Self-drive tour in Georgia: our advice
Situated at the crossroads between Asia, the Orient and the West, Georgia is a small country with many assets. Between its multiple and varied landscapes and its significant cultural and religious heritage
Situated at the crossroads between Asia, the Orient and the West, Georgia is a small country with many assets. Between its multiple and varied landscapes and its significant cultural and religious heritage, it is the ideal destination to venture freely away from mass tourism. And to do so, nothing beats a road trip by car ! Discover our tips for organizing a self-drive tour in Georgia…
Driving in Georgia
Renting a car in Georgia means treating yourself to a journey of complete freedom discovering extraordinary landscapes, monuments steeped in history while meeting a population renowned for its warmth and hospitality. And the advantage of traveling with complete autonomy is that you can explore Georgia off the beaten path while taking time to stop wherever you please. That said, and although the country is small, it is preferable to plan your travel itinerary carefully to ensure you don't miss the essentials.
But first of all, know that while a French driver's license is sufficient to rent a car in Georgia, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's license to avoid any complications with local authorities and insurance companies. Keep in mind that the road network is not very developed in Georgia and you should allow minimum time to traverse the mountainous areas. Note that certain roads, which are difficult to access, become inaccessible from late autumn through spring. Always check in advance to avoid any nasty surprises.
Internal link circuit: https://www.voyage-georgie.com/circuit/la-georgie-en-liberte
Discoveries by car from Tbilissi and its surroundings
Tbilissi is the ideal starting point to begin your road trip in Georgia. And for good reason—Georgia's capital is brimming with charm. With its multiple architectural influences, notably Middle Eastern, Byzantine, Russian and European, it is filled with historic and cultural buildings. You can discover, among others, the Narikala fortress dating from the 4th century, the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the Metekhi Church, the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and the city's last remaining mosque. In addition to its numerous religious buildings, this city located in the heart of the Caucasus is an authentic thermal spa destination. Don't miss the Abanotubani district where you can enjoy the virtues of traditional thermal baths.
After having visited the must-sees of the capital, take advantage of being in a car to explore the surroundings of Tbilissi. Venture into the discovery of Kakheti considered to be the "birthplace of Georgian wine". This is the country's first wine-producing region, also renowned for its sumptuous landscapes and agriculture. A bit further, you can also discover Mtskheta, which in turn is renowned for being the cradle of Georgian Christianity. Nestled in the heart of a picturesque setting, this city is one of Georgia's oldest, where you'll find the two largest churches in Georgia, Djvari and Svetitskhoveli. Continue your self-drive journey along the mythical Georgian Military Road. Running along gorges and valleys and crossing the Cross Pass at nearly 2,400 meters altitude, it ranks among the most beautiful roads in the world.
An escape from Gori to the shores of the Black Sea
Your journey by car through Georgia can continue to Gori. Located inland, to the west of Tbilissi, this city founded in the 12th century is primarily known as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. You'll also discover the medieval fortress of Gori Sike as well as the remains of Uplistsikhe. This incredible troglodytic city built in the 1st millennium BC is one of the oldest human settlements in the Caucasus.
After exploring all the treasures of this region, we recommend you continue your self-drive journey toward the west, in the region of Adjara. Throughout the road, you can admire the landscapes of this province comprised of bamboo groves and tea plantations. Then set out to discover the shores of the Black Sea and stop at Batumi. This seaside resort owes its renown to its magnificent waterfront and unique architecture, blending the charm of the old with futuristic buildings. Don't miss the city's famous botanical garden, founded over 130 years ago and among the world's largest. A few kilometers away, not far from the Turkish border, you can finally discover the Roman archaeological site of the Gonio fortress.
Frequently asked questions
A French driver's license is technically sufficient to rent a car in Georgia. However, it is strongly recommended to obtain an international driver's license before departure to avoid any issues with local authorities and to facilitate procedures with insurance companies.
The best time for a self-drive tour in Georgia is spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), when temperatures are pleasant and landscapes are splendid. In summer, coastal regions like Batumi are very crowded. Note that certain mountain roads remain closed from late autumn through spring due to snowfall.
For a self-drive tour in Georgia, it is advisable to rent a vehicle with automatic or manual transmission according to your preference, but especially a 4x4 or SUV if you plan to venture into mountainous areas or on unpaved roads. High-altitude tracks, particularly toward remote regions of the Greater Caucasus, require an appropriate vehicle.
A minimum of 10 to 14 days is recommended to fully enjoy a self-drive tour in Georgia. This timeframe allows you to visit Tbilissi and its surroundings (Kakheti, Mtskheta), travel the Georgian Military Road, explore Gori and the remains of Uplistsikhe, and then reach the Black Sea coast up to Batumi.
No, Georgia's road network is highly uneven. While main roads connecting major cities are in good condition, secondary roads, particularly in mountainous areas, can be narrow, winding and in poor condition. Certain high-altitude tracks become completely inaccessible from late autumn through spring. It is essential to check road conditions before each stage of your itinerary.
During your self-drive tour in Georgia, don't miss: the capital Tbilissi and its thermal baths in the Abanotubani district, the wine region of Kakheti, the sacred city of Mtskheta with its Djvari and Svetitskhoveli cathedrals, the spectacular Georgian Military Road crossing the Cross Pass at 2,400 meters, the troglodytic city of Uplistsikhe near Gori, and finally Batumi with its botanical garden and waterfront on the Black Sea.
