Presentation of the guided tour theme
The territory located in the west of the natural dividing Likhi ridge is called Western Georgia, which has always been and remains an indivisible part of a united Georgia. In this part of Georgia in ancient times, the powerful Colchis kingdom was located.
The eastern part of Georgia contains the regions of Abkhazia, Adjara, Guria, Imereti and Samegrelo. The western part of the country also contains mountainous historical and geographical regions: Racha, Lechkhumi and Svaneti.
Western Georgia is characterized by an abundance of humid forests and mountain rivers. Due to the high humidity in Western Georgia, mainly one- or two-story wooden houses were built, standing on piles.
In the western part of the country, a variety of plant products mixed with nuts and spices are widespread. The cuisine of western Georgia is characterized by the use of mchadi flatbreads made from specially ground corn flour, which is used instead of bread.
Georgia’s mild subtropical climate and soil conditions provide ample opportunities for the production of subtropical crops such as tea, lemons, oranges, tangerines and others.
Our Western Georgia tour will allow you to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the country. We offer unique routes that will help you discover Georgia from a new side. You will witness the greatness of ancient lands and plunge into a sea of emotions.
Attractions visited:
Organizational details:
Nomber of persons | 1-3 per | 4-8 per | 9-19 per | 20-40 per |
Mode of transport | Sedan | Minivan | Minibus | Bus |
*The tour program is based on our experience and the opinions of our completely different clients. These are semi-finished schemes and programs that can be easily reworked. Add or subtract the number of excursion days. Sort or redo the excursion day, change the sequence, the duration, prices….
Each itinerary and attraction are discussed at the time of the request. Also, if desired, tourists can change the program of an already booked and paid tour. In order to protect our work and our rights, the developed exclusive itinerary and reception points are provided only for real buyers.
Arrival at Kutaisi airport. Accommodation at the hotel.
City tour.
Duration and program of the tour depends on the time of arrival.
* In case of arrival at another international airport of Georgia, it is possible to make changes to the tour program and the order of its implementation
Night in Kutaisi
Kutaisi was founded about 40 centuries ago, the former capital of the Georgian kingdom – Colchis, with which the myth of the Argonauts is associated. Like many Georgian cities, Kutaisi is not only beautiful, but also interesting in architectural, historical and cultural terms. Tangled streets, crooked alleys, one-two-story houses with hanging verandas immersed in greenery, located one above the other, as if climbing the steep slopes of mountains on the right bank of the Rioni, have preserved traces of medieval architecture.
Visiting the Gelati Monastery. Complex founded by King David Agmashenebeli (Builder) in 1106 on a hill above the valley of the Tskal-Tsitela River, not far from Kutaisi. The territory of the monastery is surrounded by a fortress wall and consists of 5 buildings: the main Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin (built in 1106), from the east of the main cathedral is the Church of St. George (XII century), the two-tiered Church of St. Nicholas (XII-XIV centuries .), Academy building, refectory, bell tower. The Gelati Monastery has preserved a great number of wall paintings dating back to the 12th-18th centuries. The Gelati monastery complex is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Visiting the Motsameta Church (“Holy Martyrs”), located in an amazing area on a high rock ledge. Motsameta means “martyrs” in Georgian. · In the only Church of the ensemble there is a sarcophagus with the incorruptible relics of the martyrs of the 8th century – Princes David and Constantine. The first mention of the monastery was in the VIII century. The story tells about the cruel Arab ruler Marwan, who destroyed everything in his path. The small church, located on the site of the monastery, was also destroyed. The present time is a small, very beautiful monastery with round turrets crowned with pointed hipped domes. The monastery stands above the stormy river Rioni and is buried in the greenery of coastal vegetation.
