Georgia Road Trip (country): 10 and 14-Day Itinerary

Updated: 27 August, 2024

This road trip through Georgia covers the best of the entire country, making it perfect for first-time visitors, with options for both 10-day and 2-week plans.

If you're considering a trip to Georgia, this article will guide you through the best route to explore the most beautiful places, drawing from my one-year experience living in the country.

Georgia, a small country in the Caucasus, despite its size, has something to offer in every corner.

Whether it's culturally rich historical sites, ancient traditions like winemaking, or landscapes that will leave you in awe.

On the flip side, one of its advantages is that it remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, preserving all its authenticity.

Moreover, in Georgia, many places can be visited using public transportation or guided tours, eliminating the need to drive. I'll touch more on this topic below.

How to get to Georgia?

Before diving into the itinerary for Georgia, let me share a bit about flights to Georgia because I've organized the route based on this.

Georgia is a small country, yet it boasts three international airports:

• Tbilisi, the capital and the best place to base yourself for day trips
• Batumi, the coastal city on the Black Sea, the favorite summer destination.
• Kutaisi, located in the central part of the country, from where you can visit some of the most beautiful places, including the Svaneti region.

Of these three airports, the only one with low-cost flights is Kutaisi, which is called Kopitnari Airport (KUT), served by the Hungarian carrier Wizz Air.

There are direct flights from many European capitals and mayor cities: Madrid, Paris, Rome, Brussels, Berlin, Prague, Athens, etc.

So, if you're traveling from Europe, it's best to fly to Kutaisi. That's why I've designed this Georgia route with this airport as the arrival point.

If you fly into another airport, you may need to tweak the itinerary a bit, but it will still serve as a good starting point for planning your independent journey through Georgia.

To find affordable flights to Georgia, I recommend using this flight search engine, where you can explore all alternatives with schedules and prices.

⭐ In this article you can read in detail about How to get from Kutaisi Airport to the city and other areas of Georgia.

Driving in Georgia

In Georgia, you'll find public transportation to major destinations, although in some regions, once you reach the main city, you may need to rely on taxis.

That's why driving is the most practical way to explore Georgia on your own, ensuring you won't miss out on visiting wherever you want.

Driving in the Caucasus can be aggressive and fast-paced, and on the roads, you may encounter animals, especially cows and the occasional pig.

Therefore, I only recommend driving if you have a lot of experience behind the wheel.

👍 Fun fact: In the theoretical test to get a driver's license in Georgia, there are many questions related to cows on the roads. It's not a joke! 😅🐮

To rent a car in Georgia, I recommend this website that works only with reliable and affordable local companies, with prices starting from 20 euros / 22 USD per day.

In addition, insurance is usually included in the price and many don't ask for a deposit.

Alternatively, joining tours is an excellent option. Even if you plan to drive in some areas, you'll save a lot of time by going on a tour.

Below, I recommend some excursions I personally took. If you plan to drive, you might need to spend the night in certain places and possibly skip some of the visits I recommend in road tripo in Georgia.

⭐ In this article, I share more about How to get around Tbilisi, Georgia and visit neighboring countries. and How to rent and drive a car in Georgia and neighboring countries.

✅ Friend's Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 5% off!

The Best of Georgia

1. Tbilisi

Tbilisi has been the capital of Georgia since the 5th century, a city steeped in history that has witnessed the presence of diverse peoples during various invasions, such as the Ottomans, Persians, and Mongols.

Moreover, the Silk Road once traversed this city, connecting Asia with Europe for trade.

Tbilisi is a city that truly captivates with its rich history and has nothing to envy to other European cities. It boasts a diverse culinary and hotel scene, offering plenty of activities to keep you engaged.

– What to see in Tbilisi?

Some of the most iconic spots in the city are located in its old town and downtown area, where I recommend strolling around to discover its beautiful corners.

