Drive from Tbilisi through Kakheti’s vineyards to the high passes of the Greater Caucasus on an 8-day private self-drive. Expect mountain panoramas, monastery visits, short hikes and hands-on wine culture, with daily drives that stitch together Georgia’s best landscapes.
Drive from Tbilisi through Kakheti’s vineyards to the high passes of the Greater Caucasus on an 8-day private self-drive. Expect mountain panoramas, monastery visits, short hikes and hands-on wine culture, with daily drives that stitch together Georgia’s best landscapes.
Tbilisi wakes you with steam and stone: sulfur baths hissing below narrow streets, the Mother of Georgia standing watch over the river, and a mosaic of balconies that lead you to the keys of an SUV and the open road.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Kaukasus-Reisen · Tbilisi, Tbilisi
Tbilisi wakes you with steam and stone: sulfur baths hissing below narrow streets, the Mother of Georgia standing watch over the river, and a mosaic of balconies that lead you to the keys of an SUV and the open road.
This eight-day self-drive stitches city, wine country and high mountain into a compact route. Beginning with an Old Town walk and a briefing, the itinerary pushes east into Kakheti — sunbaked vineyards and the Tsinandali estate — then north along the historic Georgian Military Road to Stepantsminda and the Gergeti Trinity Church beneath the Greater Caucasus. Geology here is dramatic: folded limestone ridges give way to glacial valleys and jagged peaks, while the steppe around David Gareja reveals clay cliffs etched by wind.
Culture arrives in the details: wine cellars where qvevri fermentation is a living craft, medieval towers and monasteries that held out against changing empires, and markets selling churchkhela and aged cheese. Natural highlights include Lagodekhi National Park’s old-growth corridors and the 40‑meter Ninoskhevi waterfall, an 8 km return hike on rocky, sometimes slippery trails.
Practically, drivers should expect mixed surfaces, mountain passes near 2,400 m, and daily drives of one to three hours between stops. Bring reliable navigation, a full‑size SUV if available, and plan for sudden weather shifts — afternoons heat up in valleys while nights above 2,000 m stay cold. Moderate fitness is enough for day hikes; know your vehicle insurance and local driving rules. The route rewards with effortless panoramas, hands-on winemaking, and hikes that make the Caucasus feel like a living, breathing challenge.
You must have a valid driving license; check with the rental whether an International Driving Permit is required for your nationality.
Most main roads are paved, but some rural and mountain approaches are gravel or rough; a higher-clearance SUV is recommended for comfort.
Most itinerary points sit between 500–2,300 m; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated — serious altitude sickness is unlikely but monitor symptoms above 2,000 m.
Yes: a guided Tbilisi city tour on day 1 and on‑call support at the start; other days are self-drive with provided route materials and phone support.
Kaukasus-Reisen operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Tbilisi wakes you with steam and stone: sulfur baths hissing below narrow streets, the Mother of Georgia standing watch over the river, and a mosaic of balconies that lead you to the keys of an SUV and the open road.
Tbilisi wakes you with steam and stone: sulfur baths hissing below narrow streets, the Mother of Georgia standing watch over the river, and a mosaic of balconies that lead you to the keys of an SUV and the open road.
This eight-day self-drive stitches city, wine country and high mountain into a compact route. Beginning with an Old Town walk and a briefing, the itinerary pushes east into Kakheti — sunbaked vineyards and the Tsinandali estate — then north along the historic Georgian Military Road to Stepantsminda and the Gergeti Trinity Church beneath the Greater Caucasus. Geology here is dramatic: folded limestone ridges give way to glacial valleys and jagged peaks, while the steppe around David Gareja reveals clay cliffs etched by wind.
Culture arrives in the details: wine cellars where qvevri fermentation is a living craft, medieval towers and monasteries that held out against changing empires, and markets selling churchkhela and aged cheese. Natural highlights include Lagodekhi National Park’s old-growth corridors and the 40‑meter Ninoskhevi waterfall, an 8 km return hike on rocky, sometimes slippery trails.
Practically, drivers should expect mixed surfaces, mountain passes near 2,400 m, and daily drives of one to three hours between stops. Bring reliable navigation, a full‑size SUV if available, and plan for sudden weather shifts — afternoons heat up in valleys while nights above 2,000 m stay cold. Moderate fitness is enough for day hikes; know your vehicle insurance and local driving rules. The route rewards with effortless panoramas, hands-on winemaking, and hikes that make the Caucasus feel like a living, breathing challenge.