Georgia: In the Footsteps of the Ancient Greeks

Georgia: The Heart of the Caucasus
An Authentic Journey for Greek Travelers

Discover a land where antiquity meets daily life and traditions remain vibrantly alive, just as they did centuries ago. In Georgia, the myths of Prometheus and the Argonauts intersect with the earliest roots of Christianity and the ancient trails of the Caucasus.
10 Days | 4 Historic Regions of Georgia | 15 Unique Destinations

From Tbilisi and Mtskheta to the mythical land of Colchis and the towering peaks of Svaneti, we explore archaeological treasures, rock-hewn cities, caves, monasteries, local museums, and living traditions.
Where ancient and Byzantine legacies are still felt in hospitable villages and traditional spaces — amid feasts of wine and polyphonic song — Georgia invites you on an authentic journey filled with legends, mountains, and heartfelt human warmth.
With Greek-speaking guides, this experience is designed for those who travel with their hearts and seek true cultural connection through shared history, traditions, and values.

👉 Scroll down for the full itinerary.

🟦 Itinerary Structure

Our journey follows a captivating route through four historic regions of Georgia, each with its own distinctive landscape, heritage, and cultural identity. The days are structured as follows:

• Days 1–3 & 10 – Kartli: The spiritual and historical heart of Georgia. From the bustling capital Tbilisi to ancient Mtskheta, we traverse the lands of old Iberia — the cradle of Georgian civilization and the birthplace of Christianity in the Caucasus.

• Day 4 – Imereti: A region rich in natural beauty and subterranean marvels, Imereti is deeply linked with the myth of Prometheus and ancient Colchis. Authentic experiences await through dramatic landscapes, traditional cuisine, and warm local hospitality — all reflecting the region’s deep historical and cultural roots.

• Days 5–6 – Samegrelo: Homeland of the Colchians and heroes of Greek mythology, this region comes to life through oral traditions, local gastronomy, and music, weaving myth with vibrant living culture.

• Days 7–9 – Svaneti: The most untouched and authentic region of Georgia. With its medieval towers, majestic mountains, and age-old rituals, Svaneti offers a unique world where nature and faith remain inseparably bound and timeless.

🗓️ Daily Program Highlights

Day 1 – Tbilisi

• Old Tbilisi: A mosaic of cobbled alleys, wooden balconies, and sulfur baths where East meets West.

• National Museum of Georgia: A showcase of golden treasures and rare artifacts chronicling Georgia’s long history.

• Traditional Dinner: Enjoy local cuisine and live music by Tina Mehtieva, the only female asugh (bard) of Georgia.

Day 2 – Mtskheta & Baths

• Jvari Monastery: A 6th-century UNESCO landmark where Saint Nino raised the first Christian cross in Georgia.

• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: A spiritual center housing the Robe of Christ — a sacred symbol of Georgian Orthodoxy.

• Bagineti Hill: Ancient pagan worship site of King Pharnavaz, revealing pre-Christian Georgian identity.

• Tbilisi Baths: A rejuvenating experience in the historic sulfur baths of the old town.

Day 3 – Jvari, Uplistsikhe, Ateni

• Jvari: Archaeological site with Hellenistic artifacts — testimony to ties between Iberia and Ancient Greece.

• Tsilkani Monastery: One of Georgia’s oldest Christian monasteries, dating to the 4th century.

• Uplistsikhe: A 3,000-year-old cave city that illustrates the transition from paganism to Christianity.

• Ateni: A 7th-century church with Greek inscriptions and Byzantine frescoes.

• Traditional Meal & Wine Tasting: Experience authentic Georgian flavors and wines made in ancient Qvevri clay vessels.

Day 4 – Vani & Kutaisi

• Vani: An archaeological gem revealing Colchis’ wealth — bronze statues and golden ornaments linked to the Golden Fleece, Medea, and pre-Christian Georgia.

• Kutaisi: A modern city with ancient roots in Aeëtes’ Colchis. Its old town and sacred churches embody Georgia’s spiritual heritage.

Day 5 – Prometheus Cave & Arrival in Samegrelo

• Prometheus Cave: One of Georgia’s largest caves, adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes, tied to the Promethean legend.

• Zugdidi: Cultural hub of Samegrelo. A visit to the historical palace and a warm welcome by Besik Tsitanava, local dance master and gardener, introduce us to regional cuisine and polyphonic singing.

Day 6 – Zugdidi & Transfer to Svaneti

• Dadiani Palace: Museum of the noble Dadiani family, home to treasures like Napoleon’s relics and the Virgin Mary’s veil.

• Journey into the Caucasus: Ascending into Svaneti through snow-capped mountains and remote passes.

• Free Afternoon: Time to relax or explore Mestia, the gateway to Svaneti, amid dramatic peaks.

Day 7 – Mestia & Lakhushdi

• Mestia: Capital of Svaneti with medieval towers and stone houses preserving ancient language and Orthodox faith.

• Svaneti Ethnographic Museum: A trove of manuscripts, icons, and sacred relics chronicling a continuous cultural legacy.

• Lakhushdi: Visit a remote mountain village where life follows the rhythms of a bygone era, in harmony with nature.

Day 8 – Tangili Monastery, Svan Cuisine & Gold Panning

• Tangili Monastery: A secluded spiritual haven overlooking the Svaneti valleys, where stone, silence, and light offer inner serenity.

• Gastronomy Masterclass: Hands-on cooking with local women, discovering the flavors, herbs, and spices of Svan cuisine.

• Gold Panning in the River: Learn the age-old technique of gold extraction — echoing the Argonauts and the Golden Fleece.

Day 9 – Svan Traditions & Myths

• Traditions & Rituals: With ethnologist Madonna Chamgeliani, we uncover Svaneti’s sacred practices rooted in nature and spirituality.

• Evening by the Fire: Myths and songs come alive with the ch’uniri, Svaneti’s mystical bowed instrument.

Day 10 – Return to Tbilisi & Farewell Dinner

• Return to Tbilisi: A quiet day to reflect and absorb the journey’s impressions.

• Farewell Dinner: At “Apartment No. 37”, where Qvevri wine and homemade dishes close the trip with flavor and shared memories.

ℹ️ Practical Information

🔸 Duration:
10 days – from Tbilisi to Svaneti and back.
🔸 Dates:
1–10 September 2025
Small group format (max. 15 participants) for a deeper and more personal experience.
🔸 Participation Fee: €3,500
🔸 Included:

• Airport transfers

• 10 nights in carefully selected hotels

• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Georgian wine or beer
  ➔ Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver

• Full-time Greek-speaking guide

• Entry to all museums and archaeological sites

• Complimentary water and light snacks during transfers

🔸 Not Included:

• Airfare

• Drinks and meals outside the program

• Tips

• Personal expenses and services

🔸 Requirements:
– No visa required for Greek citizens
– Valid ID or passport with Latin characters
– Comfortable shoes and clothing for light walks and changing weather conditions (especially in the mountains)

🎓 Special Guests

This journey is led by Georgian Hellenist, translator, and author Tatia Mtvarelidze, and music researcher and singer Sandro Natadze.
The program also features notable Georgian figures from the fields of art, archaeology, gastronomy, and oral tradition.

📞 Contact & Reservations

For more information, availability, or to book your spot, please contact us:
✉️ Email: info@villagelife.travel
📱 WhatsApp / Viber: +995 595 209 153

Our team is happy to assist and guide you at every step of this unforgettable journey into the heart of the Caucasus.

🔸 Booking Deadline: 30 June 2025 (Limited spots available)