He waa not answering our questions, it was either I do now know or answering the questions that we did not even ask. At the other side of the complex, youll find a tunnel that leads to the bottom and loops back to the entrance and ticket office. However, we have heard that church is amazing. The cows on the roads caught our attention, the sight of all those green hills and wild rivers amazed us. This also means you can see the cave complex before or after the day-trippers have left. Rooms and common spaces are beautifully decorated with antique carpets and stone finishes. This medieval fortress and worshipping complex was originally built in the 9th century. Construction first began in the 12th century and continued to expand under Queen Tamar into one of the largest cave cities in the region. Nestled deep in southern Samtskhe-Javakheti region, close to the borders with Turkey and Armenia, Vardzia is Georgias largest and most impressive cave city complex. Book now from US$59! To enter the chapel inside Vardzia, men need to be wearing long pants and women a long skirt. Many people reach the ancient city on a tour, however, its also possible to plan a day trip to Vardzia as an independent and budget traveller. One of my favourite places in Samtskhe-Javakheti region, this incredible little village is located roughly halfway between Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia. Find a private driver here. Everything you need to know to plan your visit to Vardzia, Georgias oldest and most impressive cave city. See the exact location here. It was an excellent trip to Borjomi and Vardzia with our guide Nino. This is a door-to-door service, and you can stop for photos anywhere you want. Trending Georgia. To get a good overview of the caves from afar, you should stop off at Vardzia Cavetown Viewpoint on the opposite bank of the river. If theres even a slight chance of rain, bring a jacket and/or umbrella. 1 hour 10 minutes Admission Ticket Not Included, 1 hour 40 minutes Admission Ticket Not Included. Lunch was delicious and very scenic. This might surprise you but there is a daily marshrutka from Gyumri in Armenia across the border to Akhaltsikhe in Georgia. If you have a rental car, this is a very pleasant and easy drive. Thanks May for the clear and open conversations about Georgia as a country! Very entertaining throughout the tour there has been practically no time for boredom. The tour was one of the highlights of our stay in Georgia. This is only an option for summer the Zekari Pass is closed during winter. It dates back to the 8th century, and includes a maze of tunnels that run through rock-cut caves on a sheer cliff wall. Theres a major supermarket across from the marshrutka station. In fact, this is one of the most interesting, unique and beautiful cities in Europe and you won't be bored there for sure. One remark: try to be more specific on the pick-up location. Double check times locally. Along with the magnificent Rabati Fortress, the small city of Akhaltsikhe has a few other interesting churches and some great local restaurants. Then, youll need to make sure that you take the last marshrutka from Vardzia back to Akhaltsikhe at 3pm. He told us a lot about life in Georgia, about his longing to the countryside and how his children were living. From Akhaltsikhe, you can then connect to buses bound for Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Borjomi, or even Gyumri or Yerevan. The caves are amazing. Really interesting tour with a great guide. Vardzia is open 7 days a week, including on Mondays and holidays. Its a lovely complex on top of a hill covered in dense forest. There is limited signage, so take a guide, 6. You should refrain from talking loudly or running. Also in Tmogvi, this charming guesthouse was established in 2008 by local couple, Marina and Sergo. Zeda Vardzia is 3.5km or 15 minutes by car from the caves. Vardzia flourished during the reign of Georgias only female monarch, King (or Queen) Tamar, who reimagined the complex as a self-sufficient city rather than just a place for temporary shelter. From Tbilisi: Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi Private Tour Hence this is a trip that we can recommend to everyone. If you plan to stay in the nearby city of Akhaltsikhe, I highly recommend Guesthouse Old Street, which is located in a heritage home halfway up the hill towards Rabati Castle. Learn more. Very long and very interesting day. Find more information about Saro in my Akhaltsikhe