Georgia · Easy
9-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia: Tbilisi to Mestia
A 9-day self-drive itinerary in Georgia, connecting Tbilisi, the Georgian Military Highway, Kazbek, Kutaisi, Mestia, Utsu’s Hometown, and the Zagari Pass, along with tips on driving on mountain roads.
- Days
- 9
- Stops
- 13
- Mapped stops
- 13
- Mapped distance
- 977.1 km
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Trip
Day-by-day route
Day 1
1 stopsDay 2
1 stops · 0.1 km · 0 minDay 3
3 stops · 284 km · 5 hr 50 minDay 5
1 stops · 321.7 km · 5 hr 0 minDay 6
1 stops · 122.2 km · 2 hr 40 minDay 7
3 stops · 123.8 km · 3 hr 30 minDay 8
1 stops · 52.9 km · 1 hr 40 minDay 9
2 stops · 72.5 km · 1 hr 50 minMap explore
Map explore
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Georgia
9-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia: Tbilisi to Mestia
Day 1
Tbilisi arrival and old town base
Arrive, set up SIM/cash/weather checks, and avoid city-center driving after a long flight.
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Day 2
Tbilisi food planning and rental pickup
Use the city day for supplies and pick up the rental car near an outbound road.
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Day 3
Georgian Military Road
Scenic mountain corridor toward Kazbegi / Stepantsminda.
View in Google MapsAnanuri Fortress Complex
Recommended stop on the Georgian Military Highway.
View in Google MapsGergeti Trinity Church
Key Kazbegi mountain viewpoint when weather and access permit.
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Day 5
Kutaisi overnight gateway
Western Georgia base before the Svaneti approach.
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Day 6
Inguri Dam
Optional stop on the Zugdidi to Mestia approach.
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Day 7
Mestia Bell Tower and Historic Tower Group
Main Mestia slow-day highlight.
View in Google MapsHatsvali Cable Car - Mestia
Mestia viewpoint option when operating.
View in Google MapsChalaadi Glacier
Stable-weather hike option from Mestia.
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Day 8
Ushguli
High Svaneti village and overnight option.
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Day 9
Zagari Pass
Seasonal pass route from Ushguli toward Lentekhi.
View in Google MapsLentekhi exit toward Kutaisi
Exit point after Zagari Pass before continuing toward Kutaisi.
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