Vardzia: Day Trips and Tours from Tbilisi

Those wishing to dig into Georgia’s roots can do so at the cave complex of Vardzia. This 12th-century site features underground rooms and art-lined churches, through which you can discover much about the Mongol raids of Georgia, including the unexpected victory of the Georgian army against their invaders.

Day trips to Vardzia from Tbilisi are suitable for the whole family and are a must for history lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Here's all you need to know about Vardzia, one of the most exciting day trips from Tbilisi.

How to get to Vardzia from Tbilisi?

Vardzia is located on the Erusheti mountain in Southern Georgia. It is just under 230 kilometers from the capital city of Tbilisi.

From Tbilisi to Vardzia by car

The journey to Vardzia by car takes approximately 4 hours following the Tskneti Highway west of Tbilisi. You’ll then utilize the Tbilisi-Kojori-Tsalka-Ninotsminda as far as Ninotsminda when you’ll merge onto the E691, which transports you to Khertvisi Fortress. From there, you’ll travel along Khertvisi-Vardzia-Mirashkhani to reach the site.

From Tbilisi to Vardzia by bus/public transport

Those without access to a car can make the jaunt to Vardzia by public transportation. You can take a public Marshrutka van from Didube Bus Station, which takes around 5 hours to reach the destination. These vans depart twice daily, both in the morning.

Guided tour to Vardzia from Tbilisi

Alternatively, you can opt for a guided excursion to Vardzia and allow someone to take care of all the organizational details for you. If you choose a group tour, you’ll meet your guide in a public place, such as Avlabari Metro Station.

On the other hand, those who choose a private trip will benefit from a convenient hotel pickup between 8 AM and 9 AM. These Vardzia day tours typically last between 13 and 14 hours, however, you can select a multi-day tour if you have more room in your itinerary.

How much does the entrance ticket to Vardzia cost?

It costs 15 GEL (US$6) per person to enter Vardzia. This admission fee is typically not included in tour prices so ensure you have cash on the day of your excursion.

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Vardzia day trip is different, they typically all follow a similar route. After meeting your guide, you’ll board your vehicle and head off in the direction of the cave complex. Along the way, you’ll stop at several destinations, which generally include historic monuments that showcase the deep roots of this corner of Georgia, including churches, castles and fortresses.

Your guide will talk you through the history behind these spectacular monuments as you wander their grounds before continuing on toward Vardzia. Another destination you’ll visit at some point throughout the day, before or after Vardzia, is Borjomi — famed for its mineral water — where you can take a stroll through its verdant park and learn about how the most prominent mineral water company in Europe rose from this location.

In Vardzia, you’ll take a tour of the complex, admiring the artworks and rock formations before heading back to Tbilisi.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Vardzia?

There are a range of Vardzia day trips to choose from, depending on your travel style and personal preferences.

Guided tours to Vardzia plus Borjomi Park from Tbilisi

On this Vardzia day trip, you’ll travel first to Borjomi — a renowned resort town in Southern Georgia. You’ll also amble through Borjomi Central Park, home to a scattering of natural mineral pools. Continuing on, you’ll see the Fortress of Khertvisi, first documented in the 10th century.

However, it is thought that a fortification has existed on this site for much longer and was once invaded by Alexander the Great. Lastly, you’ll discover the cave complex of Vardzia, constructed by King Giorgio III and his daughter, Queen Tamar, to protect up to 50,000 of the area’s inhabitants from raids.

Private tour to Vardzia from Tbilisi

Those who are seeking greater personalization than a group tour can provide should consider opting for a private day tour to Vardzia. With a personal guide that is dedicated to your enjoyment of the excursion, you’ll travel to the 9th-century Rabati Castle, which was attacked at the end of the 14th century.

Moving on, you’ll enjoy dining on traditional fare at a local restaurant before exploring the renowned wall paintings of Vardzia, which were created over a period of 600 years in the Middle Ages. Stroll around the ancient Khertvisi Fortress before finishing your day at Borjomi Central Park.

2-Day tour to Vardzia plus Borjomi Park from Tbilisi

If you have a little more time to spare, consider participating in a multi-day tour from Tbilisi. This will enable you to sightsee at a slower pace, making your way to Borjomi on the first day, with several attractions en route. These include Jvari Monastery, as well as Mtskheta, which is home to a plethora of religious monuments that form their own UNESCO World Heritage site.

On day 2, you’ll discover Rabati Castle, as well as Vardzia and Paravani Lake, which is a volcanic stretch of water and covers more than 30 square kilometers.

How much does a day trip to Vardzia from Tbilisi cost?

A group day trip to Vardzia costs approximately US$60 per person while private tours cost US$300 if you travel solo. However, you’ll save money per head with each additional member added to your party and, with the maximum group size of 15, you’ll each pay between US$50, and US$60 each.

Combination Vardzia day tours cost US$360 per solo adult. However, with the maximum party size of six people, the price per head reduces to just under US$80. Children between the ages of 7 and 17 cost US$50 while those under 7 cost US$20 each. It’s worth noting that accommodation is at your own expense.

What will you see and do?

The cave monastery of Vardzia was built in the 12th century at the order of King Giorgio III who died before seeing the site completed. Queen Tamar finished the complex, which was constructed to offer protection for the residents of the area from the Mongols, who were a great threat at the time. Once completed, the cave complex featured thousands of rooms, as well as a church and a throne room. Legend tells that Queen Tamar claimed 366 rooms as her own to confuse the enemy in case of attack.

Today, several hundred of these rooms remain and a handful of monks still inhabit the site. Visitors typically take a day tour to Vardzia to explore the range of wall paintings on display inside its church. These include artworks of Queen Tamar and King Giorgio III, and showcase the spectacular talents of Georgian artists in the Middle Ages.

What are the opening times?

Vardzia is open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 7 PM.

When is the best time to visit Vardzia?

The best time to visit Vardzia is during the spring (April to early June) and fall (September to October). During these times, the temperatures are mild, and the natural scenery is at its peak, providing a spectacular backdrop to your day trip.

What other day trips can you do from Tbilisi?

• Kazbegi day trips from Tbilisi
• Kakheti Region day tours from Tbilisi
• Gudauri day trips from Tbilisi
• Uplistsikhe day trips from Tbilisi
• Ananuri day trips from Tbilisi

Travel tips

• The terrain in and around Vardzia is uneven, and there's a fair amount of walking and climbing involved. Make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
• Vardzia is a religious site, so it's advisable to dress modestly out of respect. This often means covering shoulders and knees.
• The passageways and chambers in the cave complex can be narrow and low. Be mindful of where you step and watch for low ceilings.