vardzia day trip from tbilisi

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How to Plan a Day Trip to Vardzia, Georgia

The ancient rock-cut city of Vardzia is an unforgettable sight in Georgia. The cave city sits high above the Mtkvari River deep in a rural valley of sandy-coloured rugged rock. From afar, it appears like a montage of hollow windows but, in fact, it’s the remains of one of Georgia’s largest cave monasteries and cities of the 12th century. A day trip to Vardzia is certainly a highlight from my time in Georgia and it’s surprisingly quite accessible despite it feeling quite remote.

Many people reach the ancient city on a tour, however, it’s also possible to plan a day trip to Vardzia as an independent and budget traveller. Here’s a comprehensive guide on getting to Vardzia independently, whether you plan on doing it within a day from Tbilisi or have the time to stop for the night.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

What is Vardzia?

The Vardzia cave complex in south western Georgia is the largest and most impressive of the ancient cave towns in Georgia. Construction first began in the 12th century and continued to expand under Queen Tamar into one of the largest cave cities in the region. At its peak it was home to up to 50, 000 people within its 6000 rooms and for many years it was safe from impending Mongol attacks. 

An earthquake in the late 13th century destroyed much of the city but monks continued to live within the caves until a Persian attack in 1551. It was completely abandoned in the 16th century when the region came under Ottoman rule.

The caves and tunnels had a throne room, a church, a wine cellar and a bell tower and remnants of these structures can still be seen at the complex today. The Church of the Dormition is the most impressive part of the site with intricate paintings, archways and hanging bells. 

For the most part, you are free to roam through the tunnels and in the caves. The Church is one of the places you’ll come across at the beginning and then you can make your way through the place at your leisure. At the other side of the complex, you’ll find a tunnel that leads to the bottom and loops back to the entrance and ticket office.

Essential information for a day trip to Vardzia

Opening hours: Every day from 10am until 7pm

Entry ticket: The entrance ticket is 7 Lari (AU$3.50) and there’s also the option of paying 1 Lari for a vehicle transfer to the main entrance which is just up the hill.

Audio guide: An audio guide is available for independent travellers and costs 10 Lari (AU$5).

How long to spend at Vardzia: 2-3 hours is enough time to wander the cave city independently.

What to do in Vardzia

You can easily spend  2-3 hours  wandering around the cave city of Vardzia, especially if you want to take your time and enjoy every corner of the complex. If you’re short on time, you can spend just an hour at the caves which will be enough time to take a one-way walk through the main caves and churches before heading back to the parking lot.

If you’ve hired your own driver or taxi, there are also a couple of other sights in the area worth seeing. Just before Vardzia is  Tmogvi Castle , a hilltop fortress dating back to the 9th century. Back at the road junction between the main road to Akhaltsikhe and the side road to Vardzia, you’ll find  Khertvisi Fortress , an impressive structure built between the 10th and 14th centuries. This would turn it into a full day tour from Akhaltsikhe by private transport.

How to get to Vardzia

Many people join an  organised tour  from Tbilisi which is often a day trip to Vardzia. There are many tour agencies that offer these day trips and in high season, they have daily departures. They cost from around 120 lari (AU$60) per person depending on how many people join and generally, take 12 hours return trip with a stop in Borjomi and other sights on the way.

However, it’s also possible to get to Vardzia  independently , either on your own day trip or as an overnight or weekend-style trip from Tbilisi. Vardzia is not very well serviced by  marshrutkas or public minivans  from major cities, as it really is just a tiny settlement with very few inhabitants. The best way to reach Vardzia by marshrutka is by transferring in Akhaltsikhe, the closest major transport hub and only 1.5 hours from Vardzia. Here’s how you can plan your overnight or day trip to Vardzia using marshrutka.

From Tbilisi

Marshrutkas or minivans leave Tbilisi’s Didube station whenever they’re full or at least once an hour from 8am until 7pm. The journey from Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe takes around four hours and costs 10 Lari (AU$5).

From Kutaisi

There are four marshrutka that travel between Kutaisi and Akhaltsikhe every day. There are around three departures in the morning and one in the early afternoon, but you’d have to double check the exact times. The journey takes around three to four hours and costs 8 Lari (AU$4). 

Alternatively, you can take a more frequent marshrutka between Kutaisi and Khashuri and then change to another marshrutka to Akhaltsikhe.

From Borjomi

There are regular marshrutka and buses travelling the one hour trip between Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe. You should be able to find a service every 30 minutes and it will cost around 4 Lari (AU$2).

From Borjomi, there are almost hourly services onwards to Tbilisi.

From Gyumri in Armenia

This might surprise you but there is a daily marshrutka from Gyumri in Armenia across the border to Akhaltsikhe in Georgia. The minivan leaves at 10am and costs 4000 AMD (AU$13). The journey takes four hours and the border crossing is a breeze for nationalities who don’t need a visa. 

I went to the marshrutka parking lot in Gyumri (labelled as Avtokayan on  Maps.Me ) the day before to secure a ticket but the drivers all told me to just arrive in the morning at 9.30. I managed to get a seat just fine on the day, but I was travelling in November which is low season. Still, very few tourists use this route as most people tend to cross between Yerevan and Tbilisi instead.

From Akhaltsikhe

Once you’ve found yourself in Akhaltsikhe, there are four daily departures between Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia. The marshrutkas leave at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 3pm and 4pm, although this changes occasionally outside of the main travel season, depending on demand.

The journey takes 1.5 hours and costs 5 Lari (AU$2.50). You have to buy a ticket from a counter inside the main building and the marshrutkas just park up outside.

From Vardzia back to Akhaltsikhe, there are departures at 9am, 1pm and 3pm.

How to travel from Tbilisi to Vardzia and back in one day by public transport

If you want to complete your own day trip to Vardzia from Tbilisi, you’ll be in for a long one and you’ll also need the marshrutkas to leave on time. But, you can make it work. 

To do this, you’ll have to take the earliest marshrutka from Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe which start from 8am. This should get you to Akhaltsikhe in time for the 12.30pm marshrutka to Vardzia. You’ll arrive in Vardzia at 2pm and you’ll only have 1 hour there to see the complex.

Then, you’ll need to make sure that you take the last marshrutka from Vardzia back to Akhaltsikhe at 3pm. From Akhaltsikhe, you’ll be able to get one of the late afternoon marshrutkas back to Tbilisi. You’ll be back in Tbilisi at around 9pm.

Read next: 11 Free Things to Do in Tbilisi

Where to stay in Vardzia

There are a few guesthouses in Vardzia to stay if you prefer the quiet nature of the village. This also means you can see the cave complex before or after the day-trippers have left. 

Guesthouse Imedi  | This a cosy place with a lovely garden and a delicious breakfast. The owners are beautiful people providing the best of Georgian hospitality. It’s a few kilometres away from the actual cave complex, but it’s within walking distance to Tmogvi Castle. Private rooms start from 50 Lari (AU$25), check availability here .

Taoskari Hotel | This is the closest hotel to the Vardzia cave complex. They have a nice garden and outdoor swimming pool for the summer, but it’s best feature is the balcony views of the caves. Check prices here .

Akhaltsikhe

The small town of Akhaltsikhe may not be the most exciting place to spend your time, but it’s close proximity to Vardzia as well as being home to the beautiful Rabati Castle makes it worthwhile. It’s the perfect town to use as an overnight stop between Tbilisi and Vardzia and it has all the amenities and tourist infrastructure you’ll need.

There’s a major supermarket across from the marshrutka station. You’ll also find some high-quality Georgian restaurants around the guesthouses at the bottom of the Rabati Castle. I ate at  Mimino Restaurant  a couple of times and can highly recommend.

Where to stay in Akhaltsikhe

Considering it’s a small town, there are actually plenty of good accommodation options in Akhaltsikhe. I loved the place I stayed and I think it was one of the better value places from my time in Georgia.

Kessane Guesthouse  | This place has large, modern rooms with a kettle, desk and bean bags. The Wi-Fi was very strong and the family owners provide a delicious breakfast in their restaurant across the street. It’s just a five-minute walk up to the castle entrance and an eight-minute walk down to the marshrutka station. It cost me 22 Lari (AU$11) for a room, check availability here .

What to do in Akhaltsikhe

The  Rabati Castle  steals the show in Akhaltsikhe and is the town’s main attraction. This medieval fortress and worshipping complex was originally built in the 9th century. It underwent an extensive reconstruction effort a decade ago and certainly appears far less ancient now. Still, the gardens inside are beautifully designed and the viewpoints from the main tower and ramparts offer sweeping vistas. 

The entrance ticket costs 6 Lari (AU$3) and is certainly worth a couple of hours of your time if you’re staying overnight or have some spare time in Akhaltsikhe. 

If you still have more time, you can take a taxi to  Sapara Monastery , just 10km from Akhaltsikhe town. It’s a lovely complex on top of a hill covered in dense forest. A taxi will charge around 25 Lari (AU$12.50) round trip.

Travelling around Georgia and the Caucasus?

• 11 Free Things to Do in Tbilisi
• A Guide to Hiking in Kazbegi

A Complete Guide to the Mestia to Ushguli Trek

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Georgia
• 12 Best Places to Visit in the Caucasus

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Wander-Lush

Complete Guide to Visiting Vardzia, Georgia’s Iconic Cave Monastery

Everything you need to know to plan your visit to Vardzia, Georgia’s oldest and most impressive cave city.

Along with Uplistsikhe and David Gareja , Vardzia is one of the most iconic attractions in Georgia . Yet somehow it took me three visits to the country before I managed to get there.

After pouring over photos for so long, finally seeing Vardzia in the flesh was every bit as magical as I expected. I’ve since been back several times in different seasons.

This Vardzia guide, updated for 2023, will help you make the most of your trip to Georgia’s famous cave city. If you have any further questions, let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Looking for the best Vardzia day trip from Tbilisi or Kutaisi? From Tbilisi, I recommend this private full-day tour with Friendly.ge . Use the promo code wanderlush at checkout and get 10% off. If you’re visiting Vardzia from Kutaisi, I recommend this group tour with Budget Georgia . Enquire on the website and mention wanderlush for 10% off.

About Vardzia

Inhabited since the Bronze Age and developed into a sophisticated monastic and defensive site between the 11th and 13th centuries, Vardzia is a massive complex of man-made caves hewn from a sheer rock wall. It teeters over the Mtkvari River in the south-western part of Georgia, close to the Armenian border.

Vardzia was first conceived by King Giorgi III as a place where villagers could take shelter in the face of enemy raids. It was originally designed to accommodate up to 50,000 people for this purpose.

Vardzia flourished during the reign of Georgia’s legendary female monarch, King (or Queen) Tamar, who reimagined the complex as a self-sufficient city rather than just a place for temporary shelter.

Legend says the duo gave the site its name: Vardzia sounds like c var dzia , or ‘I am here, uncle’, a phrase apparently uttered by a young Tamar after she got lost in the caves.

Tamar, who is remembered in a rare wall fresco inside the chapel , even had her own room at Vardzia. But but she never lived here full-time – a woman would not have been permitted to live inside the monastery – she only sheltered here once, along with other women and children, during a particularly vicious invasion.

A recent 3D-scan of the site revealed around 641 separate chambers spread over 13 levels , stretching for some 500 metres along the cliff face. Nestled deep in the belly of the rock, the caves are connected by a labyrinth of tunnels (some more than 150 metres long), staircases and terraces.

It’s huge – yet what you see today is just a tiny fraction of the original Vardzia.

And one of the coolest things is that different sections are constantly being excavated , unearthing new treasures. On my most recent visit in summer 2023, I saw a collection of clay qvevri that had previously been buried under sand and had only just been revealed.

At its zenith, the complex had more than 6,000 rooms on 19 levels that served all kinds of purposes – as sleeping quarters for the 200 resident monks , as defensive structures, chapels and apothecaries. There were at least 25 wine cellars plus a nunnery on the upper level.

In 1283, an earthquake destroyed most of the complex, shaving away half of the cliff to reveal the site’s inner workings. Ottoman invasions saw the caves and the precious manuscripts they held burned to a crisp. Shepherds then started using the caves for shelter, which is why most of the rock chambers are blackened inside.

Vardzia was completely abandoned in the 16th century and left untouched until excavations began in the Soviet era. In 1988, the monks moved back in. Today there are just a handful of monks living at Vardzia.

Vardzia is an active monastery, a popular Orthodox pilgrimage site, and one of Georgia’s must-see tourist attractions . In 2021, it took out the European Union prize for cultural heritage .

Vardzia opening hours for 2023

Vardzia is open 7 days a week , including on Mondays and holidays. There are different opening hours for the summer and winter months, so take note of the schedule below when planning your visit.

• March 1–May 1: 10am until 6pm
• May 1–October 1: 10am until 7pm
• October 1–November 15: 10am until 6pm
• November 15–March 1: 10am until 5pm

Because there is an active church inside the Vardzia complex, the caves are normally open during Orthodox Easter and Orthodox Christmas . If your visit does fall on a religious holiday, it’s best to confirm opening times in advance. I suggest contacting the Tourist Information Office in Akhaltsikhe.

Vardzia ticket price for 2023

Entrance to Vardzia costs 15 GEL . Children under 6 years old enter for free. There are no student or senior discounts available.

