15 Day Self-Drive Tour to Georgia
Starts from: Tbilisi
Available: April – October, upon request
Type: Self-Drive Tour
Total driving distance: 1687 km
Duration: 15 days
This is a 15-day self-drive tour of Georgia that takes you from the capital city of Tbilisi to the wine region of Kakheti and then to the mountainous Khevi region. The tour includes visits to ancient monasteries, historical fortresses, beautiful wineries, and picturesque towns. Highlights include the David Gareja Monastery, Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi town, Nekresi Monastery, Tsinandali Estate, Shumi Winery, Gremi Fortress, Ananuri Castle, and Gudauri Viewpoint. The tour also offers opportunities to experience traditional Georgian culture and hospitality.
Arrive at Tbilisi Airport and have a transfer to the hotel
Overnight in Tbilisi
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Have a Free Day in Tbilisi. Visit The Old Town of Tbilisi, which is a must-see with its winding streets, historical buildings, and traditional architecture. Suggested places to visit: The Metekhi Church, a 13th-century church with beautiful views of the city. The Narikala Fortress, a 4th-century fortress with a cable car to the top for panoramic views. The Sulfur Baths, a popular spot for relaxation and a glimpse into the city's history. The Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, dating back to the 6th century. The Shardeni Street, a trendy area known for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife. The Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi's main street, with many shops, restaurants, and theaters. The Tbilisi Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Overnight in Tbilisi
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Rental Car Delivery.
Start Driving from Tbilisi to David Gareja Monastery
Head to the David Gareja Monastery - a beautiful complex of rock-hewn monasteries located on the semi-desert landscape. Explore the ancient cave cells, frescoes, and chapels that make up this unique religious site.
From there start driving to the Bodbe Monastery. This picturesque complex is built around the burial site of St. Nino, the 4th-century female Christian martyr who is credited with spreading Christianity in Georgia.
Afterward, take a trip to the picturesque town of Sighnaghi, known for its charming, well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture.
Finally, end your journey with a visit to the the Shilda village and Chubini winery, which is located in the Kakheti region, it's famous for its traditional wineries and vineyards.
Overnight at Chubini Winery Cottage
Breakfast at Guesthouse.
Drive to Nekresi Monastery, located in the nice village of Kakheti region. This monastery was founded in the 6th-century by Abibos, one of thirteen Assyrian fathers - a group of monastic missionaries arrived in Georgia. You need to park the car on parking spot and continue to the monastery on foot or take shared minibus, which costs around 5 GEL.
Afterward, make your way to the Tsinandali Estate, the birthplace of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, a famous Georgian poet and philanthropist. Take a tour of the estate, including the palace, wine cellar, and beautiful park.
Your next stop is the Shumi Winery, one of the most reputable wineries in Georgia. Learn about the traditional winemaking process and taste 3 kinds of wine.
Next stop is Gremi Fortress - a 16th-century architectural monument, a medieval fortress located in the Kakheti region. Explore the fortress, including the Royal Palace, the Church of the Archangels, and the Bell Tower, and learn about the history of this important site.
Finally, end your journey back in Chubini village, where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset, and reflect on the rich cultural and historical experiences you had during the day.
Overnight at Chubini Winery & Pine Cottage
Today you will travel from the wine region to the mountainous Khevi region.
Enjoy a scenic drive through stunning landscapes, with stops at several noteworthy sights.
Your first stop is Kvetera Fortress and Church, a historical monument in the small town of Kvetera. Dating back to the 10th century, the fortress once served as a defense against invaders, while the church inside is one of the oldest Christian sites in the area.
Continue to Ananuri Castle, located along the Georgian Military Highway. This impressive complex includes three churches, a watchtower, and defensive walls. Explore the site and admire the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. In 2007, Ananuri was placed on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Proceed to the Gudauri Viewpoint, a popular stop known for its panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains—a perfect place to enjoy breathtaking scenery and take memorable photos.
Arrive in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), a small town in the Greater Caucasus. Check in to the hotel.
Overnight in Stepantsminda.
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Start the day early and head towards the Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most popular attractions in the area. The hike to Gergeti Church takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace. The trail is moderate and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Once you reach the church, take some time to explore the surroundings and enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Kazbegi. After visiting the church, hike back down to the village, drive to Gveleti Waterfalls and hike from the main road for around half an hour.
Next, visit the Dariali Monastery, located near the Russian border. The monastery is known for its beautiful frescoes and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
After visiting the monastery, head back to Stepantsminda and spend the evening exploring the town or relaxing at your accommodation.
Overnight in Stepantsminda
Breakfast at Hotel
Today, you will continue your journey to the village of Juta, which is located in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. Juta is one of the highest settlements in the area (2200 m asl). Park your car and start walking up the village on a steep path, that soon levels up and turns into more pleasant and relaxing walk towards Chaukhi mountains. Soon you will approach a small but very picturesque waterfall on Chaukhistskali river, cross the river (there is no bridge but there are several crossing points where you’ll need to make a small jump) and walk up until you see a sign and improvised wood bridge leading to the Juta lake. Take a break and walk back down to Juta on the same way (please note there is alternative path that goes down from the back side of the lake, but it requires somewhat tricky river cursing toward the end). Hiking distance: 8.5 km, ↑ 370 m / ↓ 370 m, Type: Two way; Min elevation: 2190 m, Max Elevation: 2560 m
In the evening drive back to Stepantsminda for overnight
Breakfast at Guesthouse.
Today's journey takes us from the mountains of Kazbegi to the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe, and finally to a cozy guesthouse in Ateni.
