Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi: Exquisite Georgian Tour of Heritage Sites and Natural Beauty
4.3
113 Ratings
T'bilisi
Explore the exquisite heritage sites of Vardzia and Rabati Castle, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Borjomi, a picturesque resort town in Georgia.
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Vardzia - Vardzia is a cave site in southern Georgia dating back to 12th century, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. Excavations have shown that the area of Vardzia was inhabited even earlier during the Bronze Age. There you can find bell tower, main church, cave dwellings, rooms, chapels, pharmacy and wine cellars. Beyond the bell tower the complex rises to nineteen tiers, with steps leading to a cemetery. Infrastructure includes access tunnels, water facilities, and provision for defence. Vardzia has been submitted for future inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a Cultural Site.
What's Included
  • All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
  • Guided by a professional
  • Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
  • Live on-board commentary
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Admission fee in Borjomi Park. 5 GEL per person.
  • Admission fee in Vardzia Complex. 17 GEL per person.
  • Admission fee in Rabati Fortress. 18 GEL per person.
Additional Information

Vardzia is a historic cave city situated on the southern side of Georgia, dating back to the 12th century. It’s carved into the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain, bordering the Mtkvari River on its left. Archaeological digs have revealed that the Vardzia region had been settled even earlier, during the Bronze Age. The site is home to a bell tower, main church, cave homes, rooms, chapels, a pharmacy, and wine cellars. The infrastructure features access tunnels, water supply systems, and defence structures. Vardzia is on the path to being recognized as a Cultural Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Located in Akhaltsikhe is Rabati Castle, a 13th-century medieval fortress complex designed in an Asian style. The diverse cultural influences that have shaped it over the centuries are evident in its architecture.

Nestled in the heart of south-central Georgia is Borjomi, a scenic resort town bordering the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. The town is renowned for its mineral water, which is Georgia’s top export.

  • No minimum age required
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • No health restrictions
Location
44 Kote Afkhazi St
Kote Afkhazi Street
Tour starts from the joint of Meidan square and Metekhi bridge,and the main clock located in the heart of old Tbilisi town. There, you can find CitySightseeing Tbilisi office and our mini bus-stop.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(113 Ratings)
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Stay15382197613
Jun 21, 2024
Perfect day - Perfect places with the perfect guide. Everyplaces visited was magnicent. Our guide (Ana) is kind and know very well your job.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q3510rzdianak
Jun 20, 2024
Amazing trip with guide - Stepa - The trip was amazing thanks to our guide - Stepa 🫶 His professionalism and knowledge are impeccable. I can definitely recommend this guide to you! Locations are very beautiful. We've really enjoyed 😍🇬🇪
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pfenigv
Jun 17, 2024
Amazing guide. Well organized tour company. - Anna the guide was outstanding and made the history and culture and character of Georgia come alive. She is fluent and very clearly spoken in English and Russiana. Badri the driver was very competent and we felt very safe with his driving. This tour is long, returning at 10pm but was worth it.
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I1833oq_
Jun 4, 2024
Georgy is our favorite guide. I am very glad that he has been with us for several years. Success and prosperity! - It’s a long, exciting journey, but it’s worth it. The views are incredibly beautiful and majestic. Despite the fact that we returned after 23.00, everyone was full of energy and in a great mood. Vardzia is a place that you need to see with your own eyes at least once. The entire company team provides high service and safety.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
_w9911jc
May 30, 2024
Great tour to explore South Georgia - The trip was very well organised. Our tour guide Galina is very kind and friendly. She is very knowledgeable about all the places and histories. The food in the restaurant was also great and we were sitting next to the river, having a marvellous view of the cave town. Overall, I really enjoyed the trip!
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Olga
May 27, 2024
It really worth it! - I was surprised how much I liked it. It is not a the most popular tour compare to wine tour or Kazbeki but it really worth it. All 3 stops really great.
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904luneb
May 19, 2024
Very well organised tour - Very well organised tour, small group and a very knowledgeable and helpful tour guide! Sites were beautiful, would definitely recommend!
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Needthenoms
May 19, 2024
Worthy tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide - We took this tour with a group of friends to experience Georgia as much as we can in the short period of our stay, so we booked this tour. It was worth every minute and our guide, Stephen was very friendly, engaging and knowledgeable! The day did not feel long at all and our guide was with the group taking us through the sights and places alongside our group. Definitely recommend this tour if you seek to do see a lot of nature, history and Sakartvelo in one day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E4407pi_
May 14, 2024
An amazing experience - Coming from Greece I really wanted to tour Georgia outside of Tbilisi! This well-organised trip was the perfect way to do it! Our tour started in Rabati castle, a historical monument in the mountains. There we had some time to explore and take pictures! Later, we visited Vardzia, a spectacular place which combines the beautiful landscape caves with the breathtaking views of the kura river and mountains. Lastly, we explored Borjomi park, a relaxing place full of greenery and fresh air! we also had a chance to fill our bottles with the popular borjomi water! Our tour guide, Galina and driver, Johny are honestly professionals in their job! Galina provided us with useful knowledge, without unnecessary information making the trip interesting and enjoyable! Johnny has great driving skills, thus we arrived relatively quickly to each destination! Overall, they are both very easy-going and full of humour, making our trip unforgettable!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U4771ibcarolines
May 28, 2024
Ok - Vardzia was the best part of the trip. More information would improve experience. Trip information was it was 12 hrs -it was 15.5. No mention that we would eat dinner as part of the trip. With another trip booked next day I would never have booked the trip if I had known it would finish at midnight . The guide wasn't great unfortunately.
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June 2024
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