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Self-Driving Tour in Georgia
with Easy Hikes – 12 Days
Embark on a self-driving tour in Georgia with easy hikes and discover the perfect balance of freedom, culture, and nature. Traveling in your own rental car, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of the open road while exploring Georgia’s most scenic landscapes on relaxed hikes of two to five hours. Each route is gentle, with no more than 300–500 meters of elevation gain—perfect for travelers who want to combine light activity with plenty of time to unwind. Regular breaks are planned so you can fully enjoy the journey at a comfortable pace.
This self-driving tour in Georgia with easy hikes leads you through the country’s most captivating highlights. Begin in the vibrant capital of Tbilisi, continue to the breathtaking Greater Caucasus Mountains where you’ll admire the medieval fortified towers of Svaneti, and conclude your adventure in Batumi, a unique seaside city on the Black Sea. Along the way, you’ll experience unforgettable views, diverse landscapes, and the warmth of Georgian hospitality.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Georgia
Upon arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to settle in, relax, and prepare for your upcoming self driving tour in Georgia with easy hikes.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel in Tbilisi (2 nights)
Day 2: Discovery Tour in Tbilisi
Today, explore the fascinating capital city of Tbilisi on a guided walking tour. Many of the city’s highlights are located close to each other, making it easy to discover them on foot.
Highlights of the day include:
√ Metechi Church
√ Sioni Cathedral
√ Anschischati Church
√ Tbilisi’s historic sulphur baths
√ The Great synagogue
At the end of your city tour, your rental car will either be handed over to you today or on the following morning, depending on your preference.
↑ 300 m, ↓ 200 m, 8 km
walking time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: 3* Hotel in Tbilisi
(Meals: B/-/-)
Day 3: Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites
After breakfast, your self driving tour in Georgia with easy hikes officially begins as you head towards the historic town of Mtskheta, Georgia’s former capital. Situated at the crossroads of the ancient Military and Silk Roads, this charming city offers a wealth of history, culture, and spiritual significance.
Highlights include:
Djvari Church (7th century): A masterpiece of early Christian architecture, perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century): One of Georgia’s most revered religious sites, both monuments proudly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From Mtskheta, your journey continues along the scenic Georgian Military Highway towards the Greater Caucasus Mountains. En route, you’ll stop at the impressive Ananuri Fortress, dramatically overlooking the turquoise waters of the Zhinvali Reservoir.
The road then winds over the Cross Pass at 2,400 meters, before descending into the alpine town of Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi), nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Kazbek (5,047 m).
Driving distance: approx. 160 km
Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Stepantsminda
(rooms with private bath/WC, Wi-Fi) – 2 nights
(Meals: B/-/D)
Day 4: Gergeti Trinity Church & Mount Kazbek
Today, your self driving tour in Georgia with easy hikes takes you deeper into the beauty of the Greater Caucasus. After a relaxed breakfast, set out on a gentle hike to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, one of Georgia’s most famous landmarks.
The trail begins in the village of Stepantsminda and continues along peaceful paths and a shaded forest section before reaching the church at an altitude of around 2,200 meters. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable panoramic views of Mount Kazbek (5,047 m) and the surrounding alpine landscape.
Along the way, you can pause at natural springs for fresh mountain water and take time to enjoy the serene atmosphere. Built in the 14th century, Gergeti Trinity Church was not only a sacred place of worship but also a sanctuary that safeguarded Georgian treasures during times of invasion.
In the afternoon, you have the option to take a short drive to the dramatic Dariali Gorge, located near the Russian border, before returning to Stepantsminda for the evening.
Hike details: ↑ 400 m, ↓ 400 m, approx. 7 km, walking time: 3–4 hours (including breaks)
Driving distance: approx. 30 km
Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Stepantsminda
(rooms with private bath/WC, Wi-Fi)
(Meals: B/-/D)
Day 5: Along the Old Silk Road
Today’s journey follows the historic Silk Road into the Kartli region, with your first stop in the city of Gori. Here, an optional visit to the remarkable cave city of Uplistsikhe is highly recommended. Carved directly into the rock, this ancient settlement features streets, theatres, palaces, and hidden chambers, offering a fascinating glimpse into life along the Silk Road.
In Gori, known as the birthplace of Stalin, history enthusiasts may also take a short visit to the modest house where he was born.
