017 days: the classic Georgia road trip itinerary
- Day 1, Tbilisi to Kazbegi (about 155 km, 3 hours plus stops): Mtskheta, Ananuri, lunch in Pasanauri, the Friendship Monument. Sleep in Stepantsminda.
- Day 2, Kazbegi: Gergeti Trinity Church at sunrise, then the Dariali gorge and Gveleti waterfall, or the Truso valley with a 4x4.
- Day 3, Kazbegi to Kakheti (about 4 to 5 hours): back to Tbilisi and on to Telavi via the Gombori pass. Sleep in Telavi or Sighnaghi.
- Day 4, Kakheti: Alaverdi, Gremi, a family winery lunch, sunset in Sighnaghi and Bodbe monastery. Drink only on a day someone else drives, or not at all.
- Day 5, Kakheti to Borjomi (about 4 hours): via Tbilisi, with stops in Gori and the Uplistsikhe cave town.
- Day 6, Vardzia: day trip from Borjomi to the cave city of Vardzia and Rabati fortress in Akhaltsikhe.
- Day 7, Borjomi to Tbilisi (about 2 hours): Borjomi park and mineral springs in the morning, return the car in Tbilisi or at the airport.
0210 days: the longer Georgia road trip itinerary with Kutaisi, Svaneti and the sea
Follow days 1 to 6, then head west instead of back to Tbilisi:
- Day 7, Borjomi to Kutaisi (about 2.5 hours): Bagrati cathedral, Gelati monastery, Prometheus cave.
- Day 8, Kutaisi to Mestia (about 5 to 6 hours via Zugdidi): the last 130 km climb into Svaneti with some narrow and gravel sections; leave early.
- Day 9, Ushguli: about 45 km from Mestia, now mostly concrete, 1 to 1.5 hours each way.
- Day 10, Mestia to Batumi (about 5 to 6 hours): finish on the Black Sea and return the car in Batumi, or fly home from Kutaisi.
03Key drive times from Tbilisi
- Mtskheta: 20 minutes.
- Sighnaghi: 110 km, 1.5 to 2 hours. Telavi: about 2 hours via the Gombori pass.
- David Gareja: about 100 km, 1.5 to 2 hours; the last stretch is gravel.
- Borjomi: about 155 km, 2 to 2.5 hours. Vardzia: about 220 km, 3 to 3.5 hours.
- Kutaisi: about 230 km, 3 hours on the new highway.
- Batumi: about 370 km, 5 hours.
- Mestia: about 450 km; split it with a night in Kutaisi or Zugdidi.
04Which car for this Georgia road trip?
For the 7-day loop in summer a sedan like the Toyota Prius (from $35 a day) is enough. If you plan Truso, the Svaneti roads, David Gareja or any winter trip, choose a 4x4. For families of 6 to 8, the Toyota Sienna or a 7-seat Highlander or Pajero.
05When to go
- May to June and September to October: the best driving months, green or golden and less crowded.
- July and August: hot in Tbilisi and Kakheti, perfect in the mountains and at the sea; book cars early.
- December to March: skiing in Gudauri; mountain roads need a 4x4 and flexible plans. Tusheti is closed from about October to June.
Quick answers
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How many days do you need for a road trip in Georgia?
Seven days covers Kazbegi, Kakheti, Borjomi and Vardzia. Ten days adds Kutaisi, Svaneti and Batumi without rushing.
Do I need a 4x4 for a Georgia road trip?
Not for the main loop in summer. You need one for Truso, Juta, David Gareja, Tusheti and for mountain roads in winter, and it makes Svaneti more comfortable.
Can I start in Tbilisi and end the road trip in Batumi?
Yes, as a one-way rental. The Batumi delivery fee is included in the total shown before you pay.
How much does a 7-day car rental in Georgia cost?
A Toyota Prius for 7 days from Tbilisi city costs $265 (a fixed $35 a day, plus the $20 service fee); a Renault Duster 4x4 about $430.
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