Frequently asked questions
Practical answers for UK travellers planning a small-group or tailor-made trip to Georgia with Justvia Bespoke Travel.
Are flights included in the price?
No. Our prices are land-only unless stated otherwise. You book your UK to Georgia flights separately, and we are happy to advise on the best routes and timings when you enquire. See how to get to Svaneti, with example flights →
How do I reserve a place on Warm Svaneti, and what is the deposit?
A £150 per person deposit reserves your place, paid securely online by card or PayPal. It comes off the £990 land-only price, so the remaining £840 is due six weeks before departure. Prefer to ask a few questions first? You can send an enquiry or message us on WhatsApp.
When is the balance due?
The remaining £840 is due six weeks before departure. Bookings made within six weeks of departure are paid in full at the time of booking rather than by deposit. We will send a clear reminder in good time.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your £150 deposit is fully refundable within 14 days of payment, on bookings made more than six weeks before departure. If you have paid the full £990, the whole amount is refundable on the same terms. Within six weeks of departure, bookings are paid in full at checkout and the 14-day refund period does not apply. For bookings made more than six weeks before departure, if you cancel within 14 days of making your initial booking payment, we will refund all amounts paid for that booking, including the full £990 per person if you chose to pay in full. This 14-day promise takes precedence over the standard cancellation scale below. A later balance payment does not start a new 14-day period. After the 14-day refund period, the deposit is non-refundable, and cancellation charges apply: more than 4 weeks before departure, you lose only the deposit; 2 to 4 weeks, 50% of the tour price; less than 2 weeks, 100%. We strongly recommend travel insurance with cancellation cover.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is required for all Justvia trips. We recommend a policy that covers medical emergencies, mountain activities and trip cancellation. If you would like help choosing a policy, just ask when you enquire.
How big are the groups?
Warm Svaneti has a maximum of eight travellers. For Tbilisi and Beyond and Winter Georgia, group size and available dates are confirmed when you enquire. We can also arrange either itinerary for your own friends or family.
When is the next Warm Svaneti departure?
May 2027, in a small group of up to eight. Exact dates are being confirmed; send an enquiry and we will tell you first.
How fit do I need to be?
A moderate level of fitness is plenty. Expect some walking on mountain paths, but the pace is relaxed and we adapt the balance of hiking and driving to the group. Tell us your comfort level and we will plan around it.
Is there a single supplement?
No. There is no single supplement on the May 2027 Warm Svaneti departure, and solo travellers have their own room at no extra cost. Just let us know when you enquire.
Can you create a private, tailor-made trip?
Yes. That is what Create Your Tour is for. Tell us your dates, interests and budget, and we will design a private route around you across Georgia.
Still have a question? Send us an enquiry or message us on WhatsApp.
Questions by topic
Heritage Trails Tour
Is Heritage Trails a group tour?
Enquire for available dates and group arrangements. We confirm those details and the price before you book. We can also arrange this itinerary just for your own company of friends, family or colleagues, on agreed dates.
Can you arrange this trip just for our own group?
Yes. We can arrange the itinerary for your own group on agreed dates, subject to availability. Tell us roughly when you would like to travel, how many of you there are and your hotel preferences. We will confirm the arrangements and price before you book.
How much walking is involved?
The hikes last from 2 to 4 hours, mostly on wide paths with no big climbs. The one harder section is the climb to the fortress of Mutso, about 25 minutes on a narrow, rocky trail that needs sure feet and no fear of heights. Sturdy hiking boots are important, and poles can help.
What are the rooms like?
In Tbilisi and Stepantsminda you stay in 3-star hotels and a family hotel. In Shatili the rooms are very basic, with bathrooms shared between several rooms. It is part of the experience of being in such a remote village.
What should I pack?
Sturdy hiking boots, a rain jacket for changeable mountain weather and warm clothes for the cool evenings. We send a full list when you book.
Are flights included?
No. The price is land only. International flights from the UK are booked separately, and we are happy to suggest routes to Tbilisi.
Immersive Georgia Tour
Is Immersive Georgia a group tour?
Enquire for available dates and group arrangements. We confirm those details and the price before you book. We can also arrange this itinerary just for your own company of friends, family or colleagues, on agreed dates.
Can you arrange this trip just for our own group?
Yes. We can arrange the itinerary for your own group on agreed dates, subject to availability. Tell us roughly when you would like to travel, how many of you there are and your hotel preferences. We will confirm the arrangements and price before you book.
