Tbilisi Trip Overview
We start our trip at 08:00. Our driver and the guide pick you up from any places of tbilisi. We have three destinations to visit in southern Georgia : Vardzia cave complex, Rabati castle and Borjomi. We start our journey with Rabati Castle, that is a medieval castle complex of Asian style in Akhaltsikhe. Built in the 13th century, Rabati castle developed under the influence of different cultures over subsequent centuries and this is reflected in its architecture.
We go on the way to Vardzia, which is a cave dating back to 12th century, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain.
Our last destination is Borjomi. Borjomi is a hydro-thermal health spa resort in the southern region of Samtskhe-Javakheti in Georgia. Borjomi has an international reputation for its geothermal spring mineral water resources.
Additional Info
Duration: 12 hours
Starts: Tbilisi, Georgia
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Tbilisi Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Tbilisi, Georgia, Georgia
We start our trip at 08:00. Our driver and the guide pick you up from any places of tbilisi. We have three destinations to visit in southern Georgia : Vardzia cave complex, Rabati castle and Borjomi. We start our journey with Rabati Castle, that is a medieval castle complex of Asian style in Akhaltsikhe. Built in the 13th century, Rabati castle developed under the influence of different cultures over subsequent centuries and this is reflected in its architecture.
We go on the way to Vardzia, which is a cave dating back to 12th century, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain.
Our last destination is Borjomi. Borjomi is a hydro-thermal health spa resort in the southern region of Samtskhe-Javakheti in Georgia. Borjomi has an international reputation for its geothermal spring mineral water resources.
Stop At: Vardzia, Erusheti Mountain, Aspindza 383770 Georgia
Vardzia is a rock-carved fortress stretched over 500 meters. It is located in the historic region of Samtskhe-Javakheti and consists of 600 rooms. The name of the cave-town is connected with Queen Tamar , the great female monarch (Mepe) of Georgia from 1184 to 1213, presiding over the apex of the Georgian Golden Age. According to the legend, young Tamar, when out hunting, lost in the caves; when called for, she replied “I am here, uncle” (Georgian: “aq var dzia”), giving the site its name.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rabati Castle, Akhaltsikhe Georgia
Continue towards the town of Akhaltsikhe (New Fortress) that always has had strategic importance. That’s why the fortress Rabat has been built here in IX century, so it’s been called the fortress inside the fortress. It was guarding Georgia for centuries, but there were periods when enemies took over. The fortress keeps traces of both times, giving us an unforgettable impression. The fortress has been renovated several years ago. Here you can see the Georgian church, mosque and Madrasa – Islamic school, citadel, and unique museum. The Rabati fortress is one of the highlights of this region.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Borjomi Central Park, 50, 9 Aprili Street, Borjomi 1200 Georgia
Borjomi’s internationally renowned for its curative mineral springs, and its crystal clear air saturated with the aroma of pines.
During the XV-XVIII centuries, in the place of the town, there were some villages named Nua , Phahpa, and Chala. In the same age, in the Uraveli valley, there was the village named Borjomi. They believe that this name was brought by refugees from a place conquered by the Ottomans.
The town had been known for ages as a healing place, but the date when the mineral springs officially opened is recognized as the year 1830. The mineral springs were accidentally found by some Russian soldiers. Soon the name of Borjomi spread throughout the empire. The city turned into a resort and summer residence for the Romanov royal dynasty. Production of Borjomi mineral water began in 1890. Borjomi got town status in 1918.
Borjomi is a spa and climatic resort. It has often been used as a recreation place by state and cultural figures like Maxim Gorky, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Joseph Stalin, and others. Borjomi is famous for its mineral water bottling plant, other small businesses, its theater, and the local history museum. Borjomi also has a railway station.
Duration: 30 minutes
