Short Tour for Self-Drivers in Georgia

5 days - full of Highlights

Discover Georgia at your own pace with the comfort of professional organization. Our short tour for self-drivers in Georgia combines the country’s most stunning regions and cultural highlights in just five unforgettable days. Travel independently in a comfortable rental car while we handle the route planning, authentic accommodations, and memorable culinary experiences.

Your journey takes you from the romantic wine region of Kakheti to the towering peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, and on to the legendary cave towns of Uplistsikhe and Vardzia. Along the way, you will explore many of Georgia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta and the historic Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi. Expect breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and sweeping panoramas throughout your route.

A special highlight of this short trip for self-drivers in Georgia is the carefully selected family-run hotels and guesthouses. Here you will enjoy warm hospitality, cozy rooms, traditional Georgian cuisine, and excellent local wines straight from the region.

This self-drive tour of Georgia is perfect for travelers who want to combine culture, nature, and authentic experiences within a short timeframe. Enjoy the full diversity of this fascinating country—flexible, independent, and unforgettable.

Highlights of the Tour:

ITINERARY

Day 1: Steppe Landscape, Signagi & Wine Region

After breakfast, your short self-drive tour of Georgia begins with a scenic drive through the dramatic steppe landscapes around Davit Gareja, famous for their striking natural scenery and centuries-old cave monasteries. On the way, stop in Udabno for a cozy coffee break at the charming Oase restaurant.

Continue to the Bodbe Monastery, one of Georgia’s most important pilgrimage sites and the resting place of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to the country. Just a few kilometers away lies Sighnaghi, the romantic “City of Love,” with its Mediterranean flair, narrow cobbled streets, and sweeping views over the Alazani Valley.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Georgia’s world-famous wine culture. During a guided winery tour and tasting, you will discover the differences between traditional Georgian and European winemaking methods. The day ends with warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and fine wines at a stylish winery.

Distance to drive: 190 km
Accommodation: Winery stay
Facilities: Private bath/WC, free Wi-Fi
(Meals included B/-/-)

Day 2: UNESCO World Heritages & Greater Caucasus

After a relaxed breakfast, your journey continues to Telavi, a charming town in the heart of Kakheti. Stroll through the old town, where medieval, classical, and Soviet architecture blend together. Don’t miss the iconic 900-year-old plane tree, a living monument of Georgian history.

Cross the scenic Gombori Pass to reach Mtskheta, Georgia’s spiritual capital. Here, you can visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the hilltop Jvari Monastery and the impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both offering stunning views of the river valleys.

After a short break by the Kura River, follow the legendary Georgian Military Highway. Along the way, visit the 17th-century Ananuri Fortress, beautifully set on the Aragvi Reservoir. Continue toward the mountains, passing Gudauri ski resort (2,200 m) and the Cross Pass (2,400 m), one of the scenic highlights of the Caucasus.

In the evening, arrive in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), nestled at the foot of mighty Mount Kazbek. Here, a cozy family-run guesthouse welcomes you with home-cooked specialties and authentic Georgian hospitality.

Distance to drive: approx. 230 km
Family-run hotel in Stepantsminda

Facilities: Private bath/WC, free Wi-Fi
(Meals included B/-/D)

Day 3: Silk Road & Kingdom of Colchis

The third day of your Georgia short self-drive tour takes you along the legendary Silk Road to the Kartli region, which is steeped in history. On the way, it is worth making an optional stop in Gori, the hometown of dictator Stalin. Here, visitors can view the house where he was born and the historic train carriage from the outside - an exciting place for anyone interested in history.

The highlight of the day is the cave city of Uplistsikhe. Founded as early as the 6th century BC, it was an important trading centre for many centuries. The rooms, streets and meeting places carved into the rock provide an impressive insight into the past.

In the afternoon, you will cross the Rikoti Pass, which connects East and West Georgia. At an altitude of around 950 metres, it is not only scenic but also historically significant. The fertile region of Imeretia, known in Greek mythology as the land of the ‘Golden Fleece’, opens up behind the pass.

