IBEROGEORGIA - Travel Catalog

5053 Canyons and Desert Monasteries

7 Days  |  Georgia

About this trip

Experience an adventure of extreme contrasts with "Canyons and Desert Monasteries", a 7-day itinerary that will take you from the subtropical jungle of the west to the semi-desert steppes of the east. Starting in Batumi, we will enjoy the Black Sea breeze before entering the realm of Colchis. In Kutaisi, the ancient capital, we will explore the spectacular Prometheus Cave and the Martvili canyons, where nature displays itself lush and green.

The Landscape Change

The journey eastward takes us through Stalin's birthplace, Gori, and the ancient pagan city of Uplistsikhe, carved into sandstone rock. Upon reaching Tiflis and continuing towards the Kakheti region, the landscape changes dramatically. The highlight of this trip is the visit to the monastic complex of David Gareja, located on the border with Azerbaijan. In this lunar and silent landscape, we will discover caves painted with ancient frescoes and infinite views over the plains.

The City of Love

The journey also includes a visit to Signagi, the "city of love", with its cobblestone streets, its 18th-century wall and its views of the Alazani valley. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking photographic diversity, going from the intense green and abundant water of the west to the ochre tones and spirituality of the eastern desert in a single week.

Mapa Ruta

Itinerary Summary

DAY 1: Transfer from Batumi airport to Batumi
6 km
DAY 2: Batumi - its surroundings
30 km
DAY 3: Batumi - Martvili - Promete - Kutaisi
240 km
DAY 4: Kutaisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Mtskheta - Tbilisi
267 km
DAY 5: Tbilisi - Guided tour
2 km
DAY 6: Tbilisi - Davit Gareji - Signagui - Tbilisi
247 km
DAY 7: Transfer from Tbilisi to Tbilisi Airport
18 km
🗺️ Road Map

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: Transfer from Batumi airport to Batumi

We will carry out the transfer from the airport to the hotel with the assistance of our guide, who will be accompanying you throughout the entire journey.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Batumi ⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 km  |  00:15 coche

DAY 2: Batumi - its surroundings

After enjoying a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, we will dedicate the morning to connecting with the cultural roots of the region at the Ethnographic Museum of Batumi. This unique space, work of sculptor Kemal Turmanidze, will captivate us with its impressive wood carvings and recreations that celebrate the soul and traditional customs of Georgia in a visual and artistic way. Subsequently, we will move south to explore the historic Gonio Fortress. In this ancient Roman bastion from the 1st century, we will walk among ruins that whisper stories of the Silk Road and sacred legends, such as the supposed location of the tomb of the Apostle Matthias, all with the Black Sea breeze in the background. To close the day with a cosmopolitan touch, we will return to the heart of the city to tour the center of Batumi. We will get lost through the charming streets of the old town and stroll along its iconic coastal Boulevard, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere and eclectic architecture of this jewel of the Caucasus.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Batumi ⭐⭐⭐⭐
30 km  |  01:10 coche

DAY 3: Batumi - Martvili - Promete - Kutaisi

After enjoying breakfast and leaving behind the sea breeze of Batumi, we will head towards the green heart of Georgia to experience a day dedicated to the spectacular nature of Imereti. Our first stop will be the impressive Martvili Canyon, a landscape that seems taken from a fairy tale, where water has sculpted the rock for millennia. We will walk along its trails surrounded by virgin forest and, if the climate and river flow are favorable, we will have the privilege of navigating in boats through its turquoise waters, approaching its vibrant waterfalls. The adventure will continue as we immerse ourselves in the depths of the earth in the famous Prometheus Cave. There we will traverse a labyrinth of underground halls decorated with majestic stalactites and stalagmites and, whenever conditions permit, we will complete the experience with a fascinating boat ride along the river that flows inside. With our retina full of unforgettable landscapes, we will finish our journey arriving at the historic city of Kutaisi, where we will conclude this day of total connection with the elements.
Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐
240 km  |  04:16 coche

DAY 4: Kutaisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Mtskheta - Tbilisi

