Vardzia

Vardzia Cave City — 1-Day Journey

Into Georgia’s Hidden Rock-Cut Kingdom

Tbilisi → Vardzia → Tbilisi

Tour Essence

This 1-day Vardzia tour takes you to one of Georgia’s most extraordinary historical monuments — a vast rock-cut cave city carved into a cliff above the Mtkvari River.

Built in the 12th century during the reign of Queen Tamar, Vardzia is a masterpiece of medieval engineering, spirituality, and resilience. The journey combines dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and a sense of discovery found nowhere else in Georgia.

Route & Experience

Tbilisi → Javakheti Highlands → Vardzia → Tbilisi

Highlights

• Scenic drive through southern Georgia and the Javakheti region
• Exploration of Vardzia Cave City
• Walk through ancient tunnels, chambers, stairways, and terraces
• Visit to the Church of the Dormition with preserved medieval frescoes
• Panoramic views over the Mtkvari River canyon
• Time for photography and quiet exploration

Vardzia — Why It’s Unique

Vardzia is not just a monastery. It is a hidden city once housing thousands of monks, soldiers, and residents, complete with:

• Living quarters
• Chapels
• Wine cellars
• Water systems
• Secret passages

Standing inside the caves, you experience Georgia’s medieval history carved directly into stone.

Practical Details

• Duration: Full day (early departure, late return)
• Difficulty: Moderate walking inside the cave complex
• Best for: History lovers, photographers, explorers, culture-focused travelers

What’s Included

• Comfortable transportation
• Professional English-speaking guide
• All sightseeing as per itinerary
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Tbilisi

Optional Add-Ons

• Lunch stop at a local restaurant
• Extended photo session
• Private tour upgrade

Why Choose GTour

• Thoughtfully paced itinerary
• Knowledgeable guides with historical insight
• Comfortable vehicles for long distances
• Authentic, non-rushed exploration

With GTour, Vardzia is not just a site — it is a journey into Georgia’s stone-carved past.