LEGENDARY PLACES OF GEORGIA: VARDZIA, BORJOMI, RABAT.( Private Tour)

Explore Georgia’s Legendary Sites in a Single Day

This private tour offers a comprehensive look at three of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks: Borjomi, Rabati Castle, and Vardzia, all in approximately 13 hours. Priced at $118 per person, it provides a convenient way to see these historic highlights with door-to-door transportation from Tbilisi. The tour is ideal for travelers with limited time, as it combines scenic drives, cultural insights, and access to legendary sites, all led by a highly qualified guide.

The experience stands out for its personalized nature — since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, and you can enjoy Wi-Fi on board and comfortably air-conditioned transportation. The tour’s pace is well managed, with enough time at each stop to appreciate the sites without feeling rushed. A key advantage is the included guide, who enriches your understanding of Georgia’s complex history and culture.

While the tour does not include all entrance fees, it offers transparent ticket prices, such as $2 for Borjomi and $5 for Vardzia. Travelers should note the additional costs for some sites, but the overall value remains strong given the depth of exploration and convenience. This tour is especially suited to first-time visitors or those eager to cover a lot of ground in one day.

Key Points

• Full-day private tour visiting Borjomi, Rabati Castle, and Vardzia
• Price: $118 per person; most tours are booked 131 days in advance
• Duration: approximately 13 hours, with door-to-door service from Tbilisi
• Includes private transportation, Wi-Fi, and a knowledgeable guide
• Stops include scenic Borjomi Park, historic Rabati Castle, and the expansive cave complex of Vardzia
• Ticket costs are modest, with $2 for Borjomi, $4 for Rabati, and $5 for Vardzia

Visiting Borjomi: Mineral Water and Scenic Views

The tour begins with a stop at Borjomi Central Park, famous for its world-renowned mineral water. Travelers walk through a picturesque area featuring the Prometheus monument and a charming waterfall. A cable car ride offers sweeping views of the surrounding gorge and landscape, providing excellent photo opportunities.

While the admission to Borjomi Park is free, a $1 ticket allows tasting the mineral water directly from the source, giving a refreshing start to the day. The guide shares insights into the archaeological excavations that reveal the water’s long history, making this stop both scenic and educational.

Expect approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes at Borjomi, enough to enjoy the park, take photos, and sample the famous mineral water. Travelers should plan for a short additional cost if they wish to enter specific attractions or rides, but most of the experience is outdoors and accessible.

Discovering Rabati Castle’s Cultural Heritage

Next, the tour takes you to Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe — a vibrant, medieval fortress that embodies Georgia’s diverse history. The fortress, which served as a crucial transit point between Christian and Muslim cultures, is notable for its colorful architecture and rich ornamentation.

The guide explains the origins of Rabati and its significance in Georgian history while you explore the palace halls decorated in traditional Georgian style. The impressive size of the fortress and its decorative details make it a compelling stop, allowing for a deeper understanding of Georgia’s cultural crossroads.

The entry fee is $4, and visitors typically spend about 2 hours wandering through the fortress and its various structures. The site’s vibrant history and impressive architecture make this stop a highlight of the tour.

Exploring the Ancient Rock-Cut City of Vardzia

The highlight of the tour is the Vardzia cave complex, built in the 12th century, which is more than just a series of carved rock dwellings. This rock-hewn monastery city features 13 levels and over 500 rooms, including churches, chapels, residential cells, refectories, and libraries.

During the visit, the guide points out the secret passages, water supply systems, and irrigation channels that have been remarkably preserved. The rooms extend down 50 meters into the rock and rise up to eight floors, creating an extraordinary fortress