If you want to take a car to the entrance (highly recommended), this will cost an additional 2 GEL per person. The audioguide (also recommended) costs 15 GEL , or you can hire a guide for an hour or so for 45 GEL .

The ticket booth accepts both cash (Georgian lari) and debit/credit card.

How to get to Vardzia

Vardzia is located in southern Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region , roughly 270 kilometres (4.5-5 hours by road) from Tbilisi or 60 kilometres (1.5-2 hours by road) from the nearest major city of Akhaltsikhe .

It’s possible to visit Vardzia as a day trip from Tbilisi or as a side trip from Kutaisi , Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe. There are plenty of accommodation options close to the complex and in the surrounding villages, so it’s also an option to spend the night nearby.

If your Georgia itinerary allows for it, I suggest arriving the night before, staying in a local guest house, then getting up early to visit the caves in the quieter morning hours .

Note that there are two Vardzias in Georgia! If you’re using Google Maps to navigate, be careful not to mistake the town of Vardzia near Zestafoni (Imereti) with the cave city Vardzia near Aspindza. The correct GPS location is marked here .

Getting to Vardzia with public transport (marshrutka)

There are a couple of direct vans between Tbilisi and Vardzia departing from Bus Station Nige (inside Didube ) in the mid-morning. Another option is to change marshrutka vans in Akhaltsikhe . This is also an option if you’re coming from Batumi, Kutaisi or Borjomi.

While it’s technically possible to do a day trip to Vardzia using public transport in the summer months , it’s a very tight turnaround and you might only have an hour or so to explore the caves. On top of that, you won’t have time for any of the other attractions in the area such as Rabati Castle . For this reason, I highly recommend joining a day tour or hiring a private driver.

→ For detailed transport instructions including public transport from Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi and Akhaltsikhe, please see my Vardzia Transport Guide .

Tbilisi to Vardzia tour

Best option: Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi private tour with Friendly.ge. This full-day (12-hour) day trip with my preferred tour company, Friendly.ge, visits the caves plus Rabati Fortress and Borjomi Central Park. Hotel transfer from Tbilisi and a private guide are included.

→ Book here via the website and use the promo code wanderlush for a 10% discount.

Budget option: Full-day tour of Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi. This day trip with Gamarjoba Tours follows a similar itinerary but instead of having a private guide, you’ll be travelling with a small group. Hotel transfers are not included (instead, you rendezvous at a meeting point).

→ Check prices and availability for this tour here on Get Your Guide .

Flexible option: Private round-trip transfer with GoTrip. If you want to take things at your own pace, stop at the viewpoint and explore the surrounding area but you don’t want to join a tour, then I suggest hiring a private driver for the day via GoTrip . This is a door-to-door service, and you can stop for photos anywhere you want.

→ Book a private driver here or use the GoTrip Trip Planner to create your own custom itinerary.

Kutaisi to Vardzia tour

Day trip: Budget Georgia, my favourite tour company in Kutaisi, offers small group day trips to Vardzia, Borjomi and Rabati Fortress departing from Kutaisi. Tours are available throughout the year (including in winter). Check prices and availability here on Viator or book direct through the Budget Georgia website and mention Wander-Lush to save 10%.

Private transfer with GoTrip: Round-trip transfers to Borjomi, Rabati and Vardzia from Kutaisi are also available on GoTrip. Book a private driver here .

Driving to Vardzia

The main road to Vardzia from Akhaltsikhe was recently repaired . It is now completely sealed and very easy to manage in a regular sedan. I have driven it multiple times, including twice in a Prius.

If you have a 4WD, there is an alternative road into Vardzia that makes for a much more spectacular entrance. It originates in the village of Apnia, and winds its way down the Mtkvari River Canyon to approach Vardzia from the south.

Best time to visit Vardzia

Vardzia is busiest during the summer high season (late June through September). This is when you’re most likely to encounter large groups of tourists. It’s also very, very hot in summer. If you’re sensitive to the heat then I don’t recommend visiting during the summer months, especially not July or August.

For the best landscape colours and fewer crowds, I recommend visiting either in late spring ( late April/May ) or autumn ( late September through October ).

I recently visited in May and was thrilled to see the riverbanks around Vardzia plastered with red poppies and other wildflowers . The entire landscape is verdantly green and alive during spring.

As an alternative, Vardzia looks very beautiful in winter when it’s wrapped in a blanket of snow. I assume the terrain is quite slippery when it’s icy and snowy so take this into account.

How long should you spend at Vardzia?

While you could speed through Vardzia in as little as 45 minutes, you should budget at least 2 hours to walk through the caves at a steady pace. If you opt for the audio guide, you’ll need around 3 hours.

When it’s crowded, there tends to be bottlenecks at the tunnels and the church, so it may take a little longer to get around.

What to wear to Vardzia

You’re going to be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain, so it’s a good idea to wear decent walking shoes . Sun protection gear is also essential. If there’s even a slight chance of rain, bring a jacket and/or umbrella .

There is no strict dress code for Vardzia, but because it is an active monastery, it’s recommended to dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees). Signage at the main entrance to the complex indicates that miniskirts and shorts are prohibited.

To enter the chapel inside Vardzia, men need to be wearing long pants and women a long skirt. If you’re wearing shorts, you might be denied entry to the church . Women must also cover their hair before entering. I recommend carrying your own lightweight scarf rather than using a communal one (although they are available in baskets by the church door).

Every time I go to Vardzia, I see tourists disrespecting the rules. Please, please cover your hair and dressing conservatively .

Note that photography inside the church is prohibited .

Also read: My complete packing list for Georgia .

What to pack for Vardzia

You do not need your passport or ID card to buy tickets for Vardzia.

Drinking water

Walking around Vardzia is thirsty work, especially if you’re visiting in summer. There is a spring water fountain at the entrance to the caves (at the spot where the electric car drops you off) where you can fill up.

Snacks & souvenirs

There are a couple of shops and a restaurant near the entrance to the caves, but it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks as well.

There is also an Ethnodesign shop near the ticket booth where you can purchase a souvenir . Ethnodesign is run by the Georgian Traditional Handicraft Association and sells high-quality products sourced directly from makers and artisans around the country.

But don’t bring chewing gum!

Some websites mention a special ‘chewing gum tree’ at Vardzia where you can make a wish by sticking your gum to the trunk. The tree was removed years ago. Please don’t bring gum or leave any other trash in the area – use the bins provided.

6 quick Vardzia tips

1. get there early, as soon as gates open.

By afternoon, the sun dips over the valley, which makes the view back towards the bell tower a bit too glary. Organised tour groups tend to visit mid-morning, so try to arrive as soon as the ticket office opens if you want to avoid the crowds.

I have visited Vardzia three times now, always in the month of July. On my first two trips I had the complex almost all to myself. That’s because I arrived before gates opened and made sure I was the first person inside. By the time I was done walking through, other groups had started to arrive.

2. Say ‘yes’ to the optional minivan transfer

I highly recommend paying the extra 2 GEL to get driven in a minivan from the ticket booth to the main entrance of the caves. This allows you to bypass the initial steep uphill climb to the entrance.

3. There is limited signage, so take a guide

If you’re visiting Vardzia independently, you have the option to hire a private guide for 45 GEL or an audio guide for 15 GEL. Since there isn’t any signage, I recommend taking the audio guide.

Tip: The audio device is quite loud so two people can easily share one audio guide between them.

Guides carry keys to a few ‘secret’ passages and caves that you can’t otherwise enter, but note that English-speaking guides might not always be available. As with many places in Georgia, most guides at Vardzia tend to follow a set script and talk very quickly.

4. Note that it’s a one-way route

The only way to see the complex is by following a marked, one-way walking route. You can double back or take a detour whenever you want, but try to see everything in order (following the numbered audio guide signs) to avoid getting lost.

Once you’re done, you exit on the opposite side of the complex via a long flight of partially covered stairs. At the bottom, there is a long, flat walking path that traces the entire length of the caves and takes you back down to the ticket booth and carpark.

5. Accessibility at Vardzia

Visiting Vardzia involves quite a bit of uphill walking and negotiating uneven stairs. There are pitched tunnels, steep paths, and some precarious ledges. One of the tunnels near the spring is optional and can be avoided if you prefer. But the ‘exit tunnel’ is mandatory – it is the only way out.

Vardzia is not wheelchair accessible, and may not be suitable for anyone who’s generally unsteady on their feet.

Take extra care if you’re visiting with small children as some areas do not have railings.

6. Remember that Vardzia is an active monastery

Vardzia is a sacred site, so please treat it as such. You should refrain from talking loudly or running. You need to cover up when visiting the church (see more in the next section). Note that photography is prohibited inside the church but permitted everywhere else.

What to see at Vardzia

The bell tower.

The first structure you come to as you enter the complex, the Bell Tower juts out from the cliff face and offers stunning views of the caves stretched out before you. It was constructed after the earthquake destroyed most of the complex. The heavy bell that once hung here was stolen during a Mongol invasion, along with gilded manuscripts and other treasures.

Church of the Dormition & Queen Tamar fresco

The spiritual centre of Vardzia, this stone chapel has a soaring 30-foot ceiling plastered with colourful Medieval frescoes. Most notably, the church interior features a painting of Queen Tamara – one of only three in Georgia, and the only one in the country where she is depicted as an unmarried woman without the customary headdress. You can also see faded frescoes on the church’s exterior.

There is a full-colour reproduction of the famous Queen Tamar fresco at the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum inside the grounds of Akhaltsikhe Castle. The museum is wonderful (one of the best in Georgia), and this fresco alone is reason enough to visit.

Tears of Queen Tamara

This natural spring is hidden deep within the complex and accessible via a low tunnel. Water appears to seep from the rock walls, filling a deep pond drop by drop (hence the name).

The actual spring is blocked off with perspex. Pilgrims can fill their bottles with the healing holy water from a special container nearby.

One of the first cave chambers you come to on the path. You can clearly see bench seating carved from stone along the two opposing walls (the arrangement ensured that no monk had his back to another person). The rounded holes in the floor are the remains of bread ovens; the narrow channel was used to direct smoke from the wood fire.

Located on one of the upper levels and visible from the path, the apothecary was used to make and store tinctures. You can clearly see the little nook shelves hewn from the rock where the glass bottles must have sat.

The Museum of Medicine in Tbilisi has a great display dedicated to Vardzia and the herbal medicines of the era, including a recreation of the apothecary.

Wine cellars

Vardzia had at least 25 wine cellars in its heyday, and you can still see the necks of clay amphora embedded in some of the stone floors.

Monks produced up to 80 tonnes of wine using grapes cultivated on steep terraces, a method traditional to this area. Much of the wine went to soldiers as they passed through the area on their way to the battlefront.

Vardzia had a sophisticated irrigation system to channel drinking water down to the lower levels. Remains of clay water pipes embedded in some of the walls are among the oldest relics at Vardzia, dating to the 12th century.

Where to get the best view of Vardzia

The intricacies of Vardzia are a treat to explore close-up, but it’s difficult to appreciate the sheer scale of the complex when you’re inside.

To get a good overview of the caves from afar, you should stop off at Vardzia Cavetown Viewpoint on the opposite bank of the river. It’s located just off the road that leads to the ticket booth. View the exact location here on Google Maps .

Visiting Vardzia at night

After hours, Vardzia is illuminated by a series of spotlights set in the river valley below. The complex looks pretty spectacular when it’s lit up – a good reason to stay overnight in Vardzia and pop back for a look after dinner.

You can photograph Vardzia after hours from the marked viewpoint mentioned above.

Where to eat at Vardzia

There are a number of cafes and restaurants located in the carpark at Vardzia. Admittedly I was skeptical at first, but I ended up having a great meal at Restaurant Vardzia on the river.

I highly recommend ordering one of Meskhetian dishes on the menu (the Meskhetian Kada Khachapuri, an ultra crispy cheese pie brushed with ergo, or the Apokhti Khinkali, tiny dumplings filled with dried meat). The coffee here is great too, and the location overlooking the water is very pleasant.

Where to stay near Vardzia

Vardzia resort (vardzia).

A 3-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the Vardzia ticket booth, Vardzia Resort is a great option if you want to stay close to the caves. Rooms and common spaces are beautifully decorated with antique carpets and stone finishes. There’s an outdoor pool and bicycle hire available.

Check rates and availability on Booking.com .

Valodias Cottages (Vardzia)

Located 3km downriver from the caves, this impressive agritourism business offers hotel rooms and cabins, plus delicious meals prepared from home-grown vegetables and herbs. The garden and terraced vineyards here are very impressive. They even have a trout farm! This is a great place to spend the night in close proximity to the caves (as long as you have your transport organised), or you can drop in for lunch or dinner (reservations essential).

Book direct through the website .

Guest House Aleksandre (Tmogvi)

If you have your own car or you don’t mind staying a bit further out, Guest House Aleksandre is a beautiful little property in the village of Tmogvi, 6km north of Vardzia along the river. 

Private rooms are very simple but cosy with ensuite bathrooms, plus there’s a terrace where home-cooked dinners and breakfasts are served. The back garden, with its hammocks strung between apple trees, is particularly nice. Aleksandre and his wife are very accommodating hosts.

