A Road Trip from Caucasus Mountains to The Black Sea

Welcome to Georgia, a country where ancient history blends seamlessly with jaw-dropping landscapes and warm hospitality. If you’re planning to visit Georgia and get a road trip from the mountains to the sea and catch the all interesting spots which Georgia can offer, it’s time to make a good coffee or tea, sit in a cosy chair and prepare for research of unforgettable adventure.

Georgia road trip has something for everyone, from the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Great Caucasus to the charming old towns.

Whether you’re a nature lover seeking hiking paths, a history buff fascinated by UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or a wine enthusiast ready for local wine tasting in the country’s famed wine cellars, this guide will take you through the best of Georgia’s road trip routes.

Why This Road Trip?

Georgia combines beautiful scenery, rich traditions, and diverse experiences. Whether you’re interested in visiting historic towns like Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, sticking in the views of the Gergeti Trinity Church, or exploring remote villages off the beaten track, a road trip through Georgia will give you the freedom to discover the country’s soul on your way.

Buckle up and get ready to explore everything Georgia has to offer, from the lush landscapes of eastern Georgia to the rugged hiking trails of the Southern Caucasus.

Starting Point: Tbilisi

Your road trip starts in Tbilisi, Georgia’s dynamic capital and a cultural melting pot where old meets new. The city’s mix of medieval fortresses, narrow streets, and modern architecture sets the tone for the varied journey ahead.

Before you start your road trip, take some time to explore Tbilisi’s Old Town, a charming town where colorful balconies, cozy cafes, and art nouveau buildings line the city centre.

A visit to the Narikala Fortress – an ancient city symbol with great views of the Mtkvari River – is a must. For a more relaxed start, consider an afternoon visit to the Sulphur Baths, a Tbilisi institution that’s a great way to begin your trip. Don’t forget to walk along Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main street, and see the Opera House, a

Before you hit the road stock up on snacks and essentials from one of the city’s many markets or shops. If you’re in the mood for some local flavour grab some khachapuri (cheese filled bread) and churchkhela (a traditional Georgian sweet made from grape must and nuts) to fuel your trip.

Helpful Tips for Your Journey:

• Route: Tbilisi City Center → Tbilisi outskirts → Georgian Military Highway (toward Kazbegi)
• Distance to Kazbegi: about 155 km
• Time: 2.5 to 3 hours of driving from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, excluding stops
• Best Time to Visit:
  • Tbilisi is a year-round destination;
  • Spring and autumn are the best times for good weather and fewer crowds;
• Where to Stay:
  • If you want to explore Tbilisi before heading north, the city has a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels;
  • The Old Town is a great area to stay for its proximity to the main attractions;
• Food Stops:
  • Before you hit the road, consider a traditional Georgian meal at a local restaurant in the Old Town or along Rustaveli Avenue;
  • Try khinkali, lobio (bean stew) and badrijani (eggplant rolls with walnut paste).
• Don’t Miss:
  • Narikala Fortress;
  • Tbilisi Botanical Gardens;
  • Aerial Tramway;
  • Tbilisi Sulphur Baths;
  • Prometheus Cave with a Prometheus Wine museum inside;

After drowning in the sights of Tbilisi, take the road and follow the military highway, which leads you into the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains.

Heading North: Georgian Military Highway

Start your journey north from Tbilisi on a road famous for its stunning views. This part of the road takes you deep into the mountains with snowy peaks and green valleys.

Heading North from Tbilisi, don’t miss an afternoon stop to the Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high in the Greater Caucasus Mountains near Mount Kazbegi in Kazbegi National Park.

The road follows the Aragvi River and there are multiple stops to take in the views or go for a short hike.

Along the way don’t miss Ananuri Fortress, a medieval castle complex overlooking the Aragvi reservoir. Great spot for photos and perfect rest point before going deeper into the mountains.

Helpful Tips for Your Journey:

• Route: Tbilisi → Ananuri Fortress → Kazbegi National Park
• Distance: about 155 km
• Time: 2.5 to 3 hours of driving, excluding stops
• Best Time to Visit: Spring to Early Autumn
• Where to Stay:
  • Stay in Stepantsminda, a lovely mountain town near Kazbegi;
  • Guesthouses and hotels with views available;
• Food Stops:
  • Roadside restaurants along the way serve traditional Georgian food like:
    • khinkali (meat dumplings);
    • khachapuri (cheese bread);
    • shkmeruli (crispy chicken smothered in garlic butter or milk sauce);
  • Try a local family-run restaurant for real deal with Georgian wine;
• Don’t Miss:
  • Hike up to Gergeti Trinity Church (or take 4WD if you are short of time);
  • Visit Ananuri Fortress;

Crossing the Mountain Passes

As you go deeper into the mountains the road starts to wind through rough mountain passes. This more scenic drive is where Georgia’s wild beauty is on full display with steep cliffs, deep valleys and snow capped peaks. For adventure lovers this is where the road trip gets epic.

