Georgia holidays: the regions
Georgia is small, but its regions differ a lot. Tbilisi is the capital and the usual arrival point. South-west of it lies Borjomi, a spa town in a wooded valley. In the north the Caucasus rises around Stepantsminda, also called Kazbegi. Mestia in Upper Svaneti is deeper in the mountains, and Batumi sits on the Black Sea.
This site is based in Borjomi, so it treats the country from there. Use the drive times below to judge what fits your days. They are planning values between towns, not live travel times.
Drive times between Georgia's main places
Road times without stops, for planning.
| Route | Road time |
|---|---|
| Tbilisi to Borjomi | 2:00 hours |
| Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe | 2:45 hours |
| Tbilisi to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) | 2:55 hours |
| Tbilisi to Telavi | 1:55 hours |
| Tbilisi to Signagi | 1:40 hours |
| Batumi to Borjomi | 4:15 hours |
| Tbilisi to Mestia | 7:10 hours |
| Kutaisi to Mestia | 4:20 hours |
Add time for sights, breaks, traffic and mountain weather. For a first trip, most visitors combine Tbilisi, Borjomi and one other region instead of crossing the whole country.
Our pick: Kazbegi mountain day
A short taste of the Greater Caucasus from Tbilisi.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Georgia holiday tours and trips
Day trips and multi-day tours that start in Tbilisi and include Borjomi, with live prices and availability.
Black Sea coast and Batumi
The sea side of a Georgia holiday.
Batumi
Batumi lies on the Black Sea. It is 4:15 hours by road from Borjomi, so it suits a separate leg rather than a day trip. A main-line train also runs daily from Tbilisi, departing 08:00 to 13:35 and 17:10 to 22:45. Check the current timetable before you plan.
Climate differs by region
The coast, the Borjomi valley and the high mountains have different conditions at the same time of year. Do not plan the whole country around one season.
Borjomi weather →Mountains: Kazbegi and Svaneti
Stepantsminda is 2:55 hours from Tbilisi, and Mestia is a much longer drive. A trip to Kazbegi does not combine with a Borjomi visit on the same day.
Georgia tours →Is Georgia safe? Travel advice for 2026
Advice from the German Foreign Office and the US State Department.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia
The German Foreign Office strongly advises against travel to Abkhazia, South Ossetia and their immediate vicinity. The US State Department lists both at Level 4, do not travel.
Elsewhere in the country
The US State Department rates Georgia overall at Level 1 (advisory of 13 March 2025). In Tbilisi and other larger cities, regular protests take place, and violent clashes are possible. Avoid demonstrations and their surroundings.
Roads
Outside the main routes, road quality can be poor, and landslides or floods can interrupt roads. Do not drive outside towns at night.
Entry rules for Georgia
The short version for 2026.
Visa and passport
The German Foreign Office gives German citizens a visa-free stay of up to 360 days. The US State Department gives US citizens up to 365 days with a valid passport and at least one free page.
Insurance
Since 1 January 2026, tourists must show health and accident insurance with at least GEL 30,000 cover for the whole stay. Foreign insurers are accepted. The proof can be in English or Georgian, printed or electronic.
Georgia holidays: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Georgia?
German citizens can stay visa-free for up to 360 days, and US citizens for up to 365 days. Check the rules for your passport before you travel.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Since 1 January 2026, tourists must prove health and accident cover of at least GEL 30,000 for the whole stay.
Is Georgia safe to visit?
Advice differs by region. Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not recommended, and protests occur in larger cities. Read the current advice from your foreign ministry before you go.
How long does it take to drive from Tbilisi to Borjomi?
About 2 hours, without stops.
In which language must my insurance proof be?
English or Georgian, printed or electronic.