Your drive then continues over the scenic Rikoti Pass (850 m), the traditional divide between eastern and western Georgia. By evening, you arrive in Kutaisi, the country’s second-largest city and legendary land of the “Golden Fleece.” Here, you’ll stay in a welcoming family-run guesthouse and enjoy a delicious traditional dinner made with fresh local specialties.
Driving distance: approx. 280 km
Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Kutaisi
(rooms with private bath/WC, Wi-Fi)
(Meals: B/-/D)
Day 6: Svaneti
Today, the most adventurous part of your self driving tour in Georgia with easy hikes begins as you head into the wild and stunning region of Svaneti. Famous for its rugged mountain peaks, glaciers, and unique medieval watchtowers, Svaneti preserves traditions and lifestyles untouched for centuries.
On the way, you’ll stop at two important UNESCO sites:
- Gelati Monastery
- bagrati Cathedral
If you’d like, you can also explore Kutaisi’s bustling farmers’ market, filled with fresh regional herbs, fruit, and vegetables—a feast for the senses.
In the afternoon, you continue the scenic drive into the highlands of Svaneti, eventually reaching the charming town of Mestia around 6 p.m. This alpine settlement will be your base for the hikes to come, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Driving distance: approx. 280 km
Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Mestia
(rooms with private bath/WC, Wi-Fi)
(Meals: B/-/D)
Day 7: First Hike in Svaneti
After breakfast, your self driving tour in Georgia with easy hikes continues with your first hike in the legendary region of Svaneti. Today’s trail leads from Mestia to the picturesque village of Mulakhi. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain giants, including Ushba (4,720 m), Laila (4,009 m), as well as Tetnuldi and Gistola (both just under 4,900 m).
The hike takes around four to five hours at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and soak in the alpine scenery.
Back in Mestia, you can visit the Svan House Museum with its traditional defence tower. These unique stone towers are symbols of Svaneti’s proud history and resilience, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life and culture of Georgia’s highland people.
In the evening, enjoy a warm dinner with regional specialties and unwind in your cosy family-run guesthouse.
Hike options:
Mulakhi hike:
↑ 500 m / ↓ 450 m, approx. 12 km,
walking time with breaks: ~5 hrs
Alternative:
Chalaadi Glacier hike:
↑ 250 m / ↓ 250 m, approx. 8 km,
walking time with breaks: ~3–4 hrs
Accommodation:
Family-run hotel in Mestia (private bath/WC, free Wi-Fi)
(Meals: B/P/D)
Day 8: UNESCO World Heritage - Ushguli
Today, your self driving tour in Georgia with easy hikes takes you deeper into the heart of Svaneti. After a scenic drive of around 45 km, you’ll reach Ushguli—Europe’s highest continuously inhabited village, located at the foot of Mount Shkhara (5,200 m), Georgia’s tallest peak. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Ushguli is famed for its dramatic mountain scenery and iconic medieval defence towers.
Once in Ushguli, you can enjoy an easy hike to the ruins of Queen Tamara’s fortress. Dating back to the 13th century, the site offers both panoramic views and a fascinating insight into Georgia’s rich medieval history.
Main hike option:
Queen Tamara’s Fortress:
↑ 250 m / ↓ 250 m, approx. 4 km,
walking time with breaks: 2–3 hrs
Other highlights and alternatives include:
La Maria Church (12th century): The most significant religious site in Ushguli, known for its historic frescoes.
Village walk: Stroll through Ushguli’s narrow lanes to absorb the unique atmosphere and admire its traditional Svanetian towers.
Optional Shkhara Glacier hike:
Drive ~5 km into the Enguri Valley and continue on foot for an easy hike to the foot of the glacier—an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photographers.
↑ 200 m / ↓ 200 m, approx. 4 km,
walking time: ~2 hrs
In the evening, your hospitable Svan host family will welcome you to their guesthouse. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Caucasus, you’ll enjoy traditional Georgian cuisine and the warmth of true mountain hospitality.
Accommodation: Family-run guesthouse in Ushguli
(private bath/WC, free Wi-Fi)
(Meals: B/P/D)
Day 9: To the Lesser Caucasus
Travel tip: If the weather is clear, take a quiet stroll through Ushguli before breakfast. In the early morning, the village feels timeless—its stone towers silhouetted against the rising sun and the mighty Mount Shkhara glowing in the first light. It’s the perfect way to experience authentic highland life before other visitors arrive.
