Spend a full day tracing Georgia’s layered past from cliff-carved Vardzia to the multi-faith Rabati Castle and the mineral springs of Borjomi. This one-day route pairs dramatic rock-cut architecture with imperial-era spa town culture and practical, on-the-ground logistics for a traveler’s day trip from Tbilisi.
Spend a full day tracing Georgia’s layered past from cliff-carved Vardzia to the multi-faith Rabati Castle and the mineral springs of Borjomi. This one-day route pairs dramatic rock-cut architecture with imperial-era spa town culture and practical, on-the-ground logistics for a traveler’s day trip from Tbilisi.
Book with Irina Kartvelishvili
Book directly with Irina Kartvelishvili for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve NowVerified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Irina Kartvelishvili · Tbilisi, Tbilisi
A pale coach eases out of Tbilisi before dawn, the Caucasus folding into the distance as the road threads south. By midmorning the landscape opens to a vertical face punctured with doorways and windows — the rock-cut rooms of Vardzia rise like a stepped city, cool shadows offering relief from the sun.
moderate.
9 hours.
Suitable for travelers with basic fitness; involves multiple short walks, stairs and standing during visits.
No — entrance fees for Vardzia and Rabati and the Borjomi museum are not included in the standard tour; expect to pay in Georgian Lari (GEL).
The tour departs from Tbilisi and runs about nine hours, returning the same day; exact pickup details are provided at booking.
Yes — the tour is listed as suitable for all fitness levels, but visitors should be able to manage stairs and short walks; bring extra support or rest when needed.
The itinerary includes a lunch stop but meals are typically not included — confirm with the operator; there are local cafés and restaurants at Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe.
Vardzia was expanded in the 12th–13th centuries during Georgia’s medieval high period; Rabati’s layered construction reflects Georgian, Ottoman and Russian influences across centuries.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park protects large tracts nearby — stay on marked paths, avoid taking natural water, and follow local rules to limit erosion and litter.
Irina Kartvelishvili operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Book with Irina Kartvelishvili
Book directly with Irina Kartvelishvili for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now