This Guria tour takes you into one of the least visited and most charming regions of western Georgia. You will climb to Gomismta, a mountain plateau famous for its views over a sea of clouds, explore the cliffs and cool water of Devis Kva canyon, and finish with a tasting of tea from the plantations that once made Guria the heart of Soviet tea growing. It is a private day, so the route, the pace and the stops are all yours.
Guria suits travellers who have seen the big names and want something quieter, with green hills, wooden houses and a strong local identity. Gurians are known across Georgia for their wit, their hospitality and their remarkable polyphonic singing. The region is also easy to reach from both Batumi and Kutaisi, which makes it a good day out from either city or a rewarding stop on a longer journey across the west.
Highlights of the route
Gomis Mountain
Gomismta, or Gomis Mountain, is a high summer settlement in the mountains of Guria, at around 2,000 metres. Its scattered wooden cottages sit on open, grassy ridges, and on many summer mornings and evenings the valleys below fill with cloud, leaving you standing above a white sea that stretches to the horizon. It is a place for walking along the ridges, breathing cool air after the humid lowlands, and simply sitting and watching the clouds move. The road up is a rough mountain track for much of the way, so we choose the vehicle with care. Bring a warm layer even in August: it can be much cooler up here than on the coast.
Devis Kva canyon
Back down in the green hills, Devis Kva canyon is a place of dramatic rock walls and cool, clear water. Its name translates roughly as "the devi's stone", after the giants of Georgian folk tales, and the cliffs and boulders have something of that fairy-tale scale about them. It is a refreshing stop on a warm day, with time to walk along the water, take photos of the rock formations and enjoy the shade. Your guide will suggest how far to explore based on conditions and your group. The rocks can be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip, and take extra care near the water after rain, when the flow is stronger.
Guruli Tea
Tea arrived in Guria in the 19th century, and in Soviet times the hills of western Georgia were covered in plantations supplying tea across the Soviet Union. After independence much of that industry collapsed and many plantations were abandoned, but in recent years small family producers have begun reviving them, often working by hand and in small batches. A visit to one of these producers is a chance to see how the leaves are grown and processed, hear the story of Gurian tea from the people making it, and taste the results. It is also the best place to buy tea to take home, straight from the source.
Make it your own
This route is a starting point, and Guria has plenty more to add. History lovers can visit the Shemokmedi monastery near Ozurgeti; beach lovers can finish on the black magnetic sands of Ureki on the coast; and if you enjoy the mountains, Bakhmaro, another of Guria's high summer resorts, makes a fine alternative or addition with an overnight stay. Ask us about hearing Gurian polyphonic singing, or tasting Gurian dishes such as the egg-filled khachapuri the region is known for.
Guria lies between Batumi and Kutaisi, so it fits easily into a longer trip in the west; see our tours from Batumi and tours from Kutaisi for routes to combine it with. With children or older travellers, we can keep the walks short and spend longer at the tea tasting. Guides speak English, Russian and Georgian, and we can arrange accommodation and meals or leave them to you.
Good to know
- Gomismta is a summer and early autumn destination. Snow usually closes the upper road in winter; see our month-by-month guide for timing.
- Bring layers. It can be hot and humid in the lowlands and cool or misty on the mountain on the same day.
- Wear shoes with good grip for the canyon, where rocks are often wet.
- Carry cash in lari for buying tea and local produce; small producers rarely take cards.
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, group size and where you are staying, and we will put together a route and a quote for your day in Guria.
