Samshvilde Canyon: Discover the Forgotten Ruins of an Ancient City
Join me to discover the abandoned, rarely-visited medieval city of Samshvilde. Perched above two dramatic river canyons, Samshvilde is full of stories and surprises -- from a fallen cathedral to meticulous stone carvings to a miraculous tree.
Alternative destinations possible -- inquire to learn more about potential visits to the countless monuments and ancient relics from long-ago centuries lying hidden, almost forgotten, in the forests, mountains, and plateaus of Georgia.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel in Tbilisi
- I'll pick you up at your hotel in Tbilisi, or at some nearby convenient point if parking is restricted on that street.
Drive to Samshvilde and start walking
We will reach Samshvilde within 1.5 hours from Tbilisi. It's necessary to walk in the monument (total of 6 km to explore entire territory). For groups with a high level of fitness, it's possible to make a longer hike through the canyon (about 18km with some elevation loss/gain)
Picnic lunch
Somewhere around midday, we'll find a scenic, cozy spot and have a picnic lunch which I will provide.
More exploration
After lunch, we will have time to explore more of Samshvilde; if the weather is good, it's also possible to drive to a local swimming hole.
Alternatively, depending on the interest of the group, it's possible to visit other historical sites in the near vicinity, or to go for a bigger meal in a local restaurant (not included in price).
Ending Point
Return to hotel in Tbilisi
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide, driver, vehicle (Toyota Highlander or Suzuki Jimny), fuel, picnic lunch.
Any personal expenses, any meals besides picnic lunch; personal travel insurance.
Tour Important Information
* While this tour is intended for moderately active people, on a basic level it is an easy pace, short distance, and flat ground. More adventurous possibilities are available; just contact me with your requirements and interests and we will work everything out.
* No guarantee of good weather, so please be prepared with your clothing and footwear appropriately! I will monitor the weather and keep you informed about what to be prepared for.
This tour is available in all seasons and all weather. Even winter can be a very good season for exploring ancient sites in Georgia. However, I cannot guarantee comfortable conditions or good views on any trip. Please bear than in mind while booking. I will keep an eye on the weather and inform you if you need to be prepared for wet/cold conditions, as well as appropriate clothing/shoes as necessary.
Important message from the supplier
All tours are customizable! My specialty is in off-the-beaten-track destinations in Georgia's backcountry, places where mainstream tour groups never go. Please inquire with your specific interests and I will plan a unique experience for you and your group. Booking of multi-day adventures and excursions is also possible -- please inquire for details and pricing of overnight trips.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Timothy M.
I am an American who has been living in Georgia for more than ten years, and I've spent much of that time exploring the most remote and obscure corners of Georgia, visiting countless out-of-the-way villages and forgotten heritage sites. I offer fully bespoke travel experiences for individuals or small groups who are interested in seeing more of Georgia than the mainstream touristic sites. Whether it's discovering ancient fortresses and monasteries, trekking along lonely ridges, offroading in remote deserts, cultural experiences with local families, tea and wine tastings, or whatever else you might be interested in, I create unforgettable journeys in Georgia for you.
Daytrips and multi-day adventures both available. All trips are fully customizable according to your interests. Sample itineraries are listed as daytrips from Tbilisi, but all possibilities can be combined and altered; message me to inquire about details.
$250/ per group
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