Here are some must-see attractions:

• The thermal baths, especially those in the old town known as sulfur baths, which offer private cabins.
• Cross the controversial Peace Bridge.
• Take a ride on the cable car and enjoy the city from above.
• Visit the ancient Narikala fortress.
• Hunt for treasures from Soviet times at the Dry Bridge flea market.
• Indulge in delicious Georgian cuisine; you can even join this food tour in Tbilisi with a local guide who will explain the dishes and wines.

– How many days to spend in Tbilisi?

To explore the entire city without rushing and truly enjoy it, I would recommend dedicating between 2 and 3 days. You can alternate your time in Tbilisi with visits to other regions in the country to make the trip more enjoyable.

⭐ In this other article you can read in detail about What to do in Tbilisi: 24 must-visit places.

2. Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery

Mtskheta is the oldest city in Georgia and the former capital of the country before it changed to Tbilisi, which was easier to defend against invaders.

This city, just 20 km from Tbilisi, still holds great religious significance as it is where Christianity was adopted, and the seat of the Georgian Orthodox Church is located.

– What to see in Mtskheta?

Despite being a very small city, Mtskheta boasts three UNESCO UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994:

• The Svetitstkhoveli Cathedral where Jesus' robe is kept and the reason why this cathedral was built and where several kings have been crowned.
• Samtavro Monastery, resting place of St. Gabriel, beloved among Georgians and known for performing miracles.
• The distinctive Jvari Monastery, built atop a mountain with breathtaking views of Mtskheta.

If you're short on time, this excursion to Mtskheta and Jvari, with stops in Gori, Stalin's birthplace, and the cave town of Uplistsikhe.

A more comprehensive alternative is to take this full-day tour Mtskheta, Ananuri and Kazbegi, exploring the most spectacular mountain region in Georgia.

– How many days do I need for Mtskheta?

To visit the main attractions in Mtskheta, half a day is sufficient, especially if you have your own transportation.

Many tours combine a visit to Mtskheta with other places to make the most of the day.

⭐ You can read more about What to do in Mtskheta: 8 must-visit places.

3. Kutaisi

Kutaisi is a small city located near the Greater Caucasus and a perfect base for excursions to the famous Svaneti region.

Another popular destination in Georgia is the caves and canyons around Kutaisi, which I'll tell you about in the next section.

Among the three most important cities in Georgia (Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi), this is the least visited in the country. Many people simply pass it by, which I find to be a significant mistake because it is a charming city.

– What to visit in Kutaisi?

The main attractions in Kutaisi are in the old town and others are within a short distance. Some of them are:

• Colchis Fountain with its scale replicas of archaeological pieces of jewelry.
• Mon Plaisir Arch, showcasing its French influence.
• Take a ride on the cable car and enjoy the view of the city along the Rioni River from above.
• Visit the Picasso Boy on the White Bridge.
• Marvel at a chapel built in the trunk of a tree .
• Explore the famous Bagrati Cathedral, a symbol of the unification of the Georgian kingdoms that was a UNESCO World Heritage Site for several years.
• To top off the visit you can take a wine tour of Kutaisi, including stops in the old town, Bagrati, and a wine cellar.

– How many days to spend in Kutaisi?

To see the most interesting places in the city, half a day is sufficient. However, I recommend using Kutaisi as a base, staying there for several nights, and making visits to nearby areas.

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about What to do in Kutaisi: a complete guide.

👍 My two cents: If you want to stay connected in Georgia, 🤳 I recommend getting this eSIM for Georgia. Click on that links for a 5% discount.

4. Caves and Canyons

Georgia is a mountainous country where canyons abound, but the most beautiful ones are in the Kutaisi region with a 14 caves systems, which are designated as National Natural Monuments.

If you love nature, this is one of the best things to see in Georgia.

– Which are the best caves and canyons of Kutaisi?

The most stunning caves and canyons near Kutaisi are:

• Martivli Canyon: This famous canyon is one of the most popular places to visit in the country. Despite its small size, its turquoise waters give it an unparalleled beauty.
• Prometheus Cave: One of the country's largest and most popular caves.
• Okatse Canyon: With breathtaking walkways in a stunning setting.
• Sataplia Nature Reserve: Where you can find a cave and dinosaur footprints.

