Day 1   Kutaisi – Likani

Arrival at Kutaisi International Airport.
Drive (approx. 2 hours) to the village of Likani in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and check in at the guesthouse.
In the evening, a welcome dinner with Georgian cuisine awaits at a cozy restaurant in Borjomi’s old town.

Meals: Dinner
Overnight stay in Likani

Day 2   Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Early in the morning, we start a two-day hut-to-hut hike on the Panorama Trail, one of the park’s most scenic routes.
From our guesthouse, we walk through Likani to the trailhead and ascend the forested southern slope of Mount Amarati. Along the way, we identify local tree species such as fir, pine, linden, spruce, and beech, and learn about the ecological structure of these mixed mountain forests.
With some luck, we might spot bear tracks or hear wolves in the distance.
In the evening, we grill shashlik over a campfire at Lomisa Hut and share Georgian wine in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Hiking trail
Distance: 13 km
Duration: 6–7 hours
Elevation gain: 840 m
Difficulty: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, picnic, and dinner
Overnight stay in Lomisa mountain hut

Day 3   Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park – Vardzia
After breakfast, we begin our descent through the Kvabiskhevi Valley along the northern slopes of Mount Amarati.
This part of the trail showcases primeval spruce and fir forests that have regenerated naturally since logging stopped a century ago.
We discuss forest ecology, soils, and natural succession processes before reaching the ranger station in Kvabiskhevi.
From there, our minibus takes us to the guesthouse in Vardzia.

Hiking trail
Distance: 16 km
Duration: 5 hours
Descent: 965 m
Difficulty: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, picnic, and dinner
Overnight stay in Vardzia
 

Day 4   Vardzia  –  Goderdzi Pass 

In the morning, we visit Vardzia, the 12th-century cave city carved into volcanic tuff. During a guided walk, we explore its tunnels, churches, and chambers, and learn about the site’s geology and medieval history.
After a picnic lunch, we drive towards the Goderdzi Pass (2,010 m) with several stops. The first is the Petrified Forest of Goderdzi, where fossilized palms, magnolias, and laurels testify to the region’s ancient subtropical climate.
Later, we visit the Goderdzi Alpine Garden and meet its director, Dr. Temur Vasadze. Together we explore the garden’s conservation work on endemic and relict plant species, observing local alpine habitats and discussing environmental challenges in the Caucasus

Meals: Breakfast, picnic, and dinner
Overnight stay in Goderdzi Pass

Day 5   Goderdzi Pass – Batumi

After breakfast, we descend to Batumi on the Black Sea coast.
Around noon, we visit the Forestry Department of Adjara, where a short exhibition and presentation introduce the region’s forest management system — including inventory methods, forest use, and main tree species along the vertical vegetation zones.
After a Q&A session, the afternoon is free for swimming, relaxing, or exploring Batumi’s lively cafés and boulevard.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay in Batumi
 

Day 6   Batumi – Mtirala National Park – Batumi

Morning drive (30 min) to Mtirala National Park, one of the best-preserved Colchic rainforests of the Caucasus.
We start a circular hike from Chakvistavi village through dense deciduous forests with evergreen undergrowth of laurel, cherry laurel, and rhododendron.
Higher up, beech forests dominate, with tree trunks over three meters in diameter.
The trail leads past an 18-meter waterfall and a small mountain lake before we return to the village by crossing the river in a hand-operated cable car.
In the evening, we visit Batumi’s fish market and have freshly grilled seafood at a local restaurant.

Hiking trail
Distance: 16 km
Duration: 6–7 hours
Altitude range: 300–1,250 m
Difficulty: Moderate

In the evening, we visit Batumi’s fish market, where we buy freshly caught seafood and have it grilled in the nearby restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast and picnic
Overnight stay in Batumi
 

Day 7   Batumi – Etseri – Ajameti Managed Reserve – Meore Obcha

We enjoy a relaxed morning and depart around midday (approx. 2.5 hours) for the region of Imereti.
In the village of Etseri, we visit tea plantations from the Soviet era that were revitalized six years ago. Today, tea bushes grow here in the shade of acacia trees, and their leaves are hand-picked with great care three times a year. The result is organic tea with a unique aroma and flavor.
We walk through the tea plantations and take a closer look at the tea plants. You will learn about the history of Georgian tea, modern cultivation methods, and how to recognize and harvest high-quality tea leaves. Afterwards, we enjoy a picnic among the tea fields and taste both white and black tea.
Next, we continue to Ajameti Managed Reserve, home to ancient stands of Imeretian oak and Caucasian zelkova. Accompanied by the reserve’s director, we discuss conservation goals and challenges while walking among 250-year-old trees.
In the afternoon, we drive to Baia’s Wine Cellar in Meore Obcha. The family-run winery uses traditional Qvevri clay vessels to produce natural wines from local grapes. After a short vineyard walk and cellar visit, we taste several wines and enjoy a farewell dinner with a traditional Georgian toastmaster (Tamada).

Meals: Breakfast, picnic, and dinner
Overnight stay in Meore Obcha
 

Day 8   Departure

Transfer to Kutaisi International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight stay not included