Departure from Ambrolauri – picturesque place in the foothills of Georgia, located in the Ratcha region. Ractha is the smallest and perhaps the most beautiful and beloved region among Georgians. They call Racha “Georgian Switzerland”, because of the transparent mountain air, because of the beautiful emerald lakes with the purest water, because of the alpine meadows and mountain peaks of the Caucasus, covered with eternal snows. When you want to escape from the heat, get closer to Georgian culture and touch the centuries-old heritage
Visit to the church of Barakoni . The temple is located on a steep cliff. At the foot of the temple, the turbulent waters of the Rioni River merge with the waters of the Lukhuni River. The temple was built in the form of a cross with right angles, without additional outbuildings. The dome rests on the corners of the altar walls and two columns. Outside, the walls of the Temple are decorated with intricately crafted carvings. In the niches of the eastern façade you can see the most ancient examples. Elements of frescoes, an ancient iconostasis and several modern icons attract attention in the interior. This building was recognized as a monument of the old Georgian domed architecture. On the hill on the other side rise the ruins of the ancient Mindatsikhe castle, where Queen Tamara spent her childhood.
Visit to the church of Nikortsminda, which the locals call the “decorated bride”. The church outside and inside is covered with incredibly beautiful carvings. Stone carving is a traditional local art. Racha patterns and ornaments are very refined and complex; none of them seem to be repeated twice. The church is decorated with wonderful frescoes of the 17th century. The paintings decorating the inner walls of the cathedral have been preserved in excellent condition. The decor of this cathedral is considered one of the best in Georgia. Here, various artistic styles are intertwined in an original way. The Nikortsminda Cathedral has been submitted for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Visit to the Bugeuli winery – tours around the plant and tasting of the rare Ratcha wine “Khvanchkara” are organized here. This is an elite Georgian wine that made a splash at the international exhibition. Khvanchkara is a naturally semi-sweet red wine, its uniqueness lies in the combination of the natural conditions of the mountain Ratcha, the specifics of the vegetative process and the manufacturing technology that creates a unique bouquet. The real Khvanchkara is made from the rarest grape varieties Mujuretuli and Aleksandrouli, cultivated only in the microzone of the village of Khvanchkara and yielding 10,000 bottles a year. A visit to the winery will give a unique chance to taste the authentic Khvanchkara, get acquainted with the production technology and the characteristics of grape must fermentation in local conditions.
Visiting the reservoir of Shaori. It is located in the basin of the same name with a unique microclimate at an altitude of 1135 meters above sea level. Due to the forked “tail” of the southern part, it resembles a sea monster. Lake Shaori is surrounded by picturesque coniferous forests, behind which alpine meadows begin. It opens to tourists after overcoming the Nakerala pass, over which two bridges are stretched. In clear weather, a fantastic panorama of the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains opens from here.
Overnigt in Kutaisi
Visit to the Bagrati Cathedral – one of the best examples of late medieval architecture, is distinguished by exquisite, harmonious proportions, graceful decor varieties and a common interior space. The Bagrati Cathedral is a cruciform building with a dome resting on four powerful pillars, and its eastern, southern and northern branches end in semicircular apses. Its western transept was used to house the choir. The vases and capitals were covered with moldings, the walls and floor were decorated with mosaics, fragments of which are still visible. In 1994, the Bagrati Cathedral was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit to the Sataplia reserve. In the reserve you can see architectural monuments and unique geological objects, traces of real dinosaurs and Sataplia karst caves. Dinosaur footprints are a piece of limestone rock. Scientists have determined that the footprints date back to the Cretaceous period, which means they are about 160 million years old. The size of the caves and their topography are amazing. Getting here, the feeling does not leave that this is a real underground kingdom, where unusual living creatures live. Karst-type caves are famous for growths – stalactites and stalagmites, which are formed when water seeps through stones and rocks.
Visit to the Monastery of Martvili. The approximate date of foundation of the monastery is the 7th century. The most impressive building on the territory of the monastery is the Assumption (Martvili) Cathedral. It was built in the 10th century and at that time was the first large-scale cathedral in Georgia. To the northeast of the Assumption Cathedral is a small church – the Chikvani temple, also built in the 10th century. A stone tower is located on the western side of the cathedral. Martvili Monastery, due to its location on a hill, is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Picturesque views of the surroundings open up from the territory of the monastery.
