Day Tour to Vardzia, Rabati, Borjomi in Georgia

Exploring Georgia’s rich history and stunning landscapes is a captivating experience. This day tour from Tbilisi promises to immerse visitors in the awe-inspiring Vardzia cave complex, the architectural wonders of Rabati Castle, and the natural beauty of Borjomi, renowned for its mineral springs and lush forests. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, participants can customize their visit by choosing which admission fees to include. From underground cave dwellings to grand fortresses and serene natural landscapes, this tour offers a diverse and unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Georgia’s cultural heritage.

Key Points

• A full-day group tour exploring historic sites and stunning landscapes south of Tbilisi, including the cave city of Vardzia, medieval Rabati Castle, and the resort town of Borjomi.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and a professional guide, but excludes admission fees and food/drinks, which participants should budget for separately.
• Highlights of the tour include walking through Vardzia’s rock-hewn structures, admiring Rabati Castle’s architecture, and exploring Borjomi’s mineral springs and lush national park.
• The Vardzia cave complex features a network of caves, churches, and living quarters with intricate frescoes, set in a stunning natural setting along the Mtkvari River.
• Rabati Castle offers a glimpse into Georgia’s rich medieval heritage, with its Mamluk-style tower, ornate mosque, and museums showcasing the country’s history.

Tour Overview

This full-day group tour explores the historic towns and sites located south of Tbilisi, Georgia. Travelers will visit the impressive cave city of Vardzia, the medieval Rabati Castle, and the resort town of Borjomi.

The tour provides comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and knowledgeable live commentary from a professional guide.

Highlights include walking through the rock-hewn structures and former dwellings of Vardzia, admiring the architecture of Rabati Fortress, and experiencing the natural mineral springs of Borjomi Park.

With all logistics and transportation taken care of, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the rich history and stunning landscapes of this region.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional guide, covering all taxes and fees.

However, the admission fees for Borjomi Park, Vardzia Complex, and Rabati Fortress aren’t included in the tour price.

Borjomi Park: 5 GEL per person
Vardzia Complex: 17 GEL per person
Rabati Fortress: 18 GEL per person

Visitors should budget for these additional costs when planning their trip.

The tour also excludes food and drinks, so participants may want to bring snacks and water.

Meeting and End Point

The tour meeting point is Meidan square and Metekhi bridge in Tbilisi, and it returns to the same location at the end of the day. This convenient pick-up and drop-off spot ensures a seamless start and end to the adventure.

Meeting Point	End Point
Meidan square	Returns to meeting point
Metekhi bridge	Tbilisi

The tour provides comfortable transportation throughout the day in an air-conditioned vehicle, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive. With a professional guide on board, travelers can look forward to informative commentary and a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Visiting Vardzia Cave Site

After the convenient pick-up in Tbilisi, the tour heads south to the remarkable cave site of Vardzia. Carved into the volcanic cliffs along the Mtkvari River, this 12th-century cave monastery was once home to over 2,000 monks.

Visitors can explore the complex network of caves, churches, and living quarters, marveling at the intricate frescoes and architectural features.

The guided tour provides insight into the site’s rich history and cultural significance.

The stunning natural setting, with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, adds to the overall experience.

Exploring Rabati Castle

Next, the tour heads to Rabati Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress situated in the town of Akhaltsikhe.

Guests can explore the impressive castle grounds, which include a variety of architectural styles spanning several centuries. Highlights include the iconic Mamluk-style tower, the ornate mosque, and the castle’s museums showcasing Georgian history and culture.

Visitors can wander through the castle’s winding streets, marvel at its intricate stone carvings, and learn about its fascinating past as a strategic military and administrative center.

With its stunning natural setting and well-preserved structures, Rabati Castle offers a glimpse into Georgia’s rich heritage and a chance to take in the country’s medieval past.

Discovering Borjomi Town

Following the visit to Rabati Castle, the tour proceeds to the picturesque town of Borjomi, nestled in the heart of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Borjomi is renowned for its mineral springs and lush, forested landscapes, offering visitors a tranquil respite from the bustling cities.

Visitors can explore the beautiful Borjomi Central Park, which features walking trails, a lake, and a cable car ride to the top of the surrounding hills.

The Borjomi Mineral Water Factory, where the town’s famous sparkling water is bottled, is a popular attraction for travelers.

Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on hiking or cycling excursions in the nearby national park, taking in the stunning natural scenery.

Guests can stroll through the town’s charming streets, marvel at the elegant 19th-century architecture, and sample the famous Borjomi mineral water, which is believed to have therapeutic properties.

Transport and Comfort

The tour includes comfortable air-conditioned transportation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for participants as they venture from Tbilisi to the historic sites of Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi.

Travelers will travel in a modern, well-maintained vehicle that provides a comfortable and stress-free experience. The air-conditioning system allows for a pleasant ride, even during the warmer months.

Plus, the vehicle is spacious enough to accommodate the group size, providing ample legroom and storage space for personal belongings.

With a professional driver at the helm, participants can sit back, relax, and soak in the stunning Georgian countryside as they make their way to each destination.

Additional Tour Details

The tour offers participants the flexibility to explore the included sites at their own pace, with plenty of free time allotted for individual discovery and experience.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring a seamless planning process.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility concerns should take note.

The minimum number of participants required may result in the tour being cancelled if the threshold isn’t met, though this is a rare occurrence.

Guests are advised to dress in smart casual attire, as the tour visits both historic and natural sites.

The meeting and end point are conveniently located near public transportation, making the tour accessible for travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Other Sites?

Unfortunately, the tour operator does not offer customization options. The pre-set itinerary covers the main highlights, but additional stops or changes are not possible. Travelers must choose from the available tour options.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Take This Tour?

The best time to take this tour is during the spring or autumn months. The weather is mild and comfortable, allowing for optimal sightseeing. Crowds are smaller, and the landscapes are lush and vibrant during these shoulder seasons.

Are There Any Dietary Requirements the Tour Can Accommodate?

The tour can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. Guests can request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options when booking. The guide will work to ensure all participants’ needs are met during the tour.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. Travelers can inquire about arranging a private tour with the tour provider, which may offer more flexibility and personalized experiences compared to a regular group tour.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour operator has a cancellation and refund policy that allows customers to receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours before the tour. Shorter notice may result in a partial or no refund, depending on the circumstances.

Recap

This comprehensive day tour from Tbilisi offers an immersive experience through Georgia’s remarkable history and stunning landscapes.

Visitors can explore the awe-inspiring Vardzia caves, marvel at the architectural wonders of Rabati Castle, and discover the natural beauty of Borjomi.

While admission fees aren’t included, the comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guide ensure an enriching and customizable journey through this captivating region.