Borjomi, Rabati, and Vardzia Guided Day Trip

Introduction

If you’re curious about Georgia beyond Tbilisi’s charming streets, the Borjomi, Rabati, and Vardzia Guided Day Trip offers a full immersion into some of the country’s most striking sights. Designed for those who want to see a bit of everything—nature, history, and architecture—this tour packs in a lot for a very reasonable price.

Two things we really appreciate about this trip are the opportunity to sample the famous mineral water in Borjomi—which you can drink right from the park—and the chance to see the intricate cave monastery at Vardzia, one of Georgia’s most photogenic sites. The big caveat? The transportation arrangements have received some mixed reviews, particularly regarding comfort. This could be a deal-breaker for travelers sensitive to cramped spaces.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a structured day of sightseeing and don’t mind sharing vehicles or being part of a smaller group. If you’re after a convenient way to tick off multiple attractions in one day, this trip could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $35 per person, the tour offers good value for a full-day experience.
• Includes Iconic Stops: Borjomi mineral waters, Rabati Castle, and Vardzia—Georgia’s highlights in one trip.
• Comfort and Comfort Level: Mixed reviews on transportation comfort, so travelers should be prepared for a potentially crowded vehicle.
• Balanced Schedule: About 10 hours long, including free time and optional activities.
• Authentic Experiences: Opportunity to taste healing waters and see well-preserved monasteries.
• Small Group: Limited to 18 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

The Itinerary Explored

Borjomi Central Park and Mineral Water Tasting

Your day begins early at the Opera and Ballet Theater in Tbilisi, with a 7:00 am start. After a roughly 2-hour drive, you’ll arrive at Borjomi, famous for its mineral waters believed to have healing properties. The park’s highlight is the blue-domed pavilion, where you can sample the water directly from the mineral springs. Many visitors find this health-boosting water surprisingly pleasant, though some may find it a bit salty or mineral-heavy.

The park also offers optional activities like cable car rides, horse riding, rafting, or quadricycle tours—though these are at your own expense. If you’re not into adventure sports, simply taking a leisurely walk around the lush park and enjoying the fresh mountain air might be enough. The relaxed atmosphere gives you time to soak in the scenery and perhaps snap some photos of the surrounding mountains, which are quite stunning.

Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe

Next, the tour heads to Rabati Castle, perched atop the highest point in Akhaltsikhe. This site combines the charm of a medieval fortress with the layers of history that Georgian and regional influences have left behind. The castle was once a vibrant center of commerce and power but fell into disrepair after its capture by the Russian Imperial Army during the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-1829.

A major renovation in 2011-2012 brought this site back to life, revealing a mixture of restored walls, mosques, churches, and cultural museums. Your guide will likely share stories of its turbulent past, emphasizing the layers of history that make Rabati more than just a castle. From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the surrounding landscape—a reminder of Georgia’s strategic importance historically.

Vardzia: The Rock-Carved Monastery

The afternoon takes you to Vardzia, a truly spectacular sight carved directly into the cliffs of the Erusheti Mountain. Created in the 12th-13th centuries at the behest of Queen Tamar, Vardzia’s complex includes over 600 storage rooms, wine cellars, churches, and tunnels. Walking through the site, you’ll see the remnants of 15 churches, including the Assumption of Mary Church, with its beautifully preserved murals depicting Georgian royalty and saints.

The site’s architecture is as impressive as its history—imagine entire monastic communities built into the rock face, with access via narrow passageways and stairs. You’ll also see the 25 wine cellars and 185 wine jars, testament to Georgia’s centuries-old wine tradition. The views from Vardzia are breathtaking, and the atmosphere is one of quiet reverence, mixed with awe at human ingenuity.

Lunch and Additional Notes

The tour includes a lunch stop at a local restaurant, but this is at your own expense. You might find traditional Georgian dishes like khachapuri or khinkali, which pair well with the country’s wines.

A key detail from reviews: Some travelers found the overall experience worth the price, but a few noted discomfort related to transportation. One review mentions that the vehicle was nearly at capacity, making the ride “very packed and uncomfortable,” which could detract from the enjoyment, especially after a long day of sightseeing.

Practicalities and Tips

• The meeting point is the Opera and Ballet Theater in Tbilisi, and the tour departs promptly at 7:00 am. Be sure to arrive early to avoid missing the start.
• The duration is approximately 10 hours, including free time, making it a full but manageable day.
• The small group size (max 18 travelers) helps keep the experience more personal, but it also means the vehicle might be quite full, as some reviews suggest.
• The cost of $35 is very competitive, especially considering the number of sites visited and the guided nature of the tour. However, additional costs like food, optional activities, and souvenirs are not included.
• The tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics easier for travelers staying in Tbilisi.
• Confirmations are provided immediately upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Final Thoughts

This guided day trip offers a solid overview of some of Georgia’s most visually striking and historically significant sights. The combination of natural beauty in Borjomi, impressive medieval architecture at Rabati, and the monastic grandeur at Vardzia makes for a memorable day.

You’ll love the views from Vardzia’s cliffs and the possibility to taste the famous mineral water in Borjomi. The experience is particularly well-suited to travelers looking for a cost-effective way to see a lot in one day without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

On the downside, the transportation arrangement has been a common point of criticism, with some travelers finding the cramped vehicle less comfortable than hoped. If comfort during long travel days is your priority, you may want to consider this when booking.

This tour provides genuine value, especially for those eager to explore Georgia’s scenic landscapes and historical sites without breaking the bank. It’s a good choice for curious travelers who want a guided, well-organized day with plenty of opportunities for picture-taking and learning.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the long day and potential vehicle discomfort.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
Lunch is at your own expense at a local restaurant, but you can enjoy tasting the mineral water in Borjomi.

How long is the drive from Tbilisi?
The total itinerary is about 10 hours, which includes the drive, sightseeing, and free time.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable shoes, water, sunglasses, and a camera are advisable. Also, bring some cash for optional activities and meals.

Is transportation comfortable?
Some reviews mention the vehicle being quite full, which might make it less comfortable, especially for longer stretches.

Can I participate in activities like horse riding or rafting?
Yes, these are available but at your own expense during the Borjomi stop.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
Spring and fall provide mild weather and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, and winter might mean snow, which enhances the landscape but could affect travel conditions.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel freely up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Are guides knowledgeable about Georgia’s history?
Yes, your guide will share insights about the sites’ backgrounds and stories, enhancing your understanding of Georgia’s culture.

This guided day trip offers an accessible way to enjoy Georgia’s mountains, castles, and caves—perfect for travelers eager to see the highlights with a knowledgeable guide. Just be prepared for a full day and possibly some cramped transport, but expect stunning views and memorable experiences at each stop.