How much walking is involved?
The hikes are easy to moderate. The programme gives about 1.5 to 2 hours for the Samshvilde ruins and for the Gveleti waterfalls, and 3 to 3.5 hours for the Chalaadi Glacier on day 7: 8 km on a rocky trail with 600 m up and down. We confirm the time for the Truso Valley hike on day 11 when you enquire.
When does it run?
The price is quoted for departures from June to September 2027. Tell us when you would like to travel, and we will confirm the dates and what to expect at that time.
Can the route be changed?
Tell us how many days you have and what you would like to see, and we will see what is possible and what it costs.
Are flights included?
No. The price is land only. International flights from the UK are booked separately, and we are happy to suggest routes to Tbilisi.
Javakheti and Meskheti Tour
Is Javakheti and Meskheti a group tour?
Enquire for available dates and group arrangements. We confirm those details and the price before you book. We can also arrange this itinerary just for your own company of friends, family or colleagues, on agreed dates.
Can you arrange this trip just for our own group?
Yes. We can arrange the itinerary for your own group on agreed dates, subject to availability. Tell us roughly when you would like to travel and how many of you there are. We will confirm the arrangements and price before you book.
How hard is the walking?
Several days are full hikes, including Mount Shaori on day 2 and the Bertakana settlement on day 4, which takes most of the day. We confirm the walking times, the height gain and the easier options when you enquire.
Where do we sleep?
In family guesthouses for six nights, and in tents for one night at Zeda Tmogvi on day 5. Tents and trekking poles are part of the price, and your tents, food and bags are carried for you to Zeda Tmogvi. We tell you what else to bring when you enquire.
Which airport do we use?
You can fly in and out of Tbilisi or Kutaisi. The price is the same for both.
Are flights included?
No. The price is land only. International flights from the UK are booked separately, and we are happy to suggest routes to Georgia.
Adjara Walking Tour
Is Adjara Walking a group tour?
Enquire for available dates and group arrangements. We confirm those details and the price before you book. We can also arrange this itinerary just for your own company of friends, family or colleagues, on agreed dates.
Can you arrange this trip just for our own group?
Yes. We can arrange the itinerary for your own group on agreed dates, subject to availability. Tell us roughly when you would like to travel and how many of you there are. We will confirm the arrangements and price before you book.
How hard is the walking?
There are five walking days and one mountain ascent, Mount Latevra, on day 5. We confirm the walking times, the height gain and the easier options when you enquire, so you can decide with the facts in front of you.
Do we need our own camping gear?
Tents and trekking poles are part of the price. When you enquire we tell you what else to bring, such as sleeping bags, and what the arrangements are for carrying your bags.
Which airport do we use?
You can fly in and out of Tbilisi or Kutaisi. The price differs slightly, as shown in the table. Tell us which airport suits your flights and we confirm the arrangements.
Are flights included?
No. The price is land only. International flights from the UK are booked separately, and we are happy to suggest routes to Georgia.
Western Georgia Tour
Is Western Georgia a group tour?
Enquire for available dates and group arrangements. We confirm those details and the price before you book. We can also arrange this itinerary just for your own company of friends, family or colleagues, on agreed dates.
Can you arrange this trip just for our own group?
Yes. We can arrange the itinerary for your own group on agreed dates, subject to availability. Tell us roughly when you would like to travel, how many of you there are and your hotel preferences. We will confirm the arrangements and price before you book.
How much walking is involved?
The walking is easy to moderate: canyon paths and walkways, short walks to waterfalls, a cave, churches and village streets. There are no long hikes. The first and last days are long drives.
What if my flight arrives in the evening or leaves in the morning?
The first and last days are planned around your flight times. We agree the plan with you before you book.
When is the best time to go?
Dates are on enquiry. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will tell you what to expect at that time of year, including the mountain roads in Racha.
Are flights included?
No. The price is land only. International flights from the UK are booked separately, and we are happy to suggest routes to Tbilisi.
Getting to Georgia
Which airport should I fly into for a Georgia tour?
Tbilisi (TBS) for Winter Georgia, Tbilisi and Beyond and Mountains and Wine. Kutaisi (KUT) for Warm Svaneti. Each tour page names its airport.
Are flights included in the tours?
No. Our tours are land only, so you book your own international flights. We are happy to look at routes and timings with you before you buy.
Is the airport transfer included?
