A long single day from Tbilisi to the cave monastery of Vardzia, taking in Borjomi's gorge and the restored Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe along the way.
| 08:00 | Depart Tbilisi by private car, heading southwest on the main highway toward Borjomi. |
| 10:30 | Short stop in Borjomi: a walk by the mineral water park and a look at the Romanov-era buildings along the river. |
| 12:00 | Arrive Akhaltsikhe and visit Rabati Castle, the restored fortress complex with its mosque, Orthodox church and small museum. |
| 13:15 | Lunch stop in Akhaltsikhe (not included). |
| 14:15 | Drive on toward Vardzia, passing Khertvisi fortress, viewed from the road at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Paravani rivers. |
| 15:00 | Vardzia cave city: guided walk through the accessible tunnels, churches and dwellings carved into the cliff; closed sections are pointed out and explained. |
| 16:45 | Depart Vardzia for the return drive to Tbilisi. |
| 20:30 | Approximate arrival back in Tbilisi, timing depends on road conditions and the Borjomi gorge traffic. |
Is all of Vardzia open to visit in 2026?
No. Part of the cave complex is closed for repair work through 2026. We tell you which tunnels and churches remain accessible when you book.
How long is the actual driving time?
About 4 hours each way from Tbilisi, more if the Borjomi gorge road is busy. The day runs roughly 13 hours in total, door to door.
Can this be done as an overnight trip instead?
Yes, see our Vardzia, Rabati & Borjomi — 2 Days tour, which allows more time at each site and an overnight in the region.
Is the price per person fixed regardless of group size?
No. Pricing is per person and depends on how many travel together: solo, two, three, or four to six, shown at checkout.