Visit to the Salkhino Palace – the summer residence of the Megrelian princes Dadiani, built in a secluded place in the 1830s. The palace was built for Prince Levan Dadiani, who became famous for his incredible love of wine. Moreover, this is one of those few places in Samegrelo where Ojaleshi grapes are produced. The palace is located on the banks of the Tsachkhura River. The plan of the palace, with its oak pillars and beautifully decorated arch, fully justifies the name of the Salkhino Palace, which means “Feast”. The garden was designed by Italian designer Zeb Lambert. At the end of the garden there is a wine cellar built in the 18th century.
Overnight in Martvili
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built in the XII-XIV centuries by the order of the rulers of Samegrelo Dadiani. In the northwestern part of the wall that surrounds the church, there is a two-story bell tower. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Tsalenjikha is known for its unique Renaissance frescoes, which were made by an artist hired from Constantinople, Manuel Evgenikos, as evidenced by the inscription on one of the pillars of the temple.
The Enguri hydroelectric power station is the largest hydroelectric power station in the Caucasus and the largest arch dam in the world. It is located on the Inguri River near the city of Jvari. The observation deck offers a beautiful panorama of the reservoir and mountains. It’s not just a dam, it’s something more. The length of the reservoir reaches 27 km, and the water in it is as blue as the sky. The place makes you admire the incredible size and beautiful landscapes.
Tsaishi Cathedral. The monastery was one of the main places for the spread of education, since a school functioned under it. At present, in addition to the cathedral, a bell tower, a fence and a gate have been preserved. It is worth paying attention to the very beautiful stone carving on the apse of the temple, which has a very considerable historical value. Behind the temple fence you can see a garden with palm trees. a huge linden grows in the courtyard of the church, its age is estimated at 600 years.
Tsaishi is known for its hyperthermal and hypothermal mineral waters, the healing properties of which were described by ancient historians. They mention Tsaishi as a place where, in addition to magnificent nature, there is an ancient source of healing water. At the place where the source flowed, a pool lined with hewn stone was found on the surface of the earth. Near the springs there are 25 meter trees, whose age reaches 500 years. Such a plant is Dzelkva, which has survived only in Japan and Georgia.
Visit to the Dadiani Museum – one of the treasures of Georgia. This family nest serves as an indisputable proof of the former greatness of the city. The surname Dadiani belongs to an ancient aristocratic family, known for its relationship with Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon’s nephew Askil Murat was married to one of the princesses of Dadiani). In this regard, the princes of Dadiani got a large number of relics, one way or another connected with Napoleon. Among them are pieces of furniture, personal items, even one of the three death masks of the emperor.
Zugdidi Botanical Garden – built in the last century near the Dadiani Palace, as a decorative garden of the residence. To create it, the ruler of Samegrelo, the princess, had to invite the most eminent gardeners of the 19th century from Europe. On the basis of this garden, a botanical garden was formed with a total area of 26.4 hectares. Some trees in the garden are 200 years old and are the only specimens on the entire Eurasian continent.
Overnight in Zugdidi
Departure to Anaklia. This is a young, rapidly developing resort on the Black Sea coast of Georgia. For outdoor enthusiasts, in addition to beach activities, you can choose to visit tennis courts, a stadium, take a trip on a boat or yacht. Thrill-seekers should go diving, rafting, parachuting or make a throw to the mountain peaks.
Departure to Poti – port city located on the Black Sea coast. The city has all the conditions to become a pretty resort town: there is a sea, a river, a large lake and almost a tropical forest. At the beginning of the VI century. BC the city was a Greek colony and was called Phasis.
Walk through the National Reserve of Kolkheti. Most of the area is swampy and is a migration route for Eurasian and African birds. It is here that you can see about 194 species of various birds. In addition, there is an amazing flora and fauna, rich in rare species. For example. endangered species of otters, newts, nutrias live in the Kolkheti National Park.
Water tourism, diving, boating and horseback riding have been developed in the park. The influx of tourists does not disturb the tranquility of nature and animals. Optionally, a boat trip along the Rioni River (on which the Argonauts sailed in order to get to Kutaia (Kutaisi)) and along Lake Paliastomi. Under the waters of the lake, underwater archaeologists discovered part of a settlement inhabited at least since the 2nd century BC.
