Racha: 9 Crosses in 3 days
A journey to the heart of Racha
About the tour
Racha is one of the most beautiful regions of Georgia. Over three days the journey reveals it in much greater depth: high-mountain villages, ancient monasteries, natural panoramas and the winemaking traditions this part of the country is famous for.
The route passes through remote parts of Racha that ordinary travelers rarely reach. You’re accompanied by a certified Georgian guide who shares the history of the region, legends of the mountain villages and winemaking traditions. Over three days the trip feels like a real immersion in mountain Georgia.
Itinerary
Day 1
On the first day we leave Batumi for Racha. The region’s mountain scenery gradually unfolds along the way, and the first big stop is Nine Crosses mountain. The hike up (900 m) leads through the forest to the summit, home to St. George’s Church and nine crosses where, by tradition, people make wishes.
Then we continue past Lake Shaori, Nikortsminda Church and Heart Waterfall. The day ends in the village of Khvanchkara, where we discover the region’s winemaking tradition and visit a family cellar.
Our route
- 08.00departure from Batumi
- Nine Crosses mountain
- Picnic in nature
- Lake Shaori
- 11th-century Nikortsminda Church
- Heart Waterfall
- Khvanchkara village
- Visit to a family wine cellar in Racha
- Wine tasting
- Dinner with a Georgian family (optional)
- Hotel stay in Ambrolauri
Day 2
On the second day we head into high-mountain Racha. The road passes through the Oni district, with wide panoramas of mountains and forests. On the way we stop at the mineral spring in Utsera, then climb to the mountain villages of Ghebi and Gona.
This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful days of the route, when you really feel the open space of mountain Racha. In the village of Gona we have a picnic amid high-mountain scenery.
Our route
- 08.00departure from Ambrolauri
- Oni municipality
- Utsera resort
- Mineral spring
- Ghebi village
- 15th-century Church of the Mother of God
- Gona village
- Picnic in the mountains
- Return to the hotel in Ambrolauri
- Free time
- Dinner
Day 3
The third day is devoted to Racha’s natural and historic sites. On the way we visit the Sairme Pillars, then head to the village of Lailashi, one of the most interesting historic places in the region, with an old Jewish synagogue and views of the Lajanuri hydropower plant.
Then we continue to Gvirishi Waterfall. This day rounds off the journey at a calm pace, showing yet another side of Racha, both historic and natural.
Our route
- 08.00departure for Batumi
- Sairme Pillars
- Gvirishi Waterfall
- Lailashi village
- Open-air mineral pool
- View of the Ladjanuri hydropower plant
- Jewish synagogue
- Lunch
- Return to Batumi
What’s included
- Certified guide
- 2 picnics in nature
- Comfortable transfer
- Stay in a comfortable hotel with breakfast
- Alcoholic and soft drinks in the car
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
