Self-drive tour in Georgia

Sights for today:

• Old Town Tbilisi
• Freedom Square
• Narikala Fortress
• Peace Bridge
• Sulphur Baths
• Metechi Church, etc.

Activities for today:

• City tour of Tbilisi
• Sailboat trip to Narikala Fortress

Your self-drive tour in Georgia begins with a visit to the capital city of Tbilisi, which has been the cultural and political center of the country for over 1,500 years. On request, we will be happy to organize an experienced tour guide who will show you the most beautiful corners of the city and tell you exciting stories from the past and present.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner in a typical Georgian restaurant – the perfect start to your trip.

Overnight stay: in Tbilisi

Sights for today:

• the historic German village of Elisabethtal,
• the imposing Tsalka Dam
• the picturesque Sagamo and Parawani lakes, which impress with their wild highland backdrop.

Your adventure begins with a drive to the south of the country. You leave Tbilisi and immediately immerse yourself in the impressive landscapes of the Lesser Caucasus – a region full of vastness, silence, and natural beauty.

In addition to the interesting German village of Asureti, formerly known as Elisabethtal, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of southern Georgia. Particularly impressive are the Paravani and Saghamo lakes and the surrounding mountains of the Javakheti region.

In the evening, you will reach your destination for the day: the fascinating 12th-century cave city of Vardzia, which towers majestically above the Kura River.

Overnight stay: near Vardzia

Sights for today:

• Vardzia
• Megalithic ruins in the village of Saro
• Chertwisi Fortress
• Rabat Fortress in Akhaltsikhe

Activities for today:

• A short hike in Borjomi National Park

The day begins with a one-hour tour of the cave city of Vardzia, one of Georgia’s top tourist destinations. Then we continue through the Kura Valley towards the spa town of Borjomi, famous for its mineral water and clean air.

On the way to the spa town, you will discover impressive sites, including the megalithic ruins in the village of Saro, the Chertvisi Fortress, and Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe.

Overnight stay: in Borjomi

Activities for today:

• Tasting natural mineral water in Borjomi Central Park
• Hike to the hot springs and back
• Bathing in the hot springs

Borjomi is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy nature to the fullest. Spend the whole day here and soak up the special atmosphere of this popular health resort.

A real highlight is Borjomi Central Park on the idyllic Borjomi River. Here you can take a leisurely stroll and taste the famous Borjomi mineral water straight from the source – an experience that delights many visitors.

If you feel like a little more exercise, you can hike further through the valley to the warm springs. Surrounded by forest and rocks, you can enjoy a natural bath in the open air – wonderfully relaxing!

Overnight stay: Borjomi

Sights for today

• the Colchian fountain in the central square
• the White Bridge
• the charming historic city center

Activities for today:

• A pleasant city tour through Kutaisi

Your self-drive tour in Georgia continues today to the city of Kutaisi in the historic Imereti region. Kutaisi is the second largest city in the country and one of the oldest cities in the world. For many centuries, it was the most important political and cultural center of western Georgia and has served as the capital several times throughout history.

Overnight stay: Kutaisi

Sights for today:

• Kutaisi Farmers Market
• Bagrati Cathedral
• Gelati Monastery – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Prometheus Cave

The day begins with a visit to the famous farmers’ market in Kutaisi. Here you can not only discover fresh local produce, but also gain a wonderful insight into everyday life in Georgia. The people are warm and open, but please always ask for permission before taking photos.

After the market, you will first visit Bagrati Cathedral and then Gelati Monastery – two impressive religious and cultural sites that are among Georgia’s most important sights.

In the late afternoon, you will leave Kutaisi and drive to Lentchi, the administrative center of Lower Svaneti. The route takes you through varied landscapes and perfectly prepares you for the mountain world of Svaneti.

Overnight stay: in Lentchi

Sights for today:

• Sagaro Pass and the mountains of Svaneti in the Greater Caucasus
• Ushguli village – Lamaria Church and historic defensive towers
• UNESCO village of Chajashi

Activities for today:

• Hike to the Shkhara Valley

Today awaits a magnificent day on your self-drive tour in Georgia. The spectacular route to the village of Ushguli and on to Mestia – the administrative center of Upper Svaneti – leads through the beautiful Tskhenistskali Valley and crosses the impressive Sagaro Pass along the Svaneti mountain range.

After visiting Ushguli, you will have the opportunity to hike through the Enguri Valley to the foot of the majestic Shkhara Glacier and back again.

In the late afternoon, you will continue to Mestia, where you will spend the night.

