Fly and Drive

A dream drive on Georgia's roads

Are you looking for some freedom during your holidays, but do you also wish to avoid the stress of planning and reserving? Thus our self-drive tour to Georgia is for you. 

Great experiences

Get a complete freedom and flexibility to discover the country at your own pace. 

Here you’ll find an example of an itinerary designed by our experts who will arrange a car rental, book the handpicked accommodation and assist you during the whole trip with expert recommendations.

The trip that goes a long way

This self-drive tour is perfectly suited to Georgia’s getaways you’ll never forget.

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival in Tbilisi International Airport.

Day 2: Tbilisi

Today, you have the possibility to explore colorful and vibrant city of Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. Lying on the border between Europe and Asia. Here, everything shows, that the city has a long and multicultural history. The Old Town, framed by the remains of ancient city walls, is full of architectural gems.

Walking through this district takes you to some of the main attractions like the Metekhi Church, Sioni Cathedral, Narikala Fortress and Sulphur Baths. Feel the real cultural diversity, a lively and fun vibe of the city while spending your afternoon in one of the unique and trendy cafes of the capital.

In the evening, you can enjoy delicious traditional food and drinks in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 3: Tbilisi - Tsalka - Vardzia

After breakfast, you leave Tbilisi behind and take a long drive through Javakheti region, littered with natural volcanic lakes. On the way you regularly see a shepherd passing by with his flock of sheep. This is the real Georgia!

Your final destination for today is one of the most impressive cave towns in the country – Vardzia. Explore the incredible complex of caves carved out in the rock, stretched over half a kilometer and spread over 13 levels. Take time to admire stunning frescoes dating from the 12th century in the rock-carved church of the cave town.

Overnight in Vardzia.

Day 4: Vardzia - Akhaltsikhe - Borjomi - Kutaisi

This morning you head to Imereti region. On the way, make a short stop to visit the exterior of Khertvisi Fortress, once destroyed by Alexander the Great. Then, continue driving for about an hour to reach Akhaltsikhe – a charming town with a restored castle-complex Rabath.

Another short drive through the majestic forests takes us to Borjomi Spa Town with amazing nature, healing fresh air and natural spring waters. In the Mineral Water Park, don’t miss the chance to taste the most famous mineral water straight from the source.

At the end of the day, you arrive in Kutaisi, the third largest city in the country and one of the oldest settlements in Europe.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

Day 5: Kutaisi - Prometheus Cave - Okatse Canyon - Gelati - Kutaisi

Following a smooth drive of approximately 20 kilometers, you’ll arrive at Prometheus Grotto, an impressive natural wonder, full with giant stalactites, stalagmites and petrified waterfalls. Later, explore Okatse Canyon and enjoy the breathtaking views to the canyon and its surrounds while walking on the footpath hanging along the edge of the cliff.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent UNESCO listed monastery complex of Gelati, home to an impressive collection of frescoes. In the late afternoon, enjoy a brief walking tour in the old part of Kutaisi.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

Day 6: Kutaisi - Martvili - Tsalenjikha - Mestia

Morning drive to Martvili Canyon. Experience the boat journey that takes you in the spectacular scenery around. Afterwards, head to the Caucasus Mountains and arrive in the principal town of Svaneti region – Mestia. Surrounded by 3,000 to 5,000 metres peaks, Mestia attracts many visitors thanks to its natural beauty and medieval defensive towers still standing today.

Check into your hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy a brief walking tour of this small town. 

Overnight in Mestia.

Day 7: Mestia - Ushguli - Mestia

After breakfast, you leave Mestia and head on the scenic mountain road to Ushguli – a wonderful fairytale village situated at an altitude of 2,200 metres. Known for its abundance of towers and considered as the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe, Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk in the village and enjoy an impressive view of the highest mountain in Georgia – Mt. Shkhara, at 5068m.

Overnight in Mestia.