You can explore these sites by car or take this tour to Okatse, Martvili and Prometo, which is the most popular and budget-friendly. 🤑

– How many days is enough to visit the caves and canyons?

Most people choose two or three places from the ones mentioned above and visit them in a day.

⭐ In this article, I provide detailed information about the Caves and Canyons near Kutaisi, including transportation alternatives and hiking routes.

5. Kazbegi

Kazbegi is a municipality in the northern part of Georgia, near the border with Russia, known for its beautiful mountain landscapes with waterfalls and 30 glaciers.

This is an excellent area if you enjoy hiking and trekking, as there are trails for all levels, as well as climbing routes.

Below, you can watch a video of the Gergeti Church and the surrounding mountains. If you continue watching the playlist, you'll find more videos of Georgia, including a drone shot video of Tbilisi.

– What to see in Kazbegi?

The most relevant things about Kazbegi are:

• Guergueti Church atop the mountain, the most photographed site in the country, as shown in the video above.
• The village of Stepantsminda, also known as Kazbegi.
• Gudauri and the Friendship Monument.

In addition, there are several areas where you can go hiking and trekking, such as:

• Juta with the distinctive peaks of Mount Chaukhi.
• The colorful Truso Valley .
• Hiking up to the impressive Mount Kazbek.
• The route to the Guergueti Glacier, the most stunning glacier in the area.

The best way to visit the area is with this tour to Kazbegi, which is the most comprehensive and affordable.

There are also alternatives for active travelers, like this hiking tour to Juta and Gveleti Waterfall.

– How many days to dedicate to Kazbegi?

If you want to visit the most important places in Kazbegi, one day is sufficient, especially if you go on a guided tour.

In case you're driving, you'll need to stay overnight, perhaps in the village of Stepantsminda.

If you plan to go hiking or trekking, you'll need to add more days to your Kazbegi visit.

For example, the Juta hiking trail can be done in half a day, but if you're trekking, it may take between 1 and 2 days.

⭐ In this Guide to Visiting Kazbegi and Ananuri you can read in detail about each site and all transportation alternatives.

6. Kakheti

Georgia has a long tradition of winemaking, using a unique method involving large clay vessels called kvevri , which remain buried in the ground.

According to discoveries from archaeological excavations, Georgia was the first nation to produce wine, beginning over 8,000 years ago.

Kakheti is the country's main wine region due to its varied microclimates and fertile soil.

If you enjoy wine and want a complete gastronomic experience, you can't miss a visit to Kakheti, also written as Kajetia.

– What to do in Kakheti?

One of the best things you can do in Kakheti is visit a winery.

There, they will explain their traditional Georgian winemaking method, which is very different from the US, Australia and western countries in general.

There are other interesting spots in the region, such as:

• Bodbe Monastery dedicated to Saint Nino who introduced Christianity to Georgia.
• Sighnaghi a charming town known as the "city of love" where weddings are celebrated 24/7.
• Telavi, the capital of the region, a city with a rich history.

The most practical way to visit the area is by car or with a tour to Kakheti , including a winery visit and wine tasting, like the one in the link, which is the most popular.

– How many days to spend in Kakheti?

You'll have enough with 1 day to visit Kakheti, depending on the stops you want to make.

⭐ You might also be interested in this detailed article about Visit to Kakheti: wine region in Georgia.

7. Vardzia and Rabati

Vardzia is one of the most impressive visits in Georgia that I highly recommend not missing, and Rabati is very close by, which is why these two visits are often combined.

– What to do in Vardzia?

Vardzia is a cave city built by digging into the mountain. Its origins date back to the 12th century, serving as a refuge for invaders, allowing them to live without the need to venture outside.

Throughout the Georgian territory, you'll find rock-hewn cities and monasteries, constructed in caves. However, none compare to Vardzia, which once had 6,000 caves spread across 13 floors.

After an earthquake, the mountainside collapsed, revealing the interior with its caves, as seen in the photo above. Nevertheless, it's still worth the visit.

– What to see in Rabati?

Rabati was originally a castle and later became a fortified royal city.

