If you’re traveling to Georgia and want to see something really special and prominent – Vardzia is number one on your list. Spend a day trip in the southern regions of Georgia to explore the stunning cave city of Vardzia – city built completely within caves, boasting streets, churches, dining halls, gathering places, kitchens, baths and more – Vardzia was originally 13 floors carved on top of each other – within the mountain.
On the way to Vardzia, we will also make stops at the biggest castle in Georgia – Rabati in Akhaltsikhe. Built in the 9th century, it was the central fortification of the southern Georgia. It was recently rehabilitated and now it is a stunning sight to visit – with breathtaking views, interesting history and a well-kept museum with medieval artifacts.
In Akhaltsikhe, we will also enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant, after which we’ll continue towards Vardzia – on the way making a short stop at Khertvisi Fortress for photos.
We will return to Tbilisi late in the evening.
Your Hotel in Tbilisi
08:00
| Number of travelers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Price per person, USD | 295 | 165 | 135 | 110 |
| Number of travelers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Price per person, USD | 280 | 150 | 120 | 95 |
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| Number of travelers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Price per person, USD | 205 | 115 | 95 | 75 |
At 08:00 AM Your Driver and Guide will pickup you up from the address of your choice to start the Rabati & Vardzia Tour.
After driving through beautiful Georgian Landscapes of Borjomi and surrounding areas, we will reach the city of Akhaltsikhe, which is the center of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Here we will visit and explore the famous Rabati Castle.
Rabati Castle used to be the throne-hall for the rulers of this region. The history of it begins in the 9th Century AD. Rabati Castle covers an area of 7 Hectares and boasts 2 inner fortresses.
With the recent rehabilitation of the castle, now walking through the small streets feels like time-travel – you’ll get to relive the stories of the labyrinths, towers, churches, mosques, a synagogue, an amphitheater, the citadel, the dungeons and more.
Once we’re done exploring the Rabati Fortress, we’ll head out to one of the best local restaurants to explore the Georgian cuisine.
After Lunch we will head out for Vardzia, on the way stopping at the Khertvisi Fortress for nice views and photo opportunities.
Khertvisi Fortress is located on the juncture of Mtkvari and Paravani rivers, on an a rocky cliff overlooking the area. The earliest accounts of the fortress are from the IV century BC. when Alexander the Great passed by during his eastern campaign. Ever since, Khertvisi has played a big role in the safety of the surrounding villages.
Finally, we will arrive at the Vardzia Cave city, in the region of historic Meskheti. This rock-hewn city-monastery was made in the second part of the 12th century AD.
You will enjoy exploring Vardzia with a guide or on your own – getting to know it’s history and stopping at all the important attractions of the monastery. This usually takes about 2 hours in total.
Vardzia stretches over half a kilometer in width and boasts 13 floors. Located at 1300 meters from sea level, this city covers a territory of 40 000 square meters.
Since 2007 Vardzia is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight.
After the long and memorable trip, we will return to Tbilisi and our team will drop you off at your hotel in Tbilisi.
