The Southern Heritage: Borjomi, Rabati Castle & Vardzia Cave City

Q: What time does the tour start and where is the meeting point?

● The tour starts at 07:00 AM with a private pick-up from your hotel. ● At the end of the trip, we will drop you off directly back at your location.

Q: What should I wear for this tour?

● Please wear comfortable walking shoes (sneakers) for the stairs in Vardzia. ● We also recommend bringing a light jacket, as it can be cool inside the caves.

Q: What are the entry fees and are there discounts for children?

● The total entry cost for an adult is approximately 50 GEL, which includes: Borjomi Central Park: 10 GEL. Rabati Castle: 20 GEL. Vardzia Cave City: 20 GEL. ● Discounts for families: Children under 6: Enter all sites for free. Children (aged 6-12): Enjoy significant discounts, with total entry fees amounting to about 10-15 GEL. ● Additional costs to consider: Vardzia Shuttle: An optional internal transfer to the caves is available for 5 GEL per person. Lunch: A traditional Meskhetian meal typically costs between 40-60 GEL per person.

Q: Where will we have lunch and is it included?

● We stop at an authentic local restaurant. ● Lunch is not included in the price; you should budget approximately 40-60 GEL per person for a traditional meal.

Q: Do you provide hotel pickup and drop-off?

● Yes, we provide private pickup and drop-off from any location or hotel in Tbilisi. ● Please provide your address when booking.

Q: How far in advance should I book the tour?

● To ensure the best experience and availability, please book your tour at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Tour Overview

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey through Southern Georgia!

Explore the most iconic landmarks of Southern Georgia on this comprehensive private tour. From the refreshing mineral springs of Borjomi to the multicultural architecture of the Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe, and finally to the breathtaking Vardzia cave city. Experience a perfect blend of natural beauty, medieval history, and ancient rock-cut architecture in a single, well-planned day trip.

Key Highlights

BORJOMI CENTRAL PARK: Taste the world-famous natural mineral water directly from the source.
RABATI FORTRESS: A multicultural complex featuring a mosque, church, and palace in Akhaltsikhe.
VARDZIA CAVE MONASTERY: An awe-inspiring 12th-century rock-cut city with hundreds of rooms.
PANORAMIC LANDSCAPES: Scenic drive through the diverse and wild nature of southern Georgia.
HISTORICAL HERITAGE: A journey through different eras, from the Golden Age to Ottoman influence.

Start: 07:00 AM :

Tbilisi Hotel Pickup

Early morning pickup from your hotel. We begin our journey towards the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, heading to our first stop in Borjomi.

Visit 1: 09:15 AM :

Borjomi Central Park

Take a refreshing walk in the historic park and taste the legendary mineral water directly from the spring. (Duration: ~1 hour)

Visit 2: 11:30 AM :

Akhaltsikhe: Rabati Fortress

Explore the multicultural fortress where history, architecture, and religion blend perfectly. A magnificent site for photography. (Duration: ~1.5 hours)

Lunch: 01:00 PM :

Meskhetian Lunch Break

Enjoy a traditional lunch in Akhaltsikhe. We recommend trying local Meskhetian dishes like snails or local khachapuri. (Duration: ~1.5 hours)

Visit 3: 03:30 PM :

Vardzia Cave City

The highlight of the tour - explore the massive 12th-century cave complex with its secret tunnels and rock-cut churches. (Duration: ~2 hours)

Visit 4: 05:30 PM :

Khertvisi Fortress (Photo Stop)

A brief stop to admire one of the oldest and best-preserved fortresses in Georgia, standing at the confluence of two rivers.

Finish: 09:00 PM :

Return to Tbilisi

After an inspiring day discovering the natural beauty of Borjomi, the grandeur of Rabati Castle, and the ancient echoes of Vardzia, enjoy a relaxing drive back to the capital. We hope these incredible sights leave you with lasting memories as we drop you off directly at your hotel!

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

What time does the tour start and where is the meeting point?

● The tour starts at 07:00 AM with a private pick-up from your hotel.

● At the end of the trip, we will drop you off directly back at your location.

What should I wear for this tour?

● Please wear comfortable walking shoes (sneakers) for the stairs in Vardzia.

● We also recommend bringing a light jacket, as it can be cool inside the caves.

What are the entry fees and are there discounts for children?

● The total entry cost for an adult is approximately 50 GEL, which includes:

Borjomi Central Park: 10 GEL.
Rabati Castle: 20 GEL.
Vardzia Cave City: 20 GEL.

● Discounts for families:

Children under 6: Enter all sites for free.
Children (aged 6-12): Enjoy significant discounts, with total entry fees amounting to about 10-15 GEL.

● Additional costs to consider:

Vardzia Shuttle: An optional internal transfer to the caves is available for 5 GEL per person.
Lunch: A traditional Meskhetian meal typically costs between 40-60 GEL per person.

Where will we have lunch and is it included?

● We stop at an authentic local restaurant.

● Lunch is not included in the price; you should budget approximately 40-60 GEL per person for a traditional meal.

Do you provide hotel pickup and drop-off?

● Yes, we provide private pickup and drop-off from any location or hotel in Tbilisi.

● Please provide your address when booking.

What language will the guide speak?

● 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.

How far in advance should I book the tour?

● To ensure the best experience and availability, please book your tour at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance.

The Southern Heritage: Borjomi, Rabati Castle & Vardzia Cave City

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Tour Overview

Key Highlights

Our Journey Map & Schedule

Includes / Excludes

Price Includes:

Price Excludes:

Frequently Asked Questions

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