Golden Age of Georgia: Borjomi, Vardzia, and Rabati
About this experience
This is a one-day tour to one of the most beautiful regions of Georgia - Samtskhe-Javakheti. You will learn about the Golden Age of our country when its borders extended from Nikopsia to Darubanda, with kings known as the Kings of East and West, Shirvansha and Shahinsha. You will see a unique rock-hewn monastery and a 12th-century fortress, as well as visit the homeland of the famous mineral water.
What to expect
Borjomi
We will walk along a non-standard route. You will see the mineral water springs named after Ekaterina and Evgeny Golovin, the summer residence of Mirza Riza-khan - the Persian ambassador to the Russian Empire, the monument to the Georgian Prometheus - Amiran in the Borjomi National Park. You will have free time to explore the park and historical buildings.
Vardzia
You will explore the rock-hewn monastery complex of Vardzia from the 12th century. Along the way, you will see a wine cellar, ancient kvevris, a well-preserved aqueduct, meeting halls, and the royal lodge. On the top floor, you will see the church with frescoes of Queen Tamar and her father George III. Visit the holy spring, admire the view of the terraced vineyards, and walk through a secret tunnel.
Rabati
In the town of Akhaltsikhe, you will visit the Rabati fortress, formerly known as Lomsia. The guide will tell the history of the 9th-century citadel once owned by the great princes of Jakli. You will see the fortress itself, preserving European and Asian architectural styles.
Organizational details
- The tour is conducted on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Transportation expenses are included in the price
- Additional fees apply for a ticket to Borjomi National Park - 5 lari/person, a ticket to Rabati fortress - 15 lari/person, a ticket to Vardzia complex - 17 lari/person, lunch - from 30 lari/person.
- Your tour will be guided by one of the driver-guides from our team
Victoria
November 12, 2024
We are thrilled! It was amazing. Our guide Nana is simply incredible, charismatic, a true professional in her field. We are very grateful to her for the fascinating stories, fantastic route, and secret locations!
Yuri
September 26, 2024
George XIII was magnificent! The tour was great, Vardzia was impressive, Georgia's landscape is stunning!
Evgeny
September 14, 2024
The car was delayed for an hour, but the organizer did everything possible to make the trip happen even in the best format (initially assumed a minibus for ~12 people, in fact, we rode in a comfortable Toyota). The driver was polite, the places themselves are beautiful. I recommend.
