Arrival at Tbilisi airport, transfer to the Hotel.
We will explore the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Wander in the old districts of the city which are structured like terraces, as well as take a walk in the narrow streets to enjoy colourful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful samples of modern architecture. We will start the tour from Metekhi church (13th century) facing the magnificent views over old Tbilisi. A stroll along winding little streets take us to the main sights of the city. Afterwards, we enjoy the panoramic views of the whole town and through the iconic statue “Mother of Georgia”, find ourselves in the historical domed sulphur bath area- connected with the name of our city. Afterwards, we will explore rest of the old town, including the Sioni cathedral and Gabridze clock tower.
*On this day we will also have the Bike fitting.
Overnight at hotel in Tbilisi
We will explore the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Wander in the old districts of the city which are structured like terraces, as well as take a walk in the narrow streets to enjoy colourful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful samples of modern architecture. We will start the tour from Metekhi church (13th century) facing the magnificent views over old Tbilisi. A stroll along winding little streets takes us to the main sights of the city. Afterwards, we enjoy the panoramic views of the whole town and from the ancient (4th century), Narikala fortress and visit the dome-shaped sulphur baths of Old Tbilisi, this uses warm water enriched with minerals from deep underground. After that we will explore rest of the old town, including the Sioni cathedral and the Gabridze clock tower.
We will also be fitted to the hire bikes this day.
Today, we visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, with its many historical sites, including Jvari Monastery (6th century) and the impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Then, we drive towards Gori; the heart of Kartli region,where we visit the Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC). The Silk Road used to pass through here. This is an ancient monumental complex with living quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out of living rock and an ancient theatre. Gori is the birthplace of Stalin; there is a museum to him here. We finish the tour in Kutaisi; Georgia’s third-largest city and one of the oldest settlements in Europe. In the evening we enjoy a guided tour of Kutaisi, taking in its architecture, squares and local atmosphere.
Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Kutaisi.
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our first cycling day. The route takes us past Tskaltubo, Georgia`s most famous spa resort near Kutaisi, known for its distinctive Soviet-era architecture and geothermal springs. A few kilometres further on, we visit the impressive Prometheus Cave, stretching 1,420 metres underground. Its striking stalactites and stalagmites, enhanced by subtle lighting and classical music, create a truly memorable atmosphere. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing towards Martvili, where we explore the beautiful Martvili Canyon, with the option to take a short boat ride deep into the canyon. After the visit, we cycle on to our hotel. In the evening, we drive to a local family winery to taste natural Georgian wine made using traditional methods, followed by a homemade West Georgian dinner. Afterwards, we return to the hotel.
Overnight at a hotel in Martvili.
Another great day is ahead of us. After breakfast, we get on our bikes and ride towards Chkhorotsku, enjoying the changing scenery along the way. We stop for lunch with a local family, where warm Georgian hospitality and tasty Megrelian cuisine await. In the afternoon, we continue cycling to Zugdidi, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, we cycle to the Enguri Hydroelectric Dam, the world`s second-highest concrete arch dam. Seeing the massive dam surrounded by mountains is an unforgettable experience. From there, we cycle towards Svaneti, one of Georgia’s most beautiful regions. The scenery changes with every kilometre, green valleys giving way to towering mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, sparkling lakes, and old stone towers in the villages.
Picnic lunch provided.
The final 6km is an uphill gravel road. Picnic lunch provided.
We cycle from Chuberi to Becho, passing through mountain trails, rivers and traditional villages. Along the way, the scenery changes constantly, snow-capped peaks, sparkling streams and medieval stone towers appearing around every corner. It’s a day full of adventure and stunning views.
Today, we start by driving in the morning and then we walk towards the twin peaked Ushba glacier. Our aim is to get close to Mount Ushba (4710 m.) that overlooks the Svaneti region. After crossing deep forest, we continue on to the waterfalls. The beauty of the waterfalls and the twin peaked Mount Ushba will make you feel like a character in a fairy tale. Walk back to Becho and cycle to Mestia - the centre of Upper Svaneti region. Dinner and overnight at a family hotel in Mestia.
Hiking Details:
• Walking time: 4-5 hrs.
