Georgia, a country nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has long captivated international travelers with its unique blend of culture, history, and breathtaking natural landscapes. If you are a devotee of free-spirited travel, passionate about exploration, and love the thrill of conquering scenic routes, then a motorcycle tour in Georgia is an experience you simply cannot miss.
In this article, as a travel expert from “Discovery to Wonders,” I will share detailed and comprehensive insights into motorcycle touring in Georgia. From planning and packing to route selection and essential tips on traffic laws and local culture, everything will be covered to help you embark on a memorable and fulfilling Georgian motorcycle adventure. Join me as we uncover the fascinating and surprising wonders that beautiful Georgia has to offer from the seat of a motorcycle!
Why Georgia is an Ideal Destination for Motorcycle Touring?
Georgia boasts diverse and magnificent natural beauty, from the majestic snow-capped Caucasus Mountains and endless lush green valleys to the picturesque Black Sea coast and ancient cities steeped in history. Notably, Georgia’s road system is quite well-developed, especially the main and tourist routes, making it convenient for motorcycle travel.
Diverse and Majestic Natural Landscapes: Georgia is known as the “balcony of Europe,” with mountains dominating its terrain. Winding mountain roads will take you through stunning scenery, from towering peaks and crystal-clear lakes to vast pine forests.
Developed Road System: Compared to many countries in the region, Georgia has a well-invested and developed road system. Major routes are generally paved and smooth, making motorcycle travel easy. However, some mountain passes or roads leading to remote areas can be rougher, requiring good riding skills and appropriate bike selection.
Friendly Culture and People: Georgian people are renowned for their hospitality and friendliness. You will easily find helpfulness and warm guidance from locals throughout your journey. Moreover, Georgia’s unique and rich culinary culture is a major highlight, sure to satisfy adventurous food lovers.
Affordable Travel Costs: Compared to other European countries, travel costs in Georgia are quite reasonable. From motorcycle rentals, fuel, and food to accommodation, everything is affordably priced, suitable for various travelers, especially independent motorcycle tourists.
Preparing for Your Motorcycle Tour in Georgia
To ensure a safe and smooth motorcycle tour in Georgia, thorough preparation is crucial. Here are key factors to consider before you hit the road:
1. Plan Your Trip and Choose Your Route
Determine the duration and budget for your trip. Georgia offers numerous attractions, and depending on your time and preferences, you can select suitable routes. Some popular motorcycle touring routes in Georgia include:
- Georgian Military Road: A legendary route connecting Tbilisi (Georgia) and Vladikavkaz (Russia), crossing the majestic Caucasus Mountains, with highlights including Kazbegi and the famous Gergeti Trinity Church.
- Kakheti Wine Region: Explore vast vineyards, traditional wineries, and charming ancient towns like Sighnaghi – the “City of Love.”
- Svaneti Region: A pristine mountainous region with ancient villages like Mestia and Ushguli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Adjara Black Sea Region: Relax in the vibrant seaside city of Batumi, explore the Batumi Botanical Garden, and the ancient Petra Fortress.
Based on your time and interests, you can combine these routes to create a unique and personalized motorcycle tour. Consult maps, travel forums, and experienced riders’ tips to plan your itinerary in detail.
2. Motorcycle Rental and Suitable Bike Types
In Georgia, you can easily rent motorcycles in major cities like Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kutaisi. Various types of motorcycles are available, from standard scooters and manual bikes to large displacement motorcycles.
Choosing the Right Motorcycle:
- Scooters: Suitable for city travel and flat roads, easy to ride, and fuel-efficient.
- Manual Bikes: More powerful than scooters, suitable for mountain passes, and can carry more luggage.
- Adventure Bikes (Large Displacement): Ideal for experienced riders who want to conquer challenging roads, complex terrain, and need to carry a lot of luggage.
Motorcycle Rental Locations:
- Local Rental Shops: You can find motorcycle rental shops in tourist areas and city centers. Compare prices and bike quality at different shops before deciding.
