Georgia is one of the best countries in the world for a self-drive road trip. In a single week you can go from cosmopolitan Tbilisi to 2,000-metre mountain passes, ancient cave cities, world-first wine regions and the subtropical Black Sea coast — all on good roads, with cheap fuel and short distances between highlights.
This day-by-day itinerary covers the classic 7-day loop with an optional 8–10 day extension to Svaneti. Pick up a car in Tbilisi or at Tbilisi Airport and you're ready to go.
Quick Facts
- Duration: 7 days (core loop) or 8–10 days with Svaneti
- Total distance: ~1,100–1,600 km depending on route
- Best time: May–October (Svaneti and high passes are best June–September)
- Recommended car: SUV or 4x4 for mountains; a sedan is fine for the lowland loop
- Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL); cards widely accepted, carry some cash for villages
Day 1 — Tbilisi
Start in the capital. Explore the Old Town, Narikala Fortress, the sulphur baths of Abanotubani and the trendy cafes of Fabrika. Pick up your rental car the evening before you leave so you can start early on Day 2. Park in your hotel's garage overnight — central Tbilisi parking is tight.
Day 2 — Tbilisi to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
Drive the legendary Georgian Military Highway north to Kazbegi (156 km, ~3 hours). Stop at Ananuri Fortress, the Zhinvali Reservoir, lunch on khinkali in Pasanauri, and the Friendship Monument above Gudauri. Finish at Gergeti Trinity Church beneath Mount Kazbek.
Full guide
See our detailed Tbilisi to Kazbegi driving guide for every stop, road conditions and car requirements.
Day 3 — Gudauri & back toward Kakheti
Spend the morning in the mountains around Gudauri (paragliding in summer, skiing in winter), then descend and cross toward eastern Georgia. Overnight in Telavi or the hilltop town of Sighnaghi, the gateway to wine country.
Day 4 — Kakheti Wine Region
Georgia is the birthplace of wine — 8,000 years of it. Tour family wineries, visit Tsinandali Estate, the Bodbe Monastery and the walled town of Sighnaghi. Taste qvevri (clay-pot) wines straight from the source.
Full guide
Plan your tastings with our Kakheti wine region self-drive guide — including the strict drink-driving rules you must know.
Day 5 — Tbilisi to Borjomi & Uplistsikhe
Head west. Stop at the Uplistsikhe cave town near Gori and Stalin's hometown museum, then continue to Borjomi, famous for its mineral water and forested national park. Overnight in Borjomi or Kutaisi.
Day 6 — Kutaisi & on to Batumi
Visit the Prometheus Cave and Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi, then drive to the Black Sea resort city of Batumi (subtropical beaches, modern architecture, casinos and seafood).
Full guide
Driving the main east–west route? Read Tbilisi to Batumi by Car for stops and timing.
Day 7 — Batumi & return
Enjoy the coast, the Batumi Botanical Garden and the boulevard. From here, drive back to Tbilisi (~6 hours) or drop your car in Batumi and fly out — many partners allow one-way rentals.
Extension: Days 8–10 — Svaneti
For the adventurous, add the Caucasus highlands of Svaneti. From the west, drive Zugdidi → Mestia → Ushguli (one of Europe's highest permanently inhabited villages), surrounded by medieval defensive towers and 5,000 m peaks.
Full guide
Svaneti needs the right vehicle and timing — see our Svaneti & Mestia road trip guide.
What Car Should You Rent?
For the lowland loop (Tbilisi–Kakheti–Borjomi–Batumi), a comfortable sedan or economy car is perfect. If you're adding Kazbegi's Gergeti road, Svaneti or any winter driving, choose an SUV or 4x4. Travelling as a group? A 7-seater keeps everyone together.
Before You Go
Georgia drives on the right, fuel is inexpensive, and most foreign licences are accepted for up to a year. Read Is It Safe to Drive in Georgia? for the rules and safety tips, and our Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Georgia for paperwork and insurance.
Ready to Build Your Georgia Road Trip?
Pick up in Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi — verified local partners, insurance included.
Find Your Car →Read more: Tbilisi to Kazbegi | Kakheti Wine Region | Svaneti & Mestia | Tbilisi to Batumi