The Military Highway takes you through narrow scenic roads with hairpin turns and offers panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains.

If you are traveling in summer consider a detour to Juta Village, small but lovely place with hiking trails and mountaineer opportunities.

Helpful Tips for Your Journey:

• Route: Kazbegi → Truso Valley → Juta (optional detour)
• Distance: about 50-70 km, depending on detours
• Time: 2-3 hours, depending on stops and hiking options
• Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to enjoy clear mountain views and hiking tracks.
• Where to Stay:
  • In Juta Village, you will find guesthouses and eco-lodges perfect for overnight stays after a day of hiking;
  • Truso Valley has remote and peaceful spots for wild camping;
• Food Stops:
  • Local food at guesthouses or small eateries in Stepantsminda or Juta;
  • Juta has some lovely family-run guesthouses that serve traditional Georgian food;
• Don’t Miss:
  • Mineral springs and natural beauty of Valley and view of gorgeous mountains;

Reaching the Lowlands: From Mountains to Sea

As you leave the highlands of the Caucasus behind, the Georgia road trip will continue drops down into the fertile lowlands of Eastern part of Georgia and the transition from mountains to vineyards and green lush landscape.

This is a peaceful change from the wild mountain roads, with scenic drives through Georgian countryside en route to the sea coast.

Uplistsikhe Town

Stop on your way at the historic cave town of Uplistsikhe, one of Georgia’s oldest settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This ancient cave city carved into the cliffs is a great look into Georgia’s past. With its maze of caves narrow streets, tunnels, and temples, it is a good place to take a break and explore before continuing your journey.

Kakheti Wine Region

Further west, you’ll pass through Georgia’s wine region of Kakheti, where you can stop for wine tastings at a local winery and try a traditional, world-famous wine from a wine cellar.

Take a look to 8,000-year-old Qvevri wine-making tradition, which was inscribed in 2013 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Join one of the wine-tasting excursions and know more about the wine, it’s preparation and which wine is suitable for which dishes of Georgian cuisine.

Helpful Tips for Your Journey:

• Route: Juta/Stepantsminda → Uplistsikhe → Kakheti Wine Region (optional) → Batumi
• Distance: about 300-350 km, depending on stops
• Time: 4-5 hours of driving, excluding stops

Best Time to Visit: Spring to autumn for the best weather, especially for wine exploration and coastal activities.

• Where to Stay: Stay in Batumi, where you’ll find a range of accommodations from boutique hotels to beachfront resorts;
• Food Stops:
  • Try local dishes like khachapuri adjaruli in Batumi’s restaurants;
  • In the Kakheti wine region, enjoy wine tastings with local cheese and bread at family-run wineries;
• Don’t Miss:
  • Uplistsikhe Town;
  • Wine exploration in Kakheti;
  • Take a walk in Batumi’s Botanical Gardens;
  • Enjoy the sunset at the Batumi’s beaches;

Final Destination: The Black Sea Coast

Vashlovani National Park

Before you settle in Batumi, consider taking a detour to Vashlovani National Park in southern Georgia. Vashlovani National Park in the far south of Georgia is a secret gem with desert-like landscapes. This national park is a dirt track with a wild camping opportunities is perfect for outdoor lovers.

Vashlovani National Park’s cliffs, canyons, and sparse vegetation contrast starkly with the country’s green areas.

Batumi: Final Destination

As you come to Batumi, the second largest city in Georgi, the scenery changes to palm trees, a tea plantation, and the blue waters of the Black Sea.

After all the adventures in the Greater Caucasus Mountains and all the landscapes of Georgia, you finally arrive at the sea coast. The city of Batumi is the perfect endpoint for your Georgia road trip with it’s old-world charm, and new-world energy.

Famous for its subtropical climate, palm trees, boulevards, and beaches, Batumi is the gem of the Black Sea and a world away from the snow.