- Online Rentals: Some websites offer online motorcycle rentals in Georgia. You can book in advance to ensure availability and potentially get better prices.
- Hotel/Homestay Rentals: Some hotels or homestays also provide motorcycle rental services for tourists.
Important Notes When Renting a Motorcycle:
- Inspect Bike Condition: Before accepting the bike, thoroughly check its condition, ensuring it is in good working order, with functioning brakes, lights, and horn. Take photos or videos of the bike’s condition to avoid disputes later.
- Rental Documents: Ensure you have all necessary rental documents, including the rental agreement, identification, and international driving license (if applicable).
- Rental Price and Fees: Clarify the rental price per day, week, month, and any additional fees such as insurance or pick-up/drop-off fees (if any).
- Bike Insurance: It is advisable to purchase motorcycle insurance to protect yourself in case of unexpected incidents.
3. Pack Your Luggage and Personal Items
Luggage for a motorcycle tour should be packed compactly and completely, ensuring you can move comfortably and handle any situation on the road.
Essential Luggage:
- Clothing: Choose comfortable, easy-to-move clothing suitable for Georgia’s weather and climate. Pack warm jackets, raincoats, gloves, and scarves to stay warm when passing through high mountains or in rainy weather.
- Footwear: Sports shoes or hiking boots are the best choice for motorcycle riding and long walks.
- Helmet: Helmets are mandatory when riding a motorcycle in Georgia. If renting a bike, ensure the provided helmet is certified and fits your head properly.
- Riding Gloves: Gloves protect your hands from sun, wind, and scratches while riding.
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from sunlight and dust while riding.
- Sunscreen, Insect Repellent: Protect your skin from sun damage and insect bites.
- Paper Map or Offline Map App: For navigation and finding your way when there is no internet connection.
- Portable Phone Charger: To ensure your phone always has battery throughout the journey.
- Basic Motorcycle Repair Kit: In case of minor bike issues on the road, you can attempt to fix it yourself or seek help from locals.
- Personal Medications: Bring any necessary personal medications, especially motion sickness pills, stomachache medicine, cold medicine, etc.
- Cash and Credit Cards: It is advisable to carry both cash and credit cards to pay for expenses during your trip.
4. Learn About Traffic Laws and Local Culture
Traffic Laws in Georgia:
- Drive on the Right: Georgia drives on the right side of the road.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits in cities are typically 50-60 km/h, on national highways 90 km/h, and on highways 110 km/h.
- Helmet Law: Wearing a helmet is mandatory when riding a motorcycle.
- Driving License: A valid driving license is required to drive a motorcycle in Georgia. International driving permits are accepted.
- Drinking and Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- Traffic Lights: Obey traffic signals and road signs.
Local Culture:
- Greetings: Georgians highly value greetings. When meeting acquaintances or strangers, greet them with “Gamarjoba” (Hello in Georgian).
- Thank You: “Madloba” (Thank you) is a word you will use frequently in Georgia.
- Respect for Elders: Elderly people are especially respected in Georgia.
- Dining: Meals are an important part of Georgian culture. Try traditional dishes like Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), Khinkali (meat dumplings), and Mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers).
- Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants and cafes.
Scenic view along the Georgian Military Road with Mount Shani in the distance.
Suggested 10-Day Motorcycle Tour Itinerary in Georgia
Below is a suggested 10-day motorcycle tour itinerary in Georgia, which you can refer to and adjust to suit your preferences and time:
Days 1-2: Explore Ancient Tbilisi
- Arrive in Tbilisi, pick up your motorcycle, and check into your hotel.
- Explore the ancient city of Tbilisi: Narikala Fortress, Sameba Cathedral, Abanotubani Old Town with famous sulfur baths, Peace Bridge, Rustaveli Avenue.
- Enjoy Georgian cuisine at traditional restaurants.
- Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 3: Kakheti Wine Region
- Depart for the Kakheti wine region.