The most striking thing about the place is the mix of buildings from different cultures, featuring a mosque, madrasa, and a church. Moreover, the name Rabati refers to the commercial district of the Jews.

If you're visiting Vardzia, it's worth exploring Rabati, which has many beautiful spots.

I recommend this full-day tour to Vardzia and Rabati, which includes a visit to Borjomi.

– How many days do I need to visit Vardzia and Rabati?

The time you'll need for these two visits depends a lot on how you travel.

The first time I went, it was with a guided tour, and while it can be a long day, saving you from hours of driving, it's the only way to visit both places in one day.

Additionally, if you plan to drive, it's too tight to go back and forth to Tbilisi on the same day. Therefore, you'll need to spend the night in Akhaltsikhe.

⭐ You may be interested in this Guide to visiting Vardzia in Georgia and this other article about Visit to Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe.

8. Svaneti

Svaneti is one of the most beautiful mountain regions in Georgia, boasting peaks that exceed 5,000 meters and stunning mountain lakes.

In Svaneti, Ushguli is a must-visit, being the highest inhabited village in Europe.

Ushguli has 200 tower houses that served as homes and defenses in the past, earning it UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1996.

Additionally, the trek from Mestia to Ushguli is the most popular in the country, a challenging route that can be done over several days.

If you prefer a hassle-free experience, this 2-day tour to Svaneti takes you to the most interesting places.

– How many days do I need to visit Svaneti?

If you're using public transportation from Mestia to Ushguli, 2 days and 1 night in Mestia should be sufficient.

However, for trekking, you'll need more days.

⭐ You can read more about 9 Best Tours from Kutaisi which includes more details about visiting Svaneti.

9. Gelati and Motsameta

Gelati is a 12th century monastery founded by King David IV, serving as both a monastic and educational center.

Today it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site first for its remarkable medieval architecture and second for the fabulous frescoes adorning the interior of two of its churches.

The Byzantine-style mosaics in the main church also stand out.

A visit to Gelati is often combined with the Motsameta monastery, an important Georgian religious pilgrimage site.

The remains of 2 saints rest there, and its location along the cliff adds great charm to this small monastery.

I took this tour of the Kutaisi monasteries and the guide's explanations make it worthwhile.

– How much time do I need in Gelati and Motsameta?

You'll need half a day to visit these two monasteries. If you go on your own, it may take less time, but I recommend visiting with a guide who can share the fascinating history, especially that of Gelati, which is incredible.

⭐ You might also be interested in this detailed article about the visit to the Kutaisi Monasteries: Motsameta and Gelati.

10. Batumi

Batumi is the main summer destination for Georgians, known for its beaches along the Black Sea

Although it also attracts tourists from nearby countries, especially Turkey, due to its proximity—Batumi is just 18 km from the Turkish border.

Turkish tourism, in particular, is drawn to Batumi's casinos, earning it the nickname "Las Vegas of the Black Sea."

As the second most populous city in the country, Batumi has much more to offer than just casinos.

– What to do in Batumi?

Batumi stands out as a coastal city with a magnificent boulevard that connects the city to its main beach area.

Along the boulevard, you can visit:

• The famous sculpture of Ali and Nino, the central characters of a novel.
• The incredible Summer Theater built entirely of wood without nails.
• The Alphabet Tower , providing one of the best views of the city.
• The octopus (pictured below), an immense sculpture that once served as a cafe, entirely covered in colorful Soviet mosaic.

In the old town, other must-visit places include:

• The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
• St. Nicholas Church.
• Europe Square and its interesting buildings.

If you have limited time, you can take this tour of Batumi.

– How many days to dedicate to Batumi?

If you want to explore the most beautiful places in the city of Batumi, I recommend dedicating between 2 and 3 days.

⭐ You can read more about What to do in Batumi: 27 must-see attractions, with tips on safety, scams, and my favorite places to eat.

10-day Georgia Itinerary

Here's a Georgia road trip covering all the highlights.

The itinerary is designed to be done with guided tours, which I recommend below, but if you prefer driving in some places, you might need to stay overnight.

