Southwest Off-Road Adventure

Experience Georgia's mountains, culture, and history on a private jeep tour

Detailed Description

Overview

Difficulty
Comfort
Imereti   Samtskhe-Javakheti   Adjara  
Destination
Special
Tour type
June — October
Period
5 days
Duration
1 — 4
Group
8+
Age
ST011
Program code

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of South-West Georgia. This exciting travel package takes you across the majestic Lesser Caucasus range, crossing two spectacular mountain passes: Goderdzi Pass (2,025 meters / 6,644 feet) and Zekari Pass (2,182 meters / 7,159 feet). Beginning and ending in the vibrant city of Batumi, you'll explore the hidden gems of the Adjara Highlands, Javakheti, Borjomi National Park, and Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve. Traverse four diverse regions — Adjara, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Imereti, and Guria — discovering rural villages, natural wonders, and cultural landmarks along the way. Experience traditional tea-making at the Ialoni tea plantation and conclude your trip with a leisurely evening stroll along Batumi's seaside boulevard. An extraordinary Georgia tour awaits!

Itinerary

Day 1 — Immersed in Mountain Culture and Nature

Our adventure begins with an insightful journey into the everyday life of mountain locals. The first stop on our trip is the Borjgalo Ethnographical Museum, established by master woodcarver Kemal Turmanidze and his family. This heartwarming museum showcases traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery making, and metal, stone, and wood processing. The exhibits, accompanied by enchanting folkloric music, provide a vivid glimpse into various fields, displaying models, weapons, and tools. After a 30-minute exploration, we travel along the picturesque Adjaristskali River valley towards Keda municipality to witness the stunning Makhuntseti Waterfall. Continuing our travel adventure, we head to the mountainous regions of Adjara — Shuakhevi and Khulo. Here, we'll experience an exhilarating ride on a Soviet-era cable car to the charming village of Tago, soaring over the river valley below. Our next stop is the Beshumi Resort, a climatic and spa retreat located at an altitude of 1,850 to 2,000 meters (6,070 to 6,560 feet). As we cross the Goderdzi Pass, which merges Adjara and Samtskhe-Javakheti, we'll reach the highest point of our journey at 2,025 meters (6,644 feet) above sea level. On our way, we'll visit the hidden gem of Zarzma Monastery, a medieval sanctuary dating back to the 8th century, nestled in a forested river valley in the Adigeni municipality. After this memorable day filled with cultural and natural wonders, we'll arrive in the town of Akhaltsikhe, where we'll check into our hotel for an overnight stay.

Route: Batumi — 4x4 | 90 km · 2 h Khulo — 4x4 | 85 km · 2 h 15 min Akhaltsikhe

Activities: Sightseeing | 4 hours

Accommodation: Included Akhaltsikhe Inn Hotel 4* * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: not included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Zarzma Monastery, Makhuntseti Waterfall, Khulo — Tago Cableway.

Day 2 — Unveiling Medieval Treasures and the Rock-Hewn City

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll explore Akhaltsikhe, a historical town and the administrative center of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Our tour begins in the Rabati district, where we'll visit the Rabati Castle and its museum located within the fortress walls. Spanning about 7 hectares (17 acres), the castle is divided into modern and historical sections. In the modern area, you'll find a restaurant, hotel, and shops, while the historical western part houses several churches, the Akmedie Mosque, a synagogue, the Jakeli family castle, and a historical museum featuring manuscripts, books, photographs, and collections of archaeological and numismatic artifacts. We then drive south along the Mtkvari River valley to visit Khertvisi Fortress, dating back to the 10th–11th centuries. This well-preserved citadel includes a small basilica church and a tunnel leading down to the river. In 2007, Vardzia-Khertvisi was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative List. Next, we'll explore Sapara Monastery, hidden within the woods, offering a serene atmosphere. For those interested, there's an optional easy hike through the small village of Apnia, covering a distance of 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) from Apnia to Vardzia. Finally, we arrive at Vardzia Caves, a unique monument of medieval architecture. This rock-hewn town spreads across 13 levels, containing approximately 600 rooms, including prayer halls, churches, residential and public spaces, stables, barracks, bakeries, wine presses, and storage facilities. Vardzia is renowned for the 12th-century mural paintings in its main church. Exploring the site involves ascending and descending old stone steps within tunnels. The excursion takes about one hour. We will spend the night at Valodia's Cottage Farm in Vardzia, immersing ourselves in the local ambiance.