• Walking distance: 10 km
• ↑↓ 550m
Picnic lunch provided
In the morning, we drive, in 4WD vehicles, to Jvari point. We walk up to the beautiful high-mountain lakes of Koruldi located at the foot of the giant Mount Ushba (4710 m). En route we enjoy tremendously beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and snow-covered glaciers. From the top we can see Mt. Tetnuldi (4800 m), Mt. Laila (4008 m), Mt. Chatini (4012 m), Mt. Banguriani (3838 m) and many other summits. This place is a real paradise for photographers and nature lovers. We walk back to Jvari point and then drive back to Mestia. For lunch, we visit a local family and later explore a traditional Svanetian house and tower.
Driving Details:
• From Mestia to Jvari Point:
• 50 min. driving time,
• 9 km.
• Walking time: 3-4 hrs.
• Walking distance: 8 km
• ↑↓ 600 m
Today; we cycle to Ushguli a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated at 2200 metres and the highest continuously inhabited village in Europe. The village is famous for its numerous watchtowers and offers stunning views of Georgia`s tallest peak Mount Shkhara (5203 m). From Ushguli, we continue along the Enguri River towards Shkhara Glacier. Along the way we pass fields filled with unique endemic plants and flowers and the full height of Shkhara comes into view. The glacier is a vast permanent ice formation from which the Enguri River flows and is an impressive sight. After exploring the glacier, we cycle back to Ushguli and enjoy lunch at a local family’s house.
After breakfast, we set off on a scenic bike ride over the breathtaking Zagaro Pass (2642 m) on the way to Lentekhi. The winding road takes us past rugged mountains and remote villages as we say farewell to the majestic Caucasus Mountains.
Picnic lunch today.
Today is our last day of cycling. After breakfast, we cycle back to Kutaisi, one of the country’s oldest and most vibrant cities. Along the way we enjoy the changing landscapes and the final moments of our cycling journey. Once we arrive in Kutaisi we relax and celebrate the end of our adventure, reflecting on the stunning scenery and experiences of the past days.
In the morning, we will visit the local farmers` market in Kutaisi, a lively place where locals come every day to buy and sell fresh produce, cheeses, breads and homemade goods. Walking through the market we see the rhythms of daily life, hear the friendly chatter and get a real sense of how people live in the city. Then, we drive to Tbilisi, stopping in Kaspi along the way to visit a local wine cellar. Here we taste traditional Georgian wine and enjoy a homemade lunch with the family, featuring freshly harvested produce from their garden. Sitting at the family table, we share a meal prepared with traditional recipes and experience authentic Georgian hospitality. This is a wonderful chance to see how the younger generation continues the traditions of their ancestors. We also learn about the history of wine making and taste natural wines made from rare grape varieties that were almost lost, using a method recognized on UNESCO`s heritage list. In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating our journey and reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of our time in Georgia.
Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
No meals as the flights leave too early
Land Only - £2420
A deposit of £250 per person is required as soon as possible once the Tour Manager has processed your Booking Form (see below), with the final balance of £2230 per person to be paid no later than ten weeks prior to departure, by 24 July 2027
Written Notice Received:
Cancellation Charge:
24/06/27
2230
01/10/27
2420
Read the section on 'Booking a Holiday' on the Bikexplore website, then contact the Tour Manager to check that there are still places available. If there are, download and complete the booking form and click ‘submit’ to send it to the Tour Manager. Once it's been processed instructions on how to pay the deposit (and balance) will be sent to you.
The price of £2420 (land only) is based on a minimum number of 8 people taking part in the holiday. If there are insufficient bookings by Saturday 24th July 2027, we will contact you and return all monies paid.
Accommodation is of a reasonable standard; we will usually be in lovely family-owned hotels or local guest houses, sharing rooms. Single occupancy is limited and subject to availability. It is not available in every location.
Most of the hotels have local specialities on offer. Vegetarians, vegans and special diets can be catered for, please put this down as a ‘special request’ on your booking form. Lunches are usually provided, see details. During riding days these will be picnics
Most of the holiday will be 60 to 80 km days. However Georgia is mountainous, we ride through the Caucasus mountains, the highest range in Europe. So, there will be quite a bit of climbing. A couple of the days are longer, and there is substantial climbing on a couple of days.
There are two easier days mid tour, both have walking, please bring suitable footwear and clothing. As well as walking, day eight has some cycling, 21 km.
There are two days travelling and seeing sites at the start of the tour and one day at the end.
Georgia has been tarmacking its roads in the touristy areas recently; most of the roads we will be riding on have good tarmac. However, there are some gravel stretches, these are easily rideable with a gravel type bike, there is no need for a mountain bike, notably the 5km to the guest house at Chuberi.
Georgia nestles between Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, the highest peaks of the magnificent Caucasus mountains run through Georgia, while its western flanks border the Black Sea.