Overnight in Batumi
The mountainous Adjara – first of all, mountains, waterfalls and river gorges. These are small authentic Georgian villages with strict morals and centuries-old traditions. These are ancient fortresses, ancient churches and unique arched bridges. Deep rocky gorges with steep passes and full-flowing rivers Chorokhi, Adzharistskali, Choloki, Korolistskhali and others are hidden between the mountain ranges.
Departure for Makhuntseti. The first stop is in a wonderful beautiful place where the mountain rivers Chorokhi and Adjaristskali meet. Chorokhi is a mountain river flowing not only in Georgia, but also in Turkey. Moreover, with a total length of the river of 438 kilometers, only 26 kilometers fall on Georgian lands. The Adzharistskali River is a picturesque natural landmark of Adjara. Adjaristskali originates on the Arsian Range and is the right tributary of the Chorokhi River. Its length is 90 kilometers, the basin area is 1500 square kilometers. In the area of the village of the same name, a hydroelectric power station was built on the river.
Visiting the Makhuntseti Waterfall. The magnificent waterfall is the real pride of mountainous Adjara. Here you can watch how crystal clear water, falling from a great height, breaks on the rocks. The height of the waterfall is more than 30 meters and you need to walk to it about half a kilometer up from the highway. In summer, you can swim in a small pool where water falls from a waterfall. Splashes flying around from falling water cool the air, making it quite humid. Pure mountain water flows in a continuous stream in the spring, which flows into a full-flowing river. In summer, the waterfall plays with colored tints in the sun.
Visiting the bridge of Queen Tamara. The bridge was built in the 11th century from volcanic boulders, its length is 30 meters, and the height of the arch at the highest point is 5 meters. It got its name thanks to the then ruler Queen Tamara – it was by her will and decree that such arched bridges began to be erected. The dimensions of the Makhuntseti bridge allow it to be called the largest among its relatives, and its approximate age is 900 years. Building material was taken from the fragments of nearby rocks, and lime mortar connected them together. It seems that the construction and materials are simple, but the bridge has survived more than one earthquake and almost a thousand years.
Visit to the fortress of Gonio. The fortress of Gonio-Apsaros is a real paradise for lovers of historical and cultural values. Historical facts testify that the fortress was of great political, economic and cultural importance for the Eastern Roman Empire. In 1-3 centuries. n. e. a theater and a hippodrome functioned here. One of the 12 apostles of Christ – Matthew was buried here. In the 6th-8th centuries the fortress belonged to the Byzantine Empire. In the 13th-14th centuries it was restored by the Genoese. The name “Gonio” comes from the city of Genoa. On the territory of the fortress there is a grave, which today is considered to be the grave of the Apostle Matthew – one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.
Observation deck over Gonio. The observation deck is located on the top of a mountain above the village of Gonio, offering stunning views of the Black Sea coast from the Turkish border to Batumi on one side and many mountains on the other. In the center of the observation deck there is a large cross, which is illuminated at night and is visible from afar.
Overnight in Batumi
Discovery of the city of Batumi. The first information about Batumi belongs to the Greek philosopher Aristotle and refers to the 4th century BC. He described a city called Batumi. At present, the city combines the charm of a southern city and a seaside resort. A visit to the main square of the city, on which stands the statue of Medea with the Golden Fleece, reminds that Colchis and ancient civilizations coexisted here since ancient times.
Visit to Batumi Boulevard and the Old Town district, which is full of cafes, shops and churches. The streets of old Batumi are decorated with ornaments of nameless mythical creatures. The city tour includes a visit to the Artists’ Quarter (exhibitions of local artists are periodically held in this area), the Dolphinarium, dancing fountains
Visit to the Petra Fortress – The ruins of the ancient fortress of the historic city of Petra are located in the village of Tsikhisdziri, Kobuleti. Petra is a Greek word and means “rock”. It was built by the Byzantines in the 6th century, on the basis of the 2nd century Laz fortress. The fortress has always been a subject of contention, first between the Iranian and Byzantine empires, and then between Russia and Turkey.
