David Gareja Monastery

Immerse yourself in Georgian history and culture on a guided day trip from Tbilisi. Visit the impressive David Gareja Monastery and Rainbow Mountains. Explore the mountainous region and visit a stunning salt lake. The first place where you can stop to stock up on snacks for the trip. The second stop is at a salty lake, where you have an outstanding possibility to take some nice pictures. After the lake, we continue driving through Udabno Village, which translated as a desert. The area where you will be traveling is the only semidesert Georgia has, and it's more than amazing to see how diverse Georgian nature is. You will start walking toward the famous Rainbow Mountains at the end of the drive. The most impressive feature of the landscape is the mineral-rich sedimentary rock, which looks like it’s been painted with brightly colored stripes. It’s possible to hike through the Rainbow Mountains, which astonish visitors with their colors. You will walk through the Rainbow Mountains, take many mesmerizing pictures, and prepare for the David Gareji Lavra historical tour. David Gareji Monastery Complex is one of the most spiritual places in the country. You will hear the stories of the monastery, do a bit of hiking and see a Georgian soldier at the border of Georgia and Azerbaijan. It’s believed that St. David chose this isolated location because he wanted his Disciples to lead a life of holiness independent from the rest of society. After David Gareji Lavra, you will return to Tbilisi and finish the tour at 5 pm.

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Georgia's landscapes on our exclusive 4x4 adventure! This tour is unlike any regular bus experience - designed for small groups (or private) to give you personal attention, comfort and access to hidden gems that other tours simply can't reach. Book with us and avoid wasting your time on overcrowded tours; instead, explore the best of Kakheti, including the real Rainbow Mountains, two ancient monasteries (one with incredible ancient frescoes), a delicious lunch and an authentic wine tasting, all guided by our expert local professionals. Your journey begins in Tbilisi, where you'll set off in a 4x4 for a day of discovery and excitement. Experience an easy walk among the vibrant, colourful hills around Mravaltskaro Lake - one of Georgia's top birdwatching spots, attracting specialists from around the world. Not a fan of hiking? No worries, you can still take in the breathtaking scenery and take some stunning photos of this remarkable area. Then immerse yourself in the history of the region by visiting the cave monastery of St John the Baptist, founded in the 6th century. This secluded desert monastery carved into the cliffs offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of its monks, with its church and tower built directly into the cave. Marvel at ancient frescoes and enjoy panoramic views stretching to the Azerbaijan border. Your adventure continues to the David Gareji Lavra, the oldest monastery in the desert. After exploring these sacred places, we'll take a well-deserved lunch break at a restaurant in Udabno, surrounded by panoramic views. Here, each meal is more than just sustenance; it's a chance to savour authentic Georgian cuisine in a tranquil setting. And no tour of the Kakheti region would be complete without sampling its world-renowned wines. End your day with a delightful wine tasting that will immerse you in the rich flavors and traditions of Georgian viticulture. Our 4x4 SUV guarantees a smooth, exciting ride over varied terrain, far from the crowded buses and throngs of tourists. This isn't just a tour - it's a truly unforgettable experience to experience the hidden treasures of Georgia in style and exclusivity. Why settle for the ordinary when you can have the extraordinary? Book your adventure today and experience Georgia as it was meant to be explored!

In the morning, the guide and driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Tbilisi (if you choose the private option). Then, head to the desert where the main complex David Gareji lavra is located via the Kakhetian highway. The complex was established in the 6th century AD by one of the 13 Assyrian monks and expanded through the centuries. Here, have a tour of the rainbow mountains and monastery. On your way to Sighnaghi, you’ll visit the Bodbe monastery. The monastery is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia, due to its association with St. Nino, the 4th-century female evangelist in Georgia. In Sighnaghi, a small town surrounded by 18th-century defensive walls and remnants of fortifications, take a relaxing walk in the town, explore the defensive wall and fortifications, and enjoy the views of Alazani Valley. In the evening, drive back to your place of stay or Europe Square in Tbilisi.

Enjoy a safe drive through the beautiful and uninhabited areas of South East Georgia, where we will turn one hour after the start of the tour. The road goes through farmlands and you can stop and take pictures against the backdrop of the lake and fields. You will pass through the only inhabited small place called Udabno, which means desert in Georgian. It is a settlement of Svan eco-migrants. After 20-minute drive from there you will reach to one of the most important religious historical sites. Visit the rock-cut monastery complex from the sixth century. The founder of the monastic life is the monk David, after whom this place was named. Have a short trekking through the uphill to get near the cave of saint water. Living caves of monks can be seen in the courtyard of the monastery. After this exciting place, it is possible to walk along the footpaths on the colorful hills. It is especially beautiful in sunny weather when the colors are more pronounced. The most impressive is the walk between the hills on the lower paths. Upon returning to Tbilisi, you can enjoy dinner and wine tasting.

Join us for an epic two-day adventure exploring Georgia's natural landscapes. Our expertly crafted itinerary includes two thrilling off-road tours to Kazbegi and Truso Valley, along with an unforgettable excursion to the mystical David Gareji Monastery and awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountains. Starting from Tbilisi on the first day, embark on the "Sacred Secrets: David Gareji Monastery and Rainbow Mountains Discovery" tour. Explore the spiritual David Gareji Monastery complex, nestled in the vibrant Rainbow Mountains of Georgia's picturesque Kakheti region. Immerse yourself in the region's rich history, culture, and astonishing natural beauty. On the second day, join the "Unveiling Hidden Gems: Kazbegi and Truso Valley Off-Road Adventure" tour, starting from Tbilisi. Traverse the historic Georgian Military Road and marvel at breathtaking sites like the Ananuri Castle, Jinvali Water Reservoir, and Gudauri ski resort. Discover the almost-forgotten Truso Valley, and be captivated by the enchanting village of Stepantsminda, home to the revered Holy Trinity Church. You'll truly experience the thrill of off-roading in a small group of no more than eight adventurers. At the end of the first day, we will drop you off in Tbilisi. After the second day, we can drop you off in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), allowing you to spend a few extra days in the Georgian mountains if desired. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Georgia's natural landscapes. Book your tour today and experience the adventure of a lifetime!

The David Gareja monastery complex is located 100 km from Tbilisi, so you will be picked up from your hotel at 9am in order to fully enjoy the daytrip. On the way, we will be crossing a semi-desert with spectacular landscape where we will make several stops to take pictures. Driving through, your guide will tell you more about Georgia and will be on hand to answer all your questions. Approaching David Gareja Monastery you will start to see rainbow mountains. This land is inhabited by monks and few shepherds only. Once there, you'll be guided around this magnificent troglodyte monastery. Then, a short stroll outside the monastery will offer a unique panorama of the entire desert. Next step, we'll head to the viewpoint to take amazing photos of the Rainbow Mountains, before descending to get closer to these clay structures characteristic of this arid zone. To restore ourself, we will have a break at Udabno the only village in the area to taste a home-made khachapuri (cheese pie) with local cheese. Other dishes are available to fully enjoy fresh handmade georgian food. The second part of the day will start with a visit of Bodbe Couvent where Saint Nino is buried. The magnificent garden maintained by the nuns will not leave you indifferent. Here will be your first panorama of the valley and you will get another on the way to the city of love. Final destination will be Sighnaghi where we will wander in the city before getting on the ancient walls enjoying an amazing 360° panoramic view of the Alazani Valley and Caucasian Mountains. To prolong the joyful moment we can have a coffee break on a great terrace. For those who choose the option with Wine degustation, we will exchange coffee by wine. The head full of memories, we are heading slowly back to Tbilisi.