Vardzia, Rabati & Borjomi Day Trip: Caves, Castles & Mineral Water

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/6

Duration12h–13h

GroupUp to 15

LanguagesEN · RU

Mobile ticketAccepted

Ancient cave labyrinths, fortress towers and Borjomi’s healing springs

You’ll wander ancient cave tunnels at Vardzia with a local guide, taste sweet churchkhela at Rabati Fortress, and sip famous Borjomi mineral water surrounded by forested hills. Expect real stories, unexpected flavors, and moments of quiet awe—plus all transport and snacks sorted for you.

12h–13h

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi

Explore Vardzia cave city
Visit Vardzia churches
Learn about Georgian history
Enjoy Vardzia scenic views
Explore Rabati castle
Visit Rabati mosque
See Rabati church
Explore Borjomi town
Taste Borjomi mineral water
Relax in Borjomi nature

The Experience

We started out from Tbilisi before sunrise—still half asleep, honestly. By the time we reached Vardzia, the sun was warming the cliffs and our guide Nino had already taught us how to say “madloba” (thank you). The caves looked almost unreal at first—like a honeycomb carved into the rock. Inside, it felt cooler and somehow quieter than outside. I remember touching the stone walls—so smooth in places where centuries of hands have passed. Nino pointed out faded frescoes in a tiny church tucked away deep inside; she told us about Queen Tamar hiding here during invasions. I tried to imagine living in those tunnels with only candlelight and that view over the valley. Kind of humbling.

After that climb (my legs were not prepared), we drove to Rabati Castle. The fortress is this wild mix of cultures—there’s a mosque right next to a church and even a synagogue inside the walls. We wandered through courtyards where locals were selling nuts and dried fruit; one old man insisted we try his churchkhela (it’s like a chewy walnut candy covered in grape juice). I probably got grape juice on my shirt but whatever—it was worth it. The call to prayer drifted across the stones while some Georgian kids played football near the ramparts. It all felt strangely peaceful for a place that’s seen so much history.

Borjomi was last—a small town wrapped in green hills, famous for its mineral water. The smell there is different—sharp, almost metallic from the springs mixed with pine trees after rain. We filled our cups straight from an old tap in the park; it tastes… well, honestly it’s an acquired taste but people swear by its healing powers. Our driver joked that if you drink enough Borjomi water you’ll live forever—I’m not sure about that but I did feel lighter walking back through those quiet paths.

I still think about how different each stop felt—the echo inside Vardzia’s caves, sunlight on Rabati’s towers, cold mineral water on my tongue in Borjomi. It wasn’t what I expected at all (in a good way). If you’re curious about Georgia beyond Tbilisi, this day trip really shows just how layered this country is.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, guidance from a professional local expert throughout Vardzia’s caves and Rabati Castle, plus tastings of traditional chacha brandy and sweet churchkhela snacks along the way before returning to Tbilisi in the evening.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Imperial Tours