Route: Akhaltsikhe — 4x4 | 10 km · 15 min Sapara Monastery — 4x4 | 70 km · 1 h 30 min Vardzia

Activities: Caving | 1 hours , Sightseeing | 4 hours , Hiking 45 minutes

Accommodation: Included Vardzia Farm House Valodia's Cottage * Or similar | Guest House | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Khertvisi Fortress, Rabati Castle, Vardzia, Sapara Monastery.

Day 3 — Traversing Nature Reserves and Alpine Lakes

After breakfast at the farm hotel, we'll head to the Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve. Please remember to carry your ID or passport, as border guards may request registration. The reserve protects the unique flora and fauna of the Lesser Caucasus. We'll walk through the subalpine belt, absorbing the pristine natural beauty, before driving towards Tabatskuri Lake. The route takes us over the Tskratskaro Pass at 2,454 meters (8,051 feet). We'll make stops along the way to observe the most interesting habitats and plant life within the area. At Tabatskuri Lake, a serene alpine oasis with a small village on its shore, you can choose a spot for a picnic near the artificial forest by the lake. Alternatively, it's possible to stay with local villagers and taste their homemade cheese. We continue our trip through Bakuriani resort, heading towards Borjomi. Arriving in Borjomi town, one of Georgia's most popular resorts famous for its mineral waters, unique nature, and historical monuments, we'll take a pleasant walk in Borjomi Central Park. This beautiful place features lush plant life, stylish verandas, a green pavilion with a transparent dome, a mineral water fountain, and the Prometheus Monument. There's also a hiking path leading to an open-air natural hot sulfur springs pool about 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles) up the trail. A small stream of the Borjomula River flows through the park, crossed by several unique bridges, including the Eiffel Bridge with handrails similar in design to the Eiffel Tower, and the Lover's Bridge. The park is entirely enveloped by dense forests, offering many hiking trails. We'll check into our hotel in Borjomi for an overnight stay.

Route: Vardzia — 4x4 | 75 km · 1 h 30 min Tabatskuri Lake — 4x4 | 52 km · 1 h 45 min Borjomi

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours , Hiking | 2 hours

Accommodation: Included Borjomi Bridge Hotel 4* * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Tsar Baths, Borjomi Central Park, Tabatskuri Lake, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Ktsia-Tabatskuri Reserve.

Day 4 — From the Stars to Healing Springs

After breakfast at the hotel, we hit the road again! Our morning begins with a visit to the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory, the first mountainous classical observatory in the Soviet Union, founded in 1932 on Mount Kanobili near the resort town of Abastumani. Visitors can observe the night sky through a unique telescope, converse with astronomers, and explore the remarkable collections in the museum. We then journey along a winding road linking the towns of Abastumani and Sairme, which takes us through breathtaking mountain areas. Please note that the road is gravel, rocky, and can be bumpy at times, making it a favorite route for off-road enthusiasts. We cross the Zekari Pass at an elevation of 2,174 meters (7,133 feet) above sea level. Our next stop is the health resort of Sairme, where you can taste the famous mineral spring water. Located in a subtropical mountainous area at 950 meters (3,117 feet) above sea level, Sairme offers healing springs, an ecologically clean environment, and beautiful nature. We continue our travel to Kutaisi, arriving in the evening, and check into our hotel for an overnight stay.