Tirebi Farmhouse (Tmogvi)

Also in Tmogvi, this charming guesthouse was established in 2008 by local couple, Marina and Sergo. They have a Meskhetian oven that they use to prepare delicious local Khachapuri and Kada, a traditional sweet .

Guesthouse Old Street (Akhaltsikhe)

If you plan to stay in the nearby city of Akhaltsikhe , I highly recommend Guesthouse Old Street , which is located in a heritage home halfway up the hill towards Rabati Castle.

Comfortable rooms have en suites, and the complimentary breakfast is outstanding. Again, the family who runs this property is incredibly kind and gracious.

More things to see & do around Vardzia

Ancient Meskheti region is one of the most underrated places in Georgia and a true treasure trove of fascinating fortresses, hiking routes and foodie experiences. See my full guide to Samtskhe-Javakheti for more things to do off the tourist trail .

Zeda Vardzia

Zeda Vardzia (Upper Vardzia) is an active convent located in the hills above the main Vardzia caves. The complex includes several beautiful stone buildings, rose gardens, and an apiary where the resident nuns make their own honey.

Zeda Vardzia is 3.5km or 15 minutes’ by car from the caves. To get there, drive west along the river and take the turn off towards Guest House Vania.

Vanis Kvabebi (Vani Caves)

Just 3.5km from Vardzia back towards Akhaltsikhe, Vanis Kvabebi is another (much smaller) cave complex set back from the river. It dates back to the 8th century, and includes a maze of tunnels that run through rock-cut caves on a sheer cliff wall.

Vanis Kvabebi has been closed for several years now due to the risk of rock fall. At the time of writing (summer 2023), it remains closed.

Gogirdis Abano (Apnia Sulfur Bath)

Located 1km downriver from Vardzia, the sulfur pool at Apnia is one of many natural hot springs in Georgia . It’s not quite as impressive as the geyser in Vani or the hot springs near Nokalakevi , but it’s still worth visiting if you’re in the area and want to have a local experience.

The springs are located alongside the river, down from the main road at this point . The big undercover swimming pool is housed inside a glorified concrete shed, fed by a steaming torrent of water. Facilities are very basic – nothing more than a few towel hooks! Entrance costs a couple of GEL.

Khertvisi Castle

One of the largest (and oldest) fortresses in Georgia, this castle sits at the confluence of the Paravani and Mtkvari rivers 16km north of Vardzia. Stop on the northern side of the main highway for a view of the walls towering over the river valley, then drive underneath to see the castle from the bottom up – this vantage point is really something else.

Tmogvi Fortress

Further along the river in the village of Tmogvi, these castle ruins are set in a dramatic location high above the rocky river gorge. Nothing has been restored, but you can clamber over the walls (carefully!) and enjoy the views.

One of my favourite places in Samtskhe-Javakheti region, this incredible little village is located roughly halfway between Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia. It’s known for its megalithic cyclopean fortress, ancient church, and Meskhetian Oda houses.

A new hiking trail has just been marked here, making it easy to explore the ruins and the spectacular river canyon by foot. Find more information about Saro in my Akhaltsikhe guide, linked below.

Rabati Fortress & Akhaltsikhe

Along with the magnificent Rabati Fortress, the small city of Akhaltsikhe has a few other interesting churches and some great local restaurants. See my Akhaltsikhe city guide for details.

Guide to visiting Vardzia: Save it on Pinterest

Note: My first visit to Vardzia was part of a press trip with Karavanly . I have since revisited Vardzia on multiple occasions independently.

Hello! I’m a plus sized traveler and am comfortable doing stairs… But someone said they did 50 flights of stairs! Is that necessary true or are there options for less? Trying to get a feel for how strenuous this is.

Hi Megan, 50 flights doesn’t sound right! There is only one walking track through Vardzia, and there are definitely some stairs that you can’t avoid plus a few narrow passageways. The main one to watch for is the exit, which is quite narrow and steep. I would say it is moderately strenuous and there are points where anyone who suffers from claustrophobia will find it challenging.

Hi Emily, I have extensively used your recommendations in planning my 18 day road trip in Georgia (we are arriving in last week of Sep 2023). My two observation on this page on visit to Vardzia – 1) “You should stop off at Vardzia Cavetown Viewpoint on the opposite bank of the river” – when I click the link it does take me the viewpoint but it is on the same west bank of the river as Vardzia caves. However, on the east bank there is a point on google maps which reads as “View of Vardzia”. Is it possible that you are referring to this point? 2) When I click on the link of Cafe Vardzia (the one you recommend for lunch) it shows the Varzia caves. I do not otherwise see Cafe Vardzia on google maps. Are you referring to Restaurant Vardzia on google maps?

Hi Sharad – yes, that is the correct location of the viewpoint, thanks for pointing out the incorrect location. I have just updated the pin. Restaurant Vardzia is impossible to miss, it’s right in the carpark for the caves.

Great article, very helpful

Oraya normal araçla gidebilir miyim? Küçük araç? Yoksa bir suv’a mı ihtiyacınız var?

The road is fully sealed – you can get there with a sedan.

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The Complete Guide to Vardzia, Georgia’s ancient Cave City and Monastery

Here’s the complete traveler’s guide to Vardzia, Georgia’s most mysterious cave city. In this guide, you’ll learn all about the historical background and legends about Vardzia, what to see and things to do in Vardzia, how to get there and much more!

Georgia is a small country located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It might be small in size but it’s a giant in historic stature!

This mighty nation in the Caucasus mountains is home to some of the world’s oldest communities and most unique languages, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, ancient mountains villages like Svaneti and Tusheti , and it’s the cradle of winemaking !

Georgia is also home to some very remarkable and unique places like the Katskhi Pillar , one of the world’s most secluded and unusual churches, the gigantic pillars of the Chronicle of Georgia , and the unusual cable car city of Chiatura, just to name a few.

And then there is Vardzia, one of the most iconic attractions in Georgia.

This spectacular cave monastery near Aspindza in the south of the country is one of the oldest cave cities in the world. It looks like one of the movie sets of Lord of the Rings, but it is not the home of dwarfs but of many monks.

In this complete and updated traveler’s guide, I’ll tell you all about Vardzia, how to get there, what to expect, and the things to do in Vardzia. I’ll also share some very interesting Vardzia legends and a bonus tip that other blogs won’t tell you about.

Discover Georgia’s Highlights or go on a unique Georgia Trekking Adventure to Tusheti , Racha , Vardzia , Katskhi and Chiatura on one of my Georgia Adventure Tours !

Reading Tip: The 15 most beautiful and remarkable places to visit in Georgia

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I’ll receive a small commission, at no extra costs for you. This way you’re helping me run this website and writing more informative and awesome guides like this. I only recommend products and services that I like and trust. Thank you! 

Plan your trip to Georgia

• 19 important things to know before traveling to Georgia
• 15 Best Places to visit in Georgia
• 3 Fantastic Georgia Travel Itineraries
• Tours & Experiences: Adventure Tours in Georgia – Georgia City Tours
• Rent a car in Georgia
• Travel insurance for Georgia
• Book your stay in Georgia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Vardzia and why you should visit Georgia’s famous cave city

The architecture of Vardzia, a harmonious confluence of manmade and natural monuments, is truly very impressive!

In the late 1100s, the medieval kingdom of Georgia was constantly under threat from the Mongol Empire and this fortified underground city, together with several other major fortresses in the south of Georgia, was once part of a defensive system.

Vardzia was built in the 12th century, under the reign of King Tamar, the first woman in the history of Georgia that was ever crowned as a king (the word “queen” was used to refer to the wives of the kings in medieval Georgia).

To help her people avoid the Mongol onslaught, Tamar ordered the construction of an underground sanctuary and secretly they started building this fortress under the Erusheli mountain.

It was a gigantic job but the people worked hard with the determination that their culture and lifestyle should not be destroyed by the invading Mongols.

This underground fortress eventually had 13 levels constructed with natural caves and contained over 6000 rooms, including a throne room, a reception chamber, a meeting room, a bakery, a forge, chapels, and a huge church.

The only way to get to this underground city was through a secret tunnel that started at the nearby Mtkvari River.

You might wonder how they survived here. The land on the outside of the hidden monastery was extremely fertile.

The monks created a self-sustainable lifestyle by creating an irrigation system of terraced farmlands so they could produced their own food.

Some tunnels had irrigation pipes that still bring drinkable water. They weren’t short on wine either because the cave city had about 25 wine cellars containing 185 wine jars.

Sadly enough the glorious days of Vardzia didn’t last very long. It kept the Georgians safe from the Mongols but Mother Nature is unbeatable.

In 1283, only 100 years after its construction, a devastating earthquake literally ripped the place apart and destroyed more than two-thirds of the city and the remaining caves that were once hidden became visible.

It is not just the refined looks of Vardiza and its enigmatic caves connected with narrow tunnels that inspire thousands of adventurers, photographers and even TV crews to explore and document this mysterious medieval monument but also many legends. 

Legends about Vardzia guides won’t tell you:

King Tamar’s persona, regardless (or maybe due to) being one of the most admired figures for Georgians, is surrounded by a big mystery and so is Vardzia. Maybe there is logic in it.   

According to one legend, there were 365 rooms in Vardzia, so king Tamar could move to a new room each day throughout the year so her exact location would always remain unknown for invaders.

Another legend tells how curving Vardzia’s first caves started from the highest rock of the valley.

The rock was crumbling and it was getting harder to carry on with work. At the end of the exhausting day, workers left their tools at the construction site and went to get well-deserved overnight rest.

When they returned to the site the next morning, their tools were gone and they could only find them at where Vardzia caves are now. This curious event repeated itself several times, until they saw it as a divine sign, abandoned the place and started constructing the caves at its current location. 

To finish the (hi)story of Vardzia, here’s the legend of how it got its name: one day Tamar went out hunting with her uncle Giorgi and got lost in the caves. When Giorgi called out to her, she replied “aq var dzia”, which is Georgian for “I’m here uncle”.

I hope that all these legends and stories already inspired you to pay a visit to Vardzia! Now let’s move to the essential travel info on how you can visit this phenomenal cave monastery and city.

Where is Vardzia?

Vardzia is located on the Erusheti mountain in the Samtskhe Javakheti region of Southwestern Georgia, close to the Turkish and Armenian borders. The highest point of Vardzia elevates to 1462m above sea level.

Be aware that there are two Vardzias in Georgia! The cave city is near Aspindza while the same-named town is near Zestafoni. You can find its GPS location here .

Distance and travel time to Vardzia from the main cities of Georgia:

• From Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia: 60 km – 1 hour
• From  Tbilisi to Vardzia: 202km – 3,5/4 hours
• From From Kutaisi to Vardzia: 235km –  4,5 hours
• From Borjomi to Vardzia: 107 km – 2 hours
• From Batumi to Vardzia: 195 km – 3 hours
• From Batumi to Vardzia through Akhaltsikhe: 224km – 6.5h – Take this route if only you want to drive off-road. 

How to get to Vardzia?

You could visit Vardzia as a day trip from Tbilisi or on your way to Kutaisi, Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe, both of which could also be a good base if you don’t want to stay near Vardzia itself. Have a look at my Georgian Travel Itineraries for more suggestions.

If you want to go to Vardzia by public transportation (in the form of mashrutkas – minivans), you’ve got to transfer in Akhaltsikhe, from where you’ll have to take another mashrutka or taxi to Vardzia.

How to get from Tbilisi to Vardzia

If you want to travel from Tbilisi to Vardzia by public transport, go to the Didube Bus Station .

The marshutka to Akhaltsikhe departs every hour between 8am and 7pm and costs 7 GEL. Read below how to get from Akhalstikhe to Vardzia.

To return from Akhaltsikhe to Tbilisi, mashrutkas leave at the same station every hour between 6:20 a.m. and 7 p.m.

How to get from Kutaisi to Vardzia

If you are traveling from Kutaisi to Vardzia by mashrutka, you will find them at Kutaisi’s Central Bus Station at the Mcdonalds .

There are daily 2 mashrutkas to Akhaltsikhe, one departing in the morning around 8.30 am, and one at 1pm. A ticket costs 15 GEL and it takes around 3,5 hours to reach Akhaltsikhe. Read below how to get from Akhalstikhe to Vardzia.

To return from Akhaltsikhe to Kutaisi, mashrutkas depart at 10:40 a.m., 3 and 6 p.m.

How to get from Borjomi to Vardzia

From Borjomi to Vardzia you have more options as you can hop on the Tbilisi marshrutka passing through Borjomi or on the ones departing from Borjomi.

You should be able to find a mashrutka from Borjomi to Akhaltsikhe every 30 minutes at the Borjomi Bus Stop , it costs around 4 GEL and the journey takes around 2 hours.

How to get from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia

There are two mashrutkas that leave daily at 12.20pm and 5.30pm from Akhaltsikhe’s bus station to the main entrance of Vardzia caves. A ticket costs 7 GEL.

If you want to get there earlier, you can also take a mashrutka at 10.35 am from Akhaltsikhe’s bus station to Mirashkhani, which is a village at a walking distance from Vardzia. A one-way ticket costs 7 GEL.

