About This Tour
Svaneti is the wild heart of Georgia — a remote mountain region where medieval stone towers rise from green valleys and glaciers glisten on the horizon. This is a place where time truly seems to stand still. The Svan people have lived here for thousands of years, preserving a culture, language, and way of life found nowhere else on Earth.
Mestia, the regional capital, is your gateway to this extraordinary world. The town is dotted with ancient defensive towers built between the 9th and 12th centuries, each one a family fortress designed to protect against invaders and avalanches alike. The Mestia Museum houses an incredible collection of medieval icons, manuscripts, and gold jewelry that rivals any museum in Tbilisi — yet here it sits in a small mountain town of just a few thousand people.
The crown jewel of this tour is Ushguli — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe at 2,200 meters. The drive from Mestia to Ushguli is an adventure in itself, winding through gorges and past waterfalls. When you arrive, you'll find a cluster of stone villages unchanged for centuries, with the mighty Mount Shkhara (5,193m, Georgia's highest peak) as their backdrop. This is Georgia at its most raw and unforgettable.
What's Included
- Private transport from Tbilisi and back
- Personal guide (Davit) for the entire trip
- Mestia tower museum visit
- Ushguli village visit with local guide
- Scenic mountain drives through the Caucasus
- Hotel and guesthouse recommendations
Itinerary
Tbilisi to Mestia via Zugdidi
Early departure from Tbilisi. We'll drive through western Georgia, passing through Kutaisi and Zugdidi. Along the way, we'll stop at the impressive Enguri Dam — one of the highest arch dams in the world. Arrive in Mestia by evening and settle into your guesthouse with a home-cooked Svan dinner.
Mestia to Ushguli and back
The highlight of the trip. We take a 4x4 through the stunning Enguri River valley to Ushguli, one of Europe's highest inhabited villages. Explore the ancient towers, visit the Lamaria Church, and take in views of Mount Shkhara. We'll have lunch in the village before returning to Mestia. In the afternoon, explore the Mestia Museum and its remarkable medieval collection.
Mestia to Tbilisi
After breakfast, we begin the return journey. We'll take a different route if possible, with stops at scenic viewpoints along the way. Arrive in Tbilisi by evening, carrying memories of a world that feels centuries away from modern life.
Highlights
Ushguli Village
UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of the highest inhabited settlements in Europe
Svan Towers
Medieval defensive towers dating back to the 9th-12th centuries
Mestia Museum
Remarkable collection of medieval icons, gold jewelry, and manuscripts
Enguri Dam
One of the highest arch dams in the world, a stunning feat of engineering
Practical Info
Photos
What Travelers Say
★★★★★"We just finished a private two-day tour with David, and it was fantastic. He was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and flexible. He explained everything clearly, shared interesting stories, and made sure we were comfortable the entire time."
— Jerlyn S., Family of 3
★★★★★"I highly recommend Davit Suaridze as your guide. He made the whole experience easy, fun, and unforgettable! From planning to execution, everything was smooth. He knows Georgia like the back of his hand."
— Khatia K.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the road conditions to Svaneti?
The main road from Tbilisi to Mestia is paved and in good condition. The road from Mestia to Ushguli is rougher — it's unpaved and requires a 4x4 vehicle, which we always use for this section.
How high is Ushguli and will altitude be a problem?
Ushguli sits at about 2,200 meters above sea level. Most people don't experience altitude issues at this height, but we take it easy, stay hydrated, and make sure everyone is comfortable.
Can I visit Svaneti in winter?
Winter visits to Mestia are possible — there's even a ski resort nearby. However, the road to Ushguli is usually closed from November to May due to heavy snow. Mestia itself is magical in winter.
What kind of accommodation is available in Mestia?
Mestia has guesthouses and small hotels. I recommend the guesthouses for an authentic Svan experience — home-cooked meals, warm hospitality, and stories from your hosts about life in the mountains.
How difficult is this tour physically?
The tour involves mostly driving with short walks through villages and to viewpoints. No serious hiking is required unless you want to add optional trails. The 4x4 ride to Ushguli can be bumpy, but it's all part of the adventure.
Book This Tour
Ready to explore Svaneti? Send me a message and let's plan your mountain adventure.