Vardzia Cave City, Rabati Castle & Borjomi Day Trip from Tbilisi
- Duration14 hours
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Overview
This shared day trip from Tbilisi links three very different sights in southern Georgia: the mineral springs and forests of Borjomi, the restored medieval fortress of Rabati in Akhaltsikhe, and the rock-cut monastery city of Vardzia above the Mtkvari valley. A professional guide travels with the group in a comfortable vehicle and explains the history along the way. It is a long but rewarding day for travellers who enjoy history, scenery and short walks, and who prefer not to drive the mountain roads themselves.
Highlights
- Borjomi Central Park and the famous mineral springs
- Rabati Castle with its towers, golden-domed mosque, church and courtyards
- Vardzia, a cave monastery from the era of Queen Tamar
- Views over the Mtkvari river valley from the cliffs
- Certified guide and comfortable transport for the full day
- Entrance to each site is optional, so you pay only for the places you enter
Full Description
Borjomi mineral springs and national park
Borjomi is a resort town in a green valley, famous across the region for its naturally carbonated mineral water. In Borjomi Central Park you can walk shaded paths, see the spring pavilion and drink the water at its source, which many visitors find salty and warming. The park is close to the huge Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the largest protected areas in Europe, which is popular with hikers.
If you are asking whether Borjomi is worth visiting on a day trip from Tbilisi, the answer is yes for a slow start in fresh mountain air. The best time to visit Borjomi is late spring through autumn, though the town is pleasant in every season. On this tour we allow about an hour here, so it is a taste of the park rather than a hike.
Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe
Rabati Castle stands in the town of Akhaltsikhe and has been rebuilt and expanded over many centuries. Its walls now shelter a rare mix of Georgian, Ottoman, Armenian and European influences: a golden-domed mosque with a minaret, an Orthodox church, towers, a synagogue and a museum, all arranged around courtyards and gardens. From the walls you get a good view over the town and the river below.
A Rabati Castle guided tour takes about forty-five minutes, which is enough to see the main buildings and take photos. Rabati Castle tickets are optional and paid on site, so you can also enjoy the exterior without entering. The fortress is a favourite stop for anyone searching for the best things to see between Tbilisi and Vardzia.
Vardzia cave city
Vardzia is Georgia's most impressive cave monastery, carved into a volcanic cliff above the Mtkvari river in the 12th century during the reign of Queen Tamar. Once it held thousands of chambers on many levels, with a church, dwellings and tunnels. An earthquake later exposed part of the complex, which is why the caves are now visible from far away. Inside the Church of the Dormition you can see surviving frescoes, including a well-known portrait of Queen Tamar.
A Vardzia tour is best done with a guide, who can explain the layout, the tunnels and the story of the monks. Allow about two hours. Vardzia tickets are optional and paid on site, and the site has steps and uneven paths, so wear good shoes. Many visitors wonder how to get to Vardzia from Tbilisi; a day trip like this one solves the long drive.
Itinerary
- Depart from TbilisiMeet the guide at the point confirmed after booking and begin the drive south-west through Georgia.
- Borjomi and Kharagauli National Park areaAbout one hour to visit the central park and springs, with a guided introduction and photo time.
- Rabati Castle, AkhaltsikheAbout 45 minutes for a guided walk through the fortress, with free time to explore.
- Vardzia cave cityAbout two hours to walk the cave levels, hear the history and enjoy the views over the valley.
- Return to TbilisiDrive back to the starting area, arriving after a full day of about 14 hours.
What's included
- Live guide (English)
- Round-trip transport from Tbilisi in a comfortable vehicle
- Stop in Borjomi
- Visit to Rabati Castle
- Visit to the Vardzia cave city
Not included
- Entrance fee to Borjomi park (optional, paid on site)
- Entrance fee to Rabati Castle (optional, paid on site)
- Entrance fee to Vardzia (optional, paid on site)
- Food and drinks
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- History and culture lovers
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 14 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Travellers who cannot manage steps and uneven paths at the cave city
- Anyone who finds very long days in a vehicle uncomfortable
Meeting point
The exact meeting point in central Tbilisi is shown in the booking panel and confirmed after you book. Hotel pickup is not part of this option, so please arrive at the meeting point about ten minutes before departure.
Important information
- Entrance fees for Borjomi Park, Rabati Castle and Vardzia are not included. They are optional and paid on site, and you can skip any site you prefer not to enter.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and a layer for the cooler mountain air.
- Vardzia has steps and uneven ground; take it slowly and follow your guide.
- Meals and drinks are not included, so bring water and plan for a meal on the road.
- The day is about 14 hours, so bring a charged phone and anything that makes a long drive comfortable.
- Times at each stop are approximate and can change with traffic and weather.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and the number of travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, so you can check it before you reserve.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet the guide at a central point in Tbilisi, which is confirmed after you book.
How long is the Vardzia day trip from Tbilisi?
About 14 hours in total, including roughly one hour in Borjomi, 45 minutes at Rabati Castle and two hours at Vardzia, with the rest spent on the road.
Are entrance tickets included?
No. Entrance to Borjomi Park, Rabati Castle and Vardzia is optional and paid on site. You only pay for the places you choose to enter.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children who enjoy walking and can manage a long day in a vehicle are welcome. Vardzia has steps and uneven ground, so younger children need close supervision.
What should I wear and bring?
Sturdy, comfortable shoes, a light jacket, water and snacks. Bring a hat and sun protection in summer.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, if the booking panel shows your date as available. Because the day is long and starts early, book as soon as you know your plans.
What is the difference between the options?
This page offers one shared day trip with transport and a guide. Entrance fees, meals and drinks are extra.
Is Vardzia worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of Georgia's most remarkable historic places, with rock-cut chapels and frescoes set high above the river valley.
Can I visit Vardzia from Tbilisi in one day?
Yes, this trip is designed for that. It is a long day, but the transport and guide are arranged so you do not have to drive the mountain roads.
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