I've included explanations in the notes below the itinerary so you can customize it to your liking.

Day	What to do?	Place to stay overnight
1	Arrival at Kutaisi Airport, take a bus to Tbilisi, or opt for a private transfer with a group rate, which is cost-effective when traveling with more people. First impressions of the city.	Tbilisi
2	Explore the old town of Tbilisi, visit the sulfur baths, Sioni Cathedral, the Peace Bridge, and Narikala Fortress. Wrap up the day with a wine tour around the city.	Tbilisi
3	Full-day excursion to the Kazbegi region, with stops in Mtskheta and Ananuri Fortress along the way if you're driving. Alternatively, you can join this tour that also takes you to the Gergeti Church.	Tbilisi
4	Stroll around Tbilisi, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, explore the Dry Bridge Flea Market, and capture City Hall (Mushroom Building) in photos. Walk down Rustaveli Avenue from the metro station of the same name to Freedom Square. End your at the Opera and Ballet Theater (purchase tickets in advance).	Tbilisi
5	Visit the cave city of Vardzia and Rabati Castle; you can join a tour like this one that also stops in Borjomi.	Tbilisi
6	Take a bus to Kutaisi. Explore the old town of Kutaisi to see the Colchis Fountain, the White Bridge, take a cable car ride, and visit the local market. Wrap up the day with dinner at the Palaty restaurant, which often features live music.	Kutaisi
7 and 8	Embark on a two-day excursion to Svaneti to explore Mestia and Ushguli. You can either join the tour from the link or go on your own using public transportation and taxis. Return to Kutaisi.	Mestia and Kutaisi
9	Enjoy a full-day tour of caves and canyons, which includes Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Cave, and Okatse Canyon.	Kutaisi
10	Transfer from Kutaisi to Kutaisi Airport. Take your return flight.

Notes:

• On day 3, if you plan to drive or want to embark on a hiking or trekking route in Kazbegi, you'll need to stay overnight in Stepantsminda.
• For day 5, I've mentioned returning to sleep in Tbilisi, but if you're driving, it might be too long for a round trip in one day. In that case, I recommend spending the night in Akhaltsikhe.
• Days 7 and 8 are for excursions only, but if you're interested in trekking, you'll need to allocate at least 4 or 5 days in total.

14-day Itinerary for Georgia

This is a comprehensive route for an overall view of the entire country, including the coastal region along the Black Sea.

The itinerary is the same as the 10-day one, but I've added several visits and a couple of nights in Batumi.

Day	What to do?	Place to stay overnight
1	Arrival at Kutaisi airport, bus to Tbilisi or private transfer. First contact with the city.	Tbilisi
2	Visit Kakheti, the wine region with this tour that includes stops at the most interesting places, a winery and wine tasting.	Tbilisi
3	Explore the old town of Tbilisi, visit the sulfur baths, Sioni Cathedral, the Peace Bridge, and Narikala Fortress. Wrap up the day with a wine tour around the city.	Tbilisi
4	Full-day excursion to the Kazbegi region, with stops in Mtskheta and Ananuri Fortress along the way if you're driving. Alternatively, you can join this tour that also takes you to the Gergeti Church.	Tbilisi
5	Stroll around Tbilisi, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, explore the Dry Bridge Flea Market, and capture City Hall (Mushroom Building) in photos. Walk down Rustaveli Avenue from the metro station of the same name to Freedom Square. End your at the Opera and Ballet Theater (purchase tickets in advance).	Tbilisi
6	Visit the cave city of Vardzia and Rabati Castle; you can join a tour like this one that also stops in Borjomi.	Tbilisi
7	Flight to Batumi from Tbilisi, transfer to the city by bus, or with this affordable private transfer. Stroll along Batumi Boulevard to see Nino & Ali, the Alphabet Tower, the Octopus and the Summer Theatre. You can take a guided tour of Batumi to explore its most beautiful spots. End the day with a sunset view from a Sky Bar.	Batumi
8	Enjoy the morning at Batumi beach and have lunch at the Fish Market, offering the freshest seafood in the country. Then, visit some of the city's iconic landmarks like the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, the Church of St. Nicholas, and Europa Square. Conclude your day with a cable car ride to catch the sunset.	Batumi
9	Take a bus to Kutaisi. Explore the old town of Kutaisi to see the Colchis Fountain, the White Bridge, take a cable car ride, and visit the local market. Wrap up the day with dinner at the Palaty restaurant, which often features live music.	Kutaisi
10	Visit to the Gelati and Motsameta monasteries, with this tour that also takes you to the Bagrati cathedral. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of the Holy Annunciation and the chapel in the tree.	Kutaisi
11 and 12	Embark on a two-day excursion to Svaneti to explore Mestia and Ushguli. You can either join the tour from the link or go on your own using public transportation and taxis. Return to Kutaisi.	Mestia and Kutaisi
13	Enjoy a full-day tour of caves and canyons, which includes Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Cave, and Okatse Canyon.	Kutaisi
14	Transfer from Kutaisi to Kutaisi Airport. Take your return flight.