guide, linked below. Largest cave with ancient system. The garden and terraced vineyards here are very impressive. I have driven it multiple times, including twice in a Prius. But because of its remote location and the time it takes to get there, it can be difficult to figure out the best way to travel to Vardzia and just where to fit it into your itinerary. Ottoman invasions saw the caves and the precious manuscripts they held burned to a crisp, which is why most of the rock chambers are blackened inside. The caves are stunning and worth the long drive there. Taxis can be difficult to come by. Akhaltsikhe Bus Station is located next to the railway station on Tamarashvili Street (see the exact location here). Open Air Museum of Ethnography (Etnografiuli Muzeumi) Tours & Tickets. The small town of Akhaltsikhe may not be the most exciting place to spend your time, but its close proximity to Vardzia as well as being home to the beautiful Rabati Castle makes it worthwhile. Vardzia with its spectacular caves, Borjomi with healthy springs and Rabati with historical architecture couldnt leave anyone indifferent. Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! This is a place I want to return to. Nino is such a wonderful tour guide, we had a great time with her and the tour was amazing , its highly recommended to visit. He got angry with me and kept telling me tu hurry up. Women must also cover their hair before entering. They even have a trout farm! There is limited signage, so take a guide 4. This time around we opted for an English-speaking driver and he picked us up from the hotel at 9 am on Sunday. Buses travelling to Tbilisi from Batumi pass through Khashuri. Round-trip transfers from Batumi to Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi can be booked through GoTrip. This natural spring is hidden deep within the complex and accessible via a low tunnel. There are a couple of direct vans between Tbilisi and Vardzia departing from Bus Station Nige (inside Didube) in the mid-morning. Hello Krisztian, I prefer off the beaten track and least explored places, anywhere that promises an adventure. Marshrutka vans to Vardzia and Akhaltsikhe depart from Bus Station Nige located inside the big Didube Bus Station (AKA Okriba). I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Borjomi and Vardzia! 10 Beautiful Day Trips from Tbilisi, Georgia (with Travel Tips) You make a small stop near a castle and after this you drive straight to Vardzia where youll spend two full hours of hiking. The best tour guide forever. The Church is one of the places youll come across at the beginning and then you can make your way through the place at your leisure. This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers. The back garden, with its hammocks strung between apple trees, is particularly nice. Ages 5-79, max of 100 per group. This should get you to Akhaltsikhe in time for the 12.30pm marshrutka to Vardzia. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. Ive since been back several times in different seasons. To travel back to Akhaltsikhe from Vardzia, marshrutka vans depart from the road near the entrance to the caves at 9am, 1pm and 3pm (double-check times locally). There are four marshrutka that travel between Kutaisi and Akhaltsikhe every day. The Wi-Fi was very strong and the family owners provide a delicious breakfast in their restaurant across the street. Language: English En. Not the behaviour expected from a guide. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. There are a couple of shops and a restaurant near the entrance to the caves, but its a good idea to bring your own snacks as well. Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). The price excluded meals and entrance to the sights. The tour is quite long ~12 hours, and the ride is very bumpy. Check rates and availability on Booking.com. As an alternative, Vardzia looks very beautiful in winter when its wrapped in a blanket of snow. We're glad to hear that you had a fantastic time. One of the first cave chambers you come to on the path. Influenced by various cultures, the complex houses aChurch, a Mosque, a Minaret and a Synagogue. At its zenith, the complex had more than 6,000 rooms on 19 levels that served all kinds of purposes as sleeping quarters for the 200 resident monks, as defensive structures, chapels and apothecaries. Day Trips from Tbilisi to Vardzia Day trips Filters 2 activities found How GetYourGuide ranks activities Activities on the GetYourGuide marketplace are ranked by a . There are two ways to drive to Vardzia from Batumi: Via the new highway through Khashuri (this is the route marshrutka vans take) or via the Goderdzi Pass. If you want to take things at your own pace, stop at the viewpoint and explore the surrounding area but you dont want to join a tour, then I suggest hiring a private driver for the day via GoTrip. The journey takes four hours and the border crossing is a breeze for nationalities who dont need a visa. For the best landscape colours and fewer crowds, I recommend visiting either in late spring (late April/May) or autumn (late September through October). 