Cycling Georgia: Svaneti, the heartland of Caucasus
Georgia on a Bike. Join Us for an Exceptional Cycling Adventure through Svaneti!
This is a mountainous region of Georgia, where stone villages, medieval towers, and early Christian churches with holy frescoes from the 10th century create an unspoiled landscape for centuries. Our route leads through the most important parts of this high mountain region. We will ride through the green valley of the Enguri River, scented with freshly cut grass. We will cross the mountain passes of Ughviri and Zagari. We will stand at the foot of the highest peak in Georgia, Shkhara (5193 m above sea level) and visit Racha National Park. Each day will bring new views – from rugged, rocky peaks to gentle pastures, where shepherds still lead their flocks as they did centuries ago. At the end, we will leave the Caucasus and relax by the Black Sea.
During the trip, we will stay in the homes of local hosts, getting to know their daily life, cuisine, and tradition. They will cook for us, tell stories about old times, and maybe even sing polyphonic songs, which are part of the Svan heritage. The hospitality of the Svans is legendary, and their stories will allow us to understand this extraordinary region even better.
We will travel light (without panniers), and the luggage will be transported by a support vehicle. Our "Cycling Svaneti" brings us close to nature with the authentic culture of a region that remains undiscovered by mass tourism.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1
Meeting at the airport, flight to Georgia. We will immediately head towards Svaneti. On the way, we will stop in the capital of the Megrelia region - the town of Zugdidi. Then we will travel to the Enguri dam, one of the largest arch dams in the world, located on the unrecognized water border with separatist Abkhazia. Through the Beco River gorge, we will reach the picturesque village of Mazeri, located at the foot of the magical, twin-peaked Ushba (4700 m above sea level), which has attracted mountaineers from around the world for decades. Here we will prepare our bikes for the trip, followed by a traditional Georgian supra.
DAY 2
We start our cycling adventure through the Greater Caucasus. On the first day, we will reach Mestia, the capital of Upper Svaneti. Approaching the town, the landscape will be completed by the characteristic medieval defensive towers. This will be our warm-up 25 km. In the afternoon, for those interested, a steep trail ride to Mount Jvari (2200 m above sea level) or a walk around Mestia and its surroundings.
Distance: 25 km, ⬆ 360 m / ⬇ 580 m
DAY 3
Continuation of the route, culminating in the UNESCO-listed highest village in Europe - Ushguli (2200 m above sea level), the heart of the Svaneti region. On the way, we will visit early Christian churches with preserved colorful frescoes and icons, among them Lagurka (St. Kvirike and Ivlita) - a small church growing on a steep rock.
Distance: 44 km, ⬆ 1300 m / ⬇ 620 m
DAY 4
Stay in the picturesque town of Ushguli, where time has stopped, and the medieval era can still be felt in the air. The perfect climate to get lost in the labyrinth of stone towers and fortifications. An additional attraction of the day will be a scenic ride to the glacier at the foot of Georgia's highest mountain - Shkhara (5068 m above sea level) and the majestic Dzhangi-Tau (5058 m above sea level).
Distance: 18 km, ⬆ 410 m / ⬇ 410 m
DAY 5
The next three days will bring many scenic and attractive kilometers on bikes. We will start with an 8 km ride to the highest point of our trip - the Zagar Pass (2623 m above sea level). The effort of the uphill ride to the pass will surely be compensated by a 63 km descent to Lower Svaneti and its capital, Lentechi.
Dystans: 72 km, ⬆ 850 m / ⬇ 2300 m
DAY 6
The next day, moving along the Rioni River, which the Argonauts sailed in search of the "Golden Fleece," we begin the ride through the mountainous region of Racha. We will pass by the village of Khvanchkara, famous for producing the semi-sweet red wine known throughout Georgia. In the afternoon, we will reach Ambrolauri.
Distance: 69 km, ⬆ 1350 m / ⬇ 1500 m
DAY 7
We head along the beautiful route along the Rioni River to Racha National Park. On the way, we visit Oni, a picturesque mountain town with a historic synagogue (the third largest in the country). From this point, the landscapes become increasingly enchanting. Our cycling journey ends in Ghebi, a small village at the foot of the national park. The sense of unlimited freedom, turquoise rivers winding among snow-capped peaks, an abundance of wildflowers, and dense forests are our rewards for the kilometers covered.
