Tour from Tbilisi to Batumi by car

It is better to explore the city itself on foot. So you can absorb the charming measured mood of this place. There is a metro in Georgia. Your walking route should start from Avlabar. Here you can park a car or get by public transport to the metro station of the same name. Climb the narrow old streets to the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. It is the largest in Georgia. Although the church was built relatively recently, it caused a wave of indignation among the Armenian Diaspora living in Georgia and residents of Armenia.

Then it is worth going down to the Kura River and visiting another Metekhi temple. See the old town from its observation deck. Then take the cable car from Rike Park up to the Narikala Fortress, walk to the statue of Mother Georgia and see old Tbilisi from a bird's-eye view.

Then you can descend from the fortress on foot along the road leading through the Church of St. Nicholas. Further along the streets covered with paving stones, go to the sulfur baths, standing on natural sulfur springs. Walk to Maidan Square, the oldest and the very first square in Tbilisi. The Machakhela restaurant is located on the square. Many residents and guests of Georgia love this place for its delicious cuisine and views, especially if you are lucky enough to sit on the balcony of the second floor. Walk to the Sioni Cathedral, located on the embankment of the Kura, then walk to the Collective Farm Square. Along the way you will meet the pedestrian bridge of the World. This glass structure connecting the two banks of the river is illuminated in different colors in the evening. Walk along Pushkin Street to Freedom Square, where the central avenue Sh. Rustaveli. You can immediately go down to the subway and return to the starting point of the route, Avlabar station.

A walk through Tbilisi will undoubtedly remain in the memory. You can spend 2-3 days in the city and have time to visit the Botanical Garden, the flea market at the Dry Bridge, swim in sulfur baths and climb the funicular to the upper park on Mtatsminda Mountain. In the cafe by the funicular, you can taste desserts and chic donuts while enjoying the view of the city.

It is worth setting aside a day to visit Mtskheta with its various temples. It is necessary to highlight the temple of Jvari, the first half of the 7th century. From the observation deck near the temple you will be able to observe the confluence of the two rivers Kura and Aragvi.

Tbilisi is certainly beautiful, but when traveling to Georgia, it is worth visiting Kakheti.

If you want to get to the sea as soon as possible, then you should use the new high-speed highway from Tbilisi to Batumi. But if you want to arrange a trip to Georgia and see its diversity and time allows you, then you should go the other way.

Today we will talk about the route through the Javakheti region. It's worth noting right away that the road here is not ideal. In the winter season, it can be quite difficult to drive on some sections of the road, but believe me, there is something to see here. And to return already on the high-speed highway, without wasting too much time. You can also consider the option of arrival at Tbilisi airport, and departure from the airport in the city of Kutaisi.

And so, in order to fully enjoy this trip, we recommend laying 3 days on the road, with an overnight stay in different cities, also leave days to explore local cities. It is about this option that I will tell you today.

The first stop should be made not far from Tbilisi itself, in one of the oldest cities - Manglisi. Historically, this city has a high importance in religious terms, it is considered one of the first centers of Christianity in the country. Also, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in the 330's, has been preserved and operates here. The Battle of Didgori took place in the vicinity of Manglisi, in which the Georgian army defeated the Turks and was able to liberate the country from invaders and tribute.

Then the pass begins and the landscapes outside the window amaze with their greatness.

After the pass, the road will take you to the high mountain valleys. This is the Javakheti region. Your way will lie through the Tsalkin reservoir, and a little further there is Lake Paravani. The lake impresses with its beauty and has been repeatedly mentioned by various poets. Then your way lies past the highest mountain lake Sagamo.

Along the way you will also meet the fortress of Khertvisi. Her greatness is worth enjoying from a distance. Next to this fortress there is a road to the cave city of Vardzia. It has been preserved since the reign of Queen Tamara in Georgia. Currently, it is a monument of historical culture of Georgia, as well as an active monastery.

Of course, after the road and sightseeing, I want to stop for the night as soon as possible, but it's worth getting to Borjomi. Along the way, it is also worth visiting the restored Rabat fortress, and then go on a well-deserved rest in Borjomi.

Borjomi is all saturated with Soviet motives. After the rest, we advise you to go to explore the city. There is a cable car to the mountain at the entrance to the central parking lot. If you go up on it and enter the park from the back side, then the entrance will be free. After climbing, you should keep your way towards the thermal springs. Your path will lie on the top of the mountain, in the middle of the forest. But the road is wide there, so you won't go astray. There are changing rooms at the springs, for the comfort of tourists and visitors. Entrance is paid. Then your path lies already at the bottom of the mountain, but it is no less picturesque. After about 2 km, the road will take you to the park itself. Already in the park you will meet a beautiful waterfall and a statue of Prometheus. And of course in the park you should drink Borjomi and enjoy the slowness and regularity of life.

After a day of rest in Borjomi, you should visit the Bakuriani Ski Resort, the oldest ski resort in Georgia. Of course, you will not be able to roll down the slope in the off-season, but you will definitely take a walk in beautiful places. After the walk, it is worth continuing your way towards Kutaisi. On the road you will meet the town of Surami with the national dish "nazuki", flatbreads with raisins. Here they are baked and sold right along the road. The route continues through the Rikot Pass. Please note, there are a lot of Georgian reckless drivers here. Don't fall for the tricks of the locals, you don't know the way, so take your time. Although there are no holes and potholes here, but sharp turns can be very dangerous for a non-local tourist. When you get to Kutaisi, you should stop for the night and devote a little time to this city.

Churches and monasteries are recommended to visit in Kutaisi: Gelati, Motsameta, Bagrati, caves and canyons. Today I will tell you more about the Bashrati Temple. It was destroyed twice, the first time through the fault of the Turks, they kept their gunpowder inside, which detonated and demolished the dome and damaged the roof. The second time the situation was aggravated by the Russian army. After the destruction, the remains were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, in the 20th century it was decided to restore it. UNESCO expressed its objections to the restoration, but the importance of the temple for Georgia was above all. After the restoration, the temple was excluded from the World Heritage. The temple is currently in operation. Near it there is an observation deck in Kutaisi.

Your way will lie through the city of Kobuleti, a resort town that can be viewed from the car window, or you can go around it altogether without spending time in traffic jams, which, unfortunately, are not uncommon in high season. The ruins of an ancient Byzantine fortress remain in the village of Tsikhisdziri. Here you can make a stop to admire the sea view and take a little rest on the road. Then the pass will begin, after which there will be very little left until the end point of this journey - Batumi.

And now you have already reached the end of the route and it's time to splash in the warm sea and enjoy your vacation in the modern rebuilt city of Batumi. The city will look very unusual if you compare it with Borjomi and Kutaisi, as if they are completely different countries. More Soviet Borjomi, historical Kutaisi and progressive Batumi, this trip will definitely leave an indelible impression on a long memory.

1. The cost of gasoline strongly depends on the dollar exchange rate. There are many gas stations along the way, the risk of being on the highway with an empty tank is minimal. But refueling is still worth taking care of in advance.
2. To rent a car, use trusted companies. One of the best companies offering car rental in Georgia is MyRentaCar.
3. Don't be afraid of the local population. Georgians are very friendly and will always tell you what interesting things to see in their native places.
4. Georgia is very fond of children. Attention is definitely provided to them. Do not neglect these signs of attention, Georgians may regard it as a personal insult.
5. Cars are practically not stolen in Georgia, so be calm for parking near the hotel.

Have a good trip and indelible impressions of the beautiful sunny Georgia.