The nearest international airport is Kutaisi, Georgia. Direct 3-hour flights from many European cities by Wizz Air and other airlines.

For European, American, Russian, Ukrainian citizens, as well as for citizens of some other countries.

We strongly recommend you get medical insurance for your trip to Svaneti: mountain adventures mean higher risks, and we would like to see you on the safe side. 

We have NOT included the first airport transfer to Svaneti for your flexibility. You may wish to spend some time in Kutaisi before coming to Svaneti, or take the public minibus. However, if you wish us to collect you at the airport and bring you straight to Svaneti, we will be happy to arrange individual transfer with a safe and reliable driver. The road takes 5 hours, and the driver will help if you need to stop for a snack or a picture on the way.

On the tour we take a unique circular route along the Enguri valley and the Great Caucasus Range that passes through all of Svaneti. The road is exceptionally beautiful and is a tourist-attraction in itself. The final point is Kutaisi city or Oni if you opt to extend your stay in the wine-making region of Racha.

Lodgings in Svaneti are mostly small family-run hotels. Standards vary, but we make a point of providing unsurpassed quality to cost ratio with newly built, well-located accommodation with good guest reviews. All rooms are fitted with bathrooms, there is free wi-fi and the center is within 5-10 minutes’ walking distance. 

There will be no problems for vegetarians, as Svaneti offers a lot of dishes made with dairy products, pastry, cereals and vegetables. However, let us know about your diet preferences so that we can best assist you.

The town hall, public services hall, police station, hospital and offices of Liberty Bank and Bank of Georgia are all located in Mestia near the central square. The town also has several pharmacies and ATMs, 2 chain supermarkets and smaller family-run shops with all the daily necessities, numerous restaurants and cafes. There is a domestic airport and  shuttle bus station connecting Mestia to Tbilisi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi and Batumi.There is no public transport in Svaneti. Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography and all-year-round ski lift to Resort Hatsvali are also close to central Mestia.

Currency: the Georgian Lari (GEL).

Prices: prices are relatively low compared to America and Europe. A hearty local meal costs around 25 EUR, drinks are also very inexpensive.

Payments: some shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but not all. Smaller family-run minimarkets will only accept cash in GEL. All in all, it is good to have some small money in GEL.

There is an exchange office at the airport, however you get a better rate in Mestia’s banks and exchange offices. There are also several 24/7 ATMs in Mestia.

You will find free wi-fi in hotels and most restaurants.

Mobile coverage is quite good in Mestia and throughout all of Svaneti.

Mestia Police Station: 1 Seti Square, near the central park and town hall.

Mestia Hospital is also located in the centre, at 13 Ilia Gabliani Street (emergency 24/7 service at the back of the building).

Government Rescue Teams are staffed with experienced, well-trained personnel who hold international certificates and have saved hundreds of lives. 

Emergency Services hotline: dial 112.