After breakfast, your self driving tour in Georgia with easy hikes continues over the breathtaking Zagaro Pass (2,630 m), offering dramatic views of the Caucasus as you descend toward Lentechi and then to Tskaltubo. Once known as the most beautiful spa town of the Soviet Union, Tskaltubo still enchants with its partly dilapidated marble palaces and spa buildings, which exude an atmospheric mix of past grandeur and quiet mystery.
From here, your journey leads toward Borjomi, with a worthwhile stop at Ubisa Monastery. Famous for its unique frescoes, the monastery is often called the “Museum of Fresco Painting.”
In Borjomi, once the favorite spa retreat of the Russian tsars, you can stroll through the historic Borjomi Central Park and taste the legendary mineral water directly from its lukewarm spring—a tradition that continues to delight visitors today.
Spend the evening enjoying the fresh air of the Lesser Caucasus before resting in your charming guesthouse.
Driving distance: approx. 280 km
Accommodation: Family-run guesthouse in Borjomi
(private bath/WC, free Wi-Fi)
(Meals: B/-/-)
Day 10: Hike in the Lesser Caucasus
The region around Borjomi is renowned not only for its healing mineral water but also for its magnificent Georgian Nordmann firs, which thrive in the dense forests of the Lesser Caucasus. After breakfast, you’ll set out on an easy hike in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the largest protected areas in Europe. This hike allows you to immerse yourself in pristine nature and enjoy the peace of the forest.
Hike details: ↑ 250 m / ↓ 250 m, approx. 8 km, walking time with breaks: 2–3 hrs
Afterward, your self-driving tour in Georgia with easy hikes continues toward Akhaltsikhe, where the newly restored Rabati Castle awaits. This remarkable fortress showcases a blend of architectural styles and history from different eras, creating a captivating cultural experience.
Another highlight is the Sapara Monastery, picturesquely located in the surrounding mountains. Known for its colorful frescoes, it offers both artistic beauty and a sense of spiritual tranquility.
In the afternoon, the route takes you through the scenic Kura Valley. A short stop at Khertvisi Fortress (also called Chertwisi) is a must. Perched dramatically on a steep cliff between two rivers, it is considered one of Georgia’s most beautiful fortresses, admired for both its striking architecture and its breathtaking location.
By evening, you will arrive in Vardzia, where you’ll stay in a cozy family-run hotel on the banks of the Kura River—a peaceful setting to end an eventful day.
Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Vardzia
(private bath/WC, free Wi-Fi)
(Meals: B/-/D)
Day 11: Highlights of South Georgia
After breakfast, you will visit the most impressive cave city in the Caucasus - Vardzia. Via narrow stairs and secret tunnels, you will reach a church carved into the rock with fascinating frescoes from the 12th century. After around two hours, the discovery tour ends back at the River Kura.
Around midday, you will continue across the Georgian high plateau and past the country's largest lake, Lake Parawani. You will make several stops along the way to enjoy the special landscape.
Another highlight of the day is the modern glass bridge in Tsalka, which floats spectacularly over the seven kilometre long and 300 metre deep Dashbashi Canyon - a real insider tip that has become a popular excursion destination.
The route then leads to the former German settlement of Asureti (formerly Elisabethtal). Emigrants from Swabia lived here from the beginning of the 19th century. During a walk through the village, you will feel the atmosphere steeped in history.
You reach Tbilisi in the early evening. After a rest break, an Enjoy Georgia employee will pick up the vehicle. Unless otherwise planned, you will be transferred to the airport the next day.
Driving distance: approx. 230 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Tbilisi
(Meals: B/-/-)
Day 12: Departure
(Meals: B/-/-)
Included Services
√ Complete organisation by Enjoy Georgia
√ Airport transfers to and from Tbilisi
√ City tour in Tbilisi
√ Meals: 11× breakfast, 7× dinner
√ Accommodation in 3-star hotels, double rooms
√ Rental car (Subaru Forester)
√ 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 any meals not specified
√ Single room supplement
√ Travel insurance or other optional insurances
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