Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia
Explore a 12th-century cave city, a rebuilt medieval castle, and historic mineral springs on a 500-kilometer round trip from Tbilisi.
4.6 from 168 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Find shared minibuses or private driver tours departing from Tbilisi.
Most bookedVardzia is a historical cave city carved into the mountainside, with numerous interconnected rooms, tunnels, and stairways. It is an important historical site in Georgia...
Top ratedVardzia is a historical cave city carved into the mountainside, with numerous interconnected rooms, tunnels, and stairways. It is an important historical site in Georgia...
Small groupAs a result, you will learn a lot of interesting things not only about the sights included in the program, but also about the cities that you will meet along the way,...
From$110per person
Best for: travelers seeking personalized experiences
Explore
Three distinct stops covering history, architecture, and nature.
3 spots12th-Century Cave CityA vast 12th-century cave city carved into the Erusheti Mountain.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsRabati CastleA massive, rebuilt fortress complex in Akhaltsikhe.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsBorjomi Central ParkHistoric park with therapeutic warm mineral springs and nature trails.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
Vardzia spans 13 levels across Erusheti Mountain.
Wear grippy shoes for steep, uneven stone stairs.
Plan your visit
Expect a 12 to 14 hour day. The drive takes 4 to 4.5 hours one way.
May to June and September to October offer comfortable hiking weather.
Shared group tours from Tbilisi cost $40-90+ USD and simplify logistics.
Bring small GEL bills. Each site charges a small entry fee in GEL (Vardzia recently 15 GEL).
This long day trip covers three distinct sites. You start by driving south to taste uncarbonated mineral water at Borjomi Central Park. Next, the route passes through Akhaltsikhe to see Rabati Castle.
The final destination is the 12th-Century Cave City. Carved into Erusheti Mountain in the 12th century, it has over 300 surviving rooms. Modest dress is required to enter the Church of the Dormition inside the caves.
Because the trip covers over 500 kilometers, taking an organized tour is the most common option. Read our guide on One Day Itinerary to see if a single-day itinerary works for you.
We list current prices from $40 up to $175 for private options.
We show exactly which 15-20 GEL entry fees are excluded.
We highlight the 12-14 hour duration and fast pace.
From Viator
168 reviews of the ancient georgia tour on Viator
Had a tiring but fun and informative day with the trip. Georgie was amazing with his knowledge about the Georgian culture and history, easily the highlight of the trip.
Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the long adventure. Also you need to be comfortable traveling for 16 hours
Everything was very well organized. Our guide Anna was very engaging and knowledgeable, and her stories made the tour even more interesting. She’s an absolutely fantastic person, full of energy 🇬🇪 The whole trip went smoothly and without any stress. It was truly a unique experience — we wished we could stay longer to enjoy the beautiful views.
I was exploring Georgia as a solo traveler and chose this tour. I had an amazing time with the guide, he was very knowledgeable, the car was super clean and comfy. All the details in the itinerary was done, the restaurant they chose was perfect and also very affordable I do recommend it
Had a wonderful experience and the places we saw were amazing. Great guide. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Kazbegi exceeded every expectation. From the 14th-century vibes at Gergeti Trinity Church to the epic panoramas at Gudauri, every turn of the road is a photogenic. Thanks to our guide kate for your service and all the information, It was awesome 👌
Data 4 and giorgi drive were best. I loves this people. Was fun and enjoyble
I went on the tour to Borjomi with Timur and it was amazing!
Excellent tour, our guide Zura was super knowledgeable and went above and beyond!
Travel tips
One Day ItineraryLogistics and travel times for visiting all three sites in one day.Read 
Ticket Price GuideCurrent entrance fees for Vardzia, Rabati Castle, and Borjomi Park.Read 
Vardzia Dress CodeWhat to wear for rugged cave climbing and the Vardzia church dress code.Read 
Rabati Entry GuideLearn which parts of Rabati Castle are free and which require tickets.Read Borjomi Water SpringLearn how to access and taste Borjomi's warm mineral water for free.Read Visiting with KidsFind out if the long drive and steep caves are right for your children.Read You can book a shared group tour, hire a private driver, or rent a car. Group tours cost $40-90+ USD. Driving yourself takes 4 to 4.5 hours one way.
The entry fee for foreign adults is 15 GEL. There is an optional 2 GEL shuttle bus to skip the uphill walk to the caves. Read our Ticket Price Guide guide for details.
Yes, it is the standard day-trip itinerary from Tbilisi. It requires 12 to 14 hours and covers over 500 kilometers round-trip. See One Day Itinerary for logistics.
The lower courtyard with shops and restaurants is free. To enter the upper historic citadel and mosque, you must pay a 20 GEL fee. More info is in our Rabati Entry Guide guide.
Wear grippy hiking shoes for the stone paths. To enter the Church of the Dormition, modest dress is strictly required: shoulders and knees must be covered, and women must cover their hair. Read our Vardzia Dress Code guide.
Entry typically costs around 5 GEL, though the fee is sometimes waived depending on the season.
Book your transport early, as shared minibus tours fill up in late spring and early autumn.