Once in city centre of Batumi, take a walk through historic town:

• Narrow streets are lined with charming cafes, traditional houses, and remnants of the Soviet Union era.
• Don’t miss the Batumi Botanical Gardens, situated on a hill overlooking the sea.
• An afternoon stop will reward you with peaceful paths and views.

If you want to relax after your adventure Batumi is famous for its beach life. Whether you want to relax on the shore, rent a bike and get a scenic drive along the coast, visit a local wine family for some homemade Georgian wine and food there’s something for every kind of traveler.

Helpful Tips for Your Journey:

• Route: Batumi, Black Sea Coast
• Distance from Uplistsikhe: about 300 km
• Time: approximately 4-5 hours of driving from central Georgia, excluding stops
• Best Time to Visit:
  • Summer is best for beach activities;
  • Spring and autumn are pleasant, with fewer crowds;
• Where to Stay: Batumi has a range of accommodations from beachfront resorts to cozy boutique hotels.
• Food Stops:
  • Batumi is famous for its fresh seafood and Adjarian khachapuri;
  • Try local restaurants in the beachside cafes;
• Don’t Miss:
  • Batumi Botanical Garde;
  • A sunset walk along the seaside promenade;
• Onward Travel:
  • From Batumi, you can plan an onward flight to other destinations in Georgia or internationally with direct flights from Batumi International Airport.

Travel Tips for Your Road Trip

When you already create  your ideal Georgian road trip plan from Tbilisi to the Black Sea, found the places where to stay, what to try, what to eat and what you definitely want to see, it’s time to make some preparations and notes for safe and comfortable adventure.

Best Time to Travel

The best time for a road trip from Tbilisi to the Black Sea depends on what you want to experience. May to October is the top time for the best weather. During these months, the snowy peaks of Mount Kazbegi and the green landscapes are in full bloom, and you can enjoy pleasant temperatures all over the country.

• Spring (April to June):
  • The countryside is green and beautiful, perfect for driving the Military Highway and visiting the vineyards of the Kakheti region.
  • The weather is mild and great for hiking, tracking, rafting, or winery excursions, such as tasting a young wine.
• Summer (July to August):
  • Summer is best for coastal activities in Batumi and the sea, but it can be very hot in the lowlands.
  • The highlands are cooler and refreshing, perfect for hikes and scenic drives.
  • Summer is also a great time for festivals in Batumi and Tbilisi.
• Autumn (September to October):
  • Fall is the best time for a Georgia road trip, with cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and grape harvest in full swing.
  • It’s a great time for wine tastings and visiting wine cellars.
• Winter (November to March):
  • If you like winter sports or want to see the mountains in their most epic state, winter is a great time for skiing in Gudauri.
  • However, road conditions can be tricky due to snow and ice in the higher regions.

Route Planning and Navigation

You’ll be starting in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital city. Along the way you’ll pass through beautiful valleys, small hidden villages and UNESCO Heritage and historical sites.

• Main Route:
  • Start in Tbilisi and head north on the Military Highway, a historic road that passes through the Greater Caucasus from Tbilisi to Russia.
  • From Kazbegi, head west to Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock city that’s a must-see.
• Scenic Detours:
  • If you have time, take a day tour into Kakheti, the heart of Georgia’s wine country, for some wine tastings.
  • Another scenic route is through Zekari Pass, a dirt road through mountain landscapes, perfect if you want to get off the beaten track.
• Navigation Tips:
  • Google Maps works well in most of Georgia, but for more remote areas, it’s useful to have an offline map or hire local guides.
  • You’ll find plenty of road signs, but some are only in Georgian, so a basic understanding of the alphabet helps.

Driving Conditions

Georgia’s roads are a mix of paved and dirt roads, especially in more remote or mountainous areas. The Military Highway is nice, but some parts of dirt road can be challenging, especially in winter or in heavy rain.

• Mountain Roads:
  • In the Caucasus, the roads are narrow with steep drops.
  • Drive carefully, especially through mountain passes like Jvari Pass, where the weather can change extremely fast.
• Coastal and Lowland Roads:
  • Roads around Batumi and through the lowlands are in better condition, but there is more traffic near the big cities.
  • Roads through the wine regions are mostly paved but dirt tracks if you’re heading to more remote wineries or villages.
• Car Types:
  • 4WD if you plan to take any dirt roads, especially for day tours like Juta or Truso Valley.
  • For the main highways, a regular car will be enough.
• Driving Tips:
  • Traffic in Georgia can be a bit crazy, especially in Tbilisi.
  • Stay alert and be prepared for sudden stops, pedestrians crossing, or livestock on rural roads.