- Visit Ikalto Monastery, one of Georgia’s important educational and religious centers in the Middle Ages.
- Visit Khareba Winery, explore the wine cellar, and taste famous Georgian wines.
- Explore Sighnaghi – the “City of Love” with cobblestone streets and stunning views of the Alazani Valley.
- Overnight in Sighnaghi or Telavi.
Day 4: Mtskheta – The Sacred Ancient Capital
- Travel to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia.
- Visit Jvari Monastery on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of Mtskheta.
- Explore Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia’s most important Orthodox cathedrals.
- Visit Shiomgvime Monastery (Cave of Shio) nestled in the rocks.
- Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.
Day 5: Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia – Journey Back in Time
- Visit Akhaltsikhe Castle (Rabati Castle) with unique architecture blending European and Asian styles.
- Travel to Khertvisi Fortress, one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia.
- Explore the Vardzia cave city, a unique architectural marvel built in the 12th century.
- Overnight in Kutaisi.
Days 6-7: Svaneti Mountain Region – Mestia and Ushguli
- Depart for the Svaneti mountain region.
- Arrive in Mestia, the center of Svaneti, visit the Mestia Museum of History and Ethnography, take the Hatsvali cable car for stunning mountain views.
- Travel to Ushguli, the highest continuously inhabited village in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore Ushguli, hike in the mountains, and admire ancient defensive towers.
- Overnight in Mestia or Ushguli.
The ancient village of Ushguli in Svaneti, Georgia.
Day 8: Kutaisi – The Glorious City
- Return to Kutaisi from Mestia.
- Explore the city of Kutaisi: Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery (World Heritage Site), Kutaisi Market.
- Explore Martvili Canyon or Prometheus Cave (optional).
- Overnight in Kutaisi.
Day 9: Kazbegi – Conquer the Peak
- Depart for Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) via the Georgian Military Road.
- Stop at Ananuri Fortress by the picturesque Zhinvali Reservoir.
- Arrive in Kazbegi, visit Gergeti Trinity Church on the hilltop, an icon of Georgia.
- Admire the majestic Mount Kazbek.
- Overnight in Kazbegi.
Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi, Georgia.
Day 10: Return to Tbilisi and End Your Journey
- Hike down from Gergeti to Kazbegi town (or take a jeep if preferred).
- Depart back to Tbilisi.
- Return your motorcycle and transfer to the airport or continue exploring Tbilisi if you have time.
- End your 10-day motorcycle tour in Georgia.
Important Notes for Motorcycle Touring in Georgia
- Weather: Weather in Georgia can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Monitor weather forecasts regularly and prepare appropriate clothing. Summer (June-August) is peak tourist season, with warm weather suitable for outdoor activities. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) have mild, pleasant weather with less rain, ideal for motorcycle touring. Winter (November-March) brings snow in the mountains, and some routes may be closed.
- Road Safety: Always obey traffic laws, drive carefully, especially on mountain passes. Avoid riding when tired or after drinking alcohol.
- Travel Insurance: It is advisable to purchase travel insurance that includes personal accident and motorcycle insurance for peace of mind throughout your journey.
- Language: Georgian is the official language. Russian is also widely spoken, especially in rural areas and among older people. English is more common in major cities and tourist areas. Learn a few basic Georgian phrases to communicate with locals.
- Currency: The currency of Georgia is Lari (GEL). Exchange currency to Lari at banks or currency exchange counters at airports or city centers. Credit cards are accepted in many places, but cash is still necessary for small expenses and in rural areas.
- Internet Connectivity: 4G/5G SIM cards are readily available at airports or telecom stores in cities. Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
Conclusion
Motorcycle touring in Georgia is a unique and memorable travel experience, offering you the opportunity to explore the magnificent natural beauty, diverse culture, and friendly people of this country. With the tips and suggestions in this article, I hope you will have a safe, smooth, and joyful motorcycle tour in Georgia. Plan your trip today and get ready to conquer the beautiful roads of Georgia!