Georgia and Armenia
Tour for Self-drives

Highlights in Georgia:

√ Kakheti wine region
√ Georgia's capital – Tbilisi
√ Steppe landscape of Davit Gareja
√ UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mtskheta
√ Mount Kazbek & Gergeti Church
√ Cave cities of Uplistsikhe & Vardzia
√ Family-run hotels & regional cuisine

Highlights in Armenia:

√ Capital of Armenia – Yerevan
√ All UNESCO World Heritage Sites
√ Mount Ararat and Khor Virap Monastery
√ Lake Sevan Armenian Switzerland – Dilijan
√ Garni Sun Temple & Geghard Cave Monastery

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Georgia

Self-drive tour of Georgia and Armenia begins with your arrival in Tbilisi. You will receive a warm welcome at the airport and be transferred to your comfortable hotel in the old town – ideally located for exploring the charming streets, cozy cafés, and lively atmosphere of the city.

Check-in at the hotel is possible from 3 p.m. If you arrive earlier, you can of course leave your luggage at the hotel and use the time for a first walk – perhaps along the old city walls or to a traditional Georgian coffee house.

Accommodation: 3* hotel in Tbilisi
(2 nights)

Day 2: City tour in Tbilisi

Even though this Georgia and Armenia tour is designed for self-drivers, we would like to offer you something very special right at the start: a German-speaking city tour of Tbilisi. This will not only give you an exciting first impression of the capital, but also introduce you to a local contact who will be happy to answer any questions you may have while you are there.

The city tour starts at around 9 a.m. and lasts about 4 to 5 hours – enough time to get to know the most important sights and charming corners of the city.

The handover of your rental car is completely flexible – either directly after the city tour or the next morning, whichever you prefer.

Accommodation: Hotel in Tbilisi 3*
(B/-/-)

Day 3: Steppe landscape -Signagi & wine region

Today, your self-drive tour of Georgia and Armenia takes you to the fascinating steppe landscape of Davit Garetsha. The area is famous for its impressive natural scenery and centuries-old cave monasteries, which seem to have fallen out of time. On the way, you can take a relaxing break in Udabno at the popular Oase restaurant and enjoy the special charm of the place.

As you continue your journey, stop off at the Bodbe Nunnery, a spiritual place closely associated with Saint Nino. A few kilometers further on, you will find Sighnaghi, the so-called “city of love.” With its Mediterranean alleys, colorful houses, and magnificent panorama over the Alazani Valley, the town invites you to stroll around.

In the evening, a visit to a traditional winery rounds off your day. During a guided tour and wine tasting, you will learn about the differences between Georgian and European wine-making methods. End the evening in a relaxed atmosphere with a good glass of wine and Georgian hospitality.

Driving distance: 190 km.
Accommodation: Winery
(B/wine tour) 1 night

Day 4: UNESCO Sites & Greater Caucasus

After a relaxed breakfast, your self-drive tour of Georgia and Armenia takes you first to Telavi. The charming capital of the Kakheti wine region invites you to take a leisurely stroll through the historic old town. Here, medieval, classicist, and Soviet architecture come together in a fascinating way. Particularly impressive is the 900-year-old plane tree – a living natural monument and silent witness to the country's long history.

The picturesque Gombori Pass takes you to Mtskheta, the former capital and still the spiritual heart of Georgia. If you like, you can visit the famous Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral here. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites impress not only with their architecture but also with magnificent views over the river valley.

After a short break on the banks of the Kura River, the journey continues along the legendary Georgian Military Highway. A worthwhile stop is the 17th-century Ananuri Fortress, picturesquely situated on the turquoise Aragvi Reservoir. The route then leads through the popular ski and resort town of Gudauri (2,200 m) and over the 2,400-meter-high Cross Pass – a scenic highlight that opens up the impressive mountain world of the Greater Caucasus.

In the evening, you will reach Stepantsminda, idyllically located at the foot of the mighty Kazbek. Here you will spend the night in a family-run hotel and end the day with homemade specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.

Driving distance: 230 km.
Overnight stay in Stepantsminda

Family-run hotel
(bathroom/WC, free WiFi in the room)
(B/-/D)

Day 5: Silk Road & Lesser Caucasus

The third day of your self-drive tour of Georgia and Armenia takes you along the ancient Silk Road to the traditional Kartli region. On the way, you can stop in Gori, Stalin's hometown, if you wish. Those interested in history will find his birthplace and even the historic train carriage, which can be viewed from the outside.

A highlight of the day is the cave city of Uplistsikhe. Founded in the 6th century BC, it was an important trading center for centuries. Exploring the rooms, streets, and meeting places carved into the rock will give you a fascinating insight into Georgian history.

In the afternoon, you will continue your journey to the Lesser Caucasus. In Borjomi, a well-known spa town, the historic park invites you to take a leisurely stroll. Here you can also taste the famous mineral water directly from the source.

In the evening, you will reach Akhaltsikhe. A stroll through the restored Rabati Castle is well worth your while: the complex impressively combines Georgian, Ottoman, and European elements. You will spend the night in a family-run guesthouse, where you can relax and unwind after an eventful day with a homemade dinner featuring regional specialties.

