Welcome to Georgia, the 'Balcony of Europe'. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, followed by an optional group dinner in a local restaurant. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided walk around Tbilisi to see its beautiful sights. All the places of interest in the Old Town are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. You will begin at Metekhi Church, continue to the Great Synagogue, then to Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica. Next is the Narikala Fortress and the Sulphur Baths, with some beautiful views of the charming Old Town along the way. Afterwards you will visit the stunning treasury of the Museum of Georgia before taking a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue, the main street in Tbilisi. The evening is then free for you to spend as you please. Perhaps indulge yourself in Tbilisi's lively theatre scene and witness some of the energetic and acrobatic dance that Georgia is known for. Notes: Total walking time today is approximately 4–5 hours. ...

Drive the 25 km (approximately 30 minutes) to visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. This gem of a town, the nation's spiritual centre, is more than 3,000 years old. You'll discover its major historic sights, including the Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century). The Robe of Christ is said to be buried at the latter. Afterwards, continue on to the pretty town of Kutaisi, the second largest city in the country (approximately 3 hours). Kutaisi is an antique town, also more than 3,000 years old. It's connected to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, along with his mythical (or is it?) Golden Fleece. Here you will encounter the medieval 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 the Bagrati palace and citadel...

In the morning you will visit a local farmers market; later on, a stunning natural grotto with mesmerising stalagmites and stalactites. After lunch, prepare for the next exciting part of your journey – into the remote Svaneti region. This is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus and is divided into two parts: Upper Svaneti and Lower Svaneti. You will arrive in Mestia, which is the centre of Upper Svaneti and is surrounded by lush mountains and medieval-type villages. Its tower-houses were built to accommodate villagers at times of invasion and violence between the 9th and 13th centuries. Around 175 towers still stand today, though many are uninhabited. This area is home to the Svans, a proud people with a long history of survival in this isolated part of Europe. They speak an unwritten language that's all but foreign t...

After breakfast, it's off to visit a local family to witness the making of Georgian cheese. Cheese is a key ingredient in many Georgian dishes, including the famous khachapuri, a traditional dish of cheese-filled bread which you will no doubt enjoy plenty of during your time here. Continue to the village Lakhiri (approximately 20 minutes) and start your walk (approximately 4–5 hours) in the direction of Mestia. After a little uphill walk, you will descend to a beautiful valley full of blooming flowers, and enjoy an amazing view of Chalati Glacier (2,300 m) and Mestia Valley with its watchtowers. The paths can be steep and the ground can be uneven, so you will need a good level of fitness and appropriate footwear for this walk. Those who would rather not hike can stay in the village or in Mestia. Once back in Mestia, you will...

Today you will visit the village of Ushguli, a town located around 50 km southeast of Mestia. Ushguli has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The village lies at 2,200 metres above sea level, and is claimed to be one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. It is most famous for its abundance of watchtowers, and you'll take in the famous view of these towers and their snowcapped backdrop – the highest mountain in Georgia, Mt Shkhara (5,068 m). You will also visit the Church of the Virgin Mary (12th century) and walk to Queen Tamar’s tower. Again, those who would prefer not to walk today are free to stay and explore Ushguli, perhaps visiting some small ethnographic museums and watchtowers. Tonight you will stay in a family guesthouse with shared facilities. Notes: Total driving time today is approximately 3 ...

Today's longer walk begins from the guesthouse. The route will take you to the base of Georgia’s highest mountain, Mt Shkhara (5,068 m). On the way to the glacier you will encounter small creeks as well as many rock formations and beautiful meadows, all the while surrounded by spectacular peaks. Cross your fingers for clear weather so you can enjoy this experience as much as possible! The walking trail comes to an end at the Shkhara glacier, where the Enguri river originates below. Return to your guesthouse in Mestia in the afternoon. Those who would rather not walk today can discuss alternative options in advance with their trip leader.  Notes: Total driving time today is approximately 3 hours. Approximate walking time is 5–6 hours.

Today is a long but rewarding day of driving. Journey through the sublime Georgian mountains, from Mestia back to Tbilisi (approximately 8–9 hours). There will be stops along the way for lunch, photos and to stretch your legs. Tomorrow there is plenty of free time, so take this opportunity, while you watch the countryside go by, to plan how you will spend your last days in Georgia. Tonight you'll stay in a hotel in Tbilisi that has private facilities.

Enjoy free time in Tbilisi. Chat to the warm-hearted locals; explore more of the ancient or modern side of this dynamic city; fit in the optional activities you didn't have time for at the start of your trip; or perhaps relax and feast on your final fill of khinkali (Georgian dumplings). There's a lively cafe scene here, a great way to wile away the day. Alternatively you can try digging for treasure at the Dry Bridge Bazaar. In the evening there will be a final (optional) dinner and glass of Georgian wine with your fellow travellers. Retire afterwards to your Tbilisi hotel. Your trip concludes on the morning of Day 10. Those staying longer might like to take one of several excellent day trips offered by our local partners – to the Kakheti Wine Region, David Gareja Monastery or along the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi. ...