Driving: 178 km, approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Hiking:
a) Truso Valley: 6.0 km, ascent of 214 m, descent of 95 m
b) Gergeti Trinity: 5.0 km, elevation change of 377 m.
At 9:00 AM, depart north towards Kazbegi (also known as Stepantsminda). Along the way, you'll pass Ananuri Fortress and the village of Kobi before entering the stunning Truso Valley for a "warm-up" trek to the ruins of Zakagori castle near the border area. You'll also stop at the bubbling Abano lake and explore several travertine formations scattered throughout the valley.
After the hike, continue driving to Kazbegi town, check into your hotel, and then take a short hike to Gergeti Trinity Church (5 km round trip with an elevation gain/drop of 377 m).
Overnight stay in Kazbegi.