To return from Vardzia to Akhaltsikhe, there are daily 2 mashrutkas leaving at 1 pm and at 3 pm from opposite the cafe.

Another option is to take a taxi to Vardzia from Akhaltsikhe. This should cost around 70-80 GEL round-trip including the driver’s wait time while you visit the cave city. f you’re just planning to visit Vardzia as a day trip, try to find someone at your hotel/hostel to share the costs with.

2022 Update: I highly recommend you to double-check any information regarding schedule and prices just short before your trip. Due to the ongoing inflation and crisis, prices change all the time. You can call the bus stations or if you’re in a small town and have time, I highly recommend you to walk to the bus station and check there.

Book a tour to Vardzia

If you’re short on time and you like to visit Vardzia with a guide, I’d recommend booking one of the following guided tours:

• Full day-tour from Tbilisi to Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi
• Full day-tour from Kutaisi to Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi

Driving to Vardzia

You could also rent a car and drive to Vardzia (and other destinations in Georgia) yourself.

Reading Tip: 3 Awesome Travel Itineraries to see the Best of Georgia!

When is the best time to visit Vardzia?

You can visit Vardzia all year round. The weather in Vardzia is the best starting from April till October when the average temperature varies between 14 and 30 ° C. August is the hottest month.

However, while this is the best time to visit Vardzia, it’s also the busiest period as most people will travel to Vardzia during these months.

I visited Vardzia in January. While the cold weather can be tough as the temperatures often drop below zero, it was an awesome experience to be there in winter!

Vardzia looked so beautiful wearing its coat of snow! Despite the freezing cold, it was worth the visit! Especially since there was almost no one around, except for a few locals who visited the church to pray.

My visit to Vardzia was extra special as I was being followed by the film crew of the Georgian TV station Rustavi 2, who were making a documentary about my hitchhiking journey through Georgia.

Reading Tip: Georgia Travel Guide – Everything you need to know before traveling to Georgia!

Is it safe to visit Vardzia?

Vardzia is generally a very safe place to visit, just as the rest of Georgia.

Just bring some common sense and proper footwear, especially if you are visiting the cave complex during winter. Also, be careful when you’re climbing on the edges of the cliff rocks!

The tunnels in the caves are low and narrow but they aren’t too long, so unless you’re suffering from a severe form of claustrophobia, you should be fine. 

While I was there in winter with the filming crew, the cameraman was struggling a bit while walking through the labyrinth of caves. We often had to take a break to let him catch his breath.

The people who lived here hundreds of years ago must have been very tiny to crawl through this network of tunnels, guided by the light of candles!

Vardzia opening hours and fees

Opening hours of vardzia.

Vardzia’s opening hours differ depending on the time of the year:

• 1 May -1 October: 10 am – 7 pm
• 1 October-15 November and 1 March-1 May: 10 am- 6 pm
• 15 November-1 March: 10 am – 5 pm

Recommended visit duration

If you are in a hurry, you can cover the whole place in about an hour but you can easily spend the whole day wandering around caves, enjoying the sunset from the top viewpoint or losing track of time capturing monastery kittens lazing in the sun.  

A guided tour around Vardzia takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Vardzia entrance Fees + extras

The entrance fee to Vardzia is 15 GEL per person. Children under 6 are free of charge.

You can also get a guided tour with a Russian or English-speaking guide for 45 GEL. There’s also the option to rent an audio guide for 15 GEL. You can share this audio guide with 2 people as the devices are loud enough.

If you want to skip the initial steep uphill climb to the entrance of the cave city, there are golf carts at the ticket booths that will take you there for 2 GEL.

Places to see and Things to do: Vardzia Highlights

Exploring Vardzia is pretty easy as you have the whole complex in the palm of your hand! Below you’ll find an overview of all the highlights in Vardzia. I’ve also added extra tips for photographers and videographers.

Reading Tip: What’s in my camera bag – best cameras for travel photography and essentials

The photography journey of Vardzia starts as soon as you’re approaching the cave city.

If you’re visiting Vardzia with your own car or by private taxi, you’ll see how the caves start to reveal themselves on your right-hand side.

Don’t be shy to ask your driver to stop at the field just before reaching the main entrance as this is the best place to get wide landscape shots.

From this spot, you’ll clearly see how the Vardzia complex is carved in a massive 3-layer rock. The top black layer serves as a “roof” of the whole complex. 

After getting your tickets, you can either walk or take a golf cart ride uphill. The path is paved and very clear. When you see the very first caves on your left side, it means you have reached the main part of Vardzia. 

1. The Arc (Bell Tower)

The first stop is the Arc, also called the Bell Tower. The main entrance to the Arc is from the west side. If you start your visit to Vardzia early, the sun will be in front of you. This spot is the best for photos during sunset.

2. The irrigation system

The ceramic pipes that are part of the ancient irrigation system are easily noticeable if you look at the rocks on your left, just before reaching the Bell Tower.

The 3.5 km long channel used to distribute 166 000 liters of water in 24 hours, enough for about 50 000 people. A water reservoir curved in the central part of the caves could contain 630 000 liters of water.

3. The Church of the Dormition

As you continue west, your next stop will be The Church of the Dormition. This church is the spiritual and monumental focus of the site and the largest and most significant one out of the 15 churches of Vardzia. 

On the wall, you will see one of the only fourth existing and earliest portraits of Tamar. 

Other wall paintings are episodes from the life of Christ and other biblical episodes and characters. Unfortunately, many paintings were lost in the earthquake in 1283. 

The church is sometimes closed during the low season and you will have to ask a monastery member to open it.

4. Holy Spring of Vardzia a.k.a Tears of King Tamar

Close to the Church of Dormition, you will find another rock-carved chapel. The left tunnel will lead you to the Tears of King Tamar , a pond of “Holy Water”, hidden in one of the deep caves.

The water leaks drop by drop from the deep layers of rocks.  Its temperature remains the same all year.

Many locals still believe in its miraculous healing so they come to drink the holy water, pray for health and wealth, and hope their wishes will come true.

5. Old Church

As you return to the chapel, carry on walking through the tunnel in front of you. It will take you to one of the widest caves with the wall remains of the Old Church and a small grave.

This spot is where they started reconstructing Vardzia after the death of King Giorgi III, following Tamar’s order to change Vardzia’s original designation as a fortress and introduce it as a massive, fortified monastery.

6. Defense Gate

The next tunnel is the narrowest. It ends with what used to be the Defense Gate. During invasions, this gate would be closed and it was impossible to open it from the outside.

7. King Tamar’s Room

King Tamar’s Room is one of the highest and furthest caves on the east side of the monastery complex. The view from there is spectacular.

There you will find what’s believed to be the Throne of King Tamar. Many tourists wonder if it was a proper seat for a monarch but one can only wonder. 

If you are there during sunset, you will see how the Golden Hour changes the color of the rocks from golden beige to dark gray.

8. Wine Cellars

There are 28 wine cellars with 235 Qvevri (earthenware vessels used for making, aging, and storing wine) with a total capacity of 100,000 liters scattered around Vardzia. I think this already says a lot about the importance of viticulture in Georgia …

Reading Tip: Oh Georgia, Sweet Mother of Wine!

The Vardzia complex further includes a meeting room, reception chambers, a pharmacy, a refectory with a bakery and ovens for baking bread, chapels, and many (many!) tunnels.

In order to explore everything, you will need some stamina to walk up and down all the staircases but it is all worth it. 

Your trip is ended when going through a tunnel leading you to exit at the bottom of the caves. 

During your visit, you might wonder about the weird cables and devices installed on the walls.

Vardzia is built in a seismic active zone. These ultra-modern devices are there to measure temperature and collect data about seismic activity, which are crucial for the massive preservation work that has been carried on by Georgian and international geologists. 

Bonus Tips for visiting Vardzia

Don’t forget to bring some chewing gum with you when you visit Vardzia.

There is a special ‘bubble gum tree’ where people make a wish and stick their chewing gum to the tree. 

As there are many staircases in Vardzia, the complex is unfortunately not accessible with a wheelchair. Although, if you’re eager, you might make it to the very first tower and still enjoy the view. 

For footwear, in summer sandals will do but comfortable and stable footwear is recommended. The stairs might be slippery, especially in winter. 

WhAt and where to eat in Vardzia

You can find water at a couple of places on the site but it’s always a good idea to bring a refillable water bottle with you and maybe some snacks if you are planning to spend long hours there.

In summer or while it’s warm enough, there are a couple of cafes/restaurants operating at the base of the cave city. There you can chill by the river and enjoy some local dishes. 

Don’t leave the Samtkhe-Javakheti region without trying the following dishes as they are hard to find anywhere else in Georgia: 

• Apokhtis  Khinkali : dumpling filled with dried and salted meat of lamb, beef, goose or duck. The meat preserved in this manner was the main sustenance for soldiers. Apokhtis khinkali is usually smaller in size than normal khinkali, but really filling, so keep that in mind while ordering. 
• Batis Shechamandi : soup made of goose
• Snails : yes, Samtskhe-Javakheti is known for its snails, definitely an unexpected twist of the Georgian cuisine you don’t want to miss!
•   Rdzis Korkoti: wheat grains boiled in milk
• Tenili Cheese : made of threads of rich cow’s or sheep’s milk, briefly brined before being pressed into a clay pot.  Inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, Tenili Cheese is distinguished not only by its exceptional taste but with its complicated and hardest technology to make!

Reading Tip: 10 dishes from the Georgian Cuisine you absolutely have to try!

Where to stay in Vardzia

Note: due to the pandemic, please check any information and requirements regarding accommodation prior with owners

Places to stay in/near Vardzia

If you like to have a real Georgian family experience and taste some amazing family food (see section above), there are several budget-friendly guesthouses in the nearby villages. They have a good reputation and are located within 7-8km from Vardzia:

•   Guest House Geno
• Tirebi Farmhouse
• Guesthouse Mtkvari

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, there’s only one in the area: Vardzia Resort .

This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar and shared lounge, free WiF and a children’s playground, a garden and a terrace. 

This is the closest and most comfortable accommodation near Vardzia.

Click here to check prices and availability for Vardzia Resort .

Wild camping in or near Vardzia is also an option when it’s warm enough.

Places to stay in Akhaltsikhe

In case you choose Akhaltiskhe as a base for Vardzia, the best and the most budget-friendly place to stay in this city located one hour from Vardzia is the Old Town Akhaltsikhe .

Located in the very center of Akhaltsikhe, Old Town Akhaltsikhe gives you the comfort of a nicely decorated hotel and the coziness of a home thanks to its kind hosts.

Chilling with a glass of wine at the fireplace in winter or on the terrace with a breathtaking view over Rabati castle in summer, you might not want to leave this place!

Click here to check prices and availability for Old Town Akhaltsikhe .

Top Places to visit near Vardzia

If you have extra time, here are some places near Vardzia that are worth visiting.

1. the Upper Vardzia monastery (nunnery)

Dated back to the 11th century, carved in the highest rock of the valley, the ancient sanctuary of Zeda (Upper) Vardzia is located just a couple of kilometers to the northwest from the cave city of Vardzia. 

There you can see the monastery life, beautiful flower gardens and unique samples of traditional handmade craft by nuns, who are also busy with farming, beekeeping, etc.  

2. Vani Caves

The Vani Caves, or as locals call them “Vanis Kvabebi”, are just a 3 km drive from Vardzia.

The Vanis Kvabebi is an 8th-century cave monastery in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia, so don’t mix it with the Vani Hot Spring pools located near Kutaisi.

The Vani monastery consists of two churches, a defensive wall built in 1204, and a maze of tunnels running on several levels on the side of the mountain.

3. Khertvisi fortress

The Khertvisi fortress lies just on the side of the road to Vardzia, a 16 km/20 min drive before. You won’t even need to detour to explore this amazing medieval fortress.

It’s first mentioned in chronicles in the 10th-11th centuries. The church was built in 985, and the present walls were built in 1354.

According to a local legend, Khertvisi was once destroyed by Alexander the Great, though it has then been reconstructed and invaded on numerous occasions through the centuries.

4. Tmogvi Castle

The Tmogvi Castle is just 10 km away from Vardzia, another pitstop worth making.

The name “Tmogvi” comes from the Georgian word mogvi , meaning “pagan priest” or “magus”.

The fortress was mentioned for the first time in sources from the 9th century. It was built as a defensive work controlling the ancient trade route between the Javakheti plateau and the Mtkvari gorge and became an important defense center of medieval centuries.

5. Akhaltsikhe and Rabat

Akhaltsikhe is the closest city to Vardzia. Its main attraction is the newly renovated fortress called Rabat.

The original name of the fortress in the 9th century was Lomsia, which can be translated from Georgian as “Lion”. At the end of the 12th century, Lomsia acquired the new name Akhal-tsikhe, which literally translates as “New fortress”.

Reading Tip: Georgia on a budget – How much does it cost to live and travel in Georgia?

I hope this guide was useful and inspired you to visit Georgia’s most mysterious cave city! If you have any questions or you like to share your experiences visiting Vardzia, let me know in the comments below!

