From Tbilisi to Borjomi Rabati Vardzia Group Tour

₾120.00

⛰️ Southern Georgia Wonders: Borjomi, Rabati Fortress & Vardzia Caves Full-Day Tour

Embark on the ultimate full-day exploration of southwest Georgia’s breathtaking landscapes and grand historical architecture. Because this route covers an extraordinary variety of terrain, we start early to beat the crowds and maximize your adventure.

You will journey from the lush, mineral-rich resort valleys of Borjomi to the majestic, multi-cultural stone citadel of Rabati Fortress. Finally, you'll travel deep into the volcanic canyons of Javakheti to explore Vardzia—a massive, 12th-century subterranean city carved entirely into a sheer cliffside. This is the ultimate, action-packed road trip for travelers looking to experience Georgia's most dramatic historical monuments in a single day.

📅 Itinerary & Timeline

1.Early Departure from Europe Square:07:00 AM • 2 hours.

Meet your professional guide and driver at the central landmark of Europe Square in Tbilisi. Settle into our comfortable, air-conditioned tour vehicle as we begin a scenic morning drive heading southwest out of the capital.

2.Borjomi Central Park & Mineral Springs:09:00 AM • 1 hour • Admission Ticket Free.

Arrive in the picturesque resort town of Borjomi, hidden away in a lush forested gorge. Take a morning walk through Borjomi Central Park to the historic pavilions. Here, you can sample the famous, warm volcanic mineral water right from the natural spring source—revered for centuries across Eastern Europe for its unique taste and therapeutic healing properties.

3.Scenic Drive through the Kura River Gorge:10:00 AM • 1 hour 15 minutes.

Board the vehicle as we continue our route further south. Watch the landscape dramatically shift from green, dense forests into the rugged, arid canyons and volcanic plateaus characteristic of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

4.Rabati Fortress (Akhaltsikhe Castle):11:15 AM • 1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included.

Arrive in Akhaltsikhe to explore the spectacular, sprawling Rabati Fortress complex. This beautifully restored medieval citadel stands as a monument to cultural coexistence, featuring a mix of Georgian Orthodox, Ottoman Islamic, and European architecture. Walk through the hedge mazes, climb the defensive stone towers for high views of the town, and visit the castle's golden-domed mosque and history museum.

5.Traditional Regional Lunch Break:12:45 PM • 1 hour 15 minutes • Meals Not Included.

Take a break at a traditional restaurant right near the castle walls or on the route out of town. Savor local specialties from the region, including snails baked in dough (a regional delicacy), local trout, and fresh stews.

6.Drive to the Deep Canyon of Vardzia:02:00 PM • 1 hour.

Relax on a breathtaking drive hugging the Mtkvari River canyon, passing the ruins of the historic Khertvisi Fortress standing watch on a steep rocky cliff.

7.Vardzia Cave Monastery Excavation:03:00 PM • 1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included.

Arrive at the spectacular cave city of Vardzia, a breathtaking 12th-century sanctuary carved into the side of the Erusheti Mountain. Built by King Giorgi III and the legendary Queen Tamar, this site once contained up to 6,000 cave rooms across 13 distinct tiers. We take a quick shuttle to the base and then explore the historic tunnels, cave dwellings, wine cellars, secret water channels, and the central Church of the Dormition, which houses remarkably preserved wall frescoes of the medieval queen.

8.Relaxing Return Journey to Tbilisi:04:30 PM • 3 hours 30 minutes.

Meet your primary tour vehicle at the base of the caves and begin the long, relaxing journey back to the capital, watching the sunset cast colors over the high volcanic plateaus.

9.Arrival back at Europe Square:08:00 PM • End of Tour.

Arrive directly back at Europe Square in central Tbilisi, concluding an incredible, monument-packed day trip into the wild south.

📋 Tour Logistics & Booking Information

  • Departure Time: 07:00 AM exact (Please arrive by 6:45 AM for check-in—we must start early to ensure adequate time at the sights).

  • Meeting Point: Europe Square, Central Tbilisi (returns to the same location).

  • Total Duration: 13 Hours (Full Day).

  • Activity Level: Challenging (Vardzia involves narrow, dark cave tunnels, steep staircases, and significant uphill walking on rocky paths. Good physical mobility is required).

  • What to Bring: Good walking shoes or sneakers with heavy grip, sun protection, a light sweater or jacket (caves remain cool inside even in mid-summer), and cash/card for personal entries and lunch.

🎟️ Important Ticket Pricing Note

To keep the tour highly flexible for all travelers, entrance tickets are not included in the base rate and are paid at the local booking counters:

  • Rabati Fortress Upper Citadel: Approx. 20 GEL per person.

  • Vardzia Cave Complex: Approx. 15 GEL per person (+ optional 2 GEL for the lower uphill shuttle bus).

    (Prices are standard local government museum rates).