Tour Overview
Explore the Desert Mystery & Rainbow Landscapes!
Journey into the semi-desert of Georgia to discover the ancient David Gareja Monastery complex. This tour offers a unique blend of spiritual history and surreal natural beauty. You will explore the historic Lavra monastery and witness the breathtaking «Rainbow Mountains» (Mravaltskaro), where the colorful, striped hills create a landscape that feels like another planet.
Key Highlights
- ANCIENT CAVE MONASTERY: Explore the 6th-century David Gareja complex carved into the rock.
- RAINBOW MOUNTAINS: Witness the stunning multi-colored hills of Mravaltskaro.
- SEMI-DESERT ADVENTURE: Experience the silence and vast beauty of the desert landscape.
- PRIVATE JOURNEY: Enjoy a personalized trip with a private vehicle at your own pace.
- AUTHENTIC DINING: Optional lunch at the famous Oasis Club or a scenic nature picnic.
Our Journey Map & Schedule
This itinerary is designed to give you a perfect balance of cultural exploration and natural wonder. We begin our journey through the colorful semi-desert landscapes, making several stops for photography, before reaching the ancient cave monastery complex. Each step of the way is flexible, allowing you to enjoy the silence and vastness of the Georgian desert at your own pace.
Your private adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel. We head towards the semi-desert landscapes of Eastern Georgia.
Witness the surreal, multi-colored striped hills. A unique geological wonder and a paradise for photography lovers.
Explore one of Georgia’s most remarkable spiritual and cultural landmarks. Founded in the 6th century by St. David, one of the Assyrian Fathers, this immense complex features hundreds of cells, churches, and chapels hollowed out of the desert rock.
As we walk through the Lavra Monastery, you’ll discover the sacred spring known as "The Tears of David," admire the unique medieval architecture, and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the semi-desert stretching across the border. It is a place where history, deep silence, and raw natural beauty meet in a truly unforgettable way.
For lunch, you have two wonderful options. You can enjoy a meal at the artistic "Oasis Club" in Udabno village, famous for its desert atmosphere. Alternatively, we can arrange a scenic picnic among the Rainbow Mountains. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, or we can stop at a local market along the way to pick up fresh Georgian bread, cheese, and fruit. It's a perfect way to enjoy the silence and beauty of the desert at your own pace.
After a day filled with impressive historical discoveries and unique desert landscapes, we return to the capital for your hotel drop-off. Since the tour concludes by 5:30 PM, you will have the entire evening free to plan your own activities and enjoy your time in Tbilisi.
What’s Included & Excluded
Includes / Excludes
- Private transportation (Sedan or Minivan)
- Professional driver-guide service
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Fuel and local taxes
Price Excludes:
- Meals: Optional lunch or picnic costs
- Personal expenses: Snacks, drinks, or souvenirs
- Admission Fee: David Gareja is free to enter, but some nearby small sites might have voluntary donations.
Frequently Asked Questions
● Due to border regulations, access to the upper Udabno monastery (frescoes) is currently restricted.
● However, the main Lavra complex, the courtyard, and the sacred spring remain open.
● The «Rainbow Mountains» are fully accessible and offer incredible photo opportunities.
● To show respect for local traditions, a modest dress code is recommended.
● FOR WOMEN: It is customary to wear a skirt and cover the head with a scarf.
● FOR MEN: Long trousers are preferred when entering the main cathedral or church.
● While most sites provide complimentary scarves, we suggest bringing your own for personal comfort.
● The walk is relatively easy but involves some uneven, semi-desert terrain.
● We recommend wearing comfortable sneakers or hiking boots and using sunscreen, as there is very little shade.
● The picnic is completely flexible!
● You can bring your own food, or your guide can stop at a supermarket or a local bakery on the way.
● We will find a beautiful, quiet spot with a view of the Rainbow Mountains.
● We recommend bringing a light blanket and plenty of water.
● Yes, this is a family-friendly tour.
● The travel pace is comfortable, and we can provide a child car seat upon request.
● Yes, we provide private pickup and drop-off from any location or hotel in Tbilisi.
● Please provide your address when booking.
● You can choose your preferred language during the booking process.
● We offer tours in either English or Russian.
● Please select the language you are most comfortable with so we can assign the right driver-guide for you.
● To ensure the best experience and availability, please book your tour at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance.