Three days through Samtskhe-Javakheti: Borjomi's spa gardens, Rabati Castle, the cave monastery of Vardzia and the old observatory at Abastumani.
| Day 1 | Depart Tbilisi by private car (roughly 2.5 to 3 hours) for Borjomi, Georgia's historic spa town. Afternoon walk through Borjomi Central Park, the mineral water springs and the Romanov-era architecture, with time at the edge of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park before checking into your hotel in Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe. |
| Day 2 | Morning drive to Akhaltsikhe (about one hour) to visit the restored Rabati Castle complex, its mosque, synagogue and museum. Continue past Khertvisi fortress, one of the oldest standing fortifications in Georgia, then on to Vardzia, the 12th-century cave monastery cut into the cliffs above the Mtkvari river (roughly one hour each way from Akhaltsikhe). Return via Sapara monastery if daylight allows. |
| Day 3 | Short morning drive to Abastumani (around 30 to 40 minutes from Akhaltsikhe), a forested resort known for its sulfur baths and 19th-century imperial church. Visit the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory, founded in 1932, weather and opening hours checked at booking. Drive back to Tbilisi in the afternoon, arriving by early evening. |
Can we do this as a two-day trip instead?
Yes, our Vardzia, Rabati & Borjomi — 2 Days tour covers the same core sites at a faster pace without Abastumani.
Is Abastumani worth the extra day?
If you have an interest in the observatory or want a quieter spa town away from Borjomi's crowds, yes; otherwise the two-day version covers the essentials.
How much walking is involved at Vardzia?
Expect 1.5 to 2 hours on site, including stairs and some uphill sections inside the cave complex.
What is the solo or group price?
Solo travellers and groups of three or more are quoted separately, contact us with your dates and party size.