More Georgia Travel resources

• Guide to Tbilisi , Georgia’s capital city
• Visit the 15 most beautiful and unique places in Georgia
• Plan your trip with these 3 awesome Georgia travel itineraries
• Discover the Chronicle of Georgia , Tbilisi’s hidden gem
• Guide to Batumi, Georgia’s most quirky beach city
• Hiking in Georgia: 7 beautiful off-the-beaten path hikes
• Visiting ghosts of the past in Chiatura, the cable car city of Georgia
• Visit Katskhi Pillar , the most incredible cliff church in the world
• Travel Guide to Vardzia , the ancient cave city of Georgia
• Visit Svaneti , the wild heart of Georgia
• Visit Tusheti , Georgia’s most remote region
• Visit these 10 beautiful historical places in Georgia
• Everything you need to know about skiing in Georgia
• 10 Georgian dishes you absolutely have to try
• Georgia, motherland of wine
• From Past to Present, a guide to Georgian Tea

You might also want to read:

How to visit Tusheti National Park in 2024, Georgia’s most beautiful and remote region

Georgia Itinerary – 3 Great Travel Itineraries to see the best of Georgia (country) in 2024

The Complete Svaneti Georgia Travel Guide – 21 Things to do in the Wild Heart of the Caucasus Mountains

24 thoughts on “the complete guide to vardzia, georgia’s ancient cave city and monastery”.

This looks amazing, we are looking forward to seeing it soon. have they finished making the documentary about your journey? Ben and Amrita

Hi Ben and Amrita! When will you be in Georgia? You’ll definitely find a lot of ‘Lost Places’ here!! 🙂 Yes, the documentary was shown on the Georgian Television. We got a copy of it now and will look to upload 🙂

Looking forward to the upload. We just left Georgia yesterday unfortunately. Now enjoying Armenia though…

Beautiful photos, it looks great in snow! Putting it on my map 🙂 Did you have to pay an entrance?

The snow made it look very magical but even without its white coat, Vardzia is pretty impressive 🙂 You should definitely visit it!! We didn’t have to pay any entrance as we were with the film crew but the entrance fees in Georgia are very cheap: between 5 and 10 lari (which is maximum 4 euros 😉 ). I think Vardzia was 7 lari, but not sure.

It looks so interesting! I can’t believe it actually had 13floors and 6000 rooms. It just sounds so crazy. I hope to visit it sometime.

Think about the amount of work they must have had to build this whole city!! I would definitely recommend to visit it 🙂

This is the first time am hearing about this city. Looks stunning in winter and 6000 rooms is so freaking awesome. Never knew that Mongolia invaders at Georgia on target too.

We had never heard of it either before we came here. Vardzia is definitely unique!! Georgia has been a target of many empires and kingdoms but they were able to maintain their culture and traditions, thanks to the mountains. By the time the invaders found them, they were too exhausted and cold for a proper fight 😀

Never heard about this place, looks awesome and because of you is already on my list when I go to Georgia next year. The pictures are amazing!!

Thank you Fabio! I’m sure you’ll love it there! When will you visit Georgia and which other places are you planning to visit?

Not a great plan yet, I will meet my friends in Tiblisi, they are from there. After it we will go to hiking and camping in some mountains and valleys that they know 🙂

Oh, camping and hiking during the summer in Georgia is so great! You will love it, it’s a beautiful country!! Have you been here before?

I spent last summer in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Unfortunately, due to the busy schedule, I didn’t have a chance to visit Vardzia. I was that close to going there, but something always got in a way. Looking at your photos makes it even sadder. Well, at least I could read about what I missed. Happy travels and thank you for sharing!

Thank you! How long did you spent in Tbilisi and how did you like Georgia? Happy travels 🙂

I stayed in Tbilisi for 4 months. I wholeheartedly think that Georgia is a great place to visit. There are so many amazing things there: different culture and traditions; delicious local food and wines; interesting architecture and historical sites, you name it. A vacation or a 2-3 weeks trip throughout the country would be the perfect experience. Living there for extended periods of time is a different story. There are pollution issues, water quality, western-quality medical care is available in Tbilisi and it still a stretch… I am glad that I experienced the truly local way of living in Tbilisi. It was an ultimate learning experience.

We’ve been living in Georgia for six months now and we can definitely agree with you! It’s a great country for a trip, whether you like hiking during the summer or skiing during the winter. We loved Tbilisi – stayed there for 5 months – and we didn’t only see the beauty of it but also the poverty. This is even more visible in the little villages. The Georgians are trying to get back on their feet but yes, a lot needs to change in terms of social well-fare! Hopefully this will improve very soon!

What a gorgeous time! I usually hate winter but I could get down with this.

I’m not a big fan of cold weather either but this was definitely worth the freezing toes 😉 Snow can make a place look so different and beautiful!

Have y’all been to Matera, Italy? That’s an amazing cave city destination. I’ve seen such cave dwellings in Greece (Meteora and Santorini). Really interesting post and interesting to learn how the land was quite fertile. Seems like it would be a cold winter though!

It’s definitely cold in winter 😀 Don’t know how the people used to live in this cold, I guess the caves must have kept them warm! We also visited Meteora, was also a very stunning place. We’ve never been to Matera, never heard of it actually, will look it up. Thanks for the tip!

Indeed this ancient city covered in snow is looking great. I never thought of Georgia as a place to visit.

Not many people consider Georgia as a travel destination, it’s still an off-the-beaten-path place. It’s a stunning place, both in winter (perfect for winter sports and super cheap) and summer, if you like hiking!

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Vardzia : Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Georgia’s Curious Cave City

30 January 2019.

Hurtling along the serpentine road that hugs the lush banks of the Mtkvari River, timeworn spires and impregnable fortress walls dot the canyon walls high overhead.

Parched trees sink their roots deep into the gushing water dressing the valley in a deep forest green, tiny villages and breathtaking views whip by beyond the window, and up ahead, the cave city of Vardzia reveals itself against the sand-coloured cliffs.

A mosaic of hand-hewn windows that hide a maze of hidden rooms and snaking tunnels carved into the belly of the mountain.

From a small cluster of cave dwellings forged under King Giorgi lll in the early 12th century, Vardzia slowly expanded under instruction from his daughter Queen Tamar into the monumental holy city which at its peak housed some 2,000 monks.

It was a place where the intricacies of daily life were carried out within the mountain; where apothecaries, wine cellars, bakeries, chapels and living quarters were carved side-by-side into the rocky cliff face. Today it remains as a fascinating place to explore.

Planning your trip to Vardzia, Georgia? Here’s everything you need to know!

* This post includes affiliate links and any purchases made through these links will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. *

Opening Hours  |   Every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Recommended Visit Duration  |    Moving at a steady but comfortable pace, it’s possible to visit the entire Vardzia complex in 2 to 3 hours.

Entrance Fee + Guide  |    The Vardzia entrance fee is 7 GEL (€2.30), plus 10 GEL (€3.30) for the optional audio guide.

Unfortunately, there is no information given around the site so I’d definitely recommend getting the audio guide for a bit of background about the complex and a fascinating insight into the various rooms and happenings of daily life during the 12th century. That said, it’s not all that well executed with some recordings being out of order or of places that are no longer accessible, along with some overly longwinded passages, but it’s interesting enough if you’re not joining a tour.

It is also possible to hire a local guide at the site, though from what I understand, most do not speak English.

Another option would be to join a tour from Tbilisi or Borjomi with an accredited English speaking guide which can take you through the complex as well as other interesting attractions in the region. Check tour options for Vardzia  here  and here .

Vardzia Highlights  |  The Church of Assumption is widely regarded as the most impressive sight in the complex, with a double arched entryway and row of hanging bells on the outside and intricate paintings decorating the interior. The rambling tunnels that lead away from the main chamber and upward through the cliffs are also some of the most intriguing of the entire complex. Other unique features include the chapel perched precariously on the cliff’s edge, the apothecary wall which can only be viewed from far below and the wine facilities chiselled into the rock.

READ NEXT: TBILISI’S BEST DAY TRIP –  VISITING THE CAVE MONASTERY OF DAVID GAREJA

Get there early  |   Once the gates open, the tour buses won’t be far behind. Try to get there as the ticket office opens to be one of the first to enter the complex.

Wear sturdy shoes  |  Steep weathered stairs, sandy platforms and narrow tunnels means this is a good place to ditch the sandals and don your closed footwear.

Consider an audioguide  |   As mentioned above, there’s no information provided once you arrive at Vardzia and while the audioguide isn’t perfect, it’s certainly better than nothing.

Dress modestly  |   While the church and tunnels are the only places where conservative dress is enforced, covering up throughout the complex is a basic sign of respect in this still active monastery. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

Let the tour groups pass  |   Bustling tour groups are fairly unavoidable in Vardzia, particularly when it comes to squeezing through narrow rock-hewn passages and tiny caves. But as they tend to move quite quickly through the complex, it’s best to simply wait and let them pass and then have the space all to yourself, rather than try to rush through to keep ahead.

It’s a One Way Route  |   From the ticket office, you’ll follow a one-way route through the caves so be sure to see everything as you go so you won’t need to backtrack.

Prepare for some steep steps and tiny passages  |   The first part of Vardzia is mostly poking your head into near identical caves and hoping you’re at the right spot in relation to the audioguide, but the far more interesting final sections can start to feel like quite an adventure. Tiny sloping passages hewn deep into the rock, peepholes you need to strain on tiptoes to enjoy the views across the valley, and rocky knee-high staircases that crisscross the cliff face. These areas are wonderfully atmospheric and were my favourite areas of the complex, though quite understandably, the more elderly folks or those with children in tow were slightly less enthusiastic.

Take Time To Explore The Area  |  Aside from Vardzia, there are a number of other interesting features to visit in the surrounding countryside, such as Khertvisi Fortress, Tmogvi Castle and Vani Caves which are best visited by taxi (more on that below).

Valodias Cottages  |   This charming farmstead lies 3km from Vardzia and is an absolutely wonderful option for your time in the area. My afternoon here was spent nibbling on fruit straight from the orchards, relaxing in a hammock beneath the apple tree and dangling my feet in the cool, gushing river.

The rooms themselves are basic but comfortable and all meals are made with ingredients sourced from the garden. Prices start at 75 GEL (€25) per night for a single room with half board (dinner and breakfast). Check their website for rates and availability.

To arrive, ask the marshrutka driver from Akhaltsikhe in advance if he can drop you off at the cottages. If you get lucky, he might take you for free as it’s just a 2-minute drive, or he’ll try to charge you. Don’t pay more than 5 GEL, though even this is wildly overpriced.

To get to Vardzia the following day, I just walked with all my luggage as it was carry-on sized and left it at the ticket office. A number of passing cars did offer me a lift though, so if you’ve got more luggage with you, it shouldn’t be too hard to hitchhike to Vardzia’s entrance.

Taoskari Hotel   |   This simple hotel offers decent value private rooms and a filling breakfast, but the best bit is its location right opposite Vardzia affording excellent views across the cave city. If you’re arriving on public transport and don’t fancy lugging your backpack along the main road, this is your best bet.

Check rates and availability here.

Vardzia Resort   |   A property that repeatedly receives outstanding reviews, Vardzia Resort really capitalises on its location, boasting a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the canyon, a pool, cosy lounge area and spacious, modern rooms. It’s a bit of a splurge by Georgian standards, but at just a 30-minute walk to Vardzia, it’s an excellent choice in the area.

DON’T MISS:  THINGS TO DO IN SIGNAGI, THE PRETTIEST STOP ON GEORGIA’S WINE ROUTE

Despite being one of the most popular things to do in Georgia , Vardzia is not all that well connected to the rest of the country and requires a transfer in either Akhaltsikhe or Borjomi, both of which also make suitable bases if you don’t wish to stay near the cave city itself, although I highly recommend you do.

From Tbilisi  |  Marshrutka depart Tbilisi for Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi from Didube Bus Station every hour between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. The trip takes 3 to 4 hours and costs 6 to 8 GEL (€2 – €2.60).

To return, services from Akhaltsikhe to Tbilisi leave at least every hour between 6:20 a.m. and 7 p.m.

From Kutaisi  |  During my visit, there were just four daily buses from Kutaisi to Akhaltsikhe via Borjomi departing at 8:20, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The trip takes 3 to 4 hours and costs 12 GEL (€4).

To return, services from Akhaltsikhe to Kutaisi depart at 10:40 a.m., 3 and 6 p.m.

From Akhaltsikhe  |   Here you’ll need to change to the bus to Vardzia (or Mirashkhani) which leaves at 10:35 a.m., 12:20, 4 and 5 p.m. The trip takes about 90 minutes (a little longer if there’s the after school run) and costs 5 GEL (€1.60). Buy your ticket from the small ticket counter inside the terminal.

To reach Vardzia comfortably in one day, I’d recommend catching the first bus from Kutaisi and Tbilisi to connect with the 12:20 p.m. bus from Akhaltsikhe.

To return, buses go from Vardzia to Akhaltsikhe at 1 and 3 p.m. from opposite the cafe.

Also bear in mind that bus timetables change regularly (these were correct as of September 2018) so it’s best to check with tourist information in Kutaisi or Tbilisi for the correct schedule when you arrive.

Alternatively, when you arrive in Akhaltsikhe you can also jump in a taxi and negotiate with the driver to make a few stops along the way to Vardzia.