We will leave behind Kutaisi to embark on a fascinating chronological journey through Georgia's history. Our first stop will be in Gori, where we will visit the Stalin Museum. In this complex, we will explore the Soviet leader's birthplace, his famous armored train car, and a collection of personal objects that will help us understand the complexity of his legacy. Next, we will go back millennia in time when we arrive at Uplistsikhe, an impressive ancient city carved into the rock. We will walk through its streets, pagan temples and tunnels dating from the first millennium BC, silent witnesses to pre-Christian history. The route continues towards the spiritual heart of the country: Mtskheta. There we will admire the majestic Cathedral of Svetitskhoveli, an 11th-century architectural gem filled with symbolism. To end the day with an unforgettable view, we will climb up to the Monastery of Djvari, perched on a hill. From there, we will contemplate the iconic confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers before completing our journey to the capital, Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐
267 km  |  04:44 coche

DAY 5: Tbilisi - Guided tour

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our cultural immersion in the vibrant Avenida Rustaveli, the beating heart of Tbilisi. On this elegant boulevard, we will admire architectural gems such as the imposing Parliament and the neo-Moorish Opera Theatre, as well as the distinctive Rustaveli Theatre and the beautiful Kashveti Church. Our tour will then take us to Plaza de Metekhi, where the historic church and the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali will offer us privileged views over the Mtkvari River. The experience will reach new heights as we take the cable car up to Fortaleza Narikala, the ancient 4th-century defensive citadel that offers the best panoramic views of the capital. Afterwards, we will venture into the picturesque district of Abanotubani, known worldwide for its historic sulfur baths and the charm of its medieval streets. Finally, we will culminate this unforgettable day by visiting the Basilica of Anchiskhati, the oldest church in the city, where time seems to stand still among its walls and centuries-old frescoes.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 km  |  00:26 coche

DAY 6: Tbilisi - Davit Gareji - Signagui - Tbilisi

Our route today takes us to explore landscapes of astonishing contrasts, beginning with a journey to the semi-desert landscape to discover the Monastery of David Gareji. This extraordinary 6th-century complex, carved into the very rock of the hills, will offer us a unique view of the arid environment and its troglodyte architecture, immersing us in the history of the Assyrian fathers in a place of great mysticism. Leaving the desert behind, we will head to the greenery of the Kakheti region to visit the sacred Monasterio de Bodbe. In this pilgrimage site, where Saint Nino rests, we will enjoy an atmosphere of peace and admire the impressive views over the Alazani Valley. The day culminates in the charming Signagui, popularly known as the "City of Love". We will stroll through its cobblestone streets admiring its traditional architecture and its extensive defensive walls. From here, the panoramic views of the valley with the backdrop of the Caucasus mountains are simply unforgettable. After enjoying the beauty of this picturesque town, we will begin our return to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐
247 km  |  05:36 coche

DAY 7: Transfer from Tbilisi to Tbilisi Airport

We will carry out the transfer from the hotel to the airport according to the scheduled flight time, with the assistance of our guide, who will be accompanying you throughout the entire journey.
Accommodation: Fin del viaje
18 km  |  00:25 coche

Rates per Person without meals (Indicative prices)

Group of... Price per Person Single Suppl.
1 People 2,910€ +300€
2 People 1,880€ +300€
3 People 1,590€ +300€
4 People 1,410€ +300€
5 People 1,290€ +300€
6 People 1,290€ +300€
7 People 1,230€ +300€
8 People 1,180€ +300€
✅ PRICE INCLUDES
  • Accommodation: 6 nights in selected hotels.
  • Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast.
  • Transport: Private vehicle with A/C and fuel.
  • Guide: Professional Spanish-speaking guide.
  • Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver).
  • Water: 1 bottle per person/day.
  • Taxes: Local taxes.
  • Tickets: Monuments according to itinerary.
❌ NOT INCLUDED
  • International flights.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Lunches and Dinners (unless indicated).
  • Alcoholic beverages and tips.
  • Personal expenses.
Nota: Indicative prices subject to availability.