Highlights and Backroads of Georgia
9 Jul –
22 Jul 2026
- 14 Days
- Comfortable, well-located and characterful
- 29 Meals
- Group size: 16
Only 2 Spaces Left
From Tbilisi to tucked-away villages and vineyards, this journey blends culture and connection.
Itinerary
Your journey begins in Johannesburg, where you’ll board an overnight flight bound for Georgia. Settle in, switch off, and let the rhythm of travel begin. Meals will be served onboard as you cross continents, moving steadily towards the Caucasus and the adventure ahead.
After arriving in Tbilisi, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the vibrant heart of the city. That evening, join your guide and fellow travellers for a traditional Georgian dinner, a relaxed setting to settle in, share stories, and get to know the group. Over local dishes and a glass of wine, your guide will walk through the journey ahead, covering the essentials with time for questions and conversation. It’s a gentle and welcoming start to the days on the road.
Highlight:
After breakfast, collect your 4×4 and take part in a short safety briefing before heading east into the Kakheti region, a place steeped in ancient winemaking traditions and generous hospitality.
Your first stop is the village of Badiauri, where a local family will share traditional Georgian bread straight from the tone oven and handmade cheeses crafted to recipes passed down through generations.
From here, continue to Sighnaghi, a hilltop town of winding lanes and pastel façades. Take your time to explore the cobbled streets, admire views across the Alazani Valley, and walk a section of the old city walls.
The day also brings a quiet pause at Bodbe Monastery, before a late afternoon visit to a winery in Kvareli. Discover the deep roots of Georgian wine culture before arriving in Telavi for the night.
Highlights:
Begin the day with a tasting that offers more than flavour. It’s an introduction to Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition and the stories that continue to shape it.
Then, begin your climb north. The route winds past the still waters of the Zhinvali Reservoir and up to Ananuri, a centuries-old fortress perched above the Aragvi River.
Pause at Pasanauri to witness the striking meeting of the Black and White Aragvi; two rivers flowing side by side without mixing.
By late afternoon, arrive in Gudauri, a quiet mountain resort surrounded by the rising drama of the Caucasus.
Highlights:
Today takes you deep into the wild beauty of the Greater Caucasus. Your route begins with a pause at the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, which is a sweeping viewpoint where colour-streaked cliffs drop into vast alpine valleys.
From there, ascend to the Gergeti Trinity Church, poised high on a hilltop beneath the gaze of Mount Kazbek. At 2,170 meters, it’s a setting that invites both awe and stillness.
Later, walk into Truso Gorge: a quiet, otherworldly landscape of gently fizzing springs, abandoned towers and sulphur-stained earth. The air carries a hint of minerals; the ground is warm in places, as if the mountain itself is breathing.
Return to Gudauri for a calm and restful evening.
Highlights:
After breakfast, leave the rugged highlands behind and travel south towards Borjomi, a forested town known for its mineral springs and gentle pace.
Walk beneath the canopy of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, where cool paths and birdsong replace the stark drama of the mountains. In the afternoon, take time to unwind in the town’s sulphur-rich pools; long regarded for their soothing, restorative qualities.
Highlights:
Today is yours to shape. Whether you choose to rest, return to the springs, or take a quiet stroll through town, the pace is yours to set.
If you’re keen to explore further afield, your guide is on hand with suggestions – from forest walks to nearby viewpoints. Or simply stay still and soak in the slower rhythm of Borjomi.
Highlights:
After breakfast, travel west through the lesser-known Tskrtskaro Pass, a route of winding roads, forested ridges and quiet highland villages. Pause for coffee in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, where the landscape feels wide and unhurried.
In the afternoon, arrive at Vardzia, an extraordinary cave monastery carved into the rock face of a cliff, once home to hundreds of monks. Built in the 12th century under Queen Tamar, it’s a place of stories and stillness.
Later, continue to Akhaltsikhe, where you’ll spend the night in a town shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
Highlights:
Begin the day with a stroll through Akhaltsikhe’s local market, a lively gathering place filled with warm bread, fragrant spices and the rhythms of local life.
From here, travel over the scenic Zekari Pass, where forested slopes give way to open vistas. Pause along the way for a picnic in the mountains, then continue through Sairme, a quiet spa town known for its mineral-rich waters.
By evening, arrive in Kutaisi, one of Georgia’s oldest cities and a place where the past and present quietly intertwine.
Highlights:
Today, journey deep into Upper Svaneti where nature and tradition remain closely entwined. Travel through Lentekhi and into the alpine landscapes beyond, where forested valleys open into high mountain terrain and quiet stone villages.