Overnight stay: in Mestia

Sights for today:

• Mestia History Museum
• Micheil Khergiani Mountaineering Museum
• The defensive towers of Mestia
• Zugdidi Pass

Activities for today:

• Cable car ride to Mount Zuruldi
• Walk on the Zuruldi Pass

The whole day is dedicated to exploring Mestia. First, you will take the cable car to Mount Zuruldi. Once at the top, you will have the opportunity to take a two-hour walk along the ridge and enjoy unique views of the majestic Svaneti mountains.

After the walk, a cozy café with a view of the famous Ushba peak invites you to relax – perfect for a short break with a drink.

In the second half of the day, discover the Mestia History Museum and the Mountaineering Museum, dedicated to the famous alpinist Micheil Khergiani. This museum is located in a typical Svanetian house, giving you an authentic impression of how people used to live in Svaneti.

Overnight stay: in Mestia

Sights for today:

• City of Gori
• Stalin Museum (optional)
• Ateni Sioni

Activities for today:

• Wine tasting at Nika Vatscheishvili

Your self-drive tour in Georgia takes you to Gori today – the birthplace of Stalin and the center of the Inner Kartli region. Not far from the city, in the beautiful Ateni Valley, is the impressive Ateni Sioni Church, famous for its unique frescoes.

After the tour, you will drive to a local winemaker, Nika Vatscheishvili, where you can enjoy delicious wine tasting. You will spend the night at the winery and enjoy the warm atmosphere of a traditional family business.

Overnight stay: in Ateni Valley

Sights for today:

• Georgian Military Highway
• Viewpoint in Gudauri
• Dzvari Pass
• Ancient town of Uplistsikhe

Stepanzminda (Kazbegi) is one of the most popular destinations in the country – a place you should not miss on your self-drive tour of Georgia. From Gori, drive north along the Aragvi River on the famous Georgian Military Highway.

Before heading to Kazbegi, be sure to visit the ruins of the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe, located only about 15 km from your accommodation.

With short breaks at selected viewpoints – such as the panorama platform in the ski resort of Gudauri and the Dzhvari Pass – you can enjoy magnificent views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains along the way.

In the early evening, you will finally reach Stepanzminda, where you can spend the night and take in the impressive mountain scenery.

Overnight stay: in Stepazminda

Sights for today:

• Gergeti Trinity Church
• Dschuta village in the Sno Valley
• Sno Tower
• Chauchi Mountain Range

Activities for today:

• Hike to Gergeti Trinity Church
• Hike to the Chauchi Range

The whole day is dedicated to exploring the beautiful mountain region around Stepantsminda. Gergeti Trinity Church, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the 5,047-meter-high Kazbeg, is located at an altitude of around 2,200 meters and is one of Georgia’s most famous landmarks. Depending on your mood and fitness level, you can either hike to the church or take a comfortable ride up.

In the afternoon, your program takes you to the picturesque Sno Valley. In the village of Juta, a beautiful 2-3 hour hike to the impressive Chaukhi Massif and back awaits you. Alternatively, you can simply relax in a cozy mountain café and enjoy the alpine atmosphere.

In the evening, you will return to Stepantsminda and end the day in peace.

Overnight stay: in Stepanzminda

Sights for today:

• Old town of Mtskheta
• Jvari Monastery
• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Your self-drive tour in Georgia is slowly coming to an end, and today you will drive back to Tbilisi. On the way, you will stop in the small town of Mtskheta, which served as the capital of Georgia until the 5th century AD.

Two impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites await you in Mtskheta:
Jvari Church, picturesquely perched on a hill above the confluence of two rivers, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the most important religious buildings in the country.

After visiting Mtskheta, continue your journey to Tbilisi, where you will spend the night.

Overnight stay: in Tbilisi

Sights for today:

• Sighnaghi town
• Sighnaghi town wall
• Saint Nino’s Monastery

Activities for today:

• Wine tasting in the village of Kakabeti

For the last day of your self-drive tour through Georgia, we have chosen one of the most beautiful wine regions in the country – the Kakheti region. As a day trip, you will visit the small but extremely charming town of Sighnaghi, where you will not only discover the pretty architecture and impressive city walls, but also enjoy magnificent views of the Alazani Valley and the snow-capped Caucasus mountain range.

The Bodbe Monastery, where Saint Nino – the enlightener of Georgia – is buried, is also on today’s itinerary. This peaceful place is one of the most important spiritual centers in the country.

On the way back, you will visit a local winemaker in the village of Kakabeti, where you can sample delicious Georgian home cooking and excellent wines. A delightful and atmospheric end to your trip.

Overnight stay: in Tbilisi

Your fascinating self-drive tour in Georgia ends with your transfer to the airport. We wish you a pleasant flight – and hope to see you again soon in Georgia!