Driving distance: 190 km.
Overnight in Akhaltsikhe

Family-run guesthouse
(bathroom/WC, free Wi-Fi in the room)
(B/-/D)  

Day 6: Cave City & Arrival in Armenia

Today, your self-drive tour of Georgia and Armenia continues, taking you to neighboring Armenia – the oldest Christian country in the world. But before you cross the border, there are still some fascinating sights to see in Georgia.

Your route takes you through the picturesque Kura Valley, where it is worth stopping at the imposing Khertvisi Fortress. Located high above the confluence of two rivers, the complex offers spectacular views. If you wish, you can cross the small suspension bridge – a particularly beautiful spot for souvenir photos.

Next, the cave city of Vardzia, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, awaits you. The rocks contain countless rooms, corridors, staircases, and churches that convey a vivid impression of what life was like in those days. After a walk through the complex, take a relaxing break on the riverbank to soak up the special atmosphere.

In the afternoon, you will reach the Georgian-Armenian border at Bavra. Border formalities usually take about 30 minutes. Then your Armenian adventure begins: your first destination is Gyumri, the second largest city in the country.

After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll through the old town of Gyumri. With its traditional houses, cozy squares, and lively atmosphere, it offers the perfect end to this eventful day.

Distance: 180 km
Hotel in Gyumri 3*
(B/-/-) 1 night

Day 7: UNESCO Sites & capital Yerevan

After breakfast, you will drive to Echmiadzin, the spiritual center of Armenia. Here you can visit the impressive main cathedral, one of the oldest churches in the world, which was built in 303 on the site of a pagan temple. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and exudes a special historical atmosphere.

Another worthwhile stop is the Church of Saint Hripsime. It was built between 301 and 303 AD under the reign of the Armenian king Tiridates III and the first Armenian Catholicos, Gregory the Illuminator. The clean lines and tranquil surroundings convey a vivid impression of early Christian architecture in Armenia.

In the afternoon, you will reach Yerevan, the lively capital of Armenia. After checking into your hotel, you will get to know the city on a city tour and a leisurely walk. Highlights include Republic Square with its traditional Armenian architecture, the central post office, and the State Art Gallery.

A special cultural experience is a visit to the Matenadaran Museum, the central archive for Armenian manuscripts. Around 13,000 manuscripts on paper and parchment are stored here – a fascinating insight into the rich history and culture of Armenia.

Distance: 180 km
Hotel in Yerevan 3*
(B/-/-) nights

Day 8: Mount Ararat, Garni & Geghard

Today, your self-drive tour of Georgia and Armenia takes you to one of Armenia's most famous landmarks: Khor Virap Monastery, not far from the Armenian-Turkish border. From here, especially on a clear day, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the majestic, snow-capped Mount Ararat (5,165 m), which is considered the sacred mountain of the Armenians. The monastery itself is closely linked to the Christian history of the country: it was here that King Trdat was baptized and Armenia became the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion.

In the late morning, the route leads to the Sun Temple of Garni, a pagan building from the Hellenistic period. It was built in the first century AD by the Armenian king Tiridates and is dedicated to Mithra, the god of the sun. After the introduction of Christianity as the state religion, the temple also served as the summer residence of the Armenian kings for several centuries.

Another highlight of the day is the Geghard Cave Monastery, which was partially carved into the rock and dates back to the 8th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered an important place of pilgrimage and impresses with its unique architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

You can spend the evening in Yerevan however you like – whether it's a leisurely stroll through the city center, a stroll through the bustling squares, or enjoying regional specialties in one of the charming restaurants.

Distance: 180 km
Hotel in Yerevan 3*
(B/-/-)

Day 9: Lake Sevan & Dilijan

Today you will visit the impressive Lake Sevan, which covers about 5% of Armenia's surface area. At an altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level, it is the second highest freshwater lake in the world. A walk along the shore offers magnificent views of the clear water and surrounding mountains. The Sevanavank Monastery is particularly picturesque, located on a peninsula in the lake – a place that conveys both tranquility and history.

Your self-drive tour of Georgia and Armenia then continues to Dilijan, often referred to as the “Armenian Switzerland.” In this charming spa town, the winding streets of the old quarter invite you to take a stroll. A visit to a local art studio will give you an insight into the traditional wood and ceramic art of the region.

In the afternoon, you will drive back to Georgia. Around 6 p.m., you will arrive at your hotel in Tbilisi, where you can conveniently return your rental car to the Enjoy Georgia team.

Driving distance: approx. 280 km
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Tbilisi
(B/-/-)

Day 10: Departure

Depending on your flight time, you will be taken to the airport in Tbilisi in good time to begin your journey home.

(B/-/-)

*** This and all other self-drive (Self-Guided) tours can be easily tailored to fit your schedule and personal preferences.

Included services

Complete organisation by Enjoy Georgia
Airport transfers to and from Tbilisi
City tour in Tbilisi
Meals: 10× breakfast, 2× dinner
Accommodation in 3-star hotels, double rooms
Rental car and all basic insurances:
Collision Damage Waiver, Accident & Theft protection
Two drivers included
Local contact person available for support
Detailed itinerary with optional excursions

Exclusive / Not included

Flights
Personal expenses
Individual sightseeing or excursions
Drinks and meals not specified
Single room supplement
Travel insurance or other optional insurance