Author's tour of Georgia "My Love, Samegrelo"

Samegrelo (Georgian: სამეგრელო, Megrel: Samargalo-Samargalo, Russian: Megrelia, Mingrelia) - a territory between the rivers Rioni, Tskhenistskali, Inguri, and the Black Sea. The name comes from the historical region of Egrisi.

This beautiful land has been inhabited since ancient times. The Greek city of Phasis (today's Poti) is mentioned in the legend of the Argonauts. The ancient Archeopolis (Nokalakevi, Tsikhe-Godji) was triumphantly entered by the legions of Gnaeus Pompeius, the princely Dadiani family, who had connections with Murat himself, and it is known from the Middle Ages.

But only a few people have had the chance to visit the most beautiful and hidden places of Samegrelo. And it's a shame! Here, you will find stunning nature: canyons, waterfalls, pure mountain water, beech groves, amazing caves, and beautiful mountain lakes. It will be hard to resist diving into the crystal-clear turquoise waters of mountain rivers or standing under the splashes of waterfalls during the summer heat. And in the cool evening, you can relax in the warm mineral springs.

In Samegrelo, ancient churches, monasteries, and fortresses have also been preserved. Not all of them are easily accessible, but they are worth seeing in person. Well, at least the most important ones. For example, the Zugdidi Church of the Icon of the Virgin of Vlakhern, where, in addition to the icon itself, common Christian treasures are kept - the robe and part of the belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, the relics of St. George and St. John, the brush of St. Marina, and a piece of the sponge from which Jesus Christ drank vinegar. Or the Martvili Monastery from the 7th century, with one of the oldest wine cellars in Georgia. Or the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior in Tsalenjikha, built in the 12th-14th centuries. And, of course, the archaeological site of Nokalakevi, the ancient and magnificent city of Archeopolis that existed from prehistoric times until the 7th century AD. Even the excavations carried out by archaeologists speak of its size and grandeur.

But Samegrelo is not just history - it is also modernity. The majestic Inguri Dam is no less impressive than the ancient archaeological sites. It is the highest arch dam in Europe, standing at 271.5 meters, and has created the beautiful Inguri Reservoir, beautifully fitting into the narrow gorge of the Inguri River.

And, of course, the people. The Megrelians. Hospitable, eloquent, cheerful, loving, cunning, and kind. They are a wonderful people. We will experience the daily life and taste of a Megrelian village. And the spicy and abundant Megrelian cuisine will leave no one indifferent.

Tour Program:

✅ Day 1. Gamordzgua - Hello

Meeting at Tbilisi (Kutaisi) airport.
Hotel accommodation. Rest.
City tour in the evening.
Welcome dinner.

📌 Arrival in Tbilisi, transfer to the hotel, free time, welcome dinner.
📌 Participants arriving at Kutaisi airport will receive an equivalent program in Kutaisi.

✅ Day 2: To the ancient capital of Egrisi

Morning. After breakfast, we board the bus for our trip to the Samegrelo region, starting with a stop at the Rikotula River Gorge near the Ubisi Monastery. This place is home to some of the most beautiful frescoes in Georgia, dating back to the 17th century. The colors have remarkably well-preserved, and the paintings resemble more like artworks than traditional church frescoes.
The first attraction in Samegrelo is the Teklati Monastery, which played an important role in the cultural life of the region. Since 1904, the monastery has housed the icon of the Mother of God, known as the "Undying Color," brought from Mount Athos. It also houses the incorruptible large finger of the right hand of St. John the Baptist, placed in a silver casket.
We'll take a short walk to the Shkhepi Fortress to stretch our legs and breathe in the fresh forest air.
The main highlight of the first day in Samegrelo is the Nokalakevi archaeological site. This ancient fortress city, located in the Senaki municipality, was the capital of Egrisi and was well-known to the ancient Greeks and Romans.
To conclude the first day of our journey, after bathing in the Tehuri River near the hot geysers, we'll admire the beautifully illuminated Nokalakevi fortress with glasses of cold Tsolikauri wine in hand.

