Tbilisi to Borjomi and Vardzia in Two Days: A Rental SUV Route

If you want to see more of Georgia without taking a long holiday, allow two days for a drive through Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe to the cave town of Vardzia. The route combines a walk in a wooded valley, Rabati Fortress and the historic sites of the Mtkvari valley. Car rental in Georgia lets you set your own pace, but an early departure and an overnight stop make the trip much more comfortable.

Day one: Tbilisi, Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe

Leave Tbilisi in the morning, heading west through the Gori and Khashuri area. After turning towards Borjomi, the road follows the valley. Stop in Borjomi for lunch and a walk; check the current opening hours of the park and other attractions before leaving. Avoid filling the afternoon with too many stops, as you still have the drive to Akhaltsikhe ahead.

Continue to Akhaltsikhe, where the historic Rabati district and fortress make a good evening visit. Staying overnight here shortens the second day's drive. Alternatively, stay closer to Vardzia if you prefer to visit the fortress in the morning. Reserve accommodation with confirmed parking and check its arrival hours if you may reach it late.

Day two: Khertvisi and Vardzia

From Akhaltsikhe, drive towards Khertvisi and then follow the Mtkvari valley. Khertvisi Fortress can be a short stop where parking is permitted and safe. The day's main destination is Vardzia, a monastery complex carved into a cliff. Allow several hours and wear comfortable shoes: the visit involves steps and uneven passages. Confirm current visiting hours and access to individual sections in advance.

After Vardzia, avoid scheduling your arrival back in Tbilisi for an exact hour. Weather, roadworks, traffic and rest breaks can all change the return time. If you want to explore the site and its surroundings slowly, add another night or agree on a later vehicle return.

Which vehicle fits the route?

Sound brakes, season-appropriate tyres, comfortable seats and luggage space matter more here than a dramatic body style. Luxury Cars lists premium SUVs including the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender. Renting a car in Georgia in this class can suit a family or group carrying luggage, but four-wheel drive does not override road closures or restrictions in the rental agreement.

If you plan to stay on the main paved roads and the forecast is stable, ask the company about a crossover or sedan as well. Choose the class only after confirming the precise route: a turn towards a remote stop may lead to a very different road surface. Do not take a mountain pass simply because a navigation app shows a shorter distance.

Before you book

• Tell the rental company every planned destination, your overnight stop and the return city.
• Compare the total distance with the daily mileage allowance in the rental conditions; extra kilometres may cost more.
• Ask about tyres, insurance exclusions, the excess and whom to contact if delayed.
• Save an offline map and check the forecast and current road restrictions before departure.
• Refuel before the more remote section and leave a time buffer for the return.

Car rental in Georgia works best when the itinerary reflects actual driving time rather than the number of pins on a map. Renting a car in Georgia for Vardzia starts with three practical choices: one relaxed overnight stop, a suitable vehicle and agreed rental terms. Compare available models in the vehicle catalogue.