Driving through the beautiful canyon beside the river, where fortress ruins dress the clifftops and beautiful views abound, I kind of wished I had taken this option as it would really add to the experience and there’s more than enough to fill an afternoon before you even reach the cave city. Prices for a round trip taxi with a wait at Vardzia and stops along the way seem to be around 60 to 90 GEL (€20 to €30) depending on the number of stops and your negotiating skills. If you’re just planning to visit as a day trip and have someone to share the costs with, this is a good option.

Georgia Travel Tips: 15 Useful Things To Know Before Travelling To Georgia

10 Fantastic Things To Do In Georgia (The Country)

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Davit Gareja | A Day Trip To The Cave Monastery In The Desert

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Vardzia cave town and monastery: the ultimate travel guide

Vardzia cave town is an ancient cave settlement in the slopes of the Erusheti mountains in Georgia. It is both a historical monument and an active place of worship. Monks still live in the Vardzia cave monastery that was once part of a much larger cave town.

A history of Vardzia cave town

People already lived in Varzia during the Bronze Age. Some of the oldest caves in the area date as early as the 8th century. These were simple cave dwellings though. 

The building of a sophisticated cave town in Vardzia started in 1184 under the reign of king Giorgi the third. This was the Golden age of Georgia when art and literature flourished. It was also a time that Georgia was constantly under attack from the Mongols and the Persians. Its original purpose was therefore a military fort. 

Queen Tamar

After Giorgi’s death, his daughter Tamar became queen. She played an important role in Georgian history and is famous for her courage and strength. Her rule saw many cultural achievements as well as military successes.  

Queen Tamar truly developed Vardzia cave town into a large complex. She ordered the caves to be dug deep inside the mountains so that invaders could not get in. Vardzia also became a religious site as Tamar ordered the construction of the Vardzia cave monastery where more than 2000 monks could live.

By the early 13th century, Vardzia cave town was spread over 13 levels with more than 6000 rooms, wine cellars, stables, a bakery, a pharmacy and a library. There was even an irrigation system that could sustain the gardens planted by the monks. 

Vardzia cave town was a self-sustaining city that managed to protect itself from outsiders, but not from mother nature. It saw severe damage from an earthquake in 1238. Most people left, but the monks stayed and rebuilt the church. They kept living in the monastery till the 16th century. In 1551 the Persians invaded the monastery and killed all the monks. 

The legends of Vardzia and the warrior queen Tamar lived on though. Monks returned after the fall of the Soviet Union. Nowadays 7 monks live in the caves of Vardzia to preserve this unique cultural heritage. 

Why visit Vardzia cave town

If it’s intriguing history is not enough reason to visit Vardzia cave town, you should come to see its spectacular location. Vardzia lies in the lower foothills of the Caucasus mountains in Samtskhe-javakheti. A region known for its natural beauty and greenery. The caves were carved out of the side of the Erusheti mountain, high above the shores of the Mtkvari river. 

From the monastery you have beautiful views over the fertile valley below. The sight of Vardzia cave town from the opposite side of the river is no less spectacular. It almost looks like a honeycomb that stretches over the cliff for more than 500 meters. 

Considering the fact that what you see is only a fraction of its original size, it is here that you truly get a sense of how big it once was. Nowadays visitors have access to almost 300 rooms that are connected with each other by narrow tunnels, winding passageways and steep staircases.   

Vardzia is not the only cave town in Georgia. Close to Gori you have the much older cave town of Uplistsikhe and near the border with Azerbaijan is the remote David Gareja cave monastery. If you have the chance I would recommend to visit all of them, because each site is unique.

If you are interested in cave towns I also recommend Kandovan in Iran . Like Capadaccia in Turkey, it is a troglodyte village where people have lived in the caves, carved out from the volcanic rocks, for centuries. Kandovan is still inhabited and an interesting place to visit.

Things to do in Vardzia cave town

Vardzia cave monastery .

The main attraction in Vardzia cave town remains the church of the Dormition and the adjacent bell tower. Within the cave church are stunning Georgian mural paintings. Some are still the original paintings from the 12th century. Others were added by the monks after the earthquake. 

The upper walls portray the life of Christ, behind the altar are the twelve church fathers and on the northern wall Georgian rulers including king Giorgi the third and Queen Tamar. 

Explore the cave rooms

Besides the Vardzia cave monastery, there are about 300 rooms to explore. If you look well you can still see traces of the ovens for baking breads, of what was once a dining room, an apothecary and wine storage cellars. You can also still see traces of the clay pipes that are part of the ancient irrigation system. 

Insider tip1 : Get there early before the tour buses arrive and the sunlight is at its best for photography. From the entrance you follow a one way route so make sure you take things in as you go, because you won’t come back. The whole route takes about 2 – 3 hours. 

Dress code : Wear sturdy shoes and prepare for steep staircases and narrow passageways. Because Vardzia is still an active monastery it will be appreciated if you dress modestly so make sure you cover at least your shoulders and knees. 

Vardzia cave town viewpoint

The best view of Vardzia cave town is on the opposite site of the Mtkvari river. The exact location is on google maps with the name “Vardzia cave town viewpoint”. It is just off the road before you cross the river towards the entrance.    

Relax at the Mtkvari river

As you drive to Vardzia, the last part of the road you will follow the scenic Mtkvari river. It’s the perfect place to relax after a visit to Vardzia cave town. Either bring your own picnic lunch or choose one of the restaurants on the banks of the river.

Things to do near Vardzia Cave town

The area around Vardzia cave town is full of natural beauty and history. The road from Akhaltsike to Vardzia is one of the most scenic road journeys in Georgia. As you follow the road along the Mtkvari river you pass through lush and green hills with ancient ruins of fortresses and castles. 

Although it is possible to visit Vardzia as a day trip from either Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Borjomi, the area has enough to offer to stay longer. On a day trip you will likely only visit the Vardzia cave monastery. However, there are a number of underrated sights nearby that get few visitors, but that are no less interesting.  

Tmogvi fortress

Only a few kilometers south of Vardzia cave town are the ruins of the Tmogvi fortress. Perched on the top of a cliff high above the gorge, it offers even more spectacular views than the cave monastery. 

In the 9th century this was a large complex and military stronghold in the region. It was severely damaged in the earthquake of 1238 and now all that remains are ruins that leave much to the imagination. The stunning views on the lush and green landscapes of the Mtkvari river valley are the main reason to come here.

How to get there : From Vardzia you can hike the 13 kilometer Tmogvi fortress trail . If you have your own car you can also drive to Tmogvi village. After you cross the pedestrian bridge in Tmogvi you have two options. You can take the steep footpath up to the fortress or the longer, but easier dirt road. 

Vardzia hot springs

Very few people know that within walking distance of the Vardzia cave monastery are a number of hot springs. Facilities are very basic compared to the sulphur baths in Tbilisi, but it is certainly a relaxing experience after hiking in the area. 

The natural hot springs are a bit of a hidden secret. They are difficult to find as there are no signs or advertisements. Locals do know about the location so ask around and someone will show you. Expect to pay about 5 lari. 

One of them is on google maps under the name sulphur bath. It is a 20 minute walk from the Vardzia cave monastery. 

Vanis Kvabebi 

4 kilometers from Vardzia cave monastery are the caves of Vanis kvabebi. These caves get very little attention, but are in fact even older than Vardzia. In the 8th century this was an important cave monastery.

A couple of monks still live here, but otherwise the site is largely left abandoned. Most likely you will be alone here, free to explore what is left of this cave town.

The most impressive part is the remains of the Saint George church. Another white domed church is higher up after a series of steep staircases and narrow passageways. It is not as well maintained as Vardzia and therefore a little bit scary at times

How to get there : From Vardzia it is a 3 kilometer walk up to Vanis Kvabebi. If you have a car it is a 600 meter climb from the road.  

Khertvisi castle

The Khertvisi castle is one of the oldest castles in Georgia. Due to its strategic location on a hill top at the confluence of two rivers, it was invaded and reconstructed many times in its long history.

As it is right next to the road from Akhaktsike to Vardzia it makes for a convenient stop if you have your own transport. The citadel and fortress walls are quite impressive.

Akhaltsikhe is an important town in the Samtskhe-javakheti region. It is mostly famous for the Rabati castle. Although the first castle at this location was built in the 9th century, the current building is the mixed result of a recent restoration project. In my personal opinion it felt a bit disney like and it has lost any feeling of history. 

As most people will pass through Akhaltsikhe anyways on their way to Vardzia it is convenient to stop here. If you use public transport you will have to change here to another marshrutka and if you have your own transport a quick stop won’t hurt.  

Vardzia Cave Town Travel Tips

Where to sleep.

There are a number of accomodation options itself in Vardzia. The most luxurious is the 4 star Vardzia resort . More budget friendly choices are the Vardzia Terrace hotel that has a nice garden and views on the cave monastery or the friendly Sada guesthouse

Where to Eat

There are no places to eat inside the Vardzia cave monastery, but in Vardzia town you will find a small number of restaurants. I had a delicious lunch in a restaurant right next to the river where I tried Tatar Boraki. An Armenian recipy of pasta with caramelized onions and yoghurt sauce.

Because you are close to the border with Armenia, the restaurants serve a mix of Geirgian and Armenian food.  

How to get there

There is no direct transport from Tbilisi to Vardzia and that is the reason why most people decide to visit Vardzia on an organised day tour. If you really have only one day to spare they are indeed the best option and most tour operators offer good value for money. 

In my opinion, Vardzia cave town and its surroundings are beautiful enough to stay longer. There is more to see than the cave monastery alone and it will allow you to get there early before the tour groups do. 

Although getting there will require a couple of changes in minivans, it isn’t as difficult as you might think. 

Step 1: Getting to Akhaltsikhe

From Tbilisi or Kutaisi you first need to take a minivan to Akhaltsikhe. There are a few direct minivans from these cities. However, you could also change in Kashuri. From this town there are more frequent connections to and from Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Akhaltsikhe. Either way the journey takes about 3 – 4 hours and should cost between 10 – 12 GEL. 

In Tbilisi, minivans to Kashuri or Akhaltsikhe leave from the Didube bus station. I recommend leaving early in the morning, so you reach Akhaltsikhe in time to catch the afternoon marshrutka to Vardzia cave town.

I travelled from Borjomi and there were frequent minivans to Akhaltsikhe. The journey only took 2 hours.  

Step 2: from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia

Between Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia cave town there are 3 – 4 daily minivans. The journey takes about 1 – 2 hours and costs 5 – 6 GEL. Check the most recent times as they change frequently. But there should be two in the morning and two in the afternoon. 

If you don’t want to get stuck in Vardzia make sure you don’t miss the last bus. It is not easy arranging a last minute taxi on the spot in Vardzia.

If you do prefer to go by taxi it is best to arrange this in Akhaltsikhe. Make sure to include stops on the way at Khertvisi castle and Vanis kvabebi if time allows.  

When to visit

Vardzia is a year round destination and each season has its charms. In general, people avoid the winter, but seeing the caves covered in snow for sure is beautiful. The views on the Mtkvari valley change with the seasons. Wildflowers in spring, lush greenery in summer and golden colours in the trees in autumn.

Opening Hours

Vardzia cave monastery is open every day from 10 AM till 6 pm in summer and 5 pm in winter.

Entrance Fee is 15 Lari. You can choose to pay more for a private (45 lari) or audio guide (15 lari). 

Vardzia cave monastery etiquette

Vardzia cave monastery is an active place of worship. Although there is no enforced dress code it is appreciated to dress modestly.

If you want to enter the church men should cover their legs and women should wear a long skirt and cover their hair. There are communal scarves at the entrance, but you might want to bring your own. They come in handy in Georgia a lot, because most churches ask you to do so. 

You cannot take pictures inside the church. Outside of the church you can, but if you want to take pictures of the monks, ask permission before clicking away. 

What to bring

Water and snacks : there is no restaurant inside the Vardzia cave monastery. A visit to Vardzia cave monastery can take up to 2 or 3 hours so bring enough water and snacks with you. 

Sturdy shoes : A visit to Vardzia means lots of walking through sometimes uneven terrain. Wear some sturdy walking shoes. 

Lightweight scarf : women should consider bringing their own lightweight scarf to cover their hair. Most churches in Georgia demand you to do so, so you will use this not only in Vardzia.

Disclaimer : This post with a travel guide about Vardzia cave town and monastery contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

1 thought on “Vardzia cave town and monastery: the ultimate travel guide”

This is truly an incredible place to visit. We enjoyed the uniqueness of the caves , the beautiful views. This is a must place to visit while exploring Georgia. An amazing g country with beautiful people.

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How to Visit the Ancient Cave Cities of Vardzia and Uplistsikhe

• The ancient cave cities of Vardzia and Uplistsikhe are two of the most fascinating attractions in Georgia. 

Similar in many ways, though different in many others, the cave cities were founded over 2000 years apart. In this article we will go through everything you need to know to plan an amazing trip to Vardzia and Uplistsikhe.

I’ve spent significant time at Vardzia and Uplistsikhe and even more time researching further information for this post. They are amazing places and I’m sure you are going to love them!