On Winter Georgia, Tbilisi and Beyond and Mountains and Wine, yes: we arrange your airport transfer on arrival and departure. For Warm Svaneti, the transfer from Kutaisi airport to your hotel is included too. Each tour page sets out exactly what the price covers.
My flight lands in the middle of the night. What happens?
Tell us your flight details when you enquire. Your room may not be ready straight away on an early landing, and we plan the first day around your arrival. If you would like an extra night before day one, we check availability and confirm the price before you book.
Do I need a visa for Georgia?
British citizens can visit without a visa for up to a year, according to the UK government's travel advice (checked 15 October 2026). Other passports have different rules, so check your own government's advice or tell us your nationality and we will point you to the right place.
Mountains and Wine: Seven Days in Tbilisi, Kazbegi and Kakheti
How hard is the walking on the Kazbegi tour?
Easy to moderate. Tbilisi is explored on foot at an easy pace, and day 4 in Kazbegi is the one more substantial walking day, adjusted to your ability and the weather. There is a less demanding alternative on that day for anyone who prefers it.
Is Mountains and Wine a group tour?
This programme is offered as a private journey for your own company. Dates, group arrangements and the price are confirmed on enquiry before you book.
Where do we stay on this seven-day tour?
There are six nights. Choose a Tbilisi overnight stay on day 5 for four nights in Tbilisi and two in Kazbegi. Alternatively, stay in Kakheti on day 5 for three nights in Tbilisi, two in Kazbegi and one in Kakheti. Both versions visit Kakheti on day 6 and return to Tbilisi for the last night. Your version and accommodation are agreed before booking.
Which dates can we book for the Kazbegi walking tour?
Tell us your preferred dates when you enquire. We check availability and confirm the walking plan, difficulty and weather alternatives before you book. There are no confirmed departure dates shown for this programme.
Are flights included?
No. The price is land only. International flights from the UK are booked separately, and we are happy to suggest routes to Tbilisi.
Can we change the itinerary?
Tell us what you have in mind when you enquire. We will check what is possible and confirm any revised programme and price before you book.
More on Mountains and Wine: Seven Days in Tbilisi, Kazbegi and Kakheti →
Winter Georgia: Seven Days of Wine and Snow
Do I need to ski to enjoy Winter Georgia?
No. The first half of the trip is Tbilisi and Kakheti wine country, and the mountain days have free time you can spend skiing, walking in the snow or resting. Mixed groups of skiers and non-skiers are exactly who this trip is built for.
Are lift passes and ski hire included?
No. Lift passes, ski or snowboard equipment and lessons in Gudauri and Bakuriani are paid separately. Tell us when you enquire and we will help you arrange them.
Is Winter Georgia a group tour?
Enquire for available dates and group arrangements. We confirm those details and the price before you book. We can also arrange this itinerary just for your own company of friends, family or colleagues, on agreed dates.
Can you arrange this trip just for our own group?
Yes. We can arrange the itinerary for your own group on agreed dates, subject to availability. Tell us roughly when you would like to travel, how many of you there are and your hotel preferences. We will confirm the arrangements and price before you book.
What if the road to Gudauri is closed by snow?
The Georgian Military Road sometimes closes for a time after heavy snow. When that happens we change the order of the days, and your guide keeps you informed throughout.
Are flights included?
No. The price is land only. International flights from the UK are booked separately, and we are happy to suggest routes to Tbilisi.
Can we change the itinerary?
If you would like a trip for your own group, tell us about any extra nights or changes when you enquire. We will check what is possible and confirm the revised programme and price before you book.
Tbilisi and Beyond: Six Days in Georgia
Is Tbilisi and Beyond a group tour?
Enquire for available dates and group arrangements. We confirm those details and the price before you book. We can also arrange this itinerary just for your own company of friends, family or colleagues, on agreed dates.
Can you arrange this trip just for our own group?
Yes. We can arrange the itinerary for your own group on agreed dates, subject to availability. Tell us roughly when you would like to travel, how many of you there are and your hotel preferences. We will confirm the arrangements and price before you book.
How much walking is involved?
The walking is easy to moderate: the old town of Tbilisi, monasteries, Sighnaghi and the cave town of Uplistsikhe, on paths, cobbles and steps. There are no hikes. The trip does include some long days in the car, the longest being the road to Kazbegi and back.
What if my flight arrives in the evening or leaves in the morning?
The first and last days are planned around your flight times. With a late arrival the Tbilisi walk moves to another day, and with an early departure the last day is shortened or rearranged. We agree this with you before you book.
