Begin your adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Tbilisi. Travel to the Vardzia cave monastery complex, a 12th-century architectural wonder carved into the sheer rock face. Explore the underground labyrinth that once housed up to 50,000 people, including over 6,000 apartments, 13 churches, wine cellars, bakeries, libraries, and an advanced sewage system.
Walk through hidden passages, climb ancient stone staircases, and explore chambers adorned with 12th-century frescoes. See the main church, which features stunning frescoes of Queen Tamar herself, a rare depiction of this legendary ruler. The monastery's natural spring still flows, just as it did 800 years ago.
En route to Vardzia, stop in the charming resort town of Borjomi, famous worldwide for its healing mineral water. Stroll through the beautiful Borjomi Central Park, taste the naturally carbonated water straight from the source, and learn why this small Georgian town became a favourite retreat for Russian tsars.
Next, experience the grandeur of Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe, one of Georgia's largest and most impressive fortifications. Walk through different quarters representing various periods and cultures, including Georgian, Ottoman, and Russian influences.
The recently restored complex includes a mosque with a stunning minaret, an Orthodox church, a synagogue, a history museum, and the citadel with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The fortress walls, towers, and courtyards transport you through centuries of Georgian history.
This tour goes beyond sightseeing — it's a gastronomic adventure. The Samtskhe-Javakheti region produces unique cheeses that even most Georgians have never tasted. Sample rare varieties like Meskhuri cheese and local specialities found nowhere else in Georgia. Pair these with authentic bio Saperavi wine from local producers.