Day 8: Mestia - Zugdidi - Kutaisi

Travel to Zugdidi and visit the Dadiani Palace, formerly the residence of the princes of the Samegrelo region. Continue driving to Kutaisi and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

Day 9: Kutaisi - Chiatura - Uplistsikhe - Gori

After breakfast, we take the truly off-the-beaten-track road to arrive in the mining town of Chiatura – a place that attracts the most intrepid travelers. A vibrant city during the Soviet era is nowadays a ghost-town with its abandoned houses and feel of lifelessness.

Today’s next destination is the cave-city of Uplistsikhe – an enormous rock-hewn town dating from the pre-Christian era. Explore the tunnels, streets, wine cellars and bakeries of this abandoned town and feel just like stepping into a fairy tale! Finally, we take a short drive to the town of Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Possibility to visit Stalin Museum, his house and private carriage.

Overnight in Gori.

Day 10: Gori - Stepantsminda - Gergeti - Stepantsminda

From Gori, set off towards the Caucasus Mountains, en route visiting one of the most charming architectural complex of Ananuri, standing on the edge of the blue-green Zhinvali lake.

Then continue driving through the mountains and enjoy sweeping views across the Caucasus. Once arrived in Stepantsminda, walk to the Gergeti Trinity Church.

You ascend through the forest and finally reach the monastery, where we are rewarded with wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. If the weather is clear, you will have an amazing picture of Mount Kazbek, the third highest of the Georgian Caucasus Mountains, soaring to 5,047m.

 Overnight in Stepantsminda.

Day 11: Stepantsminda - Juta - Chaukhebi Mount - Stepamtsminda

Drive through the beautiful Sno valley and the picturesque traditional villages with authentic charm of the mountainous Georgia. Arrival in Juta village, one of the highest settlements of the country. Follow the path up to the village that takes you to a marvelous place, where rocky Chaukhi mountains suddenly unfolds and makes you stunned with its incredible beauty.

Walk through the breathtaking scenery with wild alpine meadows, small mountain rivers and gorgeous peaks. After the hike, you can enjoy a hot beverage and soaking in fantastic views of the Chaukhi Massif in a local cafe.

Overnight in Stepantsminda. 

Day 12: Stepantsminda - Mtskheta - Gombori Pass - Telavi

Morning drive towards the former capital, Mtskheta, situated in an extraordinary location where the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers meet. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites: 11th century impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and 6th century Jvari Church, perched on a hill overlooking the gorgeous valley.

Then continue driving via the picturesque Gombori Pass and arrival in charming town of Telavi – center of Kakheti region, famous for its wine production.

Overnight in Telavi. 

Day 13: Telavi - Alaverdi - Gremi - Kvareli - Tsinandali - Telavi

In the morning, enjoy a short walking tour of this tiny town of Telavi and don’t miss a visit to the local farmer’s market where you can see a large selection of the freshest seasonal fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, spices, etc. Afterwards, embark on a trip through the region to discover splendid churches set in the lush vineyards. Take a tour of the incredible Alaverdi Cathedral, set up in the 11th century. Then make a stop at the impressive Gremi architectural complex, a church and castle dating from the 16th century. 

For lunch, visit a beautiful typical Kakhetian village where you will be warmly hosted by a local family at their home. Enjoy delicious homemade dishes and wine.

Continue back to Telavi and stop outside the town to visit the Tsinandali Estate, famous for its marvelous gardens and the wine cellars, where the unique collection of Georgian and European wines is preserved. Before arriving in Telavi, savor a wine tasting at a local winery to discover different Georgian wines, made according to the traditional winemaking method in Kvevri, inscribed on the world heritage list of the UNESCO.

Overnight in Telavi.

Day 14: Telavi - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi

Today you return to the capital. Before arriving in Tbilisi, make your first halt at the Bodbe Monastery and enjoy its calm and peaceful atmosphere. Just a couple of kilometers from the nunnery, arrive in a cozy medieval town of Sighnaghi.

Wander through the charming narrow streets lined by pastel-colored houses with carved wooden balconies and admire the stunning views of the Alazani Valley and Eastern Caucasus Mountains. Later, drive back to Tbilisi.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 15: Departure

Transfer to the airport and departure.

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