Can this tour be done in winter?
Yes. Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kakheti and Uplistsikhe are visited all year. The road to Kazbegi can close after heavy snow, and on those days the order of the trip is changed.
Are flights included?
No. The price is land only. International flights from the UK are booked separately, and we are happy to suggest routes to Tbilisi.
Can we change the itinerary?
If you would like a trip for your own group, tell us about any extra nights or changes when you enquire. We will check what is possible and confirm the revised programme and price before you book.
Giorgoba: How Georgia Celebrates St George's Day on 23 November
When is Giorgoba in 2026?
Giorgoba, St George's Day in Georgia, is on Monday 23 November 2026. It is a public holiday, so offices and banks are closed and many Georgians have a long weekend. The date is the same every year.
Why does Georgia celebrate St George twice?
The Georgian Orthodox Church keeps two feasts of St George. The one on 6 May corresponds to 23 April in the old Julian calendar, the date England also uses. The one on 23 November is a distinctly Georgian tradition: church tradition says it was instituted by St Nino and remembers the saint's martyrdom on the wheel. Only the November feast is a public holiday.
What do you say to someone on Giorgoba?
The usual greeting is "Gilotsavt Giorgobas!", which means "Happy Giorgoba". If you know someone called Giorgi, it is also his name day, so a greeting to him is especially welcome.
Is Georgia worth visiting in late November?
For Tbilisi, Mtskheta, food and wine, yes: it is quiet, mild in the lowlands and you may catch a feast day. For mountain walking in Svaneti, no: by late November the high villages are cold and snow is possible, and walking routes there are best from May to October.
What is Jgrag in Svaneti?
Jgrag is the Svan name for St George. Several churches in Svaneti are known by it, including the church of St George at Nakipari, with frescoes painted in 1130, and the church of St George in Zhibiani, one of the villages of Ushguli.
More on Giorgoba: How Georgia Celebrates St George's Day on 23 November →
Walking in Georgia With a Toddler: What to Check Before You Book
Can you take a one-year-old on a walking holiday in Georgia?
It can be possible to design a walking holiday around a very young child, but it should not simply be a shortened adult trek. In Svaneti we would choose walking sections individually, keep the days short, exclude river crossings and exposed ground, confirm vehicle access for each walk and review daytime and sleeping altitudes carefully. Parents should discuss the proposed itinerary with their child's paediatrician before booking.
What altitude is safe for a 14 month old?
There is no single evidence-based altitude that can be declared safe for every 14-month-old. A 2023 survey of doctors in the French Alps reported median recommendations for a single day at altitude of 1,600 metres at twelve months and 2,000 metres at twenty-four months. A 2025 French Delphi study recommended a maximum of 2,000 metres for children under one and 2,500 metres for children under three, together with gradual ascent and careful monitoring. These are expert recommendations, not a guarantee of safety for an individual child. Discuss your child's health and the exact itinerary with your paediatrician.
Is the Mestia to Ushguli trek suitable for families with a toddler?
We would not use the classic four-day traverse for a toddler in a carrier. The standard route involves walking days of roughly five to seven hours, reaches around 2,700 metres and includes an unbridged glacial river crossing below Adishi. A family itinerary needs to be designed separately, using selected lower and vehicle-accessible walks rather than treating the classic trek as something that can simply be shortened.
When is the best time to walk in Svaneti with a young child?
For this kind of family trip, we would usually look first at September, when the main summer snowmelt period has passed and conditions can be more favourable for walking. Mountain weather varies from year to year, however, so the final route should be based on current conditions rather than the calendar alone.
Should you stay overnight in Ushguli with a toddler?
Ushguli is above 2,000 metres, so we would not automatically include an overnight stay for a very young child. The medical literature does not provide a precise overnight threshold for every age and every child. We would show the family the proposed altitude profile, ask them to discuss it with their paediatrician and consider a day visit instead if that is the more cautious choice.
Do Svaneti guesthouses have rooms suitable for a family with a baby?
Some do, but each guesthouse should be checked individually. Ask about the actual room, space for your sleeping arrangement or travel cot, bathroom access, hot water and whether the kitchen can be used for the child's meals. Do not rely only on a general description such as "family-friendly".
More on Walking in Georgia With a Toddler: What to Check Before You Book →
What to Pack for Walking in Svaneti, Georgia
What should I pack for hiking in Svaneti?