Packing Essentials

Packing for this trip requires a mix of outdoor gear and city needs. The climate varies from region to region, so be prepared for all.

• Clothing:
  • Layers are fundamental. In the mountains, you’ll need warm clothes, especially in early spring or late autumn.
  • You’ll be much warmer in coastal areas like Batumi.
  • Remember hiking boots for trails like Truso or Kazbegi.
• Hiking gear:
  • A backpack for day hikes;
  • A refillable water bottle;
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses);
  • For wild camps or remote areas, bring a tent, sleeping bag, and other camping gear.
• Tech :
  • Portable chargers;
  • GPS navigator;
  • Charged power bank for your phone
  • Download offline maps or guide apps before your trip if you have no network.
• Snacks and Essentials:
  • Stock up on food and drinks before heading into more remote areas, especially when exploring mountain passes or national parks like Vashlovani.
  • In villages, there are small shops, but they may not have a wide selection of supplies.

Safety Tips

Safety comes first, especially when driving on mountain roads or exploring remote areas.

• Mountain Safety:
  • Weather can change rapidly in high-altitude areas like Kazbegi or Jvari Pass.
  • Check conditions before you go, and drive carefully on narrow roads.
• Medical Emergencies:
  • Carry a basic first aid kit and know the location of the nearest hospital.
  • In remote areas, medical help may be limited, so it’s good to have a first aid kit.
• Wildlife and Camping:
  • Be aware of local wildlife if you plan to wild camp, especially in national parks.
  • Follow guidelines on waste disposal and fire safety.
• Local Assistance:
  • In case of breakdowns or emergencies, locals are very helpful.
  • You can also hire local guides for specific areas if you want extra assistance on more challenging hikes or drives.

Cultural Etiquette

Georgia is a country of hospitality, and interacting with local families and villagers is one of the best parts of the trip. But there are a few cultural etiquette points to keep in mind:

• Respect for Traditions:
  • When visiting churches, cover your shoulders and legs.
  • Always ask before taking photos inside religious sites.
• Language:
  • While Georgian is the main language, many locals in tourist areas speak basic English or Russian.
  • Learn a few simple Georgian phrases (“hello” is “gamarjoba,” “thank you” is “madloba”), and you’ll see the nicest hospitality ever.
• Hospitality:
  • If you’re invited into someone’s home, always accept food or drinks.
  • Georgians take pride in their hospitality, and sharing a meal with a local family is often the highlight of the trip.
• Driving Etiquette:
  • On rural roads, you’ll often encounter livestock (cows or sheep).
  • Be patient and drive slowly until they move out of the way.

Budgeting and Costs

Georgia is affordable for most travelers, but prices vary depending on how you travel and what you do.

• Fuel:
  • Gas is cheap but fills up in bigger cities or towns.
  • Rural areas have fewer gas stations, and prices are slightly higher in remote areas.
• Accommodation:
  • Guesthouses in rural areas, like Stepantsminda or Juta, are cheap, $20-40 per night.
  • In Batumi or Tbilisi, prices go up depending on comfort level.
  • Wild camping is free, but you need to bring your own gear.
• Food and Drink:
  • Meals at local family-run restaurants or guesthouses are cheap;
  • Traditional dishes cost $5-10.
  • Taste wine at local wineries is cheap, but buying bottles to take home varies depending on the quality.
• Entrance Fees:
  • Many historical sites like Uplistsikhe Cave Town have a small entrance fee (usually $2-5).
  • National parks don’t have entrance fees unless you hire a local guide.
• Tours and Guides:
  • Hiring local guides for hikes or specialized tours costs $30-100 per day, depending on the region and activity.

Crafting Your Perfect Georgian Adventure

With Google Maps at the ready and a reliable rental car, you’re free to craft your own suggested itinerary, taking in Georgia’s historic towns and natural wonders.

Whether you’re traveling through the deep valleys of the Central Asia-influenced regions or marveling at the tea plantations and tea production areas along the sea, this road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Georgia is a country that will captivate your heart, from the charming town centers to the rugged beauty of the Great Caucasus Mountains. Your adventure begins here in Tbilisi, but the memories you make will last a lifetime.