Welcome to Georgia! Your tour leader will leave you a note at reception detailing on what time you will be meeting with the rest of your group. Tonight is free for an optional dinner - there are plenty of restaurants and cafes within a short walking distance of our hotel.

After breakfast take part in a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. The locals like to call their capital the "Balcony of Europe", placing it on par with many of Europe's graceful old cities. All the sights in the Old Town are very close to each other and within a few minutes’ walk. We start our visit to Old Tbilisi from Metekhi Church, and then walk to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica. From here, visit Narikala Fortress and the Sulphur Baths. Afterwards, you'll have free time to further explore the capital. The evening is also free for you to enjoy. Perhaps indulge in Tbilisi's lively theater scene and witness some of the energetic and acrobatic dance that Georgia is known for. Total walking time today is approximately 4-5 hours. No transportation is included on this day.

Today, drive 25 kilometres (approximately 30 minutes) to Georgia's ancient capital and religious centre – the town of Mtskheta, which is over 3000 years old. Visit Mtskheta's top historical sights: Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), where the Robe of Christ is said to be buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Afterwards, continue to the pretty town of Kutaisi, the second largest city in the country (the drive will take approximately 3 hours). Kutaisi is more than 3000 years old, connected to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, along with his mythical (or is it?) Golden Fleece. Here we visit another significant historical site, the Gelati Cathedral. There may also be time to explore the cobbled streets of the town as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati palace and citadel. Spend the night at a local guesthouse in Kutaisi with private facilities. Total driving time today is approximately 4.5 hours.

After a restful night, visit a local farmers market and a natural grotto filled with stalagmites and stalactites. After lunch get ready for the next part of the tour: a journey to the remote Svaneti region. Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus and is divided in two parts: Upper Svaneti and Lower Svaneti. Arrive into Mestia, the centre of Upper Svaneti. Mestia is surrounded by mountains, medieval-type villages and disctinctive tower-houses. The famous tower-houses were built to accommodate villagers at times of invasion and violence during the 9th -13th centuries. Around 175 towers still stand today, although many are uninhabited. The area is home to the Svans, a proud people with a long history of survival in this isolated part of Europe, who speak their own language. Spend the night in a local guesthouse (with shared facilities). Total driving time today is approximately 5 hours.

Drive to the village Lakhiri (approximately 20 minute drive) and start our walk (approx walking time 4-5 hours) in the direction of Mestia. After little uphill walking we descend to the beautiful valley full with blooming flowers and enjoy an amazing view of Chalati Glacier (2300m) and of Mestia Valley with its watchtowers. The paths can be steep and the ground uneven so you will need good fitness and appropriate footwear for this walk. Those not wishing to hike can stay in the village or in Mestia. Today we also witness the making of Georgian cheese. Cheese is found in many Georgian dishes and is a key ingredient in the famous khachapuri, a traditional Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread which you will no doubt eat plenty of during your time here! Participate in the preparation of another traditional meal called kubdari, a filled bread dish filled with pork and beef that originates from this region. Total walking time today is 4-5 hours.

Today, visit the World Heritage-listed village of Ushguli, a town around 50 kilometres southeast of Mestia. The village is located at 2,200 metres above sea level, and is one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. Ushguli is most famous for its abundance of watchtowers – this is where you'll see the famous view of the towers set to the highest mountain in Georgia, the snow capped Mt Shkhara (5,068 metres). Visit the 12th-century Lamaria Church and walk to Queen Tamar’s tower. Total walking time is 2-3 hours depending on fitness and trail conditions. Those not wishing to walk may stay and explore Ushguli, where there are a few small ethnographic museums in the watchtowers. In the evening you can walk around the village and become familiar with the daily life of the local people. Spend the night in a family-owned guesthouse (with shared facilities.) Total driving time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today's walk starts from the guesthouse. The route takes us along the river to the base of Mt Shkhara. Fingers crossed for great weather! We will have a picnic lunch today. The walking trail ends at the Shkhara glacier, where the Enguri river originates below. In the afternoon, return to Mestia and stay overnight in the guesthouse. Approximate walking time is 5-6 hours. If you do not wish to walk, please discuss options with your leader in advance.

Drive to the Black Sea coast and the city of Batumi, with its waterfront parks and beaches. You’ll have a chance to walk around the town of Batumi and see its tastefully restored Old Town. Stay overnight at a hotel in Batumi.

In the morning take part in a short city tour. Afterwards drive to a Makhuntseti waterfall for a short walk. Return to Batumi for an afternoon of free time. Batumi has such a relaxed atmosphere and great restaurants and nightlife The town in more recent years has been renovated, new architecture has sprouted up, including a small forest of eye-catching tower buildings. Batumi quickly gained the reputation of one of the Black Sea's top resort magnets, with a great party scene in summer.

Today travel to Sarpi, a village at the border of Georgia and Turkey. At this point, you'll be meeting up with a new leader and changing vehicles. Bid farewell to Georgia! Don't be too sad, as you'll have the sights and sounds of Turkey to keep you excited. The bus journey will take around 2.5 – 3 hours. Once you've arrived at the green plateau of Ayder, there will be a quick orientation walk followed by free time. Tonight enjoy a BBQ dinner.

This morning go for a hike around Ayder and the Çat Valley. Stop and marvel at the beautiful Palovit fountains on the way. Stop for lunch at an authentic Çamlıhemşin house. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you wish.

Today head to Uzungöl, which means ‘long lake’ in Turkish. Like Ayder, Uzungöl is a great spot to relax and enjoy easy hikes. It will take 2.5-3 hours to get to Uzungöl. After arriving, head out on a trek to Soğanlı Mountain. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax. In the evening, we recommend joining your leader for a traditional Turkish dinner.

Drive to Trabzon, a city on the Black Sea coast of North Eastern Turkey. The bus journey will take around 1.5 hours. Once you arrive in Trabzon, take city tour, which includes a local tea tasting, a visit to the Sumela or Vazelan Monastery, Trabzon's own Hagia Sophia and Atatürk’s Palace.

This morning drive to Trabzon airport and fly to Istanbul, the biggest and most crowded city in Turkey! After checking into your hotel, head out for a wander around the old city of Istanbul. Visit Sultanahmet Square, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and Suleymaniye Mosque, and finish the walk around the spice market. You have an option to join our Homecooked Istanbul Urban Adventure tour or enjoy a farewell dinner at a local meyhane (Turkish tavern).

Sadly, your trip come to an end today after breakfast at the hotel. If you'd like to stay on in Istanbul to further explore the city, we are happy to organise extra accommodation (subject to availablity).