10 Beautiful Day Trips from Tbilisi, Georgia (with Travel Tips) Georgia 10 Beautiful Day Trips from Tbilisi, Georgia (Last Updated On: 28/02/2023) Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a wonderful place to visit! It's great to know that both the tour guide and driver left a positive impression on you. If youre staying at Old Street, my recommended hotel in Akhaltsikhe, the owners can organise a reliable driver for you. 2023 Day Trip to Vardzia and Borjomi Park - Tripadvisor If youre attempting a Vardzia day trip via Akhaltsikhe, I recommend catching the earliest van from Didube to make it in time for the 12.20pm van from Akhaltsikhe to the caves. Duration: 14h. Because there are no direct buses to Vardzia from Kutaisi or Batumi and only a couple of direct vans from Tbilisi, anyone whos travelling by marshrutka will likely have to transit through Akhaltsikhe first. Vardzia, Georgia A Day Trip from Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Georgia A Day Trip From Tbilisi, Romfartuna, Vstmanland Exploring Sweden, Nsskansen, Sdermanland Exploring Sweden, My Ancestors Blekinge Road Trip in Southern Sweden 2022, A Surprise on land Road Trip in Southern Sweden 2022. Hi Tan I am not sure exactly but there should be frequent vans from Khashuri to Kutaisi, and the fare should be around 10 GEL. Mon 3 Jul 2023 17.25 EDT. You can go to Vardzia as a day trip from Akhaltsikhe. The coffee here is great too, and the location overlooking the water is very pleasant. Kk ara? Budget option: Full-day tour of Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi. Tamuna was our guidea and sheade a great job of taking care of everyone in the group, from the most talkative to the lesser ones. You will stop by a fort, get some Georgian lunch, visit a park with natural spring water to try, and then head back. TheBorjomi-Kharagauli National Park is oneof the largest national parks of the country. 2023 Cultural & Theme Tours in Tbilisi. How to Plan a Day Trip to Vardzia, Georgia - Beyond Wild Places Private transfer with GoTrip: Round-trip transfers to Borjomi, Rabati and Vardzia from Kutaisi are also available on GoTrip. One of the largest (and oldest) fortresses in Georgia, this castle sits at the confluence of the Paravani and Mtkvari rivers 16km north of Vardzia. There are a number of cafes and restaurants located in the carpark at Vardzia. Find amazing things to do at the best price. TheRabati Castlesteals the show in Akhaltsikhe and is the towns main attraction. Georgian Railway operates a train from Tbilisi to Kharagauli 3 times a day. Legend says the duo gave the site its name: Vardzia sounds like c var dzia, or I am here, uncle, a phrase apparently uttered by a young Tamar after she got lost in the caves. He also described what we were seeing along the way in addition to just where we were stopping. It is really great to know that you loved the day and the tour with us! If you have a 4WD, there is an alternative road into Vardzia that makes for a much more spectacular entrance. Check prices and availability here on Viator or book direct through the Budget Georgia website and save 10% when you mention Wander-Lush. Further along the river in the village of Tmogvi, these castle ruins are set in a dramatic location high above the rocky river gorge. Lenny did a great job! If you do go by marshrutka, youll only have an hour or so at the caves and youll miss out on everything else the area has to offer. From Vardzia back to Akhaltsikhe, there are departures at 9am, 1pm and 3pm. Recommended for those willing to do a long day-trip to see a unique part of Georgia! In this guide, Ill run through the different transport options available from Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi. The minivan leaves at 10am and costs 4000 AMD (AU$13). How long to spend at Vardzia: 2-3 hours is enough