Grapevines have been cultivated in the fertile valleys of Georgia for about 8000 years. With over 500 varieties of endemic grapes and the world’s first cultivated grapevines, the traditions of viticulture are entwined with the country’s national identity. It is also believed that the word “wine” is of Georgian origin (“gvino” in Georgian).
It is also an ancient Christian culture with many ancient churches and traditions. About 20% of the population is Muslim.
Although you will be provided with route notes and GPX files and there will be a support vehicle as well as the Tour Manager, please bring a map with you in case you get separated from the group. Stanfords provide a good 1:500,000 road map of Georgia.
The time is 4 hours ahead of the UK.
Currency is the Georgian Lari, it works out about 4.5 to the pound.
Language is Georgian, it is a member of the South Caucasian group of languages. Many people, especially those connected with the tourist industry, speak English.
Public transport is largely buses. They run between the main towns and longer distance ones go between the principal population centres.
The county is divided into regions, with greater or less autonomy. Tbilisi is in Eastern Georgia and we will be travelling westwards towards the Black Sea and then into the Svaneti region.
Travel to the start and from the finish is not included in this holiday. Thus, it is very important that you note that neither your Tour Manager nor Bikexplore are responsible for you in any way until the appointed time at the designated meeting point. Should you fail to arrive at the appointed time for whatever reason, we will not be responsible for any additional expenses you may incur in order to meet up with the tour group. Before finalising travel arrangements, you should ensure that the tour is definitely going ahead. Should there be insufficient bookings or pandemic travel restrictions are re-imposed, we reserve the right to cancel the tour at any time. It is therefore recommended that you book fully flexible and refundable transport and accommodation or wait until you have been told the tour will go ahead. In the event of the tour being cancelled we will not be responsible for any losses incurred outside what you pay us.
The airport you should travel to is Tbilisi, with BA flying there direct from London Heathrow and EasyJet direct from London Luton. Easyjet also offer a stopover flight, I chose to stop at Milan on my recce visit. British Airways offer the best return route as it is direct and leaves early in the morning. Direct flight times are around 5 and a half hours. Alternative flights are by Pegasus airways, a low-cost Turkish airline whose services also call at Istanbul.
Neither Georgia nor the UK is in Europe, but you should bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) with you. (See https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ if you need to renew or sign up for the first time). However, at present Britain does not have a reciprocal health agreement with Georgia, though this might change before the start of the tour. Appropriate travel insurance is therefore essential; please check with your provider to ensure that they cover the revised conditions in Europe and that your policy covers Georgia. Please note that your travel insurance MUST CLEARLY STATE GEORGIA, also, as Georgia now mandates travel insurance, take a paper copy with you.
Although most travel insurance policies do not cover cancellation due to pandemic restrictions, the money you pay to us for the holiday is fully protected until we depart.
UK residents do not, currently, require a visa, this may change.
Georgia is largely peaceful and very safe with very hospitable people, but before booking you should check the Foreign Office ‘Travel Advice by Country’ at www.fco.gov.uk or on 0845 850 2829
Before booking, please contact the tour organiser for the latest advice.
We recommend a good gravel type bike or touring bike. However, be aware that although Georgia has been busy tarmacking its roads, some of the roads are very small and can be rough, I recommend larger tyres than usual to avoid any problems. Gravel bikes and e-bikes can be hired from the local contact, I recommend that, you may wish to bring your own pedals and saddle.
If you are bringing your own bike, you should ensure your cycle is well maintained, paying particular attention to wheels, tyres and brakes. Some climbs are long so a low bottom gear (i.e., small chainring the same size or smaller than the largest cog on your rear wheel) is recommended. If you are unsure about gears, please discuss with the Tour Manager. New tyres and inner tubes are recommended. Participants will be expected to carry sufficient spares and tools each day to deal with punctures and minor repairs.
The support vehicle will not be far away in case of dramatic changes in the weather. You will not need to carry luggage, but a saddlebag, rack pack or bar bag will be useful for carrying wet weather gear, spare clothing needed for the day, camera, snacks and your map. Each participant is expected to bring and carry their personal items and spares. Helmets are your personal choice as there is no legal requirement for these to be worn in Georgia.
I recommend hiring a bike, the agent has a good relationship with the hire company, they have good quality Specialised Gravel bikes and e-bikes for hire.
The weather should be good in Georgia in October; it is a lot further south than here. However, much of our riding will be in high mountains, please be prepared.