7 Night and 8 day Cultural Tour in the Western Georgia

Picture an intellectual and emotionally fulfilling holiday that delves a bit deeper. One that takes you off the beaten track to see each location through the eyes of the people who know it best.

You will taste your way through the abundant tables of Georgia, immerse yourself in the proud and vast cultural heritage, and learn about yourself and the dynamic world around you.

This all-encompassing tour promises luxury living, comfortable transportation, and delectable food. Your travel experience will further be enhanced by masterclasses from experts, keynote addresses from academics and historians, and visits to significant landmarks.

Western Georgia is laid bare, ready for you to experience like never before possible.

• 7 nights of luxury hotels
• Transportation
• All meals and a selection of beverages
• Hands-on activities
• In-depth tours of cultural and historic sites
• Live music and dance performances
• Key-note talks from ethnographic experts
• An experience of a lifetime

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Tskaltubo

Stop At: Prometheus Cave, Kumistavi Georgia
One of the inclusive options is visiting 60-70 million years old Prometheus Cave. It is a notable beautiful natural monument of the world. Beautifully shaped karst cave with stunning strips of stalactites and stalagmites once again will convince you of the enormous power of nature and will travel you in the fairy world.

In the cave, it is possible to walk through the length of 1420 meters, see the halls and travel by boat on the river flow.

Transportation time is about 15 minutes.

This is a gathering day, guests can enjoy free time.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Be Healthy - Balneological Resort & Spa, Central Park, Tskaltubo, Kutaisi 5400 Georgia
The second inclusive option for the guests will be treatment programs in the world-renowned Tskaltubo SPA resort.

It features constantly flowing water that ensures the preservation of its physical and chemical composition, as well as the curative properties, homogeneity, and temperature.

The services and procedures available are the following:
mineral water bath, underwater hydro massage, aqua aerobics, underwater horizontal spinal traction, classical curative massage, physiotherapy, gynecological irrigation, Charcot shower, "circular" shower, peloid treatments, colon hydrotherapy, etc.
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Tskaltubo, Tskaltubo, Kutaisi, Imereti Region
The third inclusive option for the guests will be visiting the Soviet era Grand Sanatoriums of Tskaltubo.

Called Russian Riviera, Tskaltubo was one of the most popular holiday destinations among Soviet elites, who flocked here to visit the grand sanatoriums with their spas and restorative waters.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, however, vacationers stopped arriving, the sanatoriums shut down and the impressive buildings fell into disrepair. For years, the town survived on a trickle of visitors coming to explore the ruins.

Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight at Tskaltubo Spa Hotel

Day 2: Samegrelo

Stop At: Dadiani Summer Residence, Salkhino Georgia
After having breakfast at the hotel in Tskaltubo, guests will travel to the Very special place for presenting culinary treasures of Samegrelo, the treasure itself - the Salkhino complex.
Fascinating Story of Georgian Cuisine Presented in the Historic Hall of the Wine Palace
Passionate master class of 5 prominent Georgian dishes done by Two beloved local celebrity chefs
Memorable Lunch at the local-themed Restaurant
Tasting Ojaleshi from a centuries-old pitcher at Salkhino Wine Cellar.

Transportation time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Town-Fortress Nokalakevi, Senaki Georgia
Our next stop is Tsikhe-Goji – an ancient capital of Colchis.
You will tour Around Impressive Ruins of the Tsikhe-Goji fortress that played a pivotal part in the major wars fought between the Byzantines and Sasanians during the sixth century AD.
Our keynote speaker will connect to present an insight into these epochal battles and Georgia getting torn between the influences of East and West - influences of geopolitics but even more so of values, aspirations, and cultural identities.
You can also enjoy the beauty of nature surrounding the picturesque river Tekhuri.

Transportation time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Zugdidi, Zugdidi, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region
After the journey from Tsikhe-Goji fortress to Zugdidi city and refreshing in the gorgeous hotel “Leto” you will head for a sumptuous dinner in an outstanding local restaurant.

In "The Kingdom of Colchis" you will be met with a further outdoor masterclass of Georgian dishes.

Hear the story about the distinct character of the Georgian table serving as well as its philosophical, poetic, and artistic dimensions.

You will then be welcome to experience a real thing - the whole extent of Georgian Supra.