Route: Borjomi — 4x4 | 77 km · 1 h 45 min Abastumani — 4x4 | 90 km · 3 h Kutaisi

Activities: Sightseeing | 4 hours

Accommodation: Included Kutaisi Memoire Hotel 3* * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: White Bridge, Zekari Pass, Kutaisi's Royal District, Sairme Mineral Springs,

Day 5 — Tea Tasting and Coastal Charms

After breakfast, we'll begin with a morning city tour in Kutaisi, the third-largest city in Georgia and a main cultural and educational center of the region. We'll visit the Bagrati Cathedral, explore the bustling farmer's market, see the main square and the Colchis Fountain, and cross the White Bridge connecting the two banks of the Rioni River. After capturing some memorable photos, we'll leave Kutaisi and drive towards Batumi. Our journey takes us through the Guria region, where we'll stop in Bakhvi village near Ozurgeti to taste authentic Georgian tea. The Ialoni Tea plantation is located in this beautiful area of Guria, known for producing high-quality tea leaves grown organically and processed using traditional methods. You can tour the plantation, learn about the different varieties of tea — including black, green, and herbal teas — and participate in a tea tasting experience, where you'll sample different types and learn proper brewing techniques. After the tour, we'll drive back to Batumi. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a suggested walking tour of this vibrant city. Visit Piazza and Europe Squares, see the kinetic sculptures of Ali and Nino by the seaside, and enjoy a leisurely evening in Batumi Boulevard and the Miracles Park. You can ascend the Georgian Alphabet Tower for panoramic views of the city, take a ride on the colorful Panorama Wheel, see the Lighthouse and the Chacha Tower with its grand clock, or simply walk along the seashore, taking in the beauty of the sunset. We will drop you off at your preferred location or at Batumi International Airport for your departure. Join us on this unforgettable trip and immerse yourself in the rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality that this beautiful country has to offer. This Georgia tour package is more than a journey — it's an experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home. Happy travels!

Route: Kutaisi — 4x4 | 150 km · 2 h 30 min Batumi

Activities: City Walking | 2 hours , Sightseeing | 3 hours

Accommodation: Not Included

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Piazza Square, White Bridge, Batumi Lighthouse, Ali and Nino, Alphabet Tower, Batumi Boulevard, Kutaisi Green Bazaar, Kutaisi Drama Theater, Kutaisi's Royal District, Panoramic Wheel Batumi, Bagrati Cathedral, Chacha Tower.

Our tour program's list of attractions is a guide, not exhaustive. Unlisted sites may be visited, and listed ones might be viewed from a distance. Conditions like operating hours, weather, or local rules may affect access. Thank you for your understanding.

Prices

This tour has open departure and can be organized based on your preferred dates. Remember, prices vary based on the exact group size.

From June 1, 2025 to Oct. 31, 2025

What's included?

Accommodation

4 nights — Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals

4 breakfasts, 0 lunch, 0 dinners.

Guide

5 days — Full day,

Transport

4x4: ~699 km. *

Activities

Sightseeing: ~18 hours, Hiking: ~2 hours 45 minutes, City Walking: ~2 hours, Caving: ~1 hours. *

Additionally included

Experienced driver-guide, Two 0.5 bottles of mineral water per day.

Not included

Personal expenses and tips.

The provided measures of total kilometers for transport, duration of guide services, and activities in our tour program are approximate and may vary depending on the program flow and terrain conditions. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these numbers, please note that they are intended as estimates. We make every effort to provide the most precise information possible to give you an idea of the overall tour experience.

Equipment & Checklist

Summer in Georgia is a great time to visit both the lowlands and the mountains. The average temperature in the summer months (June to August) is around 25°C (77°F) in the lowlands and 15°C (59°F) in the mountains, although it can get quite hot during the day.

For this tour, it is recommended to bring lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton t-shirts and shorts for the lowlands. If you plan to spend time in the mountains, it's a good idea to pack some warm layers such as a fleece or sweater for cooler evenings, as well as waterproof gear for unexpected rain.

Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Enjoy your summer tour to Georgia!

Here's a comprehensive checklist for your summer tour to Georgia:

Meals

Eating is an integral part of travel, and with Georgia.to, you will have the opportunity to savor the delicious cuisine that Georgia has to offer. While breakfast is included, some lunches and dinners may be held at local restaurants, giving you the flexibility to choose where, what, and with whom you want to eat. Although meals are not typically included in the trip price, food is generally inexpensive, with an average cost of 10-15 euros per person for dinner or lunch, including drinks. However, our group often eats together to allow for a diverse taste of dishes and for the enjoyment of each other's company, though this is not a requirement.

Money

In Georgia, the currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Small exchange offices are omnipresent throughout Georgia and offer competitive exchange rates. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best place to exchange money, as exchange rates may vary depending on the location. You can also check the current exchange rates on www.xe.com

Bank cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops, but it is advisable to have some cash as a backup, in case there are issues with local ATM machines or credit cards. However, it is possible that in remote villages, bank cards may not be accepted, so it is best to have some cash on hand. The most widely accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard. We recommend exchanging only small amounts of money at a time, as exchange rates can fluctuate frequently. It is also advisable to inform your bank in advance of your travel plans to avoid any issues with international transactions.

Tipping

The Georgia.to travel team, including guides, drivers, cooks, etc., are paid a fair wage and do not expect tips. If you choose to leave a gratuity as a way of expressing your satisfaction, please note that damaged or adhesive coins or banknotes cannot be exchanged. Tips can be left at your discretion in envelopes. In restaurants, it is customary to leave 5-10% as a tip.

Health

For your health and safety, it's important to be in good health before traveling to Georgia. Consult with a doctor or travel medicine specialist for recommended vaccines and preventive measures. To prevent insect bites and follow food safety measures, it's best to drink only bottled or treated water and be mindful of what you eat.

Bring enough of your prescription medicine and ensure that it is legal in Georgia if you have a pre-existing medical condition. A basic first-aid kit, including pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and insect repellent, is also recommended in case of minor illnesses or injuries.

While Georgia has modern medical facilities in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, it's still wise to have travel insurance in case of unexpected medical expenses. There are no specific health requirements for this trip, but it's important to prioritize your health and safety while traveling.

Dress Code

When visiting Georgia, it is important to be mindful of the local customs and dress codes, especially when entering religious buildings. In such places, it is expected that visitors dress modestly with women covering their heads and legs. Shorts and skirts above the knee are usually not allowed. Outside of religious buildings, there is a more casual and relaxed dress code with no specific restrictions, and visitors are free to wear what they prefer. It is worth noting that Georgia is a modern and European-influenced country, so visitors may encounter a mix of styles from traditional and contemporary.

Laundry

Laundry service is available at the majority of our hotels for a reasonable fee, usually around 10 euros or less per load. If you need this service, please speak to your guide in advance to arrange it.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not a requirement to enter Georgia, but it is highly recommended. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can provide coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, lost or stolen belongings, and emergency evacuation. In case of unexpected events, having travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. It is important to review the coverage and terms of your travel insurance policy before departing to ensure it meets your specific needs and provides adequate protection while traveling in Georgia.

Safety and Security

Georgia is considered one of the safest countries in the world and visitors can generally feel safe while exploring the country. Crime rates, including pickpocketing, are low and tourists can move around freely without major concerns for their safety. However, as with any destination, it is always advisable to take basic safety precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight, not carrying large amounts of cash, and being aware of one's surroundings in busy areas.

Emergency Contact

In case of any emergencies, we are available for support. During office hours (Tbilisi time), you can reach us at +995 591 257 715 for any urgent questions. Additionally, upon booking, you will be provided with a 24/7 personnel travel assistant for the duration of your trip. They will be available to assist you with any needs or concerns.

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Last update: Dec. 6, 2024, 9:34 a.m.