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Beyond the Obvious

Georgia by 4WD

Cross the Caucasus. Stay in remote mountain villages. Discover a country built for adventure.

A 10-day journey through rugged mountain passes, ancient cave cities, hidden valleys, Georgian food, wine and legendary hospitality.

Explore the journey

The adventure

A journey back in time.

Georgia is a land of huge mountain landscapes, ancient villages, cave cities, vineyards and a culture of hospitality that makes travelling here feel intensely personal.

This 4WD journey moves from Tbilisi into the Lower and Greater Caucasus, crossing high passes and remote valleys while connecting mountain communities, historic sites and local traditions.

The route is adventurous by design: rough roads, changing landscapes, village stays, local food and experiences that reach well beyond the usual tourist trail.

Trip highlights

Why this journey stands out

4WD

Cross the Caucasus

Tackle dramatic mountain passes, rough roads and remote routes through both the Lower and Greater Caucasus.

Food

Caucasus dumpling workshop

Learn from local hosts and experience Georgian hospitality through food and shared meals.

Mountains

Glacier terrain

Travel through high-altitude landscapes shaped by glaciers, rivers and dramatic mountain geology.

Shatili

Remote homestay

Spend a night in the fortified mountain village of Shatili, deep in the Greater Caucasus.

Truso Valley

Soda lakes

Explore the spectacular Truso Valley and its unusual mineral landscapes and natural pools.

Kazbegi

Tsminda Sameba

Visit one of Georgia's most iconic mountain churches in a spectacular setting beneath Kazbegi.

Georgia group journey

Could Georgia be your next adventure?

I’m bringing together people interested in exploring Georgia with Beyond the Obvious. The proposed journey needs a minimum group of 12 travellers to go ahead.

Register below for a relaxed online presentation with me and Georgia specialist Dana. We’ll introduce the journey, share what makes Georgia so special and answer your questions. There is no obligation to book.

What happens next?

Once enough people have registered, I’ll contact everyone with the presentation date and joining details.

Fields marked with * are required.

We’ll use your details only to contact you about Georgia travel and this presentation.

Experience Georgia

The road less travelled.

Remote mountain villages, river crossings, historic stone towers and extraordinary landscapes—this is Georgia beyond the usual tourist routes.

Remote Georgian mountain village beneath a hilltop fortress
Historic stone towers in Georgia at sunset
Convoy of 4WD vehicles crossing a Georgian mountain river
Small boat travelling through a narrow green canyon in Georgia
4WD vehicle beside a small travel group in the Georgian mountains
Small hiking group gathered in the Caucasus Mountains
Stone church beneath snow-capped peaks in the Georgian Caucasus

Your trip, your way

This itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed package.

Every Beyond the Obvious journey can be tailored around you. We can adjust the duration, route, pace, accommodation and experiences, or create something completely different from scratch.

10-day itinerary

From Tbilisi into the Caucasus

The journey begins and ends in Tbilisi, travelling through Bakuriani, Vardzia, Akhaltsikhe, Kutaisi, Kazbegi, Truso Valley and the remote fortified village of Shatili.

Day 1

Arrival in Tbilisi

Arrive in Georgia's capital and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. The adventure begins with your first evening in Tbilisi.

Day 2

Tbilisi to Bakuriani

Collect the fully equipped 4WD vehicles and head west through small villages and highland landscapes towards Bakuriani, crossing mountain roads and remote country along the way.

Day 3

Vardzia and Akhaltsikhe

Cross the Oshora mountain pass, descend across volcanic plains and explore the remarkable cave complex of Vardzia before continuing to Akhaltsikhe.

Day 4

Lower Caucasus to Kutaisi

A demanding off-road day through mountain passes, thick forest and small villages before descending towards Kutaisi through vineyard country.

Day 5

Kutaisi to Kazbegi

Follow the old military road towards the Greater Caucasus, passing Lake Zhinvali, Gudauri and the dramatic mountain viewpoints on the way to Kazbegi.

Day 6

The High Caucasus

Wake beneath the towering Kazbegi peak before visiting the spectacular Tsminda Sameba Church. Enjoy a traditional Georgian cooking experience with local hosts before exploring the Truso Glacier Gorge.

Day 7

Truso Valley & Sno Valley

Venture into the remarkable Truso Valley, famous for its mineral springs, colourful soda lakes and dramatic mountain scenery. Continue into picturesque Sno Valley before returning to Gudauri.

Day 8

Shatili

One of the highlights of the expedition. Cross remote mountain terrain to the medieval fortress village of Shatili, where you spend the night in a traditional local homestay surrounded by centuries of history.

Day 9

Return to Tbilisi

Leave the mountains behind and return to Tbilisi, handing back the vehicles before celebrating the adventure with a farewell Georgian feast.

Day 10

Tbilisi & Departure

Enjoy time exploring beautiful Old Tbilisi before your airport transfer and journey home.

Why this trip?

Beyond the ordinary.

  • ✓ Fully equipped 4WD expedition
  • ✓ Expert local guides
  • ✓ Remote mountain villages
  • ✓ Historic monasteries & cave cities
  • ✓ Authentic Georgian cuisine
  • ✓ Carefully selected accommodation
  • ✓ Small-group adventure

Beyond the Obvious

Travel with people who know Georgia.

Beyond the Obvious journeys are created for travellers who want more than sightseeing. They combine expert local knowledge, genuine cultural experiences and adventurous routes that reveal the real character of a destination.

This is Georgia beyond the guidebook — a journey through mountain landscapes, timeless villages and unforgettable hospitality.

Start Planning

Ready for Georgia?

If you're looking for an adventure that combines spectacular mountain scenery, remarkable hospitality and experiences far beyond the tourist trail, we'd love to help you plan your Georgia journey.

Enquire about Georgia

Travel with Confidence

Financial Protection

Travel Trust Association

Book with confidence through Outsyda, an independent travel agent affiliated with the Travel Trust Association.

Adventure Travel Protection

Global Rescue Safe Travel Partner

Explore field rescue, medical evacuation and 24/7 travel assistance memberships through Outsyda's Global Rescue partner page.

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