Then you will be free to return back to the hotel "LETO" full of emotions.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner: Dinner at "Kingdom of Colchis" Restaurant in Zugdidi
• Breakfast: Breakfast at Tskaltubo Spa Hotel
• Lunch: Lunch at Dadiani Summer residence in Salkhino.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Leto Zugdidi

Day 3: Mestia, Svaneti

Stop At: Zuruldi Mountain, Georgia
After hotel check-in and refresh, guests will head to the restaurant located at the top of Zuruldi mountain - the very top stop of the Hatsvali ski lift.
Guests will have lunch surrounded by the majestic sceneries of the vast mountain ranges of Svaneti. From the decks of the restaurant opened into nature, visitors can have a direct view of 2 top picks of Svaneti (top 10 in Europe).
The tour leader will provide introductory info on Svaneti nature and the Caucasus mountain range.
Local performers will provide the background song performance accompanied by ancient Svan instruments

Transportation time is about 30 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Mestia, Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region
The culmination of the day’s events is a performance at the folk theater of Mestia. You will delve deep into the tale of Dali with the play Betikili. This is a captivating story of love, intrigue, and power.

It centers around the love legend between Georgia’s own “star-crossed lovers”, Dali and Betkil. Betkil is but a humble farm boy, in love with his darling Tamar. Tamar’s father gifts Betkil a bow and the boy soon sets off to exercise his hunting prowess in the forest. It is here that he runs into the formidable goddess Dali and his life changes in unexpected ways.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mestia, Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region
Following another hotel refresh, guests will attend the main show of the day - Ratiani Tower and Machubi tour.
After touring the Tower and Machubi (precious specimen of 11th Century Svan residence) guests will move to the Svan-themed presentation hall arranged by CreaTour, especially for our guests.
Here you will see and feel the flavor of Svan kubdari baked by a local host just the way it was done for centuries.
Watch the presentation about the astonishingly old roots of Svan hunting culture and ritual dancing.
Feel the soul of Svan songs and dance from Goddess Dali epos in the environment of their existence.

Transportation time is about 30 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: Lunch at Zuruldi Restaurant Mestia.
• Dinner: Dinner at Ration Machubi in Mestia.
• Breakfast: Breakfast at Leto Hotel in Zugdidi.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Posta Mestia Hotel

Day 4: Ushguli, Svaneti

Stop At: Ughviri Pass, Zugdidi Jvari Mestia Lasdili, Georgia
Following the morning breakfast at the hotel guests will start their journey to Ushguli.
Here the road itself is a whole story - incredibly characteristic scenes feel from another time and every corner holds an abundance of stories and dramas from the lives of locals. Guests will be amazed how this remote place could be so full of poetry, passion, moral code, and dramatism.
We will take steps at Ugviri pass to let you hear the stories of human struggles, clashes of love and tradition, and, often, tragedy - that fills this remote place with an intense Svan aura.

Transportation time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Ushguli, Ushguli, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region
An exceptional example of mountain scenery, an outstanding landscape that has preserved to a remarkable degree its original medieval appearance.
The origins of Svaneti tower houses are still preserved and go back to prehistory.
The interaction between humans and nature in the landscape is completely authentic and of high importance. "UNESCO"
For connecting with the soul of the past this is a truly unique place. Guests will walk through the villages hearing stories of proud people “never been ruled by outsiders”.
Lunch whilst gazing at majestic Shkhara mountain (2nd tallest in Europe) and visit the mysterious Lamaria church.

Transportation time is about 20 minutes.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Mestia, Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region
After returning from Ushguli to Mestia and the hotel refresh, guests can hang out in the cozy hotel lounge and attend a video presentation of the keynote speaker directly connecting with guests.
Prominent Georgian scholar and revered public speaker will expand on the topic of Georgian identity in light of the challenges of the present.

Transportation time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at Posta Mestia Hotel.
• Lunch: Lunch at Restaurant Koshki Ushguli.
• Dinner: Dinner at Posta Media Hotel.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Fosta Mestia Hotel

Day 5: Reflection Day

Stop At: Martvili Canyon, Martivili Georgia
After having breakfast at the hotel in Mestia, guests will travel to Kutaisi.
We will take a lunch stop in Martvili and have a chance to witness the other-worldly beauty of Martvili Canyon.
one of the most popular protected areas and is one of the must-see natural attractions of Georgia.
Here we will also have lunch at the restaurant of the visitor center.

Transportation time is about 5 hours.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kutaisi, Kutaisi, Imereti Region
The 5th day of the journey ends in Kutaisi, a prominent city of Georgia.

The city is part of the lifeline between East and west and it is the 5th oldest city in Europe.

Spend the evening reflecting on all the grand experiences that have brought you this far and start to anticipate what lies ahead.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at Posta Mestia Hotel.
• Lunch: Lunch at Oda House in Martvili.
• Dinner: Dinner at Best Western Kutaisi Hotel.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Best Western Hotel Kutaisi.