Map of Georgia Road Trip

I've marked the most important points on the map, for example, in Kakheti, I only marked Telavi, which is the capital, and in Kazbegi, I put Stepantsminda.

If you want to read more about everything there is to see in each specific place, I recommend you visit my specific articles where you'll find many details and tips.

When planning your route through Georgia on your own, if you have questions, leave me a comment below, and I'll help you as much as I can.

* To check the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.

Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijann Road Trip

In case you want to continue the trip to other countries in the Caucasus, you can only travel by road between Georgia and Armenia.

⭐ You may be interested in this article about How to get from Tbilisi to Yerevan: fast, cheap and comfortable.

Georgia and Armenia Road Trip

Especially if you're flying from Europe, where you can find reasonably priced flights to Kutaisi.

Especially if you fly from Spain, you can get flights at a good price from Barcelona or Madrid to Kutaisi.

So, if you're planning to explore both Georgia and Armenia, I recommend using one of the itineraries from this article as a starting point and combining it with this Armenia Road Trip.

Visit to Azerbaijan

The land borders between Georgia and Azerbaijan are closed at least until October 1, 2024. After that, we'll have to wait and see what the Azerbaijani authorities decide.

Azerbaijan put this measure in place during the pandemic and have been extending it every few months, supposedly due to COVID.

Right now, the only way you can visit Azerbaijan from Georgia is by plane. There are flights from Tbilisi to Baku.

Then in summer there are also flights connecting Baku with Batumi, the coastal city on the Black Sea of Georgia.

However, flight prices to Baku aren't cheap for such a short flight, generally not dropping below 200 euros / 218 USD. I recommend purchasing tickets several months in advance.

There are no flights between Armenia and Azerbaijan due to territorial conflicts between these two countries, which have recently escalated. Moreover, you should not approach too close to the conflict-prone land areas as they are dangerous.

👍 Friend's tip: if you plan to travel to Azerbaijan, you will need to apply for the visa in advance on the official website of the Azerbaijani authorities..

All-Inclusive Trips

If you don't want to worry about anything when traveling to the Caucasus, the best option is an all-inclusive trip.

There are excellent choices like this trip to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

However, there are more budget-friendly options like this all-inclusive trip to Georgia and Armenia covering all the most iconic places in both countries.

Final Thoughts

Georgia is an undiscovered gem for most travelers, making it an excellent time to embark on a journey through Georgia while it remains in its pristine state.

As mentioned above, regardless of your preferences, you'll surely find alternatives that suit your tastes because this marvelous country has a lot to offer.

In this Georgia Travel Guide you can continue reading the key articles I've written about this beautiful country. You can also go to the guide directly from the menu above, selecting Southeast Asia and then Thailand.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

More about Georgia and the Caucasus

• 21 Tips for Traveling to Georgia
• 9 Traditional Georgian Food Dishes
• What to bring to Georgia?
• 25 Curiosities of Georgia, country of the Caucasus
• 11 Best Tours from Tbilisi
• What to do in Yerevan: 14 best plans