Three layers (quick-drying base, warm mid-layer, waterproof shell), broken-in walking boots with ankle support, walking socks and a blister kit, a warm hat and gloves in any month, a sun hat and sun cream, a 20 to 30 litre day pack, a refillable water bottle, cash in small lari notes, a power bank and a UK-to-European travel adaptor. A complete kit list comes with the pre-trip information pack for Justvia departures.
How cold does it get in Svaneti in September?
Long-term averages for Mestia, at around 1,500 metres, put September daytime temperatures in the mid-teens with cold nights, and by October the first snow can fall in town. Above 2,000 metres it is colder and windier in any month. Pack the full layering system plus a warm hat and gloves, and a warm layer for guesthouse evenings.
Do I need walking boots or are trainers enough?
Boots. Svaneti paths are loose stone, roots and mud after rain, with long descents. Broken-in boots with ankle support and a grippy sole are the single most useful item on the list. Trainers are fine in town and for the evening.
Can I pay by card in Svaneti?
In Mestia, some businesses take cards and there are ATMs. Beyond Mestia, card acceptance is limited and ATM access is unreliable, so withdraw enough lari before leaving town, in small notes, and carry it for coffees, extras and anything bought directly from local families.
What plug adaptor do I need for Georgia?
Georgia uses Type C and F sockets at 220 V / 50 Hz, so UK travellers need a standard UK-to-European travel adaptor. A power bank is useful for long walking days.
Do I have to carry all my luggage on a Justvia walking week?
No. On our vehicle-supported Svaneti week you walk with a day pack and your main bag travels with the vehicle between stays. On the guesthouse-to-guesthouse Mestia to Ushguli traverse, which we arrange as a bespoke trip, you carry your own full kit.
The Adishi River Crossing, Honestly: What to Expect
Is the Adishi river crossing dangerous?
It needs respect rather than fear. The Adishchala is cold, opaque glacial water over loose stone, and it changes with season, weather and time of day. Crossed early in the morning, at a wide braided section, with poles and an unclipped hip belt, it is a normal part of the trek. Fitness alone does not determine whether the crossing is safe: conditions on the day do. If it looks wrong, take the horse or turn back and seek current local advice. Do not force a crossing that feels unsafe.
How much does the horse crossing at Adishi cost?
Families from Adishi bring horses to the crossing in the morning for much of the season, and recent walkers report paying around 20 to 25 lari in cash. Availability and price are not guaranteed and should be confirmed on the day, either in Adishi the evening before or at the river itself.
What time of day is best to cross the Adishchala?
Morning, as early as you can manage. The river is fed by glacial melt, so it is lowest before the sun has worked on the ice and rises through the afternoon. Leaving Adishi early means crossing a smaller river.
How deep is the Adishi river crossing?
There is no honest fixed answer. Depth varies by channel, by hour and by season, and the same point can be a very different proposition on a September morning and in June. Judge it on the day with local advice from Adishi, and treat the horse as a perfectly good alternative rather than a defeat.
Can you do the Mestia to Ushguli trek without crossing the river?
Yes, in two ways. Day walkers and vehicle-supported itineraries reach Ushguli by road, which is how our own Svaneti trips work. On the traverse itself, the crossing belongs to the Adishi to Iprali stage, so route variations that skip that stage also skip the river, at the cost of missing some of the finest scenery. The comparison is covered in our Mestia to Ushguli guide.
More on The Adishi River Crossing, Honestly: What to Expect →
A Night in a Svaneti Guesthouse: What to Expect
Do Svaneti guesthouses have private bathrooms?
In Mestia, increasingly yes: many guesthouses are now small hotels in all but name, with en-suite rooms and reliable hot water. In the small villages along the Mestia to Ushguli route, shared bathrooms are still common and hot water is usual but not guaranteed. If a private bathroom matters to you, base yourself in Mestia or Ushguli and ask when booking.
Do I need to book guesthouses ahead on the Mestia to Ushguli trek?
Book ahead in Mestia and Ushguli in season. In the small villages between them, walkers often find beds on arrival, but places like Adishi have only a handful of houses, so in July and August booking ahead, or asking your previous host to phone the next village, is the calmer approach.
What food do Svan guesthouses serve?
Dinner and breakfast cooked by the family: khachapuri, kubdari, fresh cheese, garden vegetables, soups, beans and endless tea, with the house wine or chacha sometimes offered as hospitality. Vegetarians manage well. Vegans and travellers with allergies should explain clearly on arrival, ideally with a translated note.
