Mestia Car Tours: Top 5 Unforgettable Adventures
Thinking about a trip to Mestia, Georgia? It’s almost like stepping into a storybook. But figuring out how to see all its wonderful places can, very, very quickly feel a bit much. Car tours are an amazing choice! They give you that ability to uncover so much and experience so many cool destinations! And there’s no trying to figure out public transport or dealing with those crazy, winding mountain roads all on your own. So, to make that whole thing that bit simpler, I have rounded up my top 5 Mestia car tours, including what makes them that bit unique, that way you can make the best choice to fit exactly what you are after.
1. The Classic Svaneti Panorama Tour
That classic Svaneti Panorama Tour is just the tour you picture when, arguably, you consider visiting the area. It tends to cover all of what you might call “the big hits” around Mestia. So, you might see those postcard-perfect places, such as the Svan towers, of course! As well as the history museum, so, too, you’re absorbing the culture as you take in what feels almost like unbelievable mountain backdrops. It’s almost that ultimate intro to Svaneti, ideal that, naturally, it is for people who have never visited the place before and want that well rounded introduction. That benefit of taking that tour is really getting those insights from people who live around there.
What to expect: Prepare yourself, very, very early. Most of these tours typically last a full day, so you can enjoy everything at an easier, slower pace and you aren’t rushing about. In some respects, it is a guided exploration of Mestia’s main sites, featuring cultural notes alongside those photo opportunities galore.
Why it rocks: It works like your first taste of Svaneti’s vibe and history, kind of all packaged together in one handy tour.
Read our full review: Svaneti Panorama Tour Full Review and Details
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2. Ushguli: Europe’s Highest Village
Now, if you thought Mestia seemed just a little bit remote, try Ushguli! It is supposedly that very highest continuously inhabited settlement throughout Europe, arguably! That journey up there can get a little bit hairy. It really makes that need for that proper 4×4 all the more essential, or, should I say, a guide who’s taken it hundreds of times. The trek there is spectacular as it slowly rises through winding switchbacks, mountain passes and a number of those isolated, picture-perfect Svan villages.
What to expect: The road going to Ushguli, particularly as you go higher, does sometimes get rather tricky, that need for an experienced driver can’t be stated enough! The settlement itself has just incredible views of, like, the Shkhara Glacier! Plus, very cool old towers, which are that hallmark of Svaneti all right there for you.
Why it rocks: Basically, that feeling that, finally, you’ve achieved getting all the way up there, along with that stunning backdrop! It’s almost like you went back to an old period! Also, by the way, it’s a great chance to snap those amazing photos of your Instagram feed. I’m just saying!
Local insight: Look for tours that do tend to add short walks to viewpoints! This just makes that trip all the richer.
Read our full review: Ushguli Car Tour Full Review and Details
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3. The Shkhara Glacier Adventure
Like the challenge of getting right up close and feeling that force that that biggest mountain glacier throughout Georgia has got? This excursion is something a bit like that. Most people get dropped off somewhere by Ushguli and they go hiking quite a fair bit! The vistas when getting up to the glacier’s source truly are spectacular and kind of that rewarding feeling comes upon you that you have earned it!
What to expect: Bring comfortable boots to be able to handle any bit of that river crossing which will be something a little bit expected, or, to say that another way, pack footwear for the streams because of the hike involved.
Why it rocks: Just feeling all inspired when you stand so very close to all that nature at its extreme rawest. Very! It’s really a great adventure! Especially for anyone who really does appreciate some seriously breathtaking things.
Read our full review: Shkhara Glacier Tour Full Review and Details
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4. Koruldi Lakes Jeep Tour
For anyone keen on really feeling on top of all things, well, consider the Koruldi Lakes excursion. Most visitors hop on those rides with jeeps to nearly the top! Though a little bit bumpy it, arguably, makes it a totally cool ride as those 360 degree views overlooking Mount Ushba can’t be totally paralleled. That’s got to be just incredible! It looks really that very most spectacular in some respects at sunset too. Bring along those camera things.
What to expect: Brace your seat. It is all rocky trails that will eventually give route to serene lakes as you reach the top. Pack warmer items of apparel because those temperatures have this habit of dropping as one goes up.
Why it rocks: That rewarding view! You, like your view encompasses everything, literally, it really is the entire landscape with views out and all around! Very impressive indeed!
Read our full review: Koruldi Lakes Jeep Tour Full Review and Details
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5. Hatsvali Ski Lift & Hike
Thinking more toward just an easy trip with absolutely stunning outcomes? Why not head up the Hatsvali ski lift! All throughout summer that works like that super effortless way towards experiencing really just amazing vistas of all Mount Ushba but with zero effort required to accomplish that. So you can pick a lazy picnic lunch! Though should that just sound all too serene there actually also exists paths which spread from the highest portion too.
What to expect: Hop right aboard a chairlift with no effort and prepare to enjoy and gaze with glee upon all the great views unfolding when you make your decent into Mount Ushba as that very perfect focal piece right smack in every photo op. It may, arguably, turn cooler in temperatures upwards, just that note!
Why it rocks: Ideal particularly when craving awe but lacking keenness as for strenuously climbing stuff! Plus that café sitting up higher isn’t that very shabby!
Read our full review: Hatsvali Ski Lift Tour Full Review and Details
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Thinking of traveling round through Mestia in Georgia with rides truly lets tourists view very diverse environments with zero planning necessary on tourists themselves. This makes things extra accessible!
Read our full review: Best Mestia Car Tours: Full Review and Details