In Greek mythology, the Argonauts were a band of heroes who, in the years before the Trojan War, accompanied Jason to Colchis in his quest to find the Golden Fleece. Their name comes from their ship, the Argo which in turn was named after its builder Argus. Thus, “Argonauts” literally means “Argo sailors”.
Medea was the daughter of King Arêtes of Colchis, Georgia. Media’s role began after Jason arrived from Iolcus in Colchis to claim the Golden Fleece as his own. In a familiar mythic motif, Aeetes promised to give it to him only if he could perform certain tasks. Jason, assisted by Medea, took the fleece and sailed away with her. She had fallen in love with him.
Day 1
Arrival in Tbilisi
Meeting at the airport. Check-in at the hotel.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Area: 726 km2
Population: 1,152,500
Highest elevation: 770 m (2,526 ft)
Lowest elevation: 380 m (1,247 ft)
Languages: Georgian, English, Russian
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Summer Season: 30-38 degree Celsius
Winter Season: 3-(-5) degree Celsius
Day 2
Tbilisi / Mtskheta
Start the tour in Old Tbilisi at the 13th century Metekhi Church, and then walk to the brick-domed Sulphur Baths. From the Baths head up the hill to visit the 4th century Narikala Fortress, which is one of the oldest fortifications in the city. Afterwards continue to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral (13th c.) and Anchiskhati Church (6th c.). Visit the stunning treasury of the Georgian State Museum, before visiting the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, Mtskheta, (UNESCO Heritage Site), an ancient capital of the Georgian Kingdom from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. Jvari Monastery (6thc.); Svetitskhoveli Cathedral built in the 11th century.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 3
Tbilisi / Utsera
Drive to West Georgia, the famous Land of the Golden Fleece, and arrive to Racha, one of the most beautiful mountainous regions of Georgia. En route visit Samtavisi Cross-Domed Church (11th c.). Visit Nicortsminda Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which is one of the most important architectural monuments of the medieval Georgia. Drive to the Resort of Utsera, famous with its mineral waters.
Camping Overnight in the Gorge of Rioni River.
Day 4
Rafting day
We’ll enjoy the full day and search for the adventure in rafting on the Rioni River.
Camping overnight.
Day 5
Rafting / Kutaisi
Making rafting, we’ll arrive in Kutaisi, the famous Land of the Golden Fleece and the second largest city in Georgia. In the evening we visit Bagrati Temple (11th c.), UNESCO Heritage Site. Enjoy our evening in the Old New Kutaisi.
Overnight at the hotel in Kutaisi
Kutaisi – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Area: 70 km2
Population: 192,500
Highest elevation: 300 m (984 ft)
Lowest elevation: 125 m (410 ft)
Languages: Georgian, English, Russian
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Summer Season: 28-33 degree Celsius
Winter Season: 5-6 degree Celsius
Day 6
Kutaisi / Martvili / Zugdidi
Gelati Monastery (12th c.), UNESCO Heritage Site, Motsameta Monastery Complex (8th-11th c.c.), Sataplia Cave. Drive to Samegrelo, enjoy the Abashistskali River Waterfall. Visit Martvili Church of Virgin (7th-14th c.c.). Drive to Salkhino, the summer residency of Dadiani Family. The representatives of Dadiani Dynasty were acquainted with world history and culture latest technical achievements. They were tightly involved in the social events. Wine tasting at the Ojaleshi Wine Cellar. Drive to Zugdidi.
Overnight in Zugdidi.
Zugdidi – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Area: 16,85 km2
Population: 75,900
Highest elevation: 132 m (396 ft)
Lowest elevation: 110 m (347 ft)
Languages: Georgian, English, Russian
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Summer Season: 29-32 degree Celsius
Winter Season: 5-6 degree Celsius
Day 7
Zugdidi / Enguri Dam / Mestia
Visit Dadiani Palace. The Palace keeps 41 000 museum objects. Most of them are unique and invaluable examples of Georgian and foreign art. Drive to the direction of Svaneti. En route we visit Enguri Dam with the height of 271 meters (the highest dam of this type in the world). The Dam makes a water-storage reservoir in the picturesque gorges of Samegrelo and Svaneti mountains. It’s time to get ready for the most exciting part of the trip, a journey to Svaneti, the region of the highest mountains and glaciers and the most abiding ancient traditions. In Svaneti we visit Lenjeri Church, a beautiful building with original paintings both inside and outside, Church of Latani.
Overnight in Mestia / Camping overnight.
Mestia – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Area: 70 km2
Population: 2,600
Highest elevation: 1700 m (984 ft)
Lowest elevation: 1500 m (410 ft)
Languages: Georgian, English, Russian
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Summer Season: 15-20 degree Celsius
Winter Season: (-5)-(-7) degree Celsius
Day 8
Mestia / Ushguli
Today program begins with the Ethnographic Museum of Mestia, St. George and St. Kvirike Churches. Drive to the highest permanent village in Europe – Ushguli (2200 m). En route visit the tower of Love (12th c.) and Church of Lagurka (9th c.). Ushguli and generally the whole Upper Svaneti region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is most famous for its abundance of watchtowers and this is where you get the view of the highest mountain in Georgia – Mt. Shkhara (5201 m / 17064 ft). Back to Mestia.
Overnight at the guesthouse.
Ushguli – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Area: 70 km2
Population: 200
Highest elevation: 2,200 m (6,782 ft)
Lowest elevation: 2,086 m (6,324 ft)
Languages: Georgian, English, Russian
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Summer Season: 14-19 degree Celsius
Winter Season: (-6)-(-10) degree Celsius
Day 9
Mestia / Poti / Batumi
Today, before driving to Poti, we’ll visit the 12th century Lamaria Church and then walk up the hill to Queen Tamar’s Tower. Poti is a port city, located on the Black Sea coast. Built near the site of the ancient Greek colony of Phasis, the city has become a major port and industrial center of the 20th century. Drive to Batumi.
Overnight at the hotel in Batumi
Batumi – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Area: 70 km2
Population: 121,806
Highest elevation: 10 meters (32 feet)
Lowest elevation: 0 meters (0 feet)
Languages: Georgian, English, Russian
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Summer Season: 29-33 degree Celsius
Winter Season: 5-7 degree Celsius
Day 10
Batumi / Botanical Garden / Tbilisi
Today we’ll enjoy the charming beaches and the beauty of the Botanical Garden, but before we’ll visit Gonio Fortress, the 2nd century AD well-fortified Roman city in Colchis.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11
Departure
Drive to Tbilisi. Free afternoon in the city. Farewell dinner at the traditional restaurant.
Transfer to the airport.
Package includes:
Hotel accommodations in 3 – 4 star hotels
Food HB;
Dinner style – A La Buffet; Breakfast Style – A La Buffet;
Transportations by Air conditioned comfortable bus/mini bus with experienced driver
Local English speaking guide
Dinner in Tbilisi with the traditional Georgian dancing folk show
Traditional Georgian singing folk show
Jeep tour in Ushguli
Tea – coffee set with the group, for one or two coffee breaks during a day upon group request
One bottle of mineral spring water per day per person
Package does not include:
Air fare
Insurance
E fees
And any other things which is not mentioned in what “package includes”.