The Complete Guide to Renting a Car for Photo Tours in Georgia by OG Drive
Georgia is a unique country where stunning natural landscapes, ancient architectural monuments, and modern urban scenery are concentrated within a relatively small area. For professional photographers, bloggers, and anyone who appreciates beautiful shots, it's a true paradise. OG Drive specializes in car rentals for photo tours, offering specially prepared vehicles and exclusive conditions for creative travel.
Why Choose OG Drive for a Photo Tour?
Specialized Fleet
- Cars with panoramic roofs for landscape shots
- Convertibles
- Spacious SUVs with large trunks for equipment
- Economical options for urban shoots
- 4WD vehicles for mountain routes
Exclusive Conditions
- Flexible rental system (from a few hours to several weeks)
- Special terms for creative projects
- Option to rent with a professional driver
- Free map of top photo locations
Full support
- 24/7 customer service
- Full insurance included
- Route planning assistance
- Consultations on best shooting spots
Top 7 Routes for Photo Tours in Georgia
1. The Legendary Georgian Military Highway
Best locations: Cross Pass, Friendship Arch, Gudauri serpentines, Gergeti Trinity Church
Features: This historic 208 km route connects Tbilisi with Vladikavkaz across the Greater Caucasus Range. Photographers will find endless opportunities: sharp serpentine turns, viewpoints overlooking valleys, ancient fortresses, and churches. The section near Zhinvali Reservoir with its turquoise water is especially photogenic.
OG Drive tip: Best shooting time is early morning when the road is less busy and light is soft. Don't miss Ananuri fortress - perfect shots against the reservoir backdrop.
2. The Wine Route of Kakheti
Best locations: Sighnaghi, Telavi, Kindzmarauli wineries, Alaverdi Monastery, Alazani Valley
Features: This 150 km route runs through Georgia's wine country. Vineyards are especially picturesque during September harvest. In Telavi, don't miss the 900-year-old plane tree, and in Sighnaghi - views of Alazani Valley from fortress walls. The 11th-century Alaverdi Monastery is great for architectural photography.
OG Drive tip: Rent a car with sunroof for overhead vineyard shots. Use a tripod for evening winery photography.
3. Svaneti Loop: Mestia - Ushguli
Best locations: Mestia, Zhabeshi village, Zekari Pass, Ushguli village
Features: One of Georgia's most impressive routes (~120 km one way). 12th-13th century Svan towers against mountain backdrops are iconic. Ushguli (2,200m) is Europe's highest permanent settlement (UNESCO site). Expect waterfalls, glaciers, and authentic Svan villages.
OG Drive tip: Challenging dirt roads - only rent 4WD vehicles. Best shooting periods: June (alpine meadows) or September (autumn colors).
4. Black Sea Coast: Batumi - Kobuleti - Sarpi
Best locations: Batumi Boulevard, Botanical Garden, Kobuleti Beach, Sarpi border
Features: This 50 km coastal route combines Batumi's modern architecture with wild southern beaches. Batumi Boulevard with sculptures and palm alleys is perfect for urban shots. The Botanical Garden (110 ha) offers exotic plants. Southern beaches are ideal for sunset photography.
OG Drive tip: Shoot the garden on weekday mornings when less crowded. For beach shoots, choose cars with large trunks for equipment.
5. Cave Cities: Uplistsikhe - Vardzia
Best locations: Uplistsikhe, Vardzia cave city, Khertvisi Fortress
Features: This 250 km (one way) route showcases Georgia's unique cave cities. Uplistsikhe (1st millennium BC) is a rock-hewn city with tunnel systems. Vardzia (12th century) is a cave monastery with frescoes. Khertvisi Fortress at river confluence offers great panoramas.
OG Drive tip: Bring fast lenses and tripods for cave interiors. Best light is morning when sun illuminates Vardzia's facade. Some serpentine roads require caution.
6. Tusheti Route: Through Abano Pass
Best locations: Abano Pass (2,926m), Omalo, Shenako, and Diklo villages
Features: One of Georgia's most extreme routes (~70 km from Kvareli to Omalo). The road through Abano Pass (open June-September) has steep unguarded serpentines. Reward: stunning Caucasus views and authentic Tusheti villages with stone towers. Diklo offers unique border panoramas.
OG Drive tip: Only for experienced drivers! We typically don't rent cars for Tusheti, but contact us for possible solutions. Bring spare cameras and drones - aerial views are breathtaking.
7. Kazbegi Triangle: Stepantsminda - Truso Valley - Dariali Gorge
Best locations: Gergeti Trinity Church, Truso Valley, Dariali Gorge, Friendship Arch
Features: A compact 60 km loop with concentrated stunning views. Gergeti Church against Kazbek is Georgia's most photographed site. Truso Valley with mineral springs and colorful mountains is a landscape photographer's dream. Dariali Gorge offers dramatic rock formations.
OG Drive tip: Leave Stepantsminda around 4 AM for Gergeti sunrise shots. Truso Valley looks best after noon when slopes are illuminated. Bring telephoto lenses for mountain details.
Professional Photography Tips for Georgia
1. Working with Natural Light
Georgian sunlight can be harsh. Use early morning and pre-sunset hours for atmospheric shots. At noon, focus on shaded areas or details.
2. Equipment Selection
Landscapes: wide-angle (16-35mm). Portraits: fast prime (50mm/85mm). Always bring a polarizing filter for reflections.
3. People and Culture Photography
Georgians usually pose willingly, but always ask permission. Local market vendors and mountain village children make great subjects.
4. Equipment Safety
Georgia is safe, but don't leave gear visible in cars. OG Drive vehicles have spacious trunks to securely store equipment.
Useful Photo Tour Life Hacks
Where to Park in Cities and Nature?
- Tbilisi: Use mall parking (e.g., Galleria or East Point) - ~3 GEL/hour, or city parking - 1 GEL/hour. Free parking available in residential areas 15-20 mins from center.
- Batumi: Boulevard parking is paid (via Parking.ge app). Free options near Goodwill supermarkets.
- Nature: Only park in designated areas, even for roadside shots. In mountains, choose wide pullouts on serpentines.
- OG Drive perk: Clients receive a map with safe parking near top photo spots.
Avoiding Fines and Police Issues
- Always carry: passport, international driver's license, rental agreement.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h cities, 90 km/h highways, 110 km/h expressways. Cameras often monitor village entrances.
- Alcohol: zero tolerance! Even one beer bottle in car may result in 1000 GEL fine.
- If stopped: Be polite, show documents, never offer bribes. OG Drive clients can call 24/7 support for advice.
Insurance and Breakdown Procedures
- All OG Drive vehicles have "Full Coverage" insurance (including glass/tire damage).
- Accident: 1) Call support 2) Photograph damage/scene 3) Don't move vehicle before police arrive.
- Breakdown: 1) Stop safely 2) Call OG Drive - we arrange tow/repair 3) Urban help within 1 hour, mountain help timing varies.
- Prevention: Check oil/tire pressure before mountain trips (our managers assist).
Additional Photographer Tips
- Charge gear using car power.
- For window shots, use rubber dashboard mats (available upon request).
- Ask about tripod/camera mounts for car interiors.
Emergency Contacts in Georgia
- Police, ambulance, fire: 112
- OG Drive support: +995 (591) 998-836 (24/7)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there mileage limits for photo tours?
We offer unlimited mileage for free movement between locations.
What documents are required?
Passport, international driver's license. Minimum age 21 with 2 years driving experience.
Ready to Create Unforgettable Shots in Georgia?
Our specialists will help choose the perfect vehicle for your photo tour and recommend the best routes based on season and creative needs.
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