Motorcycle Road Trip: Romania ? Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Bulgaria | Tips & Hidden Gems

Upcoming road trip plan to ride from Bucharest, RO, to Varna, BG, sail to Batumi, Georgia, and onto Armenia to visit the places below, or ride via Turkey to Georgia.  This post is a complete planning gude for such a motorbike trip including packing list, POI's and contact details needed for the trip.  More details to follow in June or July 2025,

PRE TRIP RESEARCH

Must-see places to visit in Georgia

Scenic Roads & Mountain Passes

• Abano Pass (2,826m) – Highest drivable pass in Georgia, access to Tusheti, 
• Goderdzi Pass – Between Khulo and Adigeni, forested gravel pass,
• Zekari Pass – Connects Sairme and Baghdati, mild off-road, beautiful nature,
• Datvisjvari Pass – On the road to Shatili, remote and wild,
• Sno Valley to Juta – Scenic detour from Kazbegi into alpine zone,
• Paravani Lake Loop – Open plains and gravel tracks,
• Pankisi Gorge – Remote road through Chechen villages,

Regions & Villages

• Tusheti National Park – Accessible via Abano Pass, Omalo and Dartlo, 
• Kazbegi / Stepantsminda – Home to Gergeti Church, Mt. Kazbek,
• Ushguli (Svaneti) – Europe’s highest inhabited village, rough access, 
• Racha Region (Oni, Ambrolauri) – Alpine scenery, wine, low tourist flow, 
• Shatili / Khevsureti – Medieval towers, remote valley, 
• Beshumi / Adjara Mountains – Via Goderdzi Pass, green and remote,

Cities & Culture

• Tbilisi – Old town, nightlife, sulfur baths, 
• Kutaisi – Caves and monasteries, relaxed vibe,
• Batumi – Black Sea city, modern skyline, beach,
• Telavi – Center of Kakheti wine region,

Natural Attractions

• Vardzia – Ancient cave monastery in cliffs,
• Martvili Canyon – Turquoise waters and waterfalls,
• Prometheus Cave – Stunning underground formations,
• David Gareja Monastery – Semi-desert caves on the border,
• Dashbashi Canyon – Glass bridge and canyon walk,

Other Musts

• Georgian Military Highway – Scenic paved road to Russia,
• Ananuri Fortress – Historic site on the way to Kazbegi,
• Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument – Panoramic viewpoint,
• Wine tasting in Sighnaghi / Kakheti – Traditional Georgian wines,
• Stay in Svan or Khevsur tower guesthouses – Authentic stone homes

Must-see places to visit in Armenia

Scenic Roads & Mountain Passes

• Vardenyats Pass (Selim Pass) – Scenic mountain pass with caravanserai,
• Sotk Pass to Vardenis – Remote gravel route near Lake Sevan, high plateau,
• Lchashen to Shorzha (Lake Sevan East) – Mild off-road along Sevan’s east coast,
• Halidzor to Tatev – Optionally via the Tatev off-road route, steep but rideable,
• Jermuk to Artavan (via Kechut) – Off-pavement ride through forested hills,
• Meghri Pass – Remote southern pass near Iran border,

Regions & Villages

• Dilijan National Park – Lush forests, curvy roads, charming town,
• Debed Canyon (Lori Province) – Cliffs, monasteries, scenic riding,
• Syunik Region – Tatev, Khndzoresk, Shikahogh forest, and high passes,
• Vayots Dzor – Wine country, mountain roads, Noravank monastery,
• Tavush Province – Border roads and green mountains near Azerbaijan,

Cities & Culture

• Yerevan – Armenia’s capital, vibrant and historic,
• Gyumri – Armenia’s second city, artsy and rustic,
• Goris – Base for visiting Tatev and Khndzoresk, southern charm,
• Jermuk – Spa town in a volcanic canyon, surrounded by trails,
• Areni – Famous wine village, caves and mountains,

Natural & Historic Attractions

• Tatev Monastery – Spectacular cliffside monastery, reachable by bike or cable car,
• Noravank Monastery – Dramatic red canyon setting,
• Khndzoresk Cave Village – Suspension bridge and cave homes,
• Zorats Karer (Carahunge) – Armenia’s Stonehenge,
• Lake Sevan – High altitude lake, popular for camping and riding,
• Geghard Monastery & Garni Temple – Easy day ride from Yerevan,