Do guesthouses in Svaneti take cards?
Assume cash. Mestia has cash machines and some card acceptance, but in the villages along the trekking route payment is in lari, in cash, settled at the end of your stay. Take out what you need before leaving Mestia.
Are Svaneti guesthouses warm at night?
The blankets are serious and rooms are heated by stoves or heaters, but autumn nights in the high villages are properly cold. Pack a warm layer to sleep in and keep the room door shut. It is part of the charm once you are under the blankets, and less so before.
Mestia or Ushguli: Where to Base Yourself in Svaneti
Is Ushguli worth staying overnight?
For most travellers, yes, at least one night. For much of the day Ushguli belongs to day visitors; the empty lanes, the evening light on Shkhara and the quiet morning walk towards the glacier only exist for people who stay. The trade is simpler guesthouses, shared bathrooms and no reliable cash machine, so bring lari from Mestia.
Can you visit Ushguli as a day trip from Mestia?
Yes, and many people do, by shared or private jeep along a rough unpaved road. It works, but it puts you in the village during exactly the hours when everyone else is there, and takes you away before Ushguli becomes itself once most visitors have gone. If your schedule allows one change, swap the day trip for a night.
Is Mestia or Ushguli better for walking?
Mestia, for variety: the Chalaadi glacier and Koruldi meadows walks are readily accessible from Mestia, and the classic route towards Ushguli begins here. Ushguli's own signature walk, up the valley towards the Shkhara glacier, is one of the finest easy half-days in the Caucasus, but it is essentially one walk. Base in Mestia for a walking week, and give Ushguli a night within it.
Does Ushguli have cash machines or card payment?
Assume neither. Ushguli's guesthouses and cafés run on cash in lari, and the nearest reliable cash machines are in Mestia. Take out everything you expect to spend before you leave town, with a margin for the unplanned second night.
Is the road from Mestia to Ushguli paved?
The mountain road is rough and partly unpaved in places, and it is slower than the distance suggests, usually driven in 4x4s or sturdy minibuses. Conditions vary with weather and ongoing road works. Check locally before travelling.
More on Mestia or Ushguli: Where to Base Yourself in Svaneti →
Mestia to Ushguli: The Classic Trek and a More Flexible Way to Walk Svaneti
Is the Adishchala river crossing dangerous?
It is cold and it needs care rather than courage. Both published guides describe the same two options: wade it, or hire a horse from a local family, quoted by them at 20 to 25 lari per person and sometimes more; availability and price should be confirmed on the day. The river runs highest in early summer and lower by September, and rises through the day, so start early where you have the choice. This is one part of the route where recent local knowledge beats a downloaded track.
Can the Mestia to Ushguli trek be done in three days?
Published guides describe it as three to four days. Three means longer days and no margin if the weather interrupts you.
Do I need a permit to walk from Mestia to Ushguli?
No permit is required to walk in this part of Georgia. What you do need is travel insurance that covers mountain walking at the altitudes involved.
Is there phone signal on the trek?
Patchy, and better in the villages than between them. Treat it as a place where you are out of contact for parts of the day.
How do I get back from Ushguli?
Independently, most walkers take a marshrutka back to Mestia, and connections are frequent in season. On a private trip the return is arranged.
What about luggage on the Mestia to Ushguli trek?
On the traverse you carry your personal kit for the full traverse, while guesthouses provide beds and meals. Justvia does not offer a luggage transfer service, so if you are planning independently, plan to carry your own kit.
More on Mestia to Ushguli: The Classic Trek and a More Flexible Way to Walk Svaneti →
A Week in Svaneti, Day by Day
How fit do I need to be for a week in Svaneti?
You should be comfortable walking several hours on uneven mountain paths. The biggest days on Justvia's Warm Svaneti week are roughly 14 to 19 kilometres with 500 to 700 metres of ascent, and the week includes gentler days and a rest day in Mestia. No trekking CV is required.
How do you get to Svaneti from the UK?
Fly from the UK to Kutaisi, usually with one connection in Europe, then drive up to Mestia in Upper Svaneti, a scenic transfer of around five to six hours. On Justvia departures the airport pick-up and all mountain transfers are arranged for you.
Where do you stay on a Svaneti walking holiday?
On Justvia's Warm Svaneti week you stay in comfortable hotels in Kutaisi and warm family-run guesthouses in the mountains, including several nights in and around Mestia. Solo travellers get their own room at no extra charge on the May 2027 departure.
