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From€ 1.690

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14 Dayz

Availability : Mai - October

Tbilisi

Min Age : 18

Max People : min. 2 - max. 10

|| At the wheel through Georgia

Programme

Overview

The 14-day round trip in Georgia for self-drivers takes you from the vibrant capital Tbilisi through the sun-kissed wine region of Kakheti, over the breathtaking passes of the Lesser and Greater Caucasus to the lively Black Sea coast in Batumi.

Who is this trip for? – This trip is ideal for explorers who want to experience Georgia’s contrasts intensively and independently as a self-driver without a guide.

What we do for you: In close consultation with you, we offer the following services: working out the itinerary if the suggested route does not suit you, travel planning, hotel selection and reservations, tips on restaurants, cafés and wineries, contacts with local guides and everything else that is important for an unforgettable and enjoyable trip.

The self-drive experience: As a self-driver in Georgia, you enjoy maximum flexibility. You set your own pace, make spontaneous photo stops and also reach more remote places off the beaten track. The advantage lies clearly in the individual organisation of your days.

Why this trip? – On the self-drive round trip in Georgia, you will experience the perfect mix of culture, nature and authentic encounters. From ancient cave cities such as Vardzia and UNESCO-protected monasteries to the medieval defence towers of Svaneti and the majestic Mount Kazbek – Georgia will enchant you. Savour delicious wines, discover hidden mountain villages and relax by the sea.

Best time to travel: The months of June to October are the best time to travel and offer ideal conditions for round trips in Georgia, with pleasant temperatures and generally well-maintained mountain roads and passes such as the Goderdzi or the route to Ushguli.

Safety: – Bear in mind, however, that some routes, especially in the mountainous regions of Svaneti (off-road vehicles recommended!) and over mountain passes, may require driving skills and a sense of adventure. The road conditions are not always comparable with Western European standards.

Highlights

Old Town Tbilisi, old capital Mtskheta with Svatitskhoveli Cathedral and Dvari Church
Sighnaghi, Tsalka, Paravani and Saghamo Lakes, Lesser Caucasus, Vardzia, Rabati.
Goderdzi Pass, Khulo, Batumi, Kutaisi with Gelati and Bagrati Cathedrals
Lower and Upper Svaneti, Ushguli, defence towers of Svaneti, military road, Stepantsminda

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival in Tbilisi | Cultural heart of Georgia

Your round trip in Georgia for self-drivers begins in Tbilisi. Discover the old town with the Metekhi Church, the modern Peace Bridge and other sights on your first walk. For a great overview, take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress. Enjoy the atmosphere of this lively and multicultural city. In the second half of the day, you will visit the old capital Mtskheta, where you will visit the impressive Svetitskhoveli and Jvari monasteries.

Overnight: in Tbilisi

Day 2. Sighnaghi - City of love | Kakheti wine region

Today’s tour takes you to the famous wine region of Kakheti. First, you will explore Sighnaghi, affectionately known as the ‘city of love’. From the old city wall, you can enjoy fantastic views over the wide Alazani Valley. Nearby is the Bodbe Monastery, the final resting place of St Nino. Before returning to Tbilisi, stop in the village of Kakabeti for a delicious wine tasting – a true Georgian delight!

Overnight: Tbilisi

Sighnaghi - Rundreise Georgien für Selbsfahrer

Day 3.Tbilisi - Tsalka - Vardzia | Into the heart of the Lesser Caucasus

A beautiful stage of the self-drive tour in Georgia begins! Today’s journey takes you southwards, deep into the vast landscapes of the Lesser Caucasus. Your route takes you past Lake Zalka and over the impressive Paravani Pass. Up here, the picturesque lakes of Sagamo and Paravani and a very special, tranquil atmosphere on the high plateau await you. Full of anticipation for tomorrow’s exploration of the famous cave city, you reach your destination for the day, Vardzia.

