An 8-day expedition across Georgia, moving from historic lowlands into the High Caucasus and finishing with a rafting descent in Racha.
This journey combines structured physical activity with progressive terrain, including hiking, horseback riding, and rafting, supported by selected local experiences already embedded in the route.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
1
Uplistsikhe cave town exploration
2
Farm experience, culinary masterclass, and wine tasting in Zeda Sazano
3
Horseback riding and hiking to Shkhara Glacier
4
Koruldi Lakes hike (7 km / 700 m elevation gain)
5
Rafting session on the Rioni River (~18 km)
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
A preview of your Caucasus Iron Route adventure — full itinerary shared after booking.
01
Location:Tbilisi
Arrival in Tbilisi.
02
Location:Tbilisi–Uplistsikhe–Zeda Sazano
Visit Uplistsikhe cave town followed by transfer to Zeda Sazano for a rural farm experience, including local customs, culinary masterclass, wine tasting, and dinner.
Sports & Activities
Walking (Uplist sikhe)
Farm activities
Culinary masterclass
03
Location:Zeda Sazano–Mestia
Transfer to Mestia in the Svaneti region. Free time upon arrival.
04
Location:Mestia–Ushguli–Mestia
Transfer to Ushguli. 4 hours of challanging Horseback riding and hiking tour toward Shkhara Glacier, including final approach on foot and return to Mestia.
Sports & Activities
Horseback riding
Hiking
05
Location:Mestia–Koruldi Lakes–Mestia
4x4 access to starting point followed by hike to Koruldi Lakes and return to Mestia.
Sports & Activities
10 km of Hiking with 700m elevation gain
06
Location: Mestia–Tskaltubo
Transfer to Tskaltubo. Exploration of abandoned sanatoriums and access to spa facilities.
Sports & Activities
Walking
07
Location:Tskaltubo–Ambrolauri–Tbilisi
Transfer to Racha region. Rafting session on the Rioni River followed by return to Tbilisi.
Sports & Activities
2.5 hours of Rafting–18 km
08
Location: Tbilisi
Departure.
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW
Who this is for
Travelers looking for an active, structured itinerary combining movement, terrain, and local context.
Journey Type
Mixed-format expedition including driving, walking, hiking, horseback riding, and rafting, with progression from lowlands to mountain environments.
What makes it unique
A combination of historical sites, rural farm immersion, mountain-based activity in Svaneti, and rafting in Racha within a single structured route.
Accommodation Overview
Accommodation is provided in twin rooms with breakfast across Tbilisi, Zeda Sazano, Mestia, and Tskaltubo. Hotels include Hotel IOTA or equivalent in Tbilisi, Ethno Sazano Hotel, Hotel Gistola in Mestia, and Tskaltubo Epic Hotel & Spa.
DIFFICULTY & REQUIREMENTS
Difficulty: 3 / 5
Horse-riding experience is not required. Good physical condition is recommended for hiking and activity days.
Included / Excluded
✔Transportation by van
✔English-speaking guide throughout
✔Accommodation (twin room with breakfast):
2 nights Tbilisi
1 night Zeda Sazano
3 nights Mestia
1 night Tskaltubo
✔Culinary masterclass, wine tasting, and dinner
✔Farm visit and cow hand milking
✔Horseback riding experience in Ushguli
✔Koruldi Lakes hiking picnic
✔4x4 transportation
✔Spa access (pools, sauna, jacuzzi where applicable)
✔Rafting with equipment and instructor
✔Entrance to Uplistsikhe
✖Flights
✖Health / travel insurance (mandatory)
✖Spa treatments
✖Visa insurance (mandatory)
LOGISTICS & PRACTICALS
Arrival Airport: Tbilisi International Airport
Departure Airport: Tbilisi International Airport
Visa: Not required for European travelers
Insurance:
Health / travel insurance not included (mandatory)
Visa insurance mandatory
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