📌 Ubisi Monastery, Teklati Monastery, Shkhemi Fortress, Nokalakevi Archaeological Site, Tehuri River Hot Geysers

✅ Day 3: Treasures of Martvili

The morning will begin with a light walk to the Abedati Fortress. It is believed to have functioned throughout the entire Middle Ages, from the 4th to the late 18th century. Parmen Zakaria suggested that the oldest part of the fortress is the historical city of Onoguris from the ancient period.
Next, we'll visit the center of the Chkondidi Eparchy, the Martvili Monastery. The first cruciform-shaped church was built here in the 6th-7th centuries and gradually expanded with additional structures.
In the midst of a hot summer day, we'll immerse ourselves in the coolness and beauty of the Martvili Canyon, one of the most incredible places not only in Samegrelo but in all of Georgia. The white limestone cliffs, carved by the turbulent or sometimes calm waters of the Abasha River, originated in the Mesozoic era.
From one canyon to another, in the evening, we'll stroll through the Balda Canyon to the Kagu Waterfall. Kagu is a 15-meter-high cascade of crystal clear water flowing over green mossy stones, creating a rainbow above the turbulent Abasha River.
After dinner by the waterfall, we'll retire to rest and prepare for a new day.

📌 Martvili Monastery, Abedati Fortress, Martvili Canyon, Balda Canyon, Kagu Waterfall

✅ Day 4: Transfiguration in Skuri

What could be more invigorating than swimming in the cool and pristine waters of the Abasha River early in the morning? And if it's in a picturesque canyon, the day will turn out to be simply wonderful.
Refreshed by the cool waters of the Abasha, we'll head to the male monastery of the Archangel in Tsatskhuri. It was founded in the 7th century, but the only surviving part is the hall church from the 18th century, and the "Tsatskhuroba" holiday celebrated on Holy Thursday.
From the monastery, we'll embark on a journey to the Tsatskhuru Waterfall. The Tsatskhuru River doesn't have a vivid turquoise hue, but its waters are cold, transparent, and crystal clear. The water cascades down from a height of 30 meters, forming numerous waterfalls and charming pools.
Continuing our journey, we'll reach the resort town of Skuri, located at an altitude of 450-500 meters above sea level. This balneological resort with a humid subtropical climate boasts beautiful nature, fresh forest air, mountain views, and healing water. Nearby, there are small but picturesque canyons and the tranquil atmosphere of the Transfiguration Monastery.
What could be more beautiful than a southern night sky full of stars, the gentle strumming of guitar strings, cold wine, and warm company? A lovely evening will conclude this eventful day.

📌 Tsatskhuri Monastery, Tsatskhuru Waterfall, Skuri Monastery

✅ Day 5: Hobiscali Canyons

One of the interesting places on the way to the next canyons of Samegrelo is the bridge in the village of Mukhuri, known as Natskha Khindji. We can't trace the etymology of its name, but it is undoubtedly considered one of the oldest bridges in Georgia. It is believed that legions of Gnaeus Pompey once marched across it.
Shurubumu Canyon is famous for its richly beautiful cascades of waterfalls and caves. Among the caves of the Mingari mountain range, the karst cave of Shurubumu is noteworthy. The cave is adorned with almost all types of melted forms - stalactites and helictites. The walls are decorated with "stone waterfalls." A stream of water flows through the cave.
Gvalashara Canyon attracts many nature lovers seeking diversity and adventure. The canyon is located near the village of Mukhuri, in the Chkhorotsku municipality, in the gorge of the Gvalashara River. The Gvalashara Canyon is home to four waterfalls. These places leave an indelible impression with their beauty.
By the end of the day, we'll visit the Ozhidale Monastery. It stands on a magnificent panoramic hill overlooking the entire Samegrelo region, the Gurian Mountains, and the Black Sea waters of Abkhazia. The church was built in the 11th century. The sun disk on the ceiling and the nearby "phallic stone" bear witness to pre-Christian rituals. The complex includes a tower built in the 8th century.
To complete our day, we'll enjoy a tasting of Megrelian wines and cuisine.