Overnight: in Vardzia

Day 4.Vardzia - Akhalkalaki - Goderdzi Pass | Caves & Fortresses

The morning is dedicated to exploring the incredible cave town of Vardzia (tour approx. 1 hour). The journey then continues through the picturesque Kura Valley. In Achalkalaki you can visit the imposing Rabati fortress. You may want to make a stop at Zarzma Monastery before you reach the Goderdzi Pass – your destination for today high up in the mountains. You can expect basic accommodation here.

Overnight: on the pass

Wardzia - Rundreise Georgien für Selbsfahrer

Day 5. On the Goderdzi Pass | Alpine pastures & authenticity

Today you can relax on the Goderdzi Pass. How about a short hike to the idyllic Green Lake or through the nearby shepherd settlements? Simply enjoy the fresh mountain air, the peace and quiet and the beautiful landscape of Adjara. Maybe you’ll have a nice chat with the locals over a coffee. A day for authentic experiences.

Overnight: on the pass

Day 6. Goderdzi Pass - Khulo - Batumi | Adventure & Black Sea

From the Goderdzi Pass, the journey today takes you downhill towards the Black Sea coast. A real little adventure awaits you in Chulo: an old cable car takes you to the remote village of Tago – the view is spectacular! After a short walk through the village, you continue to Batumi, the lively harbour town by the sea.

Overnight: in Batumi

Day 7. Batumi - Riviera | Flair on the Black Sea

A whole day at leisure in Batumi! Stroll along the famous boulevard by the Black Sea, marvel at the exciting architecture or simply relax on the beach. A dip in the sea? Batumi exudes holiday flair.

Overnight: in Batumi

Day 8.Batumi - Kutaisi - Lentekhi | Gates to Svaneti

You leave the coast and travel to Kutaisi, the second largest city in Georgia. Here, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery are well worth a visit, as is the fascinating Prometheus Cave. Things get mountainous in the afternoon. An adventurous section of the round trip in Georgia for self-drivers begins: Your route follows the Tskhenistskali River into Lower Svaneti. Your destination today is Lentechi, the gateway to the famous mountain region of Svaneti.

Overnight: in Lentekhi

Lentekhi -Rundreise Georgien für Selbsfahrer

Day 9. Lentekhi - Ushguli - Mestia | In the kingdom of towers

Get ready for one of the most spectacular stages of your Georgia self-drive tour! Today’s drive to Ushguli (UNESCO World Heritage Site) over the beautiful Lasdili and Zagaro passes (2600m) is challenging and an off-road vehicle is highly recommended.

The reward is immeasurable: marvel at the unique medieval fortified towers of Ushguli, which rise against the mighty backdrop of Shkhara, Georgia’s highest peak. Take time to explore the village and the small Lamaria church. If you wish and have time, you can also take an optional hike towards the glacier. Then continue to Mestia.

Overnight: in Mestia

Day 10. Mestia | Culture and panoramas of Svaneti

Today you will explore Mestia, the capital and cultural heart of Svaneti. A visit to the excellent Mestia Museum provides deep insights into the history and culture of the region. The house-museum of the famous mountaineer Chergiani is also worth a visit. The absolute highlight is the cable car ride up to Mount Zuruldi – from up here you can enjoy an unforgettable 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Caucasus giants! At the top, you can also take a short hike on the plateau.

Overnight: in Mestia

Day 11. Mestia - Kutaisi - Gori (Ateni Valley) | Wine & History

Farewell to Svaneti. Your journey takes you out of the mountains again today and further east. Your destination is the charming Ateni Valley near Gori. Here you should visit the historic Ateni Sioni church with its important frescoes. A very special experience awaits you in the evening: you will spend the night with the well-known winemaker Nika Vacheishvili and enjoy an authentic wine tasting directly at the winery.

Overnight: in Ateni with Vacheishvili

Day 12.Gori - Stepantsminda| Along the Georgian Military Road

Today you can expect a drive along one of the most famous routes in the Caucasus: the Georgian Military Road! There are fantastic photo opportunities along the way, such as the picturesque Ananuri Fortress directly on the Shinvali Reservoir.

Enjoy the sweeping views from Gudauri View Point (“Friendship Monument”) and cross the high cross pass (Jvari Pass, 2379m). In the afternoon you reach Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi), impressively situated directly at the foot of mighty Mount Kazbek. Take your time to arrive.