Day 6: Racha

Stop At: Winery Royal Khvanchkara, Kostava st. 13, Ambrolauri 0400 Georgia
Having attracted the attention of the Caucasian viceroy during Tsarist Russia, winning an international grand-prix in Belgium (1907), and becoming the favorite wine of Joseph Stalin, Khvanchkara wine gained international acclaim and became a household name during Soviet times.
In the historic premises of Royal Khvanchkara, we will present an enchanting story of Georgia as a world cradle of wine and why, when it comes to the old-old world, Georgia is a king.
You will also taste and explore some outstanding Rachan red wines here.

Transportation time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Barakoni Winery, Kutaisi-Alpana-Mamisoni Pass, Bostana, Georgia
The earliest Georgian civilizations were the first to bring together grape domestication, endurable high-fired clay pot making, and the magic of winemaking some 8, 000 years ago.
Over the course of time, clay pots have disappeared from virtually everywhere except Georgia and Alentejo, Portugal.
Here we will present the unique traditions and qualities of qvevri (clay-pot) wine-making and taste wine directly from qvevri.
At Barakoni winery we will taste and explore some distinguished white wines from Racha.

Transportation time is about 20 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Margvelidze Winery & guesthouse, G4QC+GMV, Sadmeli, Georgia
When special commissions were sent to Racha to choose the best wines for Josef Stalin it could only be rumored that Margvelidze wines were often selected. It is also worth noting that the grandfather of the host, Vano Margvelidze, was working with the personal chef of Stalin in Moscow.
In the authentic environment of this distinguished local family, you will experience and hear the story of Marani (meaning house of wine), vineyards and their sacred meaning, traditions, rituals, and unique way of wine-making.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Shaori Fortress, Aspara Georgia
To experience the astonishing richness and regional variety of Georgian wines you will be offered a special treat of tasting and getting introduced to some best and highest award-winning wines of the whole of Georgia.
You will taste and be introduced to wines that have won diamond, platinum, and gold medals in the most prestigious wine competitions in the world such as Mundus Vini, Decanter, and IWC (International Wine Challenge).
The local folk ensemble will provide entertainment and you will be offered optional activities in the gorgeous Shaori lake area.

Transportation time is about 20 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at Best Western Kutaisi Hotel.
• Lunch: Lunch at Margvelidze Winery in Ambrolauri.
• Dinner: Dinner at Hotel Shaori.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Shaori

Day 7: Kutaisi

Stop At: Road to Gelati Monastery, Motsameta, Kutaisi 4600 Georgia
In the UNESCO-listed Gelati monastery complex, we will explore and experience why Georgian folk music is considered as one of the world’s oldest and most diverse polyphonic music cultures and the most complex polyphonic traditional music culture in the world.
You will witness “spine-tingling” Georgian folk chant in the halls of Gelati cathedral and attend a presentation accompanied by a live performance of the choir in the Gelati academy.

Transportation time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Meskhishvili Theatre, Gelati Street, Kutaisi 4600 Georgia
In the renowned Meskhivili Theatre of Kutaisi, you will witness the thrill of a Georgian dance performance in the concert specially dedicated to the CreaTour guests.
State Ensemble of Kutaisi incorporating a well-admired team of professionals and performers will present an award-winning show packed with magnificent choreographic, instrumental, costume, and design elements.
Transportation time is about 20 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: დები - Sisters, 35 Zakharia Paliashvili, Kutaisi, Georgia
We have worked to turn the conclusive part of this 7-day tour into a memorable Gala evening.
In the artfully designed atmosphere of the famous Kutaisi “Sisters” restaurant combining modern and industrial characters, you will be served an artful interpretation of the local (Imeretian) food.
A specially invited toast-master (Tamada) will host the table with tailor-made toasts for the special guests.
And CreaTour Band and dance team will provide entertainment with folk-fusion repertoire created for this tour.
Transportation time is about 20 minutes.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at Hotel Shaori.
• Lunch: Lunch at Chateau Gelato Restaurant Kutaisi.
• Dinner: Dinner at Sisters Restaurant Kutaisi.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Kutaisi

Day 8: Departure Day

Stop At: Kutaisi, Kutaisi, Imereti Region
After having breakfast at Best Western Kutaisi Hotel, it's time depart. We will organise a free of charge transfers to Kutaisi Airport. End of the tour and time to say goodbye.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at Best Western Hotel Kutaisi.
No accommodation included on this day.

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.