Our adventure starts on the Black Sea coast in vibrant Batumi and takes us back through majestic Svaneti — home to ancient fortified towers and the highest settlements in Europe. Along the way, we cross challenging passes such as Abano and Goderdzi, explore cave towns such as Vardzia and rock-cut monasteries and visit the regions of Tusheti and Truso, which are among the most isolated in the Caucasus.
We camp by rivers and lakes, enjoy homemade wine in the heart of Kakheti and meet incredibly hospitable people whose stories are deeply rooted in tradition.
This expedition is not just a journey — it is an exploration of the soul of the Caucasus.
Itinerary
Day 1:
- The meeting point is the hotel in Batumi, where we get to know each other and discuss the details of the trip over dinner together.
— Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Batumi — Goderdzi Pass — Zarzma
— We start in Batumi and drive towards Goderdzi Pass.
— Possible exploration of the green gorges of Adjara and waterfalls on the way.
— Overnight stay — Wildcamp.
Day 3: Zarzma — Vardzia — Lake Paravani
Off-road drive towards the spectacular cave complex of Vardzia.
Explore the ancient town carved into the rock. Overnight stay — game camp.
Day 4: Lake Paravani — Tbilisi (Tbilisi)
- We drive across the Javakheti Plateau and along Lake Paravani.
— Arrival in Tbilisi, evening tour of the old town.
— Overnight stay — Hotel in Tbilisi
Day 5: Tbilisi — David Gareja
- Off-road drive, possible visit to David Gareja — a desert cave monastery complex on the border with Azerbaijan.
— Overnight stay — Wildcamp.
Day 6: David Gareja — Sighnaghi — Alazani Valley
— Visit to the Kakheti wine region.
— Wine tasting at a local winery.
— Overnight stay — Camping at the vineyard or
— Accommodation with wine tasting and dinner.
Day 7: Alazani Valley — Tusheti
— Start of the challenging ascent towards Omalo, in the heart of the Tusheti region.
— We ride over the Abano Pass (2,850 m), one of the more demanding off-road routes.
— Overnight stay — Accommodation in Omalo
Day 8: Explore Tusheti — Rest day
- Optional trip to the mountain villages of Dartlo and Shenako.
— Optional hiking and enjoy the spectacular landscapes.
— Overnight stay — Accommodation in Omalo
Day 9: Omalo — Pshaveli — Tsivtskaro
— Departure from Omalo with challenging off-road driving. Overnight stay — Wildcamp
Day 10: Tsivtskaro — Karkucha — Kazbegi — Ketrisi
— Drive through high plateaus and mountain meadows, with possible encounters with shepherds.
— Visit to Gergeti Monastery. Overnight stay — game camp.
Day 11: Truso Valley — Jvari Pass — Ananuri — Uplisziche — Gori
- Off-road drive through the Truso Valley with its mineral springs.
— Ascent to the Jvari Pass with views of Mount Kazbek (5,047 m).
— Arrival in Uplisziche, an ancient cave town.
— Arrival in Gori, the birthplace of Josef Stalin, opportunity to visit the Stalin Museum.
— Overnight stay — Hotel in Gori
Day 12: Gori — Lake Shaori
- We return to the south and drive through the Racha region.
— Overnight stay — Game camp
Day 13: Shaori — Ushguli (Svaneti)
— Arrival in Svaneti, one of the most remote regions of the Caucasus.
— Drive to Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe (2,200 m).
— Overnight stay — Wildcamp
Day 14: Ushguli — Mestia
- Off-road drive towards Mestia, the capital of Svaneti.
— Optional visit to the museum and the traditional defense towers.
— Overnight stay — Wildcamp
Day 15: Mestia — Batumi
- Drive back to Batumi through picturesque valleys.
— Arrive in Batumi, relax on the beach or in the hotel lake. Overnight stay — hotel in Batumi.