Cave cities can be found around the world. From Anasazi pueblos in Colorado to Cappadocia in Turkey , many ancient cultures built vast complexes of caves into cliffsides. These two sites in Georgia rival any of the best cave cities around the world. So let’s get to it!

Vardzia and Uplistsikhe – What You Need to Know

The cave city of vardzia, the ancient cave city of uplistsikhe   , honorable mention – rabati castle, vardzia and uplistsikhe – faqs.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something or get a quote through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. I do not represent Booking.com, World Nomads, GetYourGuide, or Rentalcars.com. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy the product mentioned in this article.

Where is the cave city of Vardzia? 

Vardzia is in southwestern Georgia, a solid 4 hour drive from Tbilisi . It’s in the middle of nowhere near the Turkish border. There is not much else around other than canyons and cattle.

Where is the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe?

Uplistsikhe is considerably closer to Tbilisi than Vardzia. It’s about 90 minutes west of the capital city. The nearest city is Gori, (where Stalin is from), though the small town of Kvakhvreli sits right outside the site.

How to get to Vardzia and Uplistsikhe

There is an international airport in Tbilisi, the main airport for Georgia. From there it’s best to have a rental car for exploring Georgia. Vardzia and Uplistsikhe are neccesary stops on any road trip around Georgia !

For booking cars you can use Rentalcars.com as seen in the banner below. To visit Vardzia and Uplistsikhe you don’t need a 4×4, though if you’re going elsewhere in Georgia it’s definitely advised to have one.

Planning on driving in Georgia? Be sure to read this first !

There are also many day trips from Tbilisi that will take you to Uplistsikhe or Vardzia (not both at the same time though). Vardzia is a bit far for a day tour, but there are many outfitters that will take the ambitious traveler there and back in the same day. The Vardzia day tour stops at a few other places on the way and takes about 14 hours total. 

• Day trip to Uplistsikhe, Gori, and Mtskheta
• Day trip to Vardzia, Rabati Castle, and Borjomi

Lastly, it is also possible to take a minibus to both sites, but this will take a while when going to Vardzia, with at least one transfer. I don’t recommend this option unless you are very tight on money.

Weather and When to Visit

Georgia is a very mountainous country, so storms can occur anytime. The southwest has a semi-arid ecosystem and is dry and sunny most of the time. Summers can get pretty hot and winters can snow. If you visit in the warmer half of the year chances are you will get favorable weather. While it might be quite hot, it’s not humid so at least it won’t feel hotter than it actually is.

This part of the world is still not a tourist hotspot so you’ll never have to deal with unbearable summer crowds. That being said, it does get pretty damn hot in July and if I went again to this part of Georgia I’d go closer to fall or later in spring. Either way, you won’t have to deal with crowds like the size you’d see at the Acropolis or the Colosseum. 

Where to stay

There are only a few options to stay overnight at the Vardzia cave city itself. There are three guest houses and one resort. We don’t recommend the guesthouse we stayed at – SADA Guesthouse – and it’s the best rated of the guest houses. If you have the money, the Vardzia Resort is your best bet. If you can’t stay in Vardzia itself, there are various guesthouses along the road.

Uplistsikhe has even fewer accommodation options, but it is close to Gori and more populated areas so there are plenty of options.

I recommend the Gogi Dvalishvili Wine Cellar for a unique Georgian experience. There is only one room (that can be booked on booking.com) at the wine cellar and they will cook you a massive dinner with unlimited wine tasting (for an extra 50 GEL per person). For a description of what exactly a Georgian wine cellar is, check out my post about Sighnaghi and the Kakheti wine region .

Where to stay:

Vardzia: Vardzia Resort

Uplistsikhe: Gogi Dvalishvili Wine Cellar

How long to stay

One night around each site is sufficient. It is possible to visit both sites on the same day, but you will be very rushed. The road from Uplistsikhe to Vardzia can be very slow going if you get stuck behind a truck on the winding mountain roads. At the sites themselves, 2-3 hours is ample time to explore the sites and learn about the history.  

Georgian is the official language and it’s likely that most people you encounter at Vardzia and Uplistsikhe – aside from the cashiers at the sites themselves – will not speak much English. Many locals will speak Russian though. 

The Georgian Lari (GEL) is the currency and you don’t necessarily need cash to visit either of these sites. Carrying cash is handy around Georgia though, so be sure to get some from an ATM in Tbilisi before you leave for the ancient sites. Each site charges 15 GEL for entry.

There are not a lot of dining options near Vardzia. Cafe Vardzia was the only place open when we were there and we found it pretty satisfying. We spent a decent amount of time having local beers and watching the water flow down the river from their terrace.

There are a few more dining options at Uplistsikhe. We ate at Cafe Courtyard Kaklebi and found it decent, but not as good as most of our restaurant stops in Georgia. 

Travel insurance

Before heading to Georgia, consider purchasing travel insurance so that you’re protected for the unexpected. We use World Nomads when we travel internationally. World Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.

Vardzia is easily one of the top archaeological sites you will ever see. It’s no Petra , but it’s impressive. Built into a cliffside in the arid mountains of southern Georgia, it is a sprawling ancient city of caves. Thousands of people once called the Vardzia cave city home.

There used to be over 6000 individual homes in Vardzia but earthquakes have destroyed most of them over time. Today there are thought to be about 640 cave homes. Still an impressive amount! 

The best guess of its origin dates back to about the 12th Century. Now you might be thinking that the 12th century really isn’t that long ago in archeological terms. And you’re right.

Europeans were living in lavish cities building monstrous cathedrals at the same time these ancient Georgians were still living in caves. But so is the history of human civilization. Some were just behind others. The cave cities of the Anasazi tribe in the American Southwest also date back to about the same time period. 

Visit the cave city

Entry to Vardzia costs 15 GEL (less than $5) and is open daily 10:00-19:00. For an extra 15 GEL you can get the audio guide to walk you through the main points of interest. No matter how you get there, you’ll either have to walk up a steep path or pay about $1 USD to take a 3-minute shuttle up a winding road to the entrance of the city.

The main entry is at the base of the mountain but Vardzia is much higher up. If it’s a hot summer day, best to take the bus. Once to the top, there’s a one way path that takes you through the city and leads you down a path back to the parking lot. 

The Vardzia cave city itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to explore, depending on how many “houses” you want to pop your head into. There are hundreds of individual caves where people lived and most are accessible either by ancient rock paths or modern steel platforms built recently. 

There is also a beautiful monastery built into the cliff. From inside the church there are tunnels that twist and turn through the mountain. You’re free to explore these tunnels. You won’t get lost so don’t worry.

As you wander you’ll also find quite a few wine cellars. It’s not ancient Georgia without wine!  You really can’t go wrong as you explore the ancient city taking in the beautiful surroundings. 

The terrain

As you might expect from an ancient city built into the side of a cliff, the paths are steep and there are a lot of stairs. Wear comfortable shoes – not flip flops like my wife who learned the hard way when she cut her toe open on the rocks. Watch your head too as the tunnels are only tall enough for children to walk comfortably through. Folks were shorter in those days. 

Vardzia region outside the cave city

There is really nothing else out here other than Vardzia. There are a few other ancient cave dwellings and ancient monasteries in the same mountains that are possible to visit, including some right on the border with Turkey. But these are more like a small town if Vardzia is New York City.

Unless you have a lot of time to kill, it’s advised not to spend your time getting to the little cave villages.  

You don’t need more than a half day in the region, so if you’re staying overnight it’s best to get going early the next morning. On your way out be sure to stop for photos at Khertvisi Fortress . This is a beautiful ancient castle perched up on a hill overlooking the valley below.

It’s possible to go inside for 10 GEL, though taking photos from the outside is free. If you wish to go inside you’ll climb a steep hill from the parking area, but the views from the top will be splendid.  

If you thought Vardzia wasn’t old enough then Uplistsikhe is for you! This ancient cave city is smaller and built into a flatter mountain. But it dates back to somewhere between 1,000-2,000 BC! That’s at least 2000 years older than Vardzia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can easily be seen in an hour or two. 

Uplistsikhe was an important site in ancient Georgia. As the centuries went on Tbilisi and other Georgian cities rose to more prominence and now Uplistsikhe is just an archeological site off the side of the highway, never modernizing into a proper city. This is good news for you though, as you get to visit the ancient cave city as it was millennia ago.

What you see today is only a small portion of the once thriving metropolis. But it is still very impressive. For centuries it was buried and was only excavated by archaeologists in the 1950s. They’ve done a great job preserving it and today the ancient city is in great condition. 

Visit the ancient cave city

Uplistsikhe is easy to access and doesn’t require too much walking or any difficult terrain. Entry costs 15 GEL and it’s open 10:00-17:00 except on Mondays when it’s closed. There is a small parking lot right at the entrance along with a small café.

Past the main gate there is a museum that you can visit to learn a little more about the site. You can also get an audio guide (15 GEL) from the entrance station, should you wish to learn about the main points of interest as you see them. 

There are some steel stairs at the beginning but once you’re up those you’re really free to wander around the ancient city. There are plenty of old stone paths and steps.

As you wander you’ll see numerous cave dwellings and some ancient wine cellars. You’ll also see a more “modern” church that was added in the 10th century. Christianity didn’t even exist when Uplistsikhe was founded. 

Around the Uplistsikhe region

There are few little villages outside of Uplistsikhe, but they were all quite run down and I don’t recommend staying there or spending much time there. The city of Gori is also pretty depressing.

Honestly, there isn’t really anywhere that nice around the site other than the restaurants just outside the gates. If you could do Uplistsikhe in the morning or middle of the day then move on to elsewhere in Georgia that would be ideal. 

Between Uplistsikhe and Vardzia there is not too much, other than green mountains and watermelons for sale on the side of the road. But in the small city of Akhaltsikhe lies the beautiful medieval Rabati Castle . Perched atop a hill at the high point of town, the castle complex is sprawling, essentially its own city. 

It should be noted though that nearly all of what you see today was actually built in 2012. The original castle was destroyed numerous times over the centuries and was in a state of complete disarray until the Georgian government decided to rebuild it.

Some people feel this lessens the charm but I was still blown away by the castle. We had planned to stop for maybe 20 minutes just to see it and ended up exploring for nearly 2 hours! 

It’s free to enter a small part of the castle but to see the entire site you need a ticket (7 GEL), which can be purchased from a small visitors center near the main gate. The grounds of the castle are beautifully landscaped and you’ll find that the architecture of the different buildings varies depending upon which empire ruled at the time. It’s an eclectic collection. 

Overall I thought the castle was awesome and totally recommend stopping there if you are on your way to Vardzia. 

Can you go inside Vardzia?

You can go inside any of the old cave dwellings in Vardzia so long as they are not gated off, as some are. There are even deep cave passages that take you deep into the rocks.

How old is Vardzia? 

Vardzia dates back to the 12th century, making it about 900 years old. 

What is the oldest cave in Georgia?

Uplistsikhe is the oldest cave city in Georgia and one of the oldest settlements in Georgia as well. Dating back to somewhere between 1000 and 2000 BC, it is one of the most historical sites in Georgia.

Is Vardzia worth visiting? 

Yes, Vardzia is absolutely worth visiting on any trip to Georgia! It is out of the way from most itineraries, but it really is worth the trouble to see this fascinating cave city built into the side of a mountain. 

The ancient cave cities of Vardzia and Uplistsikhe are must-see destinations on any trip to Georgia. Historical and stunningly gorgeous at the same time, these archaeological sites have not been exploited by tourism yet.

But make sure to get there soon, because I’m sure Georgia won’t be off the average tourist’s radar for long. Better get there before they’re as crowded as the Colosseum!

Chris Heckmann

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• Vardzia and Rabati Fortress

Vardzia and Rabati Fortress Tour 1 Day | Rabati, Khertvisi, Vardzia

Tour itinerary:

Tbilisi - Rabati fortress - Khertvisi - Vardzia - Tbilisi

At 08:00 am our driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel in Tbilisi. Drive towards the South-West of Georgia passing Borjomi town. Arrive in Akhaltsikhe for a short tour inside Rabati fortress . Its name comes from Arabic meaning “fortified place”. The old stone Rabati fortress is standing on the small hill on the very shores of the Potskhovi River. Continue our tour to Vardzia . En route, short photo-stop at Khertvisi fortress (10-11th century). Arrive to Vardzia, which was erected in the 12-13th centuries during the rule of George III and his daughter Queen Tamara for the purpose of the southern boundaries of Georgia protection. Vardzia is not just a set of random rooms cut in rocks. It is a multi-storied complex with streets, tunnels and stairs leading to monasteries, temples, fortresses, baths, libraries dwelling houses and so forth. Drive back to Tbilisi. Drop off at your hotel. End of Vardzia and Rabati Fortress day tour from Tbilisi.

Price includes:

1. All transfers as per itinerary; 2. English speaking guide; 3. Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary; 4. Lunch in Akhaltsikhe; 5. Mineral water (0,5 l per person).

Prices, per person

Tour request.

The tour is private with your personal guide. There will be no other people joining the tour. Our guides will follow your own pace. The starting time of the tour is up to you and may vary from 09.00 am to 16.00 pm. We are happy to offer this tour for air/train passengers too. Our guide will meet you at the arrival station.