Discovery of the Batumi Botanical Garden, located on the picturesque Cape Verde, has no analogues in the world. The catalog of plants of the Botanical Garden contains 1800 taxonomic units of woody plants, of which 90 are of Caucasian origin and 1540 taxa are representatives of various foreign flora. The entire collection is divided into 9 different phytogeographic divisions. Visitors can get acquainted with the collections of citrus fruits, fruit and berry, flowers and herbaceous plants. The collections of camellias and roses are very popular. The Batumi Botanical Garden is especially surprising in winter: the climate of the region is subtropical, the plants feel great there.
Overnight in Batumi.
Departure for Guria – one of the amazing regions of western Georgia, which differs from others in its originality. Gurian villages are characterized by a special charm and color, especially in autumn. The cultivation of vineyards in Guria dates back to antiquity. In the courtyards of wooden houses with rows of green trees, surrounded by wooden fences, you can often see corn grains scattered like beads and gourds drying in the sun.
Visit to the resort of Ureki – unique climatic and balneological resort on the Black Sea coast in Georgia, famous for its beaches with black magnetic sand, which has no analogue in the world. The coastal strip of the beach is represented by fine-grained sand enriched with magnetite. The proximity of the warm Black Sea contributes to the formation of a humid subtropical climate in the Ureka region. The duration of sunshine is on average 1800-2000 hours. The rich gifts of nature – the sea, the sun, fine “velvety” sand with magnetic properties – make the Ureki resort a wonderful place for outdoor activities and treatment.
Nabeglavi is a village on the way to Bakhmaro, famous for its mineral waters, located on the road from Chokhatauri to Bakhmaro. The springs of the balneo-climatic resort are characterized by unique therapeutic and prophylactic properties. Regular consumption of Nabeglavi helps the body remove harmful substances and enrich itself with essential minerals. It is recommended to take this water at any age, and in unlimited quantities. It produces the famous throughout Georgia mineral water “Nabeglavi”, reminiscent of “Borjomi”. Mineral water Nabeglavi received ISO 9001:2000, as well as a certificate of conformity to EU standards. It is purchased in 20 countries of the world
Visit to the resort of Bakhmaro – the main resort value of the region. Alpine climatic resort, which is located 40 kilometers from the sea and more than 2000 meters above sea level. The confluence of sea and mountain air currents creates a unique climate. Discharged air, coniferous forests that secrete useful enzymes, clouds with droplets of sea water, “swimming” nearby, contribute to the cure of many diseases of the respiratory system. The combination of an unusual climate and a mountainous landscape is especially useful for neurosis, neurasthenia, anemia, etc.
Overnight in Kutaisi
Visit to Okatse Canyon - The oldest natural monument is more than a million years old. The canyon territory is home to abundant waterfalls, caves, panoramic views and hiking trails. Due to their natural uniqueness and beauty, they are rightfully included in the top attractions of Georgia. The length of the route is equal to the length of the canyon itself, and even a little more, about three kilometers. The canyon is up to 50 meters deep in some places, and a suspension bridge is laid along its upper part. The canyon has a transparent floor, which makes the spectacle even more extreme.
Visiting the fortress-city Nokalakevi, the capital of Egrisi, the site of the legendary city of Aya, where, according to legend, the Argonauts sailed. A Georgian city has been located on this site since ancient times. Greek authors called it Archeopolis, but in older Georgian chronicles the city was known as Tsikhe Goji. According to historical chronicles, the city was founded by the eristavi Egrisi Kuji in the 3rd century BC. On the territory of the fortress, ceramic and bronze items, jewelry, copper and gold coins, both locally produced and imported, were found. On the territory of Nokalakevi, crypts-tombs of the pagan period were also discovered.
Visit to the Shkhepi Fortress. For the fortress, such a mountain was selected, from where the Colchis lowland is visible at a glance. Observation from here could be carried out over a vast territory, and the castle directly controlled the main highway passing at the foot of the mountain. Now the central tower, the heavily damaged eastern tower and the foundation of the western part have remained from the fortress. Inside you can find fragments of Qvevri, which suggests that the fortress had its own wine storage. It is considered a very ancient building. The fortress is multi-layered. The main layer of the castle belongs to the period of early feudalism.
Overnight in Kutaisi
Walk around the city.
Transfer to the airport.
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