A Georgia Road Trip: Driving Solo Through the Caucasus

The roads are windy, the routes are long, the driving is frenzied, and yet it is one of the best driving trips I’ve ever taken. A road trip in Georgia is the perfect way to explore the country and have a true adventure in the Caucasus Mountains.

I’ve taken my fair share of road trips, many of them solo. I love being able to have the freedom to create your own agenda, make stops along the way and control any last minute changes. It’s the liberating part of travel I’ve come to truly enjoy. The country of Georgia at first glance may not look to be an ideal place for a road trip, but upon further inspection, it meets all my personal criteria for a perfect road trip. There is stunning scenery, chances to make quick rest stops on the route, and picturesque towns and villages along the way.

So, Where Exactly IS Georgia?

Eastern Europe? Asia? The crossroads of Asia and Europe, Georgia is located in a geographically confusing location. The country lies within the Caucasus Mountains, which spans Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The republic is sandwiched between the Black and Caspian Seas, with Turkey and Armenia just south and Russia as the neighbors of the north, and Azerbaijan to the east. This Eurasian region is a section of the world that is not to be missed, the culture is unique, the cuisine is delicious and the scenery is staggering.

Beginning A Georgia Road Trip

Researching and choosing an itinerary is the first place to begin with planning a road trip in Georgia. I knew for this particular visit I wanted to spend time in the wine region and I wanted to explore the outdoors so I narrowed down my route based on the type of trip I wanted to curate.

Georgia Road Trip Itinerary

If you are a fan of adventurous driving, the country of Georgia is a road trip for you. While the driving conditions can go from fast, flat highway to bumpy country side roads, I felt very safe navigating through the country.

The Route: Tbilisi to Kakheti to Kazbegi to Kutaisi back to Tbilisi:

(10-14 Day Itinerary)

Starting in Tbilisi, I picked up my car after spending a few days in the city. I found a car rental company through Holiday Autos that delivered the car to my accommodation, so I didn’t have to worry about parking and driving in the city while visiting Tbilisi where walking and public transportation are easy ways to get around.

Driving in Tbilisi is similar to other busy, crowded cities. The road rules are blurry and it at times can be chaotic. I was happy to get out of the city and into the wine country. Kakheti is arguably the oldest wine region in the world, with the history of Georgian wine in the area dating back over 8000 years. There are many places to venture through the Kakheti wine region, but I chose Sighnaghi and Telavi as my 2 stops. Both have equal parts wine drinking, food eating and culture absorbing. Honestly, the perfect location with anything you’d wish to have in a vacation, even for the pickiest of travelers.

Why Visit Kakheti?

You’ll be spoiled for choice with dining options, vineyard visits, museums and monasteries. While spending time in Sighnaghi Pheasants Tears winery has a restaurant in town that will fill your belly with fresh, regional foods. The Georgian cuisine is one of the many highlights of a trip to this country, and you’ll fall deeper once you’re introduced to these fantastic flavors. If you’re planning an extended stay in the region, learn about where I’d go to to spend a weekend in Kakheti.

After spending a few days educating my palate with Georgian wines, I drove north to Kazbegi, a small mountain town also known as Stepantsminda.

Why Visit Kazbegi?

The Caucasus mountains are a draw for outdoor enthusiasts, but can also be a destination for anyone who just appreciates the beauty of nature.

The places to stay when exploring this region is the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. Be sure to pay the extra nightly rate to get a room that overlooks the mountains. Sitting on the balcony enjoy a tea or coffee in the morning as the sun rises and illuminates the Gergeti Trinity Church is a sight to behold. If you’re looking to spend a few days here and really unwind, be sure to read about my suggestions for a digital disconnect in Stepantsminda.

After a few days hiking through the valleys in Stepantsminda, it is time to venture to Kutaisi. The drive from Kazbegi to Kutaisi is a bit of a stretch, so take advantage of several road-side stops to stretch your legs and break up the long drive.

Things to visit along the way:

Zhinvali Water Reserve is twofold, a good time to take a short break and an overlook of the Aragvi River dam. The viewpoint has become a popular spot so there are a few handicraft vendors and stalls.
Ananuri Fortress is an ancient castle complex that is worth a quick stop. The grounds overlook the far western corner of the reservoir and on a sunny day the water is striking glacial gatorade blue.
A lunch stop in Pasanauri is a must, it’s where you’ll find some of the best Georgian dumplings, or Khinkali. My favorite roadside restaurant is Restaurant Guda where diners can easily make dozens of dumplings disappear.
The small village of Sno has a small detour with a big result. Here you’ll find several massive granite sculptures, the giant heads of Sno which depict famous Georgians.

What’s So Great About Kutaisi?

The town of Kutaisi is a great stepping point to either continue onto Batumi and the western seaside or to move northwest toward Mestia, a must for hiking and adventure travelers. While some parts of Tbilisi may feel congested, Kutaisi has charming green spaces making for a quieter, quainter city experience.

There is an international airport outside of Kutaisi, making it a great second location to fly out of if this is the end of your road trip. The alternative would be to make the trip back towards Tbilisi.

Roads in Georgia

Within the city limits of Tbilisi, the roads and traffic laws are similar to any other other major metropolis. This can quickly change the further rural you drive. If you stick to the standard more tourist trodden rail, you won’t find much of an issue with road conditions. Be mindful that there are often paved highways that will quickly convert into gravel or dirt roads.

Things to Remember When Planning A Road Trip

Insurance – does your credit card cover car accidents? Do you add coverage when renting a car from the rental company, or is there rental insurance bundled with your existing auto insurance plan.

Drivers licenses are not all created equally. International Drivers Permits (IDP) are occasionally necessary in certain countries and having one just in case is . international license are easy to obtain through AAA, for US drivers. An IDP generally lasts one year and those who are over 18 years old with a valid license can apply. Also remember that there are age restrictions for renting a vehicle (usually over 25).

When I pick up my rental car, I alway take images and videos of the vehicle so I have a time stamp of any scratches, dents or visible existing damage of the rental car. If you have any issues when returning the vehicle then it’s a way to show proof of any blemishes prior to your rental period. I often ask to do a walk around with a car rental employee so I have their input.

Prepare prior to getting behind the wheel. I normally map out my route ahead of time and I also will save screenshots of directions in case I lose cell service. Google Maps and Maps.me are both navigation apps to use. Pack an extra power cord for the ride so you can play music and keep your directions up without the threat of a dying phone battery. Occasionally rentals in the global majority don’t latest technology so I will bring both a USB and AUX cord in case the car has one versus another.

Looking to experience the country of Georgia but don’t want to travel on your own? Join us for our trip to the Caucasus region on a cultural and culinary tour of the country. Learn more about the trip here and secure your spot today!