A day on the Georgia–Azerbaijan border: the Lavra of Davit Gareji, striped semi-desert hills, and a steppe view that changes colour by the hour.
- —Davit Gareji Lavra, a working monastery carved into rock since the 6th century, still inhabited by monks
- —Panoramic ridge walk overlooking the Azerbaijan border and the open steppe
- —Striped sandstone hills (the 'rainbow hills') in shades of red, grey and ochre
- —Honest route: the Udabno cave complex is closed in 2025–2026 due to border restrictions, checked at booking for any change
- —Lunch stop at the Oasis Club in Udabno village, a small outpost built around the monastery visits
- —Drive through Rustavi's Soviet-planned skyline and the dry vineyard country near Dedoplistskaro
Map: OpenStreetMap · Road route and driving times: OSRM · Times exclude stops.
- ✓ Private transport by sedan or minivan, air-conditioned
- ✓ English-speaking driver
- ✓ Licensed guide for the monastery and viewpoint
- ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi
- ✓ Bottled water
- ✓ All tolls and parking
- — Lunch at the Oasis Club (paid locally)
- — Personal expenses and gratuities
- — Any entrance donation requested by the monastery (checked at booking)
- · Modest dress required inside the monastery: shoulders and knees covered, women should bring a headscarf (wraps are usually available at the entrance)
- · The unpaved sections toward the Lavra can be rough after rain; a 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle is used when conditions require it
- · The Udabno cave complex remains closed through 2025–2026 due to its proximity to the Azerbaijan border, status checked at booking
- · Wind and sun on the open steppe are strong even in cooler months; bring a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket
- · The ridge walk involves uneven, rocky ground for 30–40 minutes; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- · Spring and autumn give the clearest light on the striped hills; summer midday heat on the steppe is considerable
Can we still visit the Udabno cave monastery?
No. That section is closed through 2025–2026 because of its location on the border with Azerbaijan. We visit the Lavra and the ridge viewpoint instead, and we check the status again before each booking.
Is the monastery open every day?
The Lavra is generally open daily, but monastic schedules can change without notice, so we confirm access on the morning of the tour.
How much walking is involved?
About an hour of walking in total, including a climb to the ridge on loose stone and gravel. It is manageable for most fitness levels but not step-free.
Can this be combined with other Kakheti sites?
Yes, some travellers extend this into a longer Kakheti itinerary with wine tastings; ask us and we will quote a custom multi-day version.
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.
Davit Gareja's Lavra monastery nestled against cave-riddled cliffs above the semi-desert steppe. · Photo: Filip from Czech Republic / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
| Group | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | €288 ≈ $321 · 834 GEL | €288 ≈ $321 · 834 GEL |
| 2 travellers | €180 ≈ $201 · 521 GEL | €360 ≈ $401 · 1,042 GEL |
| 3 travellers | €171 ≈ $191 · 495 GEL | €513 ≈ $572 · 1,485 GEL |
| 4–6 travellers | €153 ≈ $171 · 443 GEL | €612 ≈ $682 · 1,771 GEL for four |
Private tour: your own car and driver and English-speaking guide. Conversions at today's National Bank of Georgia rate.
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the tour. Between 7 days and 48 hours: 50 % of the price. Less than 48 hours or no-show: no refund. If a mountain road closes and the tour cannot run, you choose a new date or a full refund.
20 % deposit confirms the booking. Deposit by card or bank transfer when the date is confirmed; the balance in cash or by card at the start of the tour. No hidden fees — fuel, parking, driver and guide are included; entrance tickets, meals and hotels are listed per tour.
Since 1 January 2026 every foreign visitor to Georgia must hold health and accident insurance with cover of at least 30,000 GEL — see our guide to the rule. Our vehicles carry passenger liability insurance; your travel policy covers you.
Full booking conditions · Terms of use · What "Verified by GTour" means
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Departure TimeThe time you prefer — every departure is private
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Return TimeAt your hotel
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