Things to do in

Rabati

We set off from the city at 08:00, once all the tourists have gathered. Our first stop is Surami, where we get to taste the traditional Georgian sweet bread called “Nazuki.” The locals demonstrate its preparation and generously offer us samples to try. After that enjoyable experience, we proceed to Borjomi Central Park, where we have the chance to taste the famous mineral water from the springs. Following a walk in the park, we make our way to Rabati Castle. Here, we explore the medieval fortress with a local guide who shares insights into its history and structure. For lunch, we make a pit stop at a local restaurant. Our final destination is Vardzia – the City of Caves. Once we've thoroughly explored all the rooms of the complex, we head back to Kutaisi, having had a day filled with fascinating discoveries.

Discover the natural beauty and rich history of Borjomi on a full-day tour from Tbilisi. Visit the Vardzia Monastic Complex, the Rabati Fortress, and the mineral water sources named after Ekaterina and Evgeniy Golovin. Start your tour from Tbilisi and head to the mineral water sources named after Ekaterina and Evgeniy Golovin. Learn about these legendary figures and the significance of mineral waters in the culture and history of the country. Next, visit Mirza Riza-Khan's summer residence. Transport yourself to the era of diplomacy and cultural exchange, and discuss Georgia's connections with Persia and the Russian Empire. See marvelous examples of Persian architecture blended into the local landscape. Continue to the monument to Georgian Prometheus — Amirani. Immerse yourself in the world of myths and legends. Next, visit the Vardzia Monastic Complex. Carved into the rock, the monastery is famous for its hidden underground passages and rooms. Appreciate the craftsmanship of the 12th-century builders and learn about the country's religion and traditions. Visit the church with frescoes of Queen Tamar and her father George III. Learn about the reign of the queen, her significance, and her influence on Georgian culture. Finally, visit the Rabati Fortress. A magnificent example of medieval architecture and defensive engineering. Hear about the role the fortress played in history and city defense, as well as how it became a center of cultural life.

At 08:00, we depart from Tbilisi, beginning our journey. Our initial destination is Borjomi Central Park, where we have the opportunity to sample mineral water from the springs. After a leisurely walk in the park, we proceed to Rabati Castle. Here, we explore the medieval fortress with the assistance of a local guide, who provides insights into its history and structure. Following our exploration, we break for lunch at a local restaurant. Our final destination is Vardzia – the City of Caves. Upon thoroughly exploring all the rooms of the complex, we commence our return journey to Tbilisi. Upon reaching Surami, we change vehicles and conclude our tour, arriving back in Tbilisi by 22:00.

From Tbilisi, transfer to Borjomi and visit the Balneological health resort, situated in the southeast of Georgia in the Agura river gorge. Discover this picturesque place and its large-leaved and coniferous forests surrounded by the majestic Caucasian mountains. Borjomi is well known for its mineral waters, the source of which is situated in Borjomi Central Park, where those who wish may sample it.  Then, head towards Akhaltsikhe which is cosily situated on both banks of the small river, Potskhovi. Take a tour of this ancient city and visit Rabati castle, a complex consisting of many historical castles, towers, and churches. Pay special attention to the halls and marvel at the ancient Georgian architecture. In the lower part of the fortress, you will find a tourist information center, a restaurant, café, and gift shops which you may visit as you please.  Next, visit Vardzia, a cave monastery site which delves into the rock half a kilometer and rises up thirteen tiers, which are connected to each other with a complex system of tunnels. Here, see the preserved large reception hall, living quarters, book depository, wineries, water, and spring water baths. Visit the Church of the Dormition, the central spiritual and monumental focus of the site. On the same north wall are ancient portraits of the royal founders, King Giorgi III and his daughter Queen Tamar. Then, return to Tbilisi.

Your unforgettable day begins in Borjomi, renowned for its lush national park and mineral springs. As you stroll through the scenic trails, take in the fresh mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding hills. You’ll have the chance to sample the famous Borjomi mineral water, known for its unique taste and health benefits. Next, you'll journey to the impressive Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe. Here, you can explore the beautifully restored fortress, with its blend of medieval and modern architecture. Wander through its charming streets, visit the church, and admire the panoramic views from the castle walls. Afterward, you’ll head to the remarkable Vardzia Cave Monastery, carved into the cliffs of the Erusheti Mountain. As you enter this ancient site, you’ll be amazed by the intricate frescoes and the extensive network of caves that once housed monks. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its history and significance, bringing the site to life. Throughout the day, you'll also have opportunities to capture stunning photos and enjoy a traditional Georgian lunch at a local eatery, featuring regional dishes. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture, ensuring a memorable experience in some of Georgia's most beautiful locations. P.S. In winter* depending on weather conditions, the tour may be canceled!

