Vardzia is a spectacular 12th-century cave monastery carved 19 stories deep into a sheer cliff face by Queen Tamar. It once housed 2,000 monks and 400+ rooms — an entire underground city with churches, wine cellars, refectories, and hidden escape tunnels. An earthquake in 1283 sheared off the outer wall, exposing the cave complex to view. It's Georgia's most spectacular monastic site — and the longest day trip from Tbilisi.
Full itinerary
Highlights of this day trip
- 400+ caves carved 19 stories into the cliff, 150 open to visit
- 12th-century Church of the Dormition with original frescoes of Queen Tamar
- Ancient wine cellars with qvevri still in place
- Rabati Castle — spectacularly restored medieval fortress in Akhaltsikhe
- Kura River gorge landscapes — southernmost Georgia, borders Turkey
- Fortress of Khertvisi (2,000+ years old) — quick photo stop en route
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi
- Modern comfortable vehicle for the long drive
- driver-guide in your language (EN / RU / HE / AR / ZH and more)
- Vardzia and Rabati entrance fees
- Bottled water
What to bring
- Comfortable hiking shoes with grip — Vardzia has stairs and tight passages
- Warm layer — the caves are 15°C year-round
- Head cover for women in the church
- Snacks — the drive is long and stops are limited
Best time to visit
May-October. Winter access can be limited by snow on the southern roads. Late spring (May-June) is ideal — wildflowers in the gorge. Summer works but the caves are your salvation from the heat.
Frequently asked
Is Vardzia doable as a day trip from Tbilisi?
Technically yes, but it's a 14-hour day with 8 hours of driving. Most travelers regret not doing an overnight in Akhaltsikhe or Borjomi. If you only have one day, be prepared for a very long day.
How much walking at Vardzia?
About 2 hours through stairs, tunnels, and tight passages. Not accessible for wheelchairs or serious mobility issues. Moderate fitness required.
Is Vardzia claustrophobic?
Some tunnels are tight, but the site is mostly open cliff-face with cave openings. Only a few tunnel passages are truly narrow; you can skip them.