Distance: 58 km, ⬆ 1250 m / ⬇ 450 m
DAY 8
After breakfast, we will transfer by bus from Racha to Imereti. On the way, we will visit the Nikortsminda Monastery and relax on the beach at Lake Shaori. Then we will travel to the mining town of Tkibuli, built by German prisoners after World War II. In the afternoon, we will visit the Gelati Monastery complex* (UNESCO) and the smaller but equally picturesque Monastery of Motsameta. In the evening, a supra in agritourism in Gelati. *The visit to Gelati will depend on the completion date of the temple renovation and its availability for visitors.
DAY 9
After breakfast, we will head to the sea, to the town of Kvariati. On the way, we will stop near the town of Ureki. We will bathe in the Black Sea and relax on the magnetic sands. In the afternoon, we will travel to our destination. Rest on Georgian beaches and in eucalyptus groves. In the evening, we can visit the bustling Black Sea port - Batumi. The atmosphere of the place will be captured by an evening walk along the 5 km, lively seaside boulevard.
DAY 10
Rest in subtropical Adjara. In Kvariati, we will stay in a place located on a hillside with a sea view, about 10 minutes from the beach. Don't worry; this won't be an inactive day. For those eager for more cycling, we will organize an optional full-day bike trip to Machakhela National Park to see one of Georgia's most valuable and unique ecosystems (UNESCO).
Distance: 40-50 km, ⬆ 1000 m / ⬇ 1000 m
Others, as they wish, can go for a hike in the surrounding hills covered with subtropical vegetation, or independently reach the famous Batumi Botanical Garden on the so-called Green Cape using local transport.
DAYS 11-12
Return to Kutaisi. Sightseeing the historic city center and the Bagrati Cathedral. The possibility of purchasing local products at a typical Georgian market, which captivates with its richness of colors and scents. Return to Poland.
*Depending on the current flight connections schedule, the program is 11 or 12 days with flights.
PRICE INCLUDES:
• care of an English-speaking guide
• transportation in Georgia (minibus, bicycle transport, assurance car)
• 9x accommodation in guest houses in Svan families plus 2x overnight stay on the Black Sea
• half board (breakfasts and dinners in Svaneti), breakfast on the Black Sea (rest of the meals on their own)
• a compulsory travel insurance policy
• information packages
• mandatory personal insurance: accident insurance, insurance against the costs of treatment, travel luggage
• mandatory fee for the State Tourist Guarantee Fund for each person
• mandatory payment to the state Tourist Fund for Assistance for each person.
• insurance against contracting the virus (COVID-19) while abroad
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
• Additional meals not included in the price
• COVID-19 test (if applicable)
ACCOMMODATION:
In guesthouses, in 2, 3, and 4 person rooms (bathroom may be shared for all rooms). Conditions in the mountain villages are basic, as the tourist infrastructure is still developing in remote villages.
FOOD:
Breakfasts and supra dinners are included in the tour price (except for dinners by the Black Sea). Additional meals are according to personal preference. Our cycling route will be designed to allow for lunch breaks and the purchase of local products (khachapuri, shashlik, beer, fruits, etc.). The estimated cost of additional meals is around 150 euros.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
It is moderate. Our route is not technical, and the biggest challenge is mainly staying and being active at an altitude of about 1500-2000 meters above sea level. We will have our own vehicle with a driver for luggage transportation. We travel light, and on the bike, we only take a small personal pack, a small bag or backpack for snacks on the route. The vehicle can also be used in case of any participant's indisposition. Daily sections range from 20 to 80 kilometers, and the total distance we will cover by bike is about 340 km. Daily elevation gains range from 400 to 1200 meters, and the highest point on our route is about 2623 m above sea level.
ROAD:
The majority of our road is covered with newly laid asphalt or concrete, the remaining part is gravel and stone road of varying quality. The recommended bike is gravel, possibly a trekking bike or light MTB (a full-suspension bike would be an exaggeration for this trip).
GROUP:
We travel in small groups. The minimum number of participants for the trip is 8, maximum 16.
DEPARTURE:
The starting point of the trip is Warsaw. Other locations can be arranged in advance for an additional fee.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• The itinerary may change depending on the date of departure, weather and other factors.
• Read the rules on how to sign up for the trip and the general terms and conditions of participation in the trip.
• The organizer of the trip is Barents.pl - Biuro Aktywnych Podróży.
• Note! In the event of restrictions preventing the trip from taking place, we will refund 100% of the money paid within 7 days of the trip being canceled.