time to wander the cave city independently. Vardzia had a sophisticated irrigation system to channel drinking water down to the lower levels. The tour was good, it was a 14 hour round trip. The big undercover swimming pool is housed inside a glorified concrete shed, fed by a steaming torrent of water. All Rights Reserved. Nestled deep in southern Samtskhe-Javakheti region, close to the borders with Turkey and Armenia, Vardzia is Georgia's largest and most impressive cave city complex. A taxi will charge around 25 Lari (AU$12.50) round trip. Living in an old Fiat Ducato van somewhere in Australia, How to Plan a Day Trip to Vardzia, Georgia, on How to Plan a Day Trip to Vardzia, Georgia, A Complete Guide to the Mestia to Ushguli Trek, Essential information for a day trip to Vardzia, How to travel from Tbilisi to Vardzia and back in one day by public transport. An earthquake in the late 13th century destroyed much of the city but monks continued to live within the caves until a Persian attack in 1551. If you want to take an electric car to the entrance (highly recommended), this will cost an additional 2 GEL per person. A full-day, small-group tour of southern Georgia, Visit four must-see attractions, with a lunch stop in Aspindza (additional cost), Enjoy comfortable, door-to-door transportation, with transfers from Tblisi, Tours are capped at only 18 people for a personalized experience, 2 Ketevan Tsamebuli Ave, T'bilisi, Georgia, Confirmation will be received at time of booking, Not recommended for travelers with back problems, No heart problems or other serious medical conditions. This should cost around 70-80 GEL round-trip including wait time while you visit the caves. You can clearly see the little nook shelves hewn from the rock where the glass bottles must have sat. Though the tour was long but it definitely worth it, particularly that we were able to see many parts of the country. Sweeping in scale and rich in history, Vardzia is unsurprisingly a fixture of most travellers Georgia wish-list. Im Emily, an Australian journalist and photographer living in beautiful Kutaisi, Georgia. Opening hours: Every day from 10am until 7pm. Zeda Vardzia (Upper Vardzia) is an active convent located in the hills above the main Vardzia caves. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. Finally, Borjomi was the last stop on our journey. I recommend hiring a car from a local agent through Local Rent. Lunch was equally amazing with great views. The tour, perfectly planned and executed, has been a journey through time in as far as the visit to the Vardfzia caves are concerned. Additionally, there are two vans from Akhaltsikhe to Miramkhani (Mirashkhani), a village just down the road from Vardzia, at 10.35am and 4pm. One of the most popular things to do in Borjomi is to go on a day trip to the fascinating and beautiful cave city of Vardzia. Back at the road junction between the main road to Akhaltsikhe and the side road to Vardzia, youll findKhertvisi Fortress, an impressive structure built between the 10th and 14th centuries. The bus was so uncomfy, the driver was driving so fast and like crazy, the tour guide had a looooww voice that I had to ask him many times to raise his voice because I couldn't hear him. Our first stop on the way to Vardzia was Rabati. Visitors can enter the caves as well as the Church of the Dormition. Extended day trips from Tbilisi (over 3 hours travel) If you have limited time in Georgia and you want to see more of the country on a side trip from the capital, these 4 extended Tbilisi day trips. Okay . Check rates and availability on Booking.com. Day Trips to Vardzia - Tbilisi Message Board - Tripadvisor Everything is planned carefully and responsible. Discover all the best things to do in Georgia with my free 25-page PDF guide: 365 Things to Do in Georgia. If you have any further questions, let me know in the comments and Ill do my best to answer. Take extra care if youre visiting with small children as some areas do not have railings. A really great day overall, filled with activities and with an expert guide. The best way to reach Vardzia by marshrutka is by transferring in Akhaltsikhe, the closest major transport hub and only 1.5 hours from Vardzia. The tour was well organised, and while a long day, Nika kept us entertained with personal stories and the history of Georgia. While the ride is long, it is beautiful along the way and is nicely broken up with stops. Another option is to change marshrutka vans in