10 places in Georgia you actually need to drive to

Forget the crowded tourist buses. When you rent a car in Georgia, you dictate the route. Here are 10 spots actually worth the fuel.

1. Tbilisi: Your starting point. Wild traffic, great food, and narrow old streets.
2. Kakheti: The wine region. You need a car to properly hop between vineyards, Telavi, and Sighnaghi.
3. Svaneti: Deep mountains. Mestia and Ushguli. Grab an SUV, respect the roads, and enjoy the raw Caucasus.
4. Batumi: The coast. Drive down for the Black Sea, neon lights, and modern chaos.
5. Vardzia: A massive cave city in the south. The canyon drive getting there is epic on its own.
6. Mtskheta: Just 20 minutes from Tbilisi. A quick stop for history, rivers, and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
7. Kazbegi: The Georgian Military Highway. Insane views and the Gergeti Trinity Church. Do not rush this drive.
8. Uplistsikhe: Ancient rock-hewn town near Gori. Easy to combine with a westbound road trip.
9. Borjomi: Mineral water and dense green parks. A great mid-point base to chill.
10. Gori: Stalin’s hometown and museum. A quick historical detour on the main highway.

Take the car, pick a direction, and explore the country without a guide telling you it’s time to leave.