Rabati Castle

Visit Borjomi, Rabati Castle, and Vardzia on a full-day guided tour from Tbilisi. Drink healing water in Borjomi Central Park, and learn about Georgian history from your guide throughout the day. Meet your guide at the meeting point in Tbilisi, then board your air-conditioned transportation for the day. Head to Borjomi, a small resort town, first. Once there, enjoy the fresh air and admire the natural surroundings of rivers and woods. Visit Borjomi Central Park and try the area's mineral water, famous for its healing properties, under the park's blue dome. Enjoy free time to take the cable car or engage in other optional activities (at your own expense), like horse riding, rafting, or a quadricycle tour. Next, head to Rabati Castle, a small castle at the highest point in the city of Akhaltsikhe. Hear about the extensive history of the castle, which slowly fell to ruin after being taken by the Russian Imperial Army in the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-1829 before being completely renovated in 2011-2012. Later, continue to Vardzia, a cave monastery complex carved in rock in the 12th-13th centuries. Marvel at one of Georgia's most picturesque monuments, which began construction as a fortress but was designated a fortified monastery by Queen Tamar. Visit the Assumption of Mary Church, one of the monastery's 15 churches. Admire a beautiful mural depicting Giorgi III, Queen Tamar, and other nobles from the time of the monastery's construction. After discovering some of the monastery's 600 storage facilities, refectories, shacks, pantries, backup storages, 25 wine cellars, and 185 wine jars, you'll return to Tbilisi. A stop is made during the day for lunch at a restaurant, at your own expense.

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

Discover the historical Vardzia Cave, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain, which dates back to the 12th century. Explore the wonders of the cave including monk cells, a grand foyer, a treasury and even a cathedral. Trace the steps of Georgia’s first female sovereign, Queen Tamar, as you learn about the many battles that took place there. Then explore the Rabati Castle, a complex Asian-style military building that was erected in the 13th century. Learn about the sieges over the centuries that have destroyed the castle, and how it has absorbed the traces of different cultures and religions.  Continue on to the picturesque town of Borjomi to marvel at the beautiful natural landscapes of this National Park and taste the mineral water, Georgia’s number one export, that Borjomi is famous for.

We offer a 1-day trip to Borjomi National Park where you will taste the most famous mineral water in Georgia from natural fountains, from Borjomi we will go to Rabat Fortress where you will feel the beauty of the Middle Ages, as well as the fusion of European and Asian cultures and architecture. Vardzia, the pearl of our trip, is a 12-story city carved into the sea and dates back to the 11th-12th centuries. The beautiful views from Vardzia will not leave anyone indifferent, and the tunnels, the treasury exits and the main pearl, the frescoes of King Tamar, preserved in perfect condition, will show you how our ancestors lived and built cities.

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

Rabati is a medieval fortress that has been rebuilt and restored over the centuries, and it offers visitors a unique blend of Islamic and Orthodox architecture. The complex also includes a bazaar and a mosque, giving visitors a chance to experience Georgian culture from a different perspective. Borjomi, on the other hand, is a beautiful town located in central Georgia, surrounded by the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, the largest national park in the country. Visitors can explore the park's beautiful natural scenery and taste the famous Borjomi mineral water, which is said to have healing properties.