Overnight: in Stepantsminda

Upliziche - Rundreise Georgien für Selbsfahrer

Day 13. Stepantsminda - Tbilisi | Icon of the Caucasus

One last major highlight of your trip awaits! In the morning you drive (or optionally hike) up to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church (Zminda Sameba). In good weather, the mighty Kasbek towers directly behind it – a postcard motif and an unforgettable sight! Afterwards, you return to Tbilisi. Enjoy your last evening in the lively capital and reflect on the many impressions of your self-drive tour of Georgia.

Overnight: in Tbilisi

Day 14. Departure | End of the trip

Depending on your departure time, you may still have some time for last-minute souvenirs in Tbilisi. This wonderful round trip in Georgia for self-drivers ends with the return of the rental car and the transfer to the airport.

Travel Dates:

30.05.2025 – 30.10.2025Available

Note: As there are no fixed dates for this trip, you can arrange the travel period flexibly. The trip is possible from the end of May to the end of October.

Tour Price:

Prices per person in a DR:EUR 1690

SGL - room supplementEUR 280

Please note: The price applies if the minimum number of two participants is reached. If the minimum number of participants is not reached SEE HERE.

Our services included:

For the price you get:

Travel Planning Creation of routes
Hotels & Accommodation Choose and book guesthouses and hotels
Overnight All overnight stays with breakfast
Restaurants and food Choose and book restaurants and wineries
Rental Car
24/7 Support
Entrance ticketsAccording to the programme

Services NOT included:

Flight
Alcohol (except wine tasting)
Insurance
Fuels

Our Route

FAQs about the round trip in Georgia for self-drivers

Question 1. Do I really need an off-road vehicle for this route?

Yes, highly recommended! Especially for the challenging route to Ushguli (day 9) and the Goderdzi Pass. A normal car is unsuitable for these sections and is often prohibited by rental companies.

Question 2. What are the road conditions like and how demanding is the driving?

Very different. Main roads are usually good, but mountain and side roads can be bad, unpaved and winding. Driving with foresight and experience on difficult roads is an advantage.

Question 3. How good is the navigation and signposting on this route?

Don’t just rely on signs, especially off the main routes. Be sure to use GPS or a navigation app with downloaded offline maps. Signposting may be sparse or only in Georgian. Use maps.

Question 4. What kind of accommodation can I expect, especially on the Goderdzi Pass?

A mixture: hotels in cities, authentic guesthouses in the countryside. On the Goderdzi Pass (day 4/5), the accommodation is deliberately simple but clean and hospitable in the midst of nature, but you can also find more expensive accommodation here.

Question 5. Is the travel period from June to October really ideal for all stages of this tour?

Yes, this is the best time. The high passes such as Goderdzi and the route to Ushguli are usually snow-free and safe to drive on.

Question 6. How do I cope with the language if I don't speak Georgian or Russian?

English helps in cities and tourist centers. It’s more difficult in the countryside. A translation app is useful. However, Georgians are very hospitable and helpful. Language guides could be helpful.

Question 7. How much flexibility do I have as a self-driver on this route? Can I change something spontaneously?

You enjoy a high degree of flexibility in terms of stops and pace. However, longer/difficult riding days (e.g. day 9) set the framework. Overnight stays should ideally be pre-booked due to limited capacity.

Question 8. What is the supply of filling stations in Georgia along this route?

The petrol station network is well developed along the main roads and in towns. However, they are very rare in remote mountain regions such as the Goderdzi Pass or on the way to Ushguli. Make sure you fill up well in advance! The following oil companies operate in Georgia:

Gulf
Socar
Wissol

Question 9. What is the security situation in Georgia and road safety?

Georgia is considered a safe country to travel to with a low crime rate. The biggest challenge for self-drivers is road safety: expect spirited driving, variable road conditions and potential dangers such as animals on the road. Drive defensively! You can find out more about safety in Georgia HERE.

Round trip in Georgia for self-drivers

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|| At the wheel through Georgia