Is Georgia Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Is Georgia safe for a woman travelling alone?
Yes, for most visitors. Georgia has low levels of everyday crime and a strong culture of hospitality, and solo female travellers are common in cities and mountain regions alike. Use normal city precautions after dark, and check the UK FCDO travel advice, which advises against travel to Abkhazia, South Ossetia and the areas immediately beside their administrative boundary lines.
What should women wear in Georgia?
In Georgian cities, dress as you would in southern Europe, and hiking clothes are normal in the mountains. In churches and monasteries shoulders and knees should be covered and women are usually asked to cover their hair, so a light scarf is worth carrying.
Is it safe to hike alone in Svaneti?
The main risks when hiking in Svaneti are mountain ones: fast-changing weather, unsigned paths and remoteness, rather than crime. Solo hikers, male or female, are safer walking with a local guide who checks conditions daily, which is how Justvia runs its small-group walks.
Walking Holidays with No Single Supplement: What to Check
What is a single supplement on a walking holiday?
A single supplement is an extra charge added to the per-person price when a traveller books alone and uses a room by themselves. Group holidays are usually priced for two people sharing a twin room, so the supplement covers the second, empty bed. It can add hundreds of pounds to the advertised price.
How do I avoid paying a single supplement?
Look for operators that offer solo travellers their own room at no extra charge, or that price per person rather than per twin room. Always confirm the total solo price in writing before paying a deposit, and check whether "no supplement" means your own room or sharing with a stranger.
Does Justvia charge a single supplement?
No. On the May 2027 Warm Svaneti departure, solo travellers get their own room at no extra charge. The price is 990 pounds per person with a 150 pound deposit, and the departure runs regardless of group size.
More on Walking Holidays with No Single Supplement: What to Check →
Walking in Georgia as a Solo Traveller
Do solo travellers pay a single supplement with Justvia?
No. On the May 2027 Warm Svaneti departure there is no single supplement: solo travellers get their own room at no extra charge. The price is 990 pounds per person.
Do UK travellers need a visa for Georgia?
British passport holders can currently visit Georgia visa-free for up to a year. Visa rules can change, so confirm on the UK FCDO travel advice for Georgia before you travel.
How long is the flight from London to Georgia?
Direct flights from London to Georgia take around five hours. Justvia confirms the best arrival airport and arranges the onward mountain transfers for each departure.
Getting to Warm Svaneti from the UK
Which airport should I fly into for Svaneti?
Most travellers fly into Kutaisi (KUT), the closest airport to Svaneti and the start of our group transfers. There are also direct flights to Tbilisi, but Tbilisi is much further from Svaneti by road, so Kutaisi is usually the better choice.
Can I fly from somewhere other than the UK?
Yes. Tell us where you are flying from and which passport you hold, and we will look at routes with you. Entry rules depend on your nationality, so please check your own government's advice as well. More in our guide to getting to Georgia.
Are flights included in the tour?
No. The tour is land only, so international flights are not included. We are happy to help you find the best route from the UK.
How do I get from the airport to the tour?
You are met at Kutaisi airport and driven to your hotel. All transfers are in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle that we arrange, with a 4x4 where the mountain roads need one.
How much do flights from the UK usually cost?
In June 2026, London to Kutaisi was usually one stop, and booked early return fares started from around £100 to £180, more in peak periods. Always check current prices when you book.
How do we travel around once we arrive?
By road in a vehicle we arrange (a 4x4 where needed) and on foot on hiking days. Gentler or vehicle-based options are available on most days.
Ready-Made Tours
What ready-made tours do you offer?
Warm Svaneti is our eight-day walking tour. Tbilisi and Beyond is a six-day culture and wine itinerary, and Winter Georgia is seven days of wine and snow. Western Georgia is eight days of canyons, caves, the Racha mountains and the Black Sea, Adjara Walking is eight days on foot above Batumi, and Javakheti and Meskheti is eight days in the south with the cave city of Vardzia. Immersive Georgia is a sixteen-day journey across the whole country. Dates and group arrangements are confirmed when you enquire. Mountains and Wine is a seven-day private walking and culture journey, and Heritage Trails is ten days of easy hikes in Khevsureti and Kazbegi. Both have a price on request.
How big are the groups?
Warm Svaneti has a maximum of eight travellers. For our other tours, group size and available dates are confirmed when you enquire. We can also arrange any of them for your own friends or family, on agreed dates.
Are flights included?