At the end of the day, you reach Kutaisi, the second largest city in Georgia. In a cosy family hotel, you will enjoy a traditional dinner with regional specialities and experience the warm hospitality of the west of the country.

Distance travelled: 280 km.
Overnight stay in Kutaisi

Family-run hotel
(bath/WC free WLAN in the room)
(Meals included B/-/D)

Day 4: Kutaisi & the Lesser Caucasus

On the fourth day of your Georgia short self-drive tour, you will explore Kutaisi, the country’s second-largest city with around 250,000 inhabitants. In ancient times, Kutaisi was the capital of the legendary Kingdom of Colchis—the place where, according to Greek mythology, the Argonauts sought the Golden Fleece with the help of Princess Medea.

Today, you will discover Kutaisi on a relaxed city walk. The old town, with its cozy alleyways and bustling markets, offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Georgian life. Highlights include the Gelati Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage, 11th century) and the majestic Bagrati Cathedral, both important landmarks of medieval Georgia.

Around midday, your journey continues into the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. In the spa town of Borjomi, you can stroll through the historic park and taste the famous mineral spring water for which the town is renowned.

By evening, you arrive in Akhaltsikhe, a town steeped in history. Here, a visit to the beautifully restored Rabati Castle is highly recommended. Its unique mix of Georgian, Ottoman, and European architectural styles makes it one of the most impressive fortresses in Georgia.

End the day with a warm welcome at a family-run guesthouse, where you will enjoy a delicious homemade dinner with regional specialties—a perfect conclusion to this diverse day of travel.

Distance to drive: 190 km.
Overnight in Akhaltsikhe

Family-run guesthouse
(bath/WC free WLAN in the room)
(Meals included B/-/D)

Day 5: Cave town of Vardzia & capital Tbilisi

On the last day of your short self-drive tour of Georgia, the route takes you through the picturesque Kura Valley. A worthwhile stop is the Chertvisi Fortress, which sits spectacularly on a rock between two rivers. If you wish, you can cross the small suspension bridge and enjoy a special view of the surrounding area - a perfect photo stop.

You then visit the famous cave town of Wardzia, a fascinating example of medieval architecture. The rooms, churches and stairways carved into the rock bring the history of this unique site to life. After a walk through the caves, we recommend taking a break on the riverbank to soak up the atmosphere.

In the afternoon, the journey takes you across the Georgian high plateau past the idyllic Lake Parawani. The spectacular glass bridge of Dashbashi near Tsalka, which offers a breathtaking view of the valley, is a special photo opportunity. If you have time, you can take a short detour to the village of Asureti, a charming village with a German history.

You finally reach Tbilisi in the evening. Here you can conveniently hand over your hire car to the Enjoy Georgia team and bring your varied round trip to a relaxed close, full of unforgettable impressions and authentic encounters.

***Accommodation in Tbilisi before the start of the tour and after the end of the program is not included. We will be happy to recommend or book suitable hotels for you upon request.

Distance to drive: 280 km
(Meals included B/-/)

*** Our selected family hotels are run by local families. Although they are not star hotels, they are clean, well-maintained and offer a cosy atmosphere. All rooms have their own bathroom and most of the accommodation offers free Wi-Fi. The regional cuisine is particularly noteworthy: the hosts lovingly prepare traditional dishes that offer an authentic insight into Georgian food culture. Please note that the standard is not always comparable with European hotels. A sticking window or a non-functioning lock may occasionally occur, but the friendly staff will always endeavour to make your stay a pleasant one.

The following items may be particularly useful for your trip:

Sun and rain protection:

Sun cream, hat, wind and rain jacket and comfortable footwear for some sightseeing points.

Clothing in churches:

* Women should bring a scarf to cover their heads in Georgian Orthodox churches.
* Shorts are not welcome in churches, so long trousers are recommended for men and skirts for women.

With this preparation, you will enjoy your stay even more relaxed and can experience Georgian hospitality to the full.

Included Services

Complete organisation by Enjoy Georgia
Airport transfers to and from Tbilisi
Meals: 3× Breakfast, 3× Diner
Overnight stays in 3-star hotels, double room
Rental car (Subaru Forester)
Two drivers included
Local contact person available for assistance
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