📌 Mukhuri, Shurubumu Canyon, Gvalashara Canyon, Ozhidale Monastery, winery

✅ Day 6: Dzirapasha Samargalo - Farewell to Samegrelo

The first stop on the last day of our journey through Samegrelo is the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior. It was built in the 12th-14th centuries by order of the rulers of Samegrelo, the Dadiani dynasty.
Georgia is not only about antiquity but also about modernity. The Inguri Dam is the largest hydroelectric power station in the Caucasus and one of the tallest arch dams in the world. It is located on the Inguri River near the town of Jvari. From the observation platform, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the reservoir and mountains.
The next stop is a surprise where you can experience the essence of Samegrelo. Traditional houses, Megrelian food, nature, a lake, a boat, and very hospitable hosts create an incredible combination of impressions.
And here we are in the capital of Samegrelo, Zugdidi. A visit to the Dadiani House Museum, one of Georgia's treasure troves, is a must. This ancestral nest serves as irrefutable evidence of the city's past glory. The Dadiani family name is associated with an ancient aristocratic lineage, known for its connection to Napoleon Bonaparte. As a result, the Dadiani princes inherited a large number of relics somehow related to Napoleon. Among them are pieces of furniture, personal belongings, and even one of the three death masks of the emperor.
The Zugdidi Botanical Garden was established in the past century near the Dadiani Palace as a decorative garden for the residence. To create it, Princess Dadiani, the ruler of Samegrelo, had to invite the most famous European gardeners of the 19th century.
We bid farewell to Samegrelo and set off on a long road to Tbilisi, where a farewell dinner awaits us. It's sad to part ways, but everyone will carry a piece of Samegrelo in their hearts, and it will always beckon us back.

📌 Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior, Inguri Dam, Zugdidi, Dadiani Palace, Botanical Garden, farewell dinner

✅ Day 7: Departure with Love

We start the day with breakfast and packing our belongings. Depending on the flight schedule, we plan our day accordingly. Our guides will be there to assist you in any way possible.

We depart for the airport, bidding farewell to the enchanting region of Samegrelo.

📌 Preparation for departure may include a city tour, souvenir shopping, or free time, depending on the flight schedule. Transfer to the airport.
📌 The Day 7 itinerary may vary for participants departing from Kutaisi Airport.

❗️Don't forget to bring:

• Passport
• Backpack
• Non-slip footwear (preferably hiking boots)
• Windbreaker jacket
• Warm sweater
• Raincoat
• Buff/hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal hygiene items
• Individual first aid kit

❗️Tour rules:

1. The tour will be guided by knowledgeable guides.
2. All participants are required to follow the guide's instructions to ensure a safe, organized, and equally comfortable tour for everyone.
3. Participants are not allowed to arrive at the meeting point under the influence of alcohol. Those in such a state may be excluded from the tour at the guide's discretion.
4. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in the transportation vehicle during the journey is prohibited.
5. The use of headphones while walking is prohibited.
6. Let's keep the environment clean and refrain from picking flowers.
7. Pets are not allowed on the tour.
8. To avoid potential conflicts, we refrain from discussing topics such as a) politics, b) religion, and c) football during the hike.
9. In case of unforeseen circumstances, the guide reserves the right to change the tour route.
10. As a bonus, there will be photo and video sessions, drone footage, smiles, warmth, and our love.

❗️The tour program provided is a promotional outline. Due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, certain elements of the program may be substituted with equivalent alternatives. 

❗️The average cost of the tour is indicated for two people. The final price will be determined based on your specific requirements regarding hotel standards, restaurants, and group size. A detailed tour itinerary and list of services will be sent to you via email after registration on the website or upon request.

❗️If you have allergies to specific plants, animals, food products, or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.