Stop along the Zagari Pass for short walks and a picnic, with time to take in the shifting light and cool mountain air.
By afternoon, arrive in Ushguli, one of Europe’s highest inhabited settlements. Its medieval towers still stand watch over narrow paths and quiet homes. There’s time to explore the village or walk to a nearby viewpoint overlooking Mount Shkhara.
Highlights:
Begin the day with a drive to Mestia, the cultural heart of Svaneti. Take a guided walk through the town’s quiet lanes and learn how its history lives on in the rhythm of daily life.
For those drawn to the mountains, there’s the option to hike to the foot of the Shkhara Glacier. The trail leads through forests and along riverbanks, with views that open as you climb.
Later in the day, pause at the Enguri Dam, an immense structure set against the natural drama of the landscape. By evening, arrive in Zugdidi, a gateway to the western lowlands.
Highlights:
After breakfast, travel east towards Tbilisi. Along the way, stop at a local village where a family will welcome you for lunch and a hands-on cooking session, sharing recipes and stories.
Back in the capital, return your 4×4 vehicle and take a moment to refresh. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner accompanied by traditional Georgian music and dance, a chance to share memories and savour the warmth of good company one last time.
Highlights:
On your final day, take time to explore the charm of Tbilisi’s Old Town. Ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress and pause to appreciate its sweeping views over the city. Wander through the historic Sioni Cathedral and the lively Shardeni Street, where cafés and galleries invite a final coffee or quiet moment. When the time comes, you will be transferred to the airport for your onwards flight.
Highlights:
Welcome home! Meals will be served on board as you journey back, offering a quiet moment to reflect on your Georgian adventure and the memories you carry with you.
Your journey begins in Johannesburg, where you’ll board an overnight flight bound for Georgia. Settle in, switch off, and let the rhythm of travel begin. Meals will be served onboard as you cross continents, moving steadily towards the Caucasus and the adventure ahead.
After arriving in Tbilisi, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the vibrant heart of the city. That evening, join your guide and fellow travellers for a traditional Georgian dinner, a relaxed setting to settle in, share stories, and get to know the group. Over local dishes and a glass of wine, your guide will walk through the journey ahead, covering the essentials with time for questions and conversation. It’s a gentle and welcoming start to the days on the road.
Highlight:
After breakfast, collect your 4×4 and take part in a short safety briefing before heading east into the Kakheti region, a place steeped in ancient winemaking traditions and generous hospitality.
Your first stop is the village of Badiauri, where a local family will share traditional Georgian bread straight from the tone oven and handmade cheeses crafted to recipes passed down through generations.
From here, continue to Sighnaghi, a hilltop town of winding lanes and pastel façades. Take your time to explore the cobbled streets, admire views across the Alazani Valley, and walk a section of the old city walls.
The day also brings a quiet pause at Bodbe Monastery, before a late afternoon visit to a winery in Kvareli. Discover the deep roots of Georgian wine culture before arriving in Telavi for the night.
Highlights:
Begin the day with a tasting that offers more than flavour. It’s an introduction to Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition and the stories that continue to shape it.
Then, begin your climb north. The route winds past the still waters of the Zhinvali Reservoir and up to Ananuri, a centuries-old fortress perched above the Aragvi River.
Pause at Pasanauri to witness the striking meeting of the Black and White Aragvi; two rivers flowing side by side without mixing.
By late afternoon, arrive in Gudauri, a quiet mountain resort surrounded by the rising drama of the Caucasus.
Highlights:
Today takes you deep into the wild beauty of the Greater Caucasus. Your route begins with a pause at the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, which is a sweeping viewpoint where colour-streaked cliffs drop into vast alpine valleys.
From there, ascend to the Gergeti Trinity Church, poised high on a hilltop beneath the gaze of Mount Kazbek. At 2,170 meters, it’s a setting that invites both awe and stillness.
Later, walk into Truso Gorge: a quiet, otherworldly landscape of gently fizzing springs, abandoned towers and sulphur-stained earth. The air carries a hint of minerals; the ground is warm in places, as if the mountain itself is breathing.
Return to Gudauri for a calm and restful evening.
Highlights:
After breakfast, leave the rugged highlands behind and travel south towards Borjomi, a forested town known for its mineral springs and gentle pace.
Walk beneath the canopy of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, where cool paths and birdsong replace the stark drama of the mountains. In the afternoon, take time to unwind in the town’s sulphur-rich pools; long regarded for their soothing, restorative qualities.