The first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave city dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. Explore the various caves and tunnels that make up the city, including a theater, a temple, and even a jail.
Continue driving towards the village of Ateni, where we'll be staying at cozy guesthouse for the night.
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Have a relaxing day in Ateni.
Hike to Biisi waterfall located in Shida Kartli, Gori Municipality, near the village of Biisi, Tana Gorge, at 1080 meters above sea level. The Biisi Waterfall is perfect for hiking, picnicking and getting away from the summer heat.
At the bottom of the waterfall, water dam and a small pool is formed where you can swim and cool off. In the winter, the Biisi waterfall freezes and this place turns into an ice kingdom of magic. On the way to the main waterfall of Biisi, you will pass the famous Biisi "ice waterfall", which is just a wet rock in summer, in winter, it will turn into a beautiful ice waterfall. It is used for annual ice climbing competitions. The distance from the road to the waterfall is about 4 km. Keep in mind that you will often have to cross the river on the way so prepare to wet your feet a bit.
Visit Ateni Village & Church, nestled between green rolling hills near the town of Gori. The famous medieval structure was built in the 7th century. The architecture of Ateni Sioni Temple is simple yet lovely, decorated on the exterior with a multitude of engraved stone ornamentation, while the interior walls are covered in beautiful ancient mural paintings dating back to at least the 11th century.
Overnight in Ateni
Your first stop is Borjomi, a resort town famous for its mineral water. Enjoy a walk through Borjomi Central Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna, including several unique bird species.
Continue driving to Rabati Castle, a restored medieval fortress located in Akhaltsikhe. Over the centuries, the complex was influenced by Georgian, Ottoman, and Russian cultures. Today, it functions as a museum and cultural center, where you can explore the fortress, defensive walls, museum, mosque, synagogue, church, and other fascinating attractions.
Drive to Vardzia village for overnight.
Overnight at Valodia’s Cottages.
Breakfast at the Hotel.
In the morning isit Vardzia cave city, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site that was carved into the side of a mountain. The city has over 600 caves, including living quarters, churches, and even a bakery. Georgian Queen Tamar is credited for establishing this monastery during her reign in the 12th c.
Continue driving and make a short stop by the Khertvisi Fortress, a medieval castle that was strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers.
Arrival in Borjomi. Take a walk in Borjomi Central Park and taste bubbling mineral waters from the springs. Borjomi Mineral waters have been famous since the 19th c. and are exported out to many countries. If you wish you can take a longer (7 km round-trip) walk to open air Suplhur baths (there is additional charge to enter and bath in the pools), or ride up on Cable cars to reach the plateau on top of the park.
Overnight at Borjomi Guesthouse on Erekle
Breakfast at Guesthouse.
Start Driving to Chiatura. The town is prominent for a network of Soviet times cable cars built across the town’s manganese miners. Despite the oldness, locals still use the cable cars as means of transportation around the town. Visit main attractions of Chiatura: Photo Art Museum, the Mghvimevi monastery, which is partly carved into the rock and stop at natural limestone monolith Katskhi Pillar on the way. Head to Kutaisi city for overnight. Take a walk through the old town.
Overnight in Kutaisi
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Start Driving to Okatse Canyon. After the Visitor Center, walk about 2 km to reach the Okatse Canyon walking pass, which makes a circle through the Dadiani Historical Forest (780m hanging trail). The route takes about 2 hours and goes to an observation deck with a panoramic view.
Continue Driving do Mate’s Cellar and have wine degustation there.
After Lunch visit Prometheus Caves - the natural wonder, the beautiful karst caves with stalactites and stalagmites, river and lake inside. The boat trip is available inside the caves, if the river level is sufficient.
Continue Driving Back to Kutaisi
Overnight at Kutaisi
Breakfast at the Hotel.
On this day return back to Tbilisi. On the way visit the old Capital of Georgia - Mtskheta and explore two one of the important places. First visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - The main Christian Cathedral in Georgia Svetitskhoveli is the burial place of the Christ’s Robe and the tomb place of Georgian Kings.
After visiting Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, continue driving to Jvari Monastery - The masterpiece of Early Christian architecture Jvari Monastery dates back to early 4th c. Located on the hill top near the town Mtskheta, it is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
Drive Back to Tbilisi and have free evening.
Overnight in Tbilisi
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Departure – Transfer to Tbilisi Airport
Transport:
Accommodation:
Meals:
Entertainment and other:
| Group size | Price per adult |
|---|---|
| Solo | 2287 $ |
| 2 - 3 people | 1557 $ |
| 4 - 5 people | 1198 $ |
| 6 - 15 people | 1133 $ |
The above prices (except for solo) are based on two people sharing a twin/double room accommodation.
There is additional fee for single room accomodation that you can select at checkout.
| Child Policy |
|---|
| 0-6 years - Free |
| 7-12 years - 50% |
| 12 years and above - Adult |
*Online booking deposit will be deducted from the total tour price.
The balance can be paid in one of the following ways:
For a larger group or custom itinerary please contact us at info[at]georgianholidays.com
Tips for booking procedure:
How to know which “Operator” to select?
You only need to select the Operator name if you have previously communicated with one of our sales agents via phone or email, otherwise please leave it at default.
*Optional service paid on spot in GEL:
Vardzia cave, per person price 17GEL
Uplistikhe cave, per person price 15GEL
Tsinandali estate, per person price 15GEL
Gremi fortress, per person price 10GEL
Khertvisi fortress, per person price 10GEL
Cancellation is free of charge prior 7 days of the starting day.
If Tourist cancels the booked tour for some reasons not depending on Tour Operator, the following sums are kept back as a fine: