The South in 3 Days — Borjomi, Vardzia, Rabati and Abastumani

Three days through Samtskhe-Javakheti: Borjomi's spa gardens, Rabati Castle, the cave monastery of Vardzia and the old observatory at Abastumani.

• —Covers four distinct sites in one route instead of rushing Vardzia and Rabati into a single long day
• —Two nights based in Akhaltsikhe or Borjomi, so you are not driving back to Tbilisi each evening
• —Includes Khertvisi fortress and Sapara monastery, usually skipped on shorter day trips
• —Abastumani observatory and its 1930s telescopes are a genuine detour most itineraries miss
• —Private car and licensed guide throughout, with pace set by you rather than a bus schedule
• —Works well combined with Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park walks if you want an extra hour on foot

• · Vardzia involves climbing stone stairs and uneven cave passages; sturdy shoes recommended
• · Abastumani observatory visits depend on weather and staff availability, checked at booking
• · Roads from Tbilisi to Borjomi are good asphalt throughout; the Akhaltsikhe-Vardzia road is paved but narrows near Khertvisi
• · Spring and autumn bring cooler evenings in Borjomi and Abastumani, both at higher elevation than Tbilisi
• · Bring a layer for Vardzia's cave interiors, which stay cool even in summer
• · Rabati Castle's mosque and synagogue have modest dress expectations, same as other religious sites in Georgia

Prices are per person for two travelling together, in euros; solo travellers and larger groups are quoted on request. Every departure is private and adjusted to you. Hotels, wineries and restaurants on our routes are verified by GTour.