1) Borjomi park. Picturesque Borjomi A road through a fantastically beautiful gorge will lead you to borjomi: you will walk around the city center, visit a park where emperor nicholas II and his family rest every year, see a monument to prometheus and a pretty waterfall, and also climb the cable car to the plateau from which they open stunning views of the surroundings. of course, we’ll talk about the famous “mineral water”, which is mined in the valley of the same name located in the territory of the borjomi-kharagauli national park. I will tell you about the results of archaeological excavations that shed light on the history of local mineral water, and right from the source you can taste the world famous water. 2) Rabati castle medieval fortress rabat you will get acquainted with one of the most expressive and colorful monuments of Georgia, literally absorbing the energy of both cultures: the fortress was the most important transit point between the christian and muslim worlds. You will examine the halls of the palace, decorated in the old georgian style, and the impressive size of the fortress itself and the richness of decoration should not leave you indifferent. I will tell you about the foundation of rabat, its name and explain the significance of akhaltsikhe in the history of Georgia. 3) Cave Vardzia The ancient complex of vardzia is not just carved into the rock premises. This cave fortress is a monastery built not far from Tbilisi in the 12th century. The extraordinary city has 13 levels and more than 500 rooms: churches, chapels, residential cells, pantries, baths, refectories, treasuries, libraries. The rooms go 50 meters in depth and rise to a height of eight floors, in addition, secret passages that connected the premises, the remains of the water supply and irrigation system are preserved. During the tour you will explore every corner of Vardzia and find out what purpose the rock city was built and what functions it performed throughout the history of its existence. And on the way to the ancient complex you will see a wonderful panorama of the perfectly preserved khertvisi fortress.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Georgia with our expedition to Vardzia, Khertvisi, Rabat, and Borjomi. Our adventure begins with a visit to Vardzia, a breathtaking cave monastery dating back to the 12th century. Carved into the cliffs of the Erusheti Mountain, Vardzia is an architectural marvel, comprising hundreds of caves, tunnels, and churches. Explore the intricate passageways and marvel at the stunning frescoes that adorn the walls, gaining insight into the history and spirituality of this ancient site. Next, we'll travel to Khertvisi Fortress, one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia, perched majestically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mtkvari River. With its strategic location and imposing architecture, Khertvisi has played a crucial role in the defense of the region throughout history. Wander through the fortress grounds, imagining the battles and legends that have shaped its storied past. Continuing our expedition, we'll journey to Rabat Fortress, a testament to Georgia's diverse cultural heritage. Explore the fortress's maze-like streets, lined with mosques, churches, and traditional Georgian houses, reflecting centuries of Persian, Turkish, and Georgian influence. Admire the architectural splendor of the fortress and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic site. Finally, we'll conclude our expedition in Borjomi, a picturesque town renowned for its natural beauty and healing mineral waters. Take a leisurely stroll through Borjomi Central Park, breathing in the crisp mountain air and sampling the famous Borjomi mineral water straight from the source. For the adventurous, optional activities such as hiking in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park or indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment are available. Throughout the expedition, you'll be accompanied by experienced guides who will provide fascinating insights into Georgia's history, culture, and traditions. From the ancient wonders of Vardzia to the architectural splendor of Rabat Fortress and the natural beauty of Borjomi, this expedition promises an unforgettable exploration of Georgia's treasures. Join us on this immersive journey and discover the wonders of Vardzia, Khertvisi, Rabat, and Borjomi, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable travel experience.

The "Borjomi-Rabati-Vardzia" tour is a fascinating exploration of Southern Georgia's historical and natural wonders. The tour begins in Borjomi, renowned for its mineral springs, where visitors can partake in the therapeutic properties of the waters. Next, the journey takes you to Rabati Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Finally, the tour concludes in Vardzia, where you can explore the ancient cave city carved into the rock face, a testament to Georgia's rich cultural heritage.

Embark on a captivating journey through Georgia in just one day, immersing yourself in the diverse tapestry of its historical and natural treasures. Begin your adventure in Borjomi, renowned for its healing mineral springs that have been a source of wellness for centuries. Revel in the therapeutic essence of these pristine waters, set against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes. Continue your exploration as you step into the medieval ambiance of Rabati Fortress. Uncover the architectural nuances and delve into the historical significance of this well-preserved fortress, which stands as a testament to Georgia's rich heritage. The grand finale of your day unfolds at the ancient rock-hewn complex of Vardzia. Carved into the rugged cliffs, Vardzia presents a mesmerizing tableau of Georgia's past, showcasing intricate architecture seamlessly melded with nature. As you traverse the labyrinthine corridors and chambers of Vardzia, you'll be transported through time, connecting with the cultural and historical tapestry of this extraordinary country. This curated itinerary promises an enriching experience, allowing you to witness the vibrant facets of Georgia – from the healing springs of Borjomi to the medieval grandeur of Rabati Fortress and the ancient marvels of Vardzia. Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty that defines the soul of Georgia.