3000 Caves Carved into a Cliff
Vardzia is not merely a monastery — it is an entire city carved into a basalt cliff face in the 12th century. Founded by King George III in 1156 and expanded magnificently by his daughter Queen Tamar, it once housed up to 3000 monks across 13 floors of interconnected caves rising 50 metres above the Kura river gorge.
An earthquake in 1283 split the cliff and exposed the caves to the outside world — revealing what had been a completely hidden city behind solid rock. Today you can walk through corridors, chapels, wine cellars, bakeries and throne rooms that have stood for 900 years. The frescoes in the main church of the Assumption include one of the only authentic portraits of Queen Tamar painted during her lifetime.
Tour Itinerary
Departure from Tbilisi
Pickup from your hotel. Early start gives us the best light at Vardzia and avoids afternoon crowds.
Borjomi
Brief stop at the famous mineral spring in Borjomi national park. Taste the mineral water directly from the natural spring — highly carbonated and sulphurous. Borjomi water has been bottled and exported since the 1890s.
Rabati Fortress, Akhaltsikhe
Entrance ₾7. One of the most unusual fortresses in Georgia: within its restored walls stand a mosque, an Armenian church and an Orthodox cathedral within 50 metres of each other — a literal monument to the region's layered history under Ottoman, Persian and Georgian rule.
Vardzia Cave Monastery
Entrance ₾15. Approximately 1.5 hours exploring 13 floors of interconnected caves. Main Church of the Assumption with 12th century frescoes including the portrait of Queen Tamar. Wine cellars, throne rooms, a pharmacy and escape tunnels.
Lunch near Vardzia
Traditional Georgian lunch at a local restaurant. Not included in tour price.
Hot Springs (optional)
Natural sulphur hot springs about 30 minutes from Vardzia. An excellent way to relax after the hike through the caves.
Return to Tbilisi
Departure from Vardzia for the 4.5-hour drive back.
Arrival in Tbilisi
Drop-off at your hotel or any location in the city center.
Included
- Private transfer from Tbilisi
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Borjomi mineral spring stop
- Rabati fortress, Akhaltsikhe
- Vardzia cave monastery
- Optional hot springs
- Water in the car
Not included
- Vardzia entrance ticket ₾15
- Rabati fortress ticket ₾7
- Food and drinks
- Hot springs entrance (optional)
What Makes Vardzia Unmissable
Queen Tamar Fresco — A Rare Authentic Portrait
The Church of the Assumption contains 12th century frescoes that rank among the finest surviving Byzantine-Georgian art. In the right alcove, look for the portrait of Queen Tamar — one of the very few authentic likenesses of her painted during her own lifetime. Photography without flash is permitted. Most visitors walk past it without knowing what they are looking at.
The Upper Tier — What Most Tourists Miss
The majority of visitors follow the main marked path through the middle levels of Vardzia. But the upper tier, accessible via a staircase on the north edge, gives you a complete aerial view of the entire cave complex stretching along the cliff — and an unobstructed view of the Kura gorge that is genuinely breathtaking. It takes an extra 20 minutes and almost nobody goes there.
Khertvisi Fortress
On the road between Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia stands Khertvisi fortress, one of the oldest in Georgia — fortified since the 4th century BC. It is 10 minutes off the main highway, free to enter and takes about 20 minutes to explore. We stop here if time allows — a perfectly preserved medieval tower above a dramatic river gorge.
Rabati: Three Religions in One Fortress
The restored Rabati fortress in Akhaltsikhe is one of the more unusual sites in the Caucasus: a 19th century Ottoman mosque, an Armenian church and a Georgian Orthodox cathedral all stand within the same fortified walls. The region changed hands between empires for centuries, and Rabati is the physical record of that history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Vardzia from Tbilisi?
About 300 km — roughly 4.5 hours by car. It is Georgia's longest popular day trip. We depart at 07:00 to make the most of daylight at the site and return around 21:00.
Is the Vardzia tour physically demanding?
Moderately. The cave complex involves climbing uneven stone stairs across multiple levels. Comfortable walking shoes with grip are essential. The hike is not extreme, but it is not flat either — expect about 45 minutes of active movement through the caves.
Can we visit Vardzia in winter?
Yes, Vardzia is open year-round. Winter visits are quieter and often dramatic — the cliffs can be dusted with snow. The road from Akhaltsikhe is paved and accessible. Summer (June–August) is busiest; spring and autumn give the best balance of weather and crowd levels.
Is the portrait of Queen Tamar really at Vardzia?
Yes. In the main Church of the Assumption, in the right side alcove, there is a 12th century fresco believed to be a contemporary portrait of Queen Tamar — painted during her lifetime or very shortly after her death. It is one of the most significant historical images in Georgia and easy to miss without a guide pointing it out.
Looking for a Tbilisi city guide?
Timur also leads private tours of Tbilisi — Old Town, Narikala fortress, the sulfur baths and hidden courtyards.
Private Guide Tbilisi →Book the Vardzia Tour
Private group, your pace. 07:00 departure from your hotel.