Akhaltsikhe. Guides carry keys to a few secret passages and caves that you cant otherwise enter, but note that English-speaking guides might not always be available. Taking from Tbilisi a one day-tour to Vardzia is an amazing opportunity for an unforgettable experience of your time in Georgia. Find a private driver here. And getting out of them was quite an adventure in rainy weather. See 122 reviews and photos of the Day Trip to Vardzia and Borjomi Park. For detailed transport instructions including public transport from Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi and Akhaltsikhe, please see my Vardzia Transport Guide. Vardzia, Georgia - A Day Trip from Tbilisi All the best. After our day trip to Kazbegi we felt like discovering more of Georgia. The cave monastery was mainly built duringthe second half of the twelfth century. Small-Group Tour of Southern Georgia from Tblisi 2023 - Tbilisi - Viator Hope you visit us in future as well! Vardzia was completely abandoned in the 16th century and left untouched until excavations began in the Soviet era. And the thunder that echoed in the mountains. Because of the size of the complex, you can expect to spend an hour or two admiring strolling around in the area. If youre visiting Vardzia from Kutaisi, I recommend this group tour with Budget Georgia. Well organised and breathtaking sight in Georgia. You have to buy a ticket from a counter inside the main building and the marshrutkas just park up outside. Tour guide George (Goldman) was excellent. See my Akhaltsikhe city guide for details. The cave city sits high above the Mtkvari River deep in a rural valley of sandy-coloured rugged rock. Drivers wait in front of the bus station. So anyone a little less non-religious than the two of us should pay it a visit. As with the Zekari Pass, it might be closed off in winter. The heavy bell that once hung here was stolen during a Mongol invasion, along with gilded manuscripts and other treasures. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for more unique experiences in Georgia! The tour guide gives very interesting information for everything. 4 times a day Estimated price $3 Schedules at tbilisitrip.com . When entering one is greeted by beautiful green parks and beautiful architecture. Again, the family who runs this property is incredibly kind and gracious. Approximately 60 km fromAkhaltsikhe a road following the upperMtkvari River and leading through canyons and valleys lies the cave city of Vardzia. Passing through Borjomi, a famous . 8 reviews Free cancellation US$ 41 See availability Vardzia monastery Borjomi, Vardzia & Rabati Castle Day Trip Akhmedie Mosque at Rabati Castle Wandering around Borjomi See more photos (13) Amazing tour with our guide Zaza! You can easily spend2-3 hourswandering around the cave city of Vardzia, especially if you want to take your time and enjoy every corner of the complex. I highly recommend paying the extra 2 GEL to get driven in a golf cart from the ticket booth to the main entrance of the caves. The rounded holes in the floor are the remains of bread ovens; the narrow channel was used to direct smoke from the wood fire. It underwent an extensive reconstruction effort a decade ago and certainly appears far less ancient now. The tree was removed years ago. There is a spring water fountain at the entrance to the caves (at the spot where the electric car drops you off) where you can fill up. If your plan is to stay in Akhaltsikhe, I highly recommend taking a room at Guesthouse Old Street. There are two direct morning buses to Vardzia from Tbilisi at 10.10am and 11am. Day Trips to Vardzia Watch this Topic Browse forums All Georgia forums Tbilisi forum o_OMZ Toronto, Canada Level Contributor 186 posts 74 reviews 39 helpful votes Day Trips to Vardzia 6 years ago Save Hello, I would like to visit Vardzia in early September if as a day trip if possible. Your email address will not be published. Tours are available throughout the year (including in winter). thanks for the information. There is a cash desk where you can buy your bus tickets right next to the orange Bank of Georgia branch. This is my favourite bus station in Georgia its very organised with printed timetables in English. Im a twenty-something year old Australian writer, traveller, hiker and vanlifer. Very very tide space. View the exact location here. It did not seem that the tour guide did not habe enough knowledge about the topics of the tour.
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