Highlights:
Today is yours to shape. Whether you choose to rest, return to the springs, or take a quiet stroll through town, the pace is yours to set.
If you’re keen to explore further afield, your guide is on hand with suggestions – from forest walks to nearby viewpoints. Or simply stay still and soak in the slower rhythm of Borjomi.
Highlights:
After breakfast, travel west through the lesser-known Tskrtskaro Pass, a route of winding roads, forested ridges and quiet highland villages. Pause for coffee in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, where the landscape feels wide and unhurried.
In the afternoon, arrive at Vardzia, an extraordinary cave monastery carved into the rock face of a cliff, once home to hundreds of monks. Built in the 12th century under Queen Tamar, it’s a place of stories and stillness.
Later, continue to Akhaltsikhe, where you’ll spend the night in a town shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
Highlights:
Begin the day with a stroll through Akhaltsikhe’s local market, a lively gathering place filled with warm bread, fragrant spices and the rhythms of local life.
From here, travel over the scenic Zekari Pass, where forested slopes give way to open vistas. Pause along the way for a picnic in the mountains, then continue through Sairme, a quiet spa town known for its mineral-rich waters.
By evening, arrive in Kutaisi, one of Georgia’s oldest cities and a place where the past and present quietly intertwine.
Highlights:
Today, journey deep into Upper Svaneti where nature and tradition remain closely entwined. Travel through Lentekhi and into the alpine landscapes beyond, where forested valleys open into high mountain terrain and quiet stone villages.
Stop along the Zagari Pass for short walks and a picnic, with time to take in the shifting light and cool mountain air.
By afternoon, arrive in Ushguli, one of Europe’s highest inhabited settlements. Its medieval towers still stand watch over narrow paths and quiet homes. There’s time to explore the village or walk to a nearby viewpoint overlooking Mount Shkhara.
Highlights:
Begin the day with a drive to Mestia, the cultural heart of Svaneti. Take a guided walk through the town’s quiet lanes and learn how its history lives on in the rhythm of daily life.
For those drawn to the mountains, there’s the option to hike to the foot of the Shkhara Glacier. The trail leads through forests and along riverbanks, with views that open as you climb.
Later in the day, pause at the Enguri Dam, an immense structure set against the natural drama of the landscape. By evening, arrive in Zugdidi, a gateway to the western lowlands.
Highlights:
After breakfast, travel east towards Tbilisi. Along the way, stop at a local village where a family will welcome you for lunch and a hands-on cooking session, sharing recipes and stories.
Back in the capital, return your 4×4 vehicle and take a moment to refresh. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner accompanied by traditional Georgian music and dance, a chance to share memories and savour the warmth of good company one last time.
Highlights:
On your final day, take time to explore the charm of Tbilisi’s Old Town. Ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress and pause to appreciate its sweeping views over the city. Wander through the historic Sioni Cathedral and the lively Shardeni Street, where cafés and galleries invite a final coffee or quiet moment. When the time comes, you will be transferred to the airport for your onwards flight.
Highlights:
Welcome home! Meals will be served on board as you journey back, offering a quiet moment to reflect on your Georgian adventure and the memories you carry with you.
This journey moves from Tbilisi’s vibrant streets to the quiet mountain villages and rolling vineyards beyond. You’ll meet locals who share their traditions and flavours, explore landscapes shaped by history, and find moments of calm in mineral springs and alpine air. It’s a thoughtful balance of discovery and ease, inviting you to connect with a land that has quietly held its stories for centuries.
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The tour leader collects a set amount from each member of a tour. This kitty is then used to tip the local tour guide and city guides, bus drivers, any other assistants, and restaurant staff. We believe in tipping for good service as a token of appreciation, especially as many workers in tourism rely on tips to supplement their income.
Although we cannot apply on your behalf, we are more than willing to give guidance and assistance with completing forms. We do this for many clients on a near-daily basis. It does, however, remain the responsibility of the client to ensure that they get the correct visa on time.
Remember that we limit the number of guests on our tours. This means more time at stops and sites. We definitely do not do groups of 30 pax, where guests are rushed from one site to the other. There is enough time to explore on your own.
We always suggest USD/Euro 50 to USD/Euro 100 per person per day. As we mostly include two meals per day on our tours, this will be enough for lunch/dinner, some snacks, and memento shopping. Should you want to buy larger items, we suggest taking along your credit card. Remember to advise the bank that you will be travelling.
Once you have completed the form, you will receive an email with the itinerary which includes pricing, inclusions and flight options.
You can contact us at info@seagulltours.co.za or +27 42 296 0475