Late May through September gives you stable weather and open mountain passes. Popular multi-day treks like Svaneti routes fill up 2-4 weeks ahead during July and August, so book earlier if those months work for you. Spring and early autumn are less crowded but check conditions with your operator.

Three days gets you into Svaneti's foothills and back. Five to nine days lets you properly explore the high valleys, traverse between peaks, and camp in the remote sections where the scenery justifies the effort. Pick based on your fitness and how deep you want to go.

Guides are practically essential for the serious multi-day treks - they know the safest routes, handle logistics, and can navigate weather changes. For anything beyond a day walk, hiring a guide (usually included in the tour packages people book here) is worth the cost and honestly safer.

The private tours listed here typically include accommodation, meals, and transport between the coast and mountains, though check before you go about what 'all-inclusive' covers with your specific operator. Meals on the trail are usually covered, but personal gear, tips, and activities outside the itinerary often aren't.

The city's compact - taxis and marshrutkas (shared vans) handle most trips, and your tour operator will typically arrange transfers to trailheads. Batumi to Yerevan transfers are also bookable, useful if you're stringing together regional trips.

The 3 and 4-day hikes are doable with older kids who can walk 4-6 hours daily. Shorter routes and lower-altitude trails are family-friendly, but the 9-day alpine crossings and high-altitude camps need serious experience. Contact your guide about what's realistic for your family's fitness.

Layers (mountain weather shifts fast), waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, and a backpack with a rain cover. Check before you go about whether your operator provides camping gear or if you need to bring a sleeping bag. The coastal town is warm but the highlands are cold, even in summer.