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of nature and captivating history on this full-day journey. Begin your adventure in Borjomi, where you'll quickly understand why this region and its surroundings are often called a "green paradise." Continue your journey and enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the lushly forested Borjomi Gorge that will unfold before you. Delve into the discovery of the region's mineral springs, learn about significant archaeological excavations in these lands, and understand the development of the resort town of Borjomi. Enjoy the opportunity to admire a picturesque waterfall, hear tales of the Georgian Prometheus, and savor the famed mineral water in an ornate pavilion in Borjomi's city park. Travel to the medieval fortress of Rabat, where you'll encounter one of Georgia's most expressive and colorful monuments. Admire the fortress, which serves as a unique bridge between two worlds, absorbing the energy of both Christian and Muslim cultures as a crucial transit point. Explore the palace's halls, adorned in the old Georgian style, and be awestruck by the fortress's grandeur and intricate ornamentation. Move on and reach the remarkable Vardzia caves—a testament to the 12th-century monastic history. Admire the caves, a multifaceted city that spans 13 levels and comprises over 500 rooms, including churches, chapels, residential cells, storerooms, baths, refectories, treasuries, and libraries. Learn its captivating history, which is sure to leave a lasting impression. Be accompanied by an English and Russian-speaking guide who will ensure your enjoyment and immerse you in the extraordinary history of Georgia.

What to Expect: Picturesque Borjomi: A scenic drive through a fantastically beautiful gorge will lead you to Borjomi. Here, you'll stroll through the city center, visit the park where Emperor Nicholas II and his family used to relax annually, encounter the Prometheus Monument and a charming waterfall. Ascend via cable car to a plateau offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. Of course, we'll delve into the famous "mineral water" extracted from the valley within the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. I'll share insights from archaeological excavations shedding light on the history of the local mineral water, and you'll have the opportunity to taste the world-renowned water directly from the source. Medieval Rabati Fortress: Immerse yourself in one of Georgia's most expressive and colorful landmarks, embodying the energies of both Christian and Muslim cultures. The fortress served as a crucial transit point between these worlds. Explore the palace halls adorned in ancient Georgian style. The fortress's impressive size and rich detailing are sure to captivate you. I'll narrate the foundation of Rabati, explain its name, and elucidate the significance of Akhaltsikhe in Georgia's history. Cave City of Vardzia: The ancient complex of Vardzia is more than just carved rooms in the rock; it's a cave fortress-monastery built near Tbilisi in the 12th century. This extraordinary city spans 13 levels and over 500 rooms, including churches, chapels, residential cells, storerooms, baths, dining halls, and libraries. Rooms extend 50 meters into the rock and rise eight stories high. Hidden passages, remnants of water supply, and irrigation systems have been preserved. During the tour, you'll explore every corner of Vardzia, learning about its purpose and the functions it served throughout its history. En route to the ancient complex, enjoy a magnificent panorama of the well-preserved Hertvisi Fortress. As a result, you'll gain insights not only into the featured landmarks but also the cities you encounter along the way. You'll become acquainted with legendary and mysterious sites of ancient Georgia, relish the beauty of nature, and unravel crucial episodes in Georgian history, enriching your understanding of our country.

Embark on a breathtaking journey to Georgia's most stunning cave city, carved between the 12th and 13th centuries. En route, we'll witness the mesmerizing beauty of Javakheti Zegani, and catch a glimpse of the magnificent Abuli mountain and the colossal Paravani Lake - the biggest lake in Georgia. After exploring Vardzia, we'll head to the Khertvisi castle, strategically located on a hill, between two rivers. And, for lunch, we'll savor some local delicacies, including Qvevri beer. Later, we'll visit the Rabati castle, the biggest preserved castle in Georgia, boasting a palace, church, mosque, fountains, pools, and museum. Our return to Tbilisi, through Borjomi, will offer us stunning views and an entirely different landscape. Don't miss out on this adventure of a lifetime, where you'll witness Georgia's remarkable history and natural beauty.