Vardzia, Georgia – A Day Trip from Tbilisi

• Post author: Susann
• Reading time: 8 mins read
• Post published: 2016-06-21
• Post last modified: 2022-08-20
• Post category: English / Georgia / Travel
• Post comments: 0 Comments

After our day trip to Kazbegi we felt like discovering more of Georgia. With some help from Khatja at the hotel reception, we signed up for a tour to Rabati, Vardzia and Borjomi. This time around we opted for an English-speaking driver and he picked us up from the hotel at 9 am on Sunday.

Our first stop on the way to Vardzia was Rabati.

Magnificent Rabati Castle

In Akhaltsikhe visitors can admire the medieval Rabati castle complex. Influenced by various cultures, the complex houses a Church, a Mosque, a Minaret and a Synagogue. When entering one is greeted by beautiful green parks and beautiful architecture. The castle has been restored and it echoes the times long gone. Entrance to the castle complex costs a couple of GEL. Because of the size of the complex, you can expect to spend an hour or two admiring strolling around in the area.

From Rabati, we continued our journey to Vardzia. Approximately 60 km from Akhaltsikhe – a road following the upper Mtkvari River and leading through canyons and valleys – lies the cave city of Vardzia.

The cave monastery was mainly built during the second half of the twelfth century. The caves stretch along the cliff for some five hundred meters and in up to nineteen tiers. Visitors can enter the caves as well as the Church of the Dormition. We decided not to enter it. However, we have heard that church is amazing. So anyone a little less non-religious than the two of us should pay it a visit.

The caves are amazing. And getting out of them was quite an adventure in rainy weather. However, even more awe-inspiring are the sights. High hills, rapid rivers and green valleys. And the thunder that echoed in the mountains. This is a place I want to return to.

Lush Borjomi

Finally, Borjomi was the last stop on our journey. The small town is in a green valley of the swift Mtkvari River. The area is famous for its salty-sour mineral water. The Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is one   of the largest national parks of the country. Our stay in the town was a swift one: we only took a short walk in the park, by the river. During our short visit we took the chance to observe some local wedding festivities. One of the most interesting things in a new place is seeing how people live and get on with their daily business.

Thoughts On Our Trip to Vardzia

Our driver to Rabati, Vardzia and Borjomi was an interesting man. He told us a lot about life in Georgia, about his longing to the countryside and how his children were living. We learnt about the Gerogian society and history. The cows on the roads caught our attention, the sight of all those green hills and wild rivers amazed us. Hence this is a trip that we can recommend to everyone.

In total, we paid 250 GEL for a whole day tour. The price excluded meals and entrance to the sights. The day included quite a few naps on the backseat of an old Mercedes Benz. We felt that the driver was more than enough for this trip. We appreciated the visits to the different sights and feel that we did not need a guide.

Do You Want to Read More?

• Borjomi (Lonely Planet) >>
• Vardzia (Lonely Planet) >>
• Rabati Castle >>

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Vardzia, Rabati and Akhaltsikhe – Day Tour

Tour overview.

If you’re traveling to Georgia and want to see something really special and prominent – Vardzia is number one on your list. Spend a day trip in the southern regions of Georgia to explore the stunning cave city of Vardzia – city built completely within caves, boasting streets, churches, dining halls, gathering places, kitchens, baths and more – Vardzia was originally 13 floors carved on top of each other – within the mountain.

On the way to Vardzia, we will also make stops at the biggest castle in Georgia – Rabati in Akhaltsikhe. Built in the 9th century, it was the central fortification of the southern Georgia. It was recently rehabilitated and now it is a stunning sight to visit – with breathtaking views, interesting history and a well-kept museum with medieval artifacts.

In Akhaltsikhe, we will also enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant, after which we’ll continue towards Vardzia – on the way making a short stop at Khertvisi Fortress for photos.

We will return to Tbilisi late in the evening.

08:00 - Departure from Tbilisi

11:00 - rabati castle, 12:30 - lunch in a local restaurant, 14:30 - khertvisi fortress, 15:30 - vardzia cave city, 21:30 - back to tbilisi, what's included, inclusions for the all inclusive tour.

• English Speaking Guide Service
• Authentic Lunches on all days
• Comfortable Transport with Air Conditioning
• All Entrance Fees & Activities
• Pickup & Drop off at your hotel

Prices given above are for private tours. All of the private tours include a free hotel pickup and drop off in the city of departure/arrival. You can specify the pickup and drop off points during the booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time will be allocated for exploring vardzia cave city during the day tour, are there restroom facilities available during the stops at rabati castle and khertvisi fortress, will there be opportunities for souvenir shopping at rabati castle or vardzia cave city, what type of cuisine can we expect for lunch at the local restaurant in akhaltsikhe/vardzia, is there a dress code or any specific attire recommended for visiting rabati castle and vardzia cave city.

9 best places to visit in Georgia

Jun 21, 2024 • 7 min read

From deeply significant religious sights, like Tsminda Sameba Church (pictured), to a rich winemaking tradition, Georgia packs a lot into its modest footprint © Pikoso.kz / Shutterstock

Where Europe and Asia grind up against each other, magical Georgia sits on the southern slope of the Great Caucasus mountain range, whose snowcapped peaks run from the Black Sea to the Caspian.

Though relatively small in terms of area, Georgia offers a huge variety of scenery and activities, and its mountainous landscape and limited transport infrastructure combine to make getting about more time-consuming than you might imagine. While there’s no need to limit yourself to just one region, you’re best off deciding what kind of trip you want to have, and then choosing a few parts of the country to focus on.

To help you do that, here are some of the very best places to consider including in any itinerary. 

Best place for urban pursuits 

Quickly beguiling anyone who visits , the Georgian capital offers up a fascinating Old Town, a wealth of avant-garde Soviet architecture, traditional sulfur baths, and an extraordinary array of medieval churches. Spread out along the narrow valley of the Mtkvari River, Tbilisi is the kind of place you have to get up high to really appreciate – try taking the cable car to the Sololaki ridge where you’ll find the Narikala Fortress and iconic Mother Georgia (aka Kartlis Deda) . You can also take the funicular to the city’s highest point, Mtatsminda , where, on top of stellar city views, you also get a campy fairground and a huge Ferris wheel. 

Tbilisi is also the best place in Georgia to eat out, drink wine and go partying, with dozens of innovative menus available at establishments such as Barbarestan , Azarphesha , Alubali and Keto & Kote . This is also one of the best places in the country to sample a range of Georgia’s famous wines and take part in its thumping nightlife.  Tbilisi offers you plenty to keep you entertained for days, but can also serve as a base from which to do day trips to various other parts of central Georgia. 

Planning tip: Book at least a week ahead for the best Tbilisi restaurants in the summer months.

Best city on the Black Sea

Batumi , Georgia’s second city, is the subtropical yin to Tbilisi’s yang, with its beachfront location, charming Old Town, seemingly endless seaside esplanade and an ever-growing number of glitzy skyscrapers – Georgia’s answer to Dubai, locals will tell you with a grin.

The city is built for pleasure, and functions as Georgia’s unofficial temporary capital during the height of summer, when most of Tbilisi's locals decamp en masse to the Black Sea’s beaches for sunshine, cocktails and partying on the seafront. Georgia’s best beaches can be found to the south of the city, between Batumi and the Turkish border. Inland, the autonomous Adjaran region offers wonderful rafting and hiking, as well as the famously rickety cable car in Khulo. 

Best base for exploring nature

Sleepy Kutaisi  has found itself relegated to Georgia’s third-largest city in recent years as coastal Batumi booms. But this ancient town, which may once have been home to the golden fleece of Greek legend, has nonetheless managed to establish itself as the center of Georgia’s burgeoning tourist industry . 

The nearby David the Builder Airport brings dozens of low-cost airline flights to Kutaisi from all over Europe each week, and there are dozens of hostels and a competitive short-term apartment rental market. Not only is Kutaisi bang in the center of the country (making it a more obvious base than either Tbilisi or Batumi), but it’s also surrounded by a wealth of sights, natural wonders and diverse attractions including the Martvili Canyon , Okatse Canyon , the Gelati Monastery and two astonishing relics of communism, the towns of Tskaltubo and Chiatura.  

4. Stepantsminda

Best for easy access to the High Caucasus

The extraordinary Georgian Military Highway takes you to the town of Stepantsminda (still commonly referred to by its Soviet-era name, Kazbegi), on the border with northern neighbor Russia. Though the epic journey here has lost some of its charm in recent years (it's become a busy truck route for imports to Russia), there is no denying the incredible setting of the town, not least the iconic silhouette of the hilltop church  Tsminda Sameba against the glacier of Mt Kazbek. It's truly a sight that never ceases to amaze, despite its reproduction on a million postcards. 

Planning tip: Head to Tsminda Sameba Church first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is better, and – crucially – when you’ll not have to share this magical spot with the crowds.

Best mountain scenery  

Georgia’s mountains are extraordinary and jaw-dropping wherever you encounter them. But if you want to see the best scenery in the country, there’s nowhere that can compete with the ancient and mysterious region of Svaneti. As well as Georgia’s highest peak, Shkhara (5068m; 16,627ft), which towers over the wonderful highland village of Ushguli, there is almost limitless potential for hiking here, not least the now well-known Mestia to Ushguli four-day hike, which allows you to sleep each night in a different village. 

Planning tip: You can skip the taxing eight-hour drive to Svaneti from Tbilisi and get there in under an hour by taking one of the affordable daily flights to Mestia with  Vanilla Sky .

Best monastery 

In a country with more than its fair share of staggering monasteries and churches in perilously remote places, Vardzia  is unquestionably the most magnificent of the lot. Its 13 floors are hewn into a cliffside and boast no fewer than 13 churches among its 400-plus rooms. The monastery’s jaw-dropping setting in a dramatic river valley makes it a real showstopper, and the undulating drive to get here from Akhaltsikhe is a wonderful treat to boot. 

7. Sighnaghi

Best place to enjoy Georgian wine 

There’s magic in the air in Sighnaghi , and that’s not just down to its high altitude and the vertiginous views it affords into the vast valley below. This hilltop delight has more than a hint of Tuscany about it, with its terracotta roofs, cobbled streets and enviably slow pace of life. 

Take a walk along the incredibly well-preserved city walls and visit the town museum, which has one of the best collections of paintings by Georgia’s most famous artist, Niko Pirosmani. Then settle in at one of Sighnaghi’s many wine bars to sample the result of the grape harvest in the country’s premier wine-producing region. 

Planning tip: Call ahead to enjoy a delicious, organic lunch at the Lost Ridge Inn , just a few kilometers outside Sighnaghi.

8. Mtskheta

Best place for a spiritual experience

So close to Tbilisi that the sprawling capital’s suburbs threaten to engulf it, Mtskheta enjoys a magical setting at the picturesque confluence of two rivers. It was also the location of one of Georgia’s most important historical events – its conversion to Christianity at the hands of St Nino in the 4th century. That vital event, which still forms a huge part of Georgian national identity, is memorialized in the Jvari Church , Georgia’s holy of holies, which commands terrific views over the town from its soaring hilltop location. Meanwhile, down in the town itself is the stunning 11th-century Svetiskhoveli Cathedral , an architectural gem of Georgia’s early Golden Age. 

Planning tip: You only need a couple of hours to see Mtskheta, and its location just northwest of Tbilisi makes it an obvious pit stop on any journey up to Stepantsminda or west towards Kutaisi. 

Best spa town 

There’s more than a little touch of the Russian empire about this glorious 19th-century spa town tucked away amid the thickly wooded hills of the Lesser Caucasus. Borjomi’s salty-sour mineral water is Georgia’s most famous export and is instantly familiar to almost anyone from the former Soviet Union. However, the elegant resort town that produces it is worth a visit even if you’ve never heard of its eponymous sulfurous water.

As well as visiting the sprawling Borjomi Central Park ⁠(once you get past the tacky rides and children’s entertainments it opens up into a gorgeous riverside walk that brings you to a trio of delightful thermal pools), you can use the town as an excellent base for hiking in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park , and take the small gauge railway line to the nearby alpine resort of Bakuriani.

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Looking For A Summer Escape? Explore Georgia’s Hidden Gems

T emperature is rising and so is everyone’s desire for a vacation. If you are also planning to spend your summer days at scenic locations abroad, we’ve some recommendations to make. When we think of a European vacation, snowy paradises like Switzerland, Italy, and France immediately come to mind. But there’s a hidden gem that lies at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Yes, we are talking about Georgia, an exquisite country, offering a unique blend of cultures and experiences.

Before we dive into the details of the amazing locations that you can enjoy in this blissful nation, here’s an interesting fact that every Indian must know.

Georgia is visa-free for Indian citizens, who hold valid diplomatic or official/service passports. In addition, there is a direct flight from Delhi to Georgia’s capital Tbilisi that takes only five hours. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags this instant and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

• It would be a sin to not start our list with the vibrant capital of Georgia—Tbilisi. The cobblestoned old town is well known for its nightlife and entertainment. The visitors can give a whirl to its popular sulfur baths and enjoy the stunning views of Narikala Fortress, making Tbilisi a must-visit gem.