Skip to content
I'AM GEORGIA
Culture
4.7(74)Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 74 reviews

Vardzia & the Southern Frontier

Samtskhe-Javakheti

Duration
2 days · 1 night
Group size
2–12 travellers
Difficulty
Moderate
Region
Samtskhe-Javakheti

About this journey

Vardzia was cut into a cliff above the Mtkvari in the twelfth century under Queen Tamar: a monastery city of six hundred rooms across thirteen levels, built to hold an army and to survive a siege. An earthquake in 1283 sheared away the outer wall and exposed the whole honeycomb.

The route south crosses high volcanic plateau, past Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe and the fortress at Khertvisi, with a night in the Borjomi gorge on the way back.

Highlights

  • Thirteen levels of rock-cut monastery at Vardzia
  • The frescoed Church of the Dormition
  • Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe
  • Khertvisi fortress at the river confluence
  • A night in the Borjomi gorge

Departures

Pick a date

Prices and seats are live. Choose a departure date and we will show every option that runs in the two weeks after it.

Itinerary

Drive south-west via Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe, visiting Rabati Castle. Continue past Khertvisi to Vardzia for the late afternoon, when the cliff face turns gold. Return to Borjomi for the night.

Meals included
Dinner
Overnight
Hotel, Borjomi

What's included

  • Private transfers from and to Tbilisi
  • One night's hotel accommodation in Borjomi
  • Breakfast and one dinner
  • All site entry fees
  • English-speaking guide

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Your Tbilisi hotel, 08:30 on day one.

Meet at 08:00

Important information

  • Vardzia involves steep steps and a low, narrow connecting tunnel.
  • Shoulders and knees must be covered in the working monastery section.
  • The southern plateau is significantly colder than Tbilisi year-round.

FromGEL 1,180 per person

Pick a date