Caucasus Explorer
Motorcycle Tour through Georgia & Armenia

The route leads over quiet country roads and through small villages where life still follows a slower rhythm. Soon the road begins to climb, taking us into the region around the Pushkin Pass (2,100 m) – one of the most scenic routes in northern Georgia. Here, the road winds its way through forests and alpine meadows, with long, flowing curves that are perfect for getting used to the bike and the riding style of the Caucasus.

We take a break at the Georgian-Armenian border. This remote crossing is usually calm but requires some patience – we plan around two to three hours for the entry formalities. During the wait, we already catch the first glimpse of the Armenian mountains: barren hills, volcanic plateaus and solitary monasteries scattered across the horizon.

Once across the border, the landscape changes immediately. The road leads through the lush Lori region, past small churches, ancient stone bridges and orchards. Fresh mountain air, the scent of hay and wide views over the valleys accompany us all the way to Vanadzor, Armenia’s third-largest city, nestled between high mountain ranges. Our accommodation, the charming MagHay Guesthouse, is known for its authentic Armenian cuisine and warm, family-like atmosphere. After an eventful first riding day, we enjoy a homemade dinner, sample local wines and raise a glass to the beginning of our motorcycle journey through Armenia.

Distance covered: approx. 200 km

The road leads across wide high plateaus, where herds of sheep and solitary farmhouses appear on the horizon. In the distance, the domes of ancient monasteries rise – silent witnesses to centuries of history. Our first stop is the Orbelian Caravanserai, a 14th-century roadside station that once sheltered travelers along the Silk Road. Perched at over 2,400 meters, it offers not only historical atmosphere but also a sweeping view of the Armenian mountains.

From here, the road winds through the Vayots Dzor Valley, one of Armenia’s most renowned wine regions. Amid red cliffs and dramatic rock formations stands Noravank Monastery, a 13th-century architectural masterpiece. It is not only a cultural highlight but also a perfect photo stop – its golden stone walls set against rugged red mountains make it one of the most iconic sights in Armenia. After lunch in a small family-run restaurant, we continue toward the capital. The landscape softens: the mountains grow flatter, the air warmer, and the asphalt wider. Before long, the outskirts of Yerevan appear on the horizon.

Armenia’s capital welcomes us with a striking contrast to the rural quiet of the past days: broad boulevards, green parks, elegant cafés and an impressive skyline with views of snow-capped Mount Ararat – the national symbol of Armenia. We check into the centrally located Ani Plaza Hotel, ideal for exploring the city on foot. In the evening, there is time for a stroll across Republic Square or a visit to one of the city’s excellent restaurants. Those who wish can enjoy sunset from a rooftop bar – with a glass of Armenian wine and Ararat glowing in the background. Yerevan is modern, lively and deeply rooted in its history – a fascinating stop that adds a new dimension to our motorcycle journey through Georgia and Armenia.

Distance covered: 270 km

At the border crossing near Ninotsminda, we take a short break. This crossing is rarely busy and usually completed in 20 to 30 minutes. Once back on Georgian soil, the scenery changes noticeably: the air feels fresher, the vegetation greener, and in the distance, lakes and open plains sparkle across the Javakheti Plateau, situated at over 2,000 meters. This region is known for its vast landscapes, small lakes and endless horizons – motorcycling in its purest form.

On smooth asphalt we ride across the high plateau, where we frequently encounter livestock herds, farm carts and the distinctive lava stones used here as natural pasture fences. In the afternoon, the road begins to descend into one of Georgia’s most dramatic valleys: the Vardzia Valley. The route becomes more winding and rugged, cliffs rise steeply on both sides, and after several kilometers of gravel sections, the view opens up toward our destination – the cave city of Vardzia. Carved into the rock in the 12th century, this vast monastic complex stretches more than 500 meters along the cliff and once housed up to 2,000 monks. Today it is one of Georgia’s most significant cultural monuments and an absolute highlight of any motorcycle journey.

Our accommodation, Valodia’s Cottages, sits idyllically along the riverside directly below the cliffs. In the evening, we enjoy homemade food from Valodia’s own farm – fresh vegetables, cheese and bread baked in a traditional clay oven. With a glass of Georgian wine on the terrace, we watch the sun sink behind the mountains, bathing the rock-hewn caves of Vardzia in golden light. In moments like this, it becomes clear why this place is one of the most magical highlights of the entire Caucasus adventure.

Distance covered: 150 km

As we climb higher, the panorama becomes even more impressive. Forests give way to lush alpine meadows dotted with small mountain villages – wooden houses, grazing cattle and smoking chimneys. In the distance, the snow-covered peaks of Ushba (4,710 m) and Shkhara (5,193 m) appear – two of the most striking mountains in Georgia.

The final kilometers toward Mestia lead through wide bends and narrow gorges. It is worth stopping occasionally: waterfalls plunge from the cliffs, and on clear days the glaciers shine like mirrors in the sun. This region, Svaneti, is considered one of the most untouched in the entire Caucasus – a world where ancient traditions and warm hospitality are still alive. In the afternoon, we reach Mestia (1,500 m), the cultural heart of Svaneti and one of the most impressive mountain villages in the country. The iconic Svan defensive towers rise everywhere – stone monuments of the mountain culture, now part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Our accommodation, the charming Elite House Mestia, lies quietly on the edge of the village with magnificent mountain views. After arrival, there is time for a stroll through the town or a visit to the excellent Svaneti Museum, which offers deep insights into history, religion and mountain life. In the evening, we enjoy a homemade dinner with regional specialties – Kubdari (meat-stuffed bread), Khachapuri (cheese pie) and a glass of robust Saperavi wine. As the sun sets behind the peaks and the towers glow in golden light, you feel why this place captures the heart of every traveler.

Mestia is not just an overnight stop – it is the heart of the Caucasus, one of those magical places that stay with you forever. A day that perfectly embodies the essence of this motorcycle journey: spectacular scenery, incredible roads and the feeling of boundless freedom.

Distance covered: 200 km

As we continue east, the landscape opens up. The rugged mountains of Racha give way to gentle hills and fields, the sun sinks lower, and the air grows warmer. It feels as if the land is showing us, one last time, all the colours Georgia has to offer: the deep greens of the forests, the earthy browns of the hillsides, the clear blue of the sky. Shortly before Gori – the birthplace of Stalin – we stop for a coffee or a final group photo with the bikes. Those who wish can visit the impressive Gori Fortress or the Stalin Museum before we set off on the last stretch toward Tbilisi.

The remaining 100 kilometers back to the capital are a flowing, relaxed finale. The road is well maintained, traffic gradually increases, and the hills surrounding Tbilisi rise on the horizon. After roughly six hours of riding, we return to the city where everything began. At the motorcycle base, we hand back our steeds – with one last satisfied glance at the odometers, which could tell stories of passes, heights, curves and encounters. We transfer to the hotel, enjoy a refreshing shower, and perhaps take a stroll through the old town or sip a sundowner on one of the city’s rooftop terraces.

In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner in a traditional Georgian restaurant. There is laughter, stories are shared, photos passed around and glasses of wine raised. A sense of pride and gratitude fills the air – for what we have accomplished together: two countries, countless curves, unforgettable moments. And so, our motorcycle tour through Georgia and Armenia comes to an end – a journey between high mountains and history, between East and West, between adventure and emotion. What remains is the certainty: once you have ridden in the Caucasus, you will return.

Distance covered: 230 km