegi region awaits. Breakfast, dinner and overnight Gudauri

It’s time to head west, on the trail of one of history’s most infamous leaders. Though Joseph Stalin is best known for his role as leader of the Soviet Union, he wasn’t born in Russia. Instead, he began life’s journey in Gori, and we’ll learn a little of his early years when we make our first stop today. Afterwards, we’ll drive 6 miles or so to Uplistikhe. It’s one of the oldest settlements in the country, dating back as far as the second millennium BC; people lived here in ancient times in caves hewn from the rock. Continuing on towards Kutaisi, we visit the Gelati Monastery and Academy Complex, a 12th century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Breakfast, dinner and overnight Kutaisi.

Georgia’s third largest city, Kutaisi is best known for the Bagrati Cathedral. This reconstructed church dates from the 11th century and attracts many pilgrims and tourists. After we’ve explored this important site, we’ll move on to Prometheus Cave. This karst cavern system consists of more than twenty caves, six of which are open to the public. With its colourfully lit stalactites and stalagmites, it’s a must-see while we’re in the area. From there, we’ll push on to Batumi, our base for the next four nights. Breakfast, dinner and overnight Batumi.

As well as being known for its jaw-dropping mountain scenery, Georgia also shares a Black Sea coastline. Batumi is one of the main resorts and makes a convenient base to relax and unwind. First, though, we’ll show you around on an included city tour. Our guide will lead you around the old town and you’ll visit the piazza, the Catholic Church and the Kissing Monument of Ali and Nino. This afternoon we’ll drive over to Gonio Fortress, which dates from the 1st century AD. Its position at the head of the Chorokhi and Adjaristskali valleys meant that it sat at the intersection of southwestern Georgia with the Black Sea coast. For that reason it was strategically important to the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. After returning to the hotel, the guide will leave you for a few nights so that you can enjoy some independent travel. Breakfast and overnight Batumi.

Today’s a free day so you can explore Batumi at your own pace. If you’re undecided as to what to do, we recommend strolling along the seafront and taking a closer look at Batumi’s promenade and beach. For a wider view, why not climb to the top of the 130 metre high Alphabetic Tower, which is easy to identify as it is adorned with Georgian script. From its observation deck, you’ll have an uninterrupted view over the waterfront, city and surrounding countryside. Overnight Batumi. (Breakfast)

As yesterday, this is a free day, giving you the opportunity again to pursue your own interests. Perhaps you might enjoy a stroll through the Batumi Botanical Garden, established in 1912. Across a 111 hectare site, this glorious garden contains many native species as well as displays focused on places as far afield as Australia and Mexico. Overnight Batumi. (Breakfast)

One more day to freely relish the delights of Batumi. Overnight Batumi. (Breakfast)

It’s time to say farewell to Georgia and head home. Our driver will take you to the airport in good time for your flight. We trust that you have enjoyed your tour and hope to see you again soon. (Breakfast)