No, our tours are land only; international flights are not included. Our guide to getting to Georgia covers airports, routes and entry rules.
Can I travel solo?
You can enquire as a solo traveller. Warm Svaneti welcomes solo travellers; for our other itineraries, we confirm the available arrangements and price for your dates.
What if I want something different?
We also plan tailor-made trips. Create your own tour.
Reserve Your Place - Warm Svaneti Tour
Is the deposit refundable?
Your £150 deposit is fully refundable within 14 days of payment, on bookings made more than six weeks before departure. If you have paid the full £990, the whole amount is refundable on the same terms. Within six weeks of departure, bookings are paid in full at checkout and the 14-day refund period does not apply. For bookings made more than six weeks before departure, if you cancel within 14 days of making your initial booking payment, we will refund all amounts paid for that booking, including the full £990 per person if you chose to pay in full. This 14-day promise takes precedence over the standard cancellation scale below. A later balance payment does not start a new 14-day period. After the 14-day refund period, it becomes non-refundable, and cancellation charges apply: more than 4 weeks before departure, you lose only the deposit; 2 to 4 weeks, 50% of the tour price; less than 2 weeks, 100%. Full terms are in our Cancellation Policy.
When is the balance due?
The remaining £840 of the £990 land-only price is due six weeks before departure. Bookings made within six weeks of departure are paid in full at the time of booking rather than by deposit. We send a reminder and an invoice in good time.
How do I pay the deposit?
Securely online by debit or credit card, or with PayPal. Paying by PayPal adds PayPal Buyer Protection at no cost to you. You receive a written confirmation and receipt once your place is held.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is required for all guests.
What does the price include?
The price is per person, land only. International flights are not included. See the Warm Svaneti tour page for the full details.
About Justvia
What is Justvia Bespoke Travel?
Justvia Bespoke Travel is a London-based travel brand offering small-group and tailor-made journeys to Georgia, with local guides on the ground.
Is Justvia a registered company?
Yes. Justvia Bespoke Travel is the trading name of Justvia Limited, registered in England and Wales (company number 11234571). You can verify us on the Companies House public register.
Who leads the tours?
Our trips are led on the ground by experienced local guides. Meet Jurijs, our founder.
Where do you run trips?
Georgia is our focus, from the mountains of Svaneti to its valleys, food and culture.
How do I get in touch?
Call or WhatsApp +44 7845 082084, or email contact@justvia.com. We reply within one working day.
Warm Svaneti - Small-Group Tour of Georgia
How do I reserve a place?
Reserve online in a couple of minutes: a £150 deposit per person, paid securely by card or PayPal, holds your place. Prefer to talk first? Send an enquiry or book a short planning call and we confirm availability, dates and room options before you pay. The remaining £840 of the £990 land-only price is due six weeks before departure. Bookings made within six weeks of departure are paid in full at the time of booking rather than by deposit.
What's the cancellation policy?
Your £150 deposit is fully refundable within 14 days of payment, on bookings made more than six weeks before departure. If the departure dates we confirm do not suit you, we will also refund your deposit in full. If you have paid the full £990, the whole amount is refundable on the same terms. Within six weeks of departure, bookings are paid in full at checkout and the 14-day refund period does not apply. For bookings made more than six weeks before departure, if you cancel within 14 days of making your initial booking payment, we will refund all amounts paid for that booking, including the full £990 per person if you chose to pay in full. This 14-day promise takes precedence over the standard cancellation scale below. A later balance payment does not start a new 14-day period. After the 14-day refund period, it becomes non-refundable, and cancellation charges apply: more than 4 weeks before departure, you lose only the deposit; 2 to 4 weeks, 50% of the tour price; less than 2 weeks, 100%. We strongly recommend travel insurance with cancellation cover. Full terms are in our Cancellation Policy.
How do I pay?
Pay your £150 deposit securely online by debit or credit card, or with PayPal. Paying by PayPal adds PayPal Buyer Protection at no cost to you. You receive a written confirmation and receipt once your place is held.
Do I need to be very fit?
No. Trails range from easy village walks to longer mountain days, and we tailor each itinerary to your ability. Gentler and vehicle-based options are available on most days.
Is Georgia safe?
Georgia is generally considered safe for tourists, and Tbilisi ranks among the safer capitals in the region. Standard precautions apply, and we share practical guidance with every itinerary.
Still thinking about Georgia?
We'll send the full Svaneti itinerary, the best time to go, and UK flight tips.
