Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi Tour from Tbilisi

Plan your visit

Plan Your Trip

Prepare for a 12 to 14-hour day involving long drives, steep cave stairs, and changing weather conditions.

Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi Tour from Tbilisi

Erusheti Mountain, Vardzia 0100, Georgia

GPS 41.3812, 43.2841

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Getting there

Options from Tbilisi.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Tour: Shared group minibus or coach tour booked from Tbilisi.	12-14 hours	120-250 GEL	The most convenient way to visit all three sites in one day without driving.
Car: Hire a private driver (e.g., GoTrip) or drive a rental car from Tbilisi.	4-4.5 hours one way to Vardzia	From 300 GEL	Allows flexible pacing. It is highly recommended to split the trip by staying overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) provide the best hiking conditions. The exterior walkways at Vardzia get intense sun in mid-summer. The sites are accessible year-round, but winter driving can be slow.

What to bring

Comfortable, grippy hiking shoes for Vardzia's steep and uneven stairs
Modest clothing or a large scarf to cover shoulders, knees, and hair for the church
Refillable water bottle to collect free mineral water at Borjomi
Sunscreen and a hat, as exterior walkways at Vardzia get intense sun
Small flashlight or phone torch for navigating darker cave tunnels
Motion sickness medication if sensitive to long, winding mountain roads
Swimwear and a quick-dry towel if you plan to visit Borjomi's sulphur pools
Small Georgian Lari (GEL) bills for the 2 GEL Vardzia shuttle and park snacks
Light jacket or layers, as temperatures drop inside the caves and in the evening

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Since spring 2026, the Vardzia route is partially closed.

You can access up to the main church following a rockfall.

How the day runs

Typical tour schedule.

The typical 12-hour route taken by shared minibuses from Tbilisi.

08:00
Depart Tbilisi
Start the 2.5-hour drive west.
10:30
Borjomi Central Park
Taste the warm mineral water and walk the park.
13:30
Rabati Castle
Explore the upper citadel in Akhaltsikhe.
16:00
Vardzia
Climb the 12th-century cave monastery stairs.
20:00
Return to Tbilisi
Complete the long drive back to the city.

Packing for the day

You need comfortable, grippy hiking shoes. The rocky stairs at Vardzia are uneven and steep. Bring a small flashlight or use your phone torch for navigating the darker cave tunnels.

Because you will visit an active church in Vardzia, modest dress is strictly required. Women must cover their hair, and all visitors need covered shoulders and knees. Read more in our Vardzia Dress Code guide.

Easiest way to do it

Vardzia cave monastery complex carved into the rock face in Georgia

Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi Ancient Georgia Group Tour

12 h to 13 h 4.6 (168)

Proffesional guide
WiFi on board
Air-conditioned vehicle

From$43per person

Viator$43 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

How difficult is the walk in Vardzia?

It requires moderate fitness. You will climb steep stone stairs and walk on uneven, rocky surfaces with drop-offs.

Can you fly a drone?

Drone flying at Vardzia and Rabati Castle may require prior permission or is prohibited near historical structures.

Are there toilets?

Yes, restrooms are available at the entrances of Borjomi Park, Rabati Castle, and the Vardzia ticket office.