Day 1   Arrival 

Arrival at Kutaisi or Batumi International Airport.
Transfer to the hotel.
Check-in and time to relax.

Overnight stay in Batumi.
 

Day 2   Batumi Botanical Garden and Black Sea Coast

The program begins with an introduction to the botanical characteristics of western Georgia and the Colchis region.
In the morning visit to the Batumi Botanical Garden. Founded in 1912, the garden is one of the leading botanical institutions of the Caucasus and preserves more than 10,000 plant species arranged according to phytogeographical regions. Located on a spectacular slope above the Black Sea, it combines scientific value with exceptional landscape scenery.
The walk provides insight into subtropical humid ecosystems, Colchic relict species and Mediterranean floristic elements, offering an ecological framework for the upcoming field days in the mountains.
Picnic in the botanical garden. 
In the afternoon free time in Batumi. A swim in the Black Sea is possible.

Meal plan: breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay in Batumi
 

Day 3   Batumi – Adjaristskali Gorge – Goderdzi Highlands

After breakfast departure from Batumi and drive along the Adjaristskali Gorge towards the Goderdzi Pass. The route follows the river valley from the humid Colchic lowlands gradually into montane and subalpine vegetation belts, clearly demonstrating the pronounced vertical ecological gradient of Adjara.
Several selected field stops allow exploration of distinct habitats:

Stop 1 – Makhuntseti (Colchic Forest Zone)
Mixed Colchic broadleaf forests including the habitat of Osmanthus decorus, a narrow Adjaro-Lazistan endemic of high conservation value. The chestnut–hornbeam forests with evergreen understory reflect the refugial character of the region.

Stop 2 – Mediterranean Cliff Enclave
Xerophilous forest–rock complexes with Mediterranean floristic elements, hosting endemic species such as Astragalus sommierii and Origanum rotundifolium.

Stop 3 – Danisparauli Sandbanks
Rare montane sandy river habitat supporting the local endemic Angelica adzharica and illustrating substrate-driven vegetation dynamics.

In the late afternoon ascent to the Goderdzi Pass (2025 m) and arrival in the alpine region.

Meal plan: breakfast and picnic
Overnight stay in the hotel on Goderdzi Pass
 

Day 4   Goderdzi Alpine Garden – Green Lake

The day is dedicated to subalpine ecosystems and high-mountain conservation strategies.

After breakfast visit to the Goderdzi Alpine Garden (1,960 m). The garden focuses on the collection, documentation and conservation of Caucasian high-mountain flora and represents an important regional conservation initiative.
Field exploration includes subalpine meadows, forest remnants and nursery areas. Particular attention is given to endemic species, restoration of subalpine forest belts and the role of alpine gardens in in situ and ex situ conservation.
In the afternoon excursion to Green Lake, a volcanic-origin lake surrounded by hygrophilous subalpine ecosystems, meadow–shrub mosaics and forest patches. Characteristic species such as Paeonia macrophylla, Lilium szovitsianum, Aquilegia wittmanniana and Rhododendron caucasicum can be observed in their natural habitats.

Meal plan: breakfast and picnic
Overnight stay in the hotel on Goderdzi Pass
 

Day 5   Goderdzi Pass and Ghmani Surroundings

Full-day field exploration around the Goderdzi Pass and the Ghmani area, one of the floristically richest subalpine and alpine zones of Adjara.
The landscape is characterized by alpine grasslands, rocky slopes, scree communities and snowbed habitats shaped by climate, exposure and soil conditions. The region supports a remarkable concentration of Caucasian endemics including species of Gentiana, Primula, Campanula, Fritillaria and Rhododendron caucasicum.
Moderate hiking is combined with detailed plant identification and ecological interpretation. Particular emphasis is placed on alpine adaptation strategies and the sensitivity of high-mountain ecosystems to ongoing climatic changes.

Meal plan: breakfast and picnic
Overnight stay in the hotel on Goderdzi Pass
 

Day 6   Goderdzi Pass – Mount Koslitavi – Return to Batumi

In the morning departure from the Goderdzi Highlands and descent towards the Black Sea coast. The route follows the mountain road from the subalpine zone back into the Colchic forest belt, once again illustrating the exceptional vertical biodiversity gradient of Adjara.
A scenic detour leads to Mount Koslitavi, an area of high conservation importance. The site hosts significant populations of Quercus pontica, Rhododendron smirnowii and Rhododendron ungernii, forming upper montane relict forest communities and transitional vegetation belts between Colchic broadleaf forests and subalpine shrublands.
Field observation focuses on endemic taxa and the refugials of the Caucasus region.
In the afternoon continuation of the drive through the Adjaristskali valley and arrival in Batumi.

Farewell dinner in the Fish restaurant at Black Sea coast.

Meal plan: breakfast and picnic
Overnight stay in Batumi.
 

Day 7   Departure

After breakfast transfer to Kutaisi or Batumi International Airport.
Farewell and hopefully until we meet again.

Meal plan: breakfast