Other Musts

• Wings of Tatev Cable Car – Longest non-stop reversible cable car in the world,
• Ride along Vorotan Canyon – Between Tatev and Sisian, dramatic scenery,
• Off-road to Mount Aragats (Lake Kari) – Rideable gravel climb to alpine lake,
• Selim Caravanserai – Silk Road heritage on Vardenyats Pass,
• Areni Cave – Oldest winery in the world,

 

Boat service, Bulgaria - Georgia

Although there are 2 options from Bulgaria to Georgia, from everything I've read, this blog article accurately covers the seemingly horrible process of taking a boat across the black sea to Georgia on either of the 2 very similar options 

• Burgas - Batumi schedule, https://pbm.bg/schedule/
• Varna - Batumi schedule, https://www.ukrferry.com/en/schedule

Packing list 

For a single rider, for a 2-4 week motorbike road trip, minimalist but complete kit list, with camping and mild off-roading in Georgia and Armenia, suitable for big adventure bikes. Balanced for weight, durability, and self-sufficiency:

Documents & Essentials

• Passport + copies (also emailed to self)
• Driver’s license + IDP (also emailed to self)
• Motorcycle insurance + Green Card or local, (also emailed to self)
• Bike registration + spare key (also emailed to self)
• Cash (GEL & AMD), debit/credit card
• Local SIM or eSIM with data
• Offline maps (Osmand / Gaia / Maps.me / Google Maps)
• Emergency contacts list (also emailed to self)

Riding Gear

• ADV helmet with peak & visor
• Armoured jacket (ventilated with waterproof liner or shell)
• Armoured riding pants
• Base layers (merino or synthetic, 2-3 sets)
• Neck buff/balaclava
• Waterproof gloves + light gloves
• Waterproof boots (ADV or enduro-style)
• Rain gear (if not integrated)
• Hydration pack or bottle easy to access---

Camping Gear

• 3-season tent (freestanding if possible)
• Compact sleeping bag (0°C comfort)
• Sleeping pad (insulated, packable)
• Lightweight pillow or inflatable
• Camping stove (gas or alcohol type)
• Pot/pan + spork + mug
• Lighter + waterproof matches
• Water filter (Sawyer Mini / Grayl / tablets)
• Headlamp + spare batteries
• Mini solar panel, Power bank + cables
• Rope or paracord (drying line, tent repair)
• Folding knife or multitool
• Small dry bags or stuff sacks (gear separation)
• Small camp towel
• Collapsible water container or spare bottles

Clothing (layered, modular)

• 3x moisture-wicking shirts
• 1x long-sleeve shirt
• 1x light fleece or mid layer
• 1x windbreaker or insulated jacket
• 1x packable rain jacket (if not using your riding shell)
• 2x riding socks (merino recommended)
• 1x thermal leggings
• 1x shorts
• 1x pants (lightweight, synthetic)
• 3x underwear
• Flip-flops or camp shoes
• Hat/cap + sunglasses

Motorcycle & Maintenance

• Tyre repair kit (plugs or tubes, depending on your setup)
• Compact air compressor or mini hand pump
• Chain lube (small bottle)
• Tool roll (with essentials for your specific bike)
• Spare fuses, zip ties, duct tape
• Spare inner tube (if tubed tires) or patch kit
• Oil for top-up (small bottle)
• Bungee cords or Rok straps
• Soft luggage or panniers + waterproof liner/dry bags
• Small bike cover or tarp (optional)
• GPS / phone mount
• Kickstand plate (for soft ground)

Personal / Health

• Travel first aid kit (include meds for diarrhoea, pain, altitude, etc.)
• Sunscreen + lip balm
• Toothbrush + paste + biodegradable soap
• Nail clippers, small comb, etc.
• Toilet paper or wipes
• Bug spray
• Earplugs
• Compact mirror (also useful for trail fixes)

Optional but Recommended

• Action cam or GoPro
• Notebook & pen
• Book or Kindle
• Travel laundry detergent & sink stopper
• Collapsible bowl for washing
• Firestarter (cotton + Vaseline or firestick)
• Tarp or footprint for the tent
• Small trash bags & wet wipes (leave no trace)

To be continued

 

 

Tags:

1. Motorcycle Road Trip

2. Romania to Georgia Travel

3. Balkan Adventure

4. Off-Road Biking

5. Armenia Travel Tips

6. Turkey Border Crossing

7. Bulgaria Scenic Routes

8. Eastern Europe Real Estate (ties back to your blog’s niche)

9. Budget Motorcycle Trip

10. Hidden Gems Caucasus