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VARDZIA · SOUTHERN GEORGIA

Vardzia, Abastumani & Rabati — 2-day tour from Tbilisi

Two days into Samtskhe–Javakheti: a cliff-carved cave city, pine-forest walks, an observatory visit, and a night inside a fortress.

FROM $259for a group
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Duration
2 days
Tour type
Private multi-day tour
Group size
Up to 2 guests
Ages
All ages
Languages
English
About this tour

For travelers who’ve seen the classics.

Designed for travelers who have already ticked off Tbilisi, Kazbegi, and Kakheti — this two-day loop dives south into Samtskhe–Javakheti: cliff-carved Vardzia, the cool pine air of Abastumani, and a night inside the walls of Rabati Fortress.

Tour highlights

Moments that make the journey.

Vardzia cave city

You’ll explore the 12th-century cave monastery carved into the cliff face — hundreds of rooms, a church, and royal chambers cut into the rock.

Abastumani forest

You’ll walk through the pine forests of Abastumani, a historic health resort in the highlands.

Abastumani Observatory

You’ll visit the historic observatory used by astronomers for over a century.

Rabati Fortress

You’ll spend the night inside Rabati Fortress — a layered medieval complex in Akhaltsikhe — and explore it on day two.

Full itinerary

Two days in the south.

  1. Day 1 — Hotel pickup in Tbilisi

    Your driver-guide meets you at your hotel.

  2. Drive south & Meskhetian cuisine

    Depart Tbilisi with a stop to try traditional Meskhetian dishes along the way.

  3. Vardzia cave city

    Explore Vardzia, the 12th-century cave monastery carved into the rock.

  4. Drive to Abastumani

    Journey through the Samtskhe–Javakheti highlands.

  5. Pine forest walk

    Relaxed walk through the pine forest.

  6. Dinner & observatory visit

    Dinner in Abastumani followed by a visit to the historic observatory.

  7. Overnight at Rabati Fortress

    Stay at Hotel Gino Wellness Rabati, located inside Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe.

  8. Day 2 — Breakfast at the hotel

  9. Rabati Fortress

    Explore the multi-layered historical complex.

  10. Return to Tbilisi

    Drive back to Tbilisi with a lunch stop along the way.

A note from us: timings are flexible. Meals not included unless agreed. We adjust for your comfort.

What's included

  • Private driver-guide and comfortable vehicle
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi
  • Visit to Vardzia
  • Visit to Abastumani Observatory
  • One-night stay at Hotel Gino Wellness Rabati, located inside Rabati Fortress
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Booking request

Plan your southern adventure.

Choose your preferred start date for the Vardzia & Rabati tour, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Please note: this is a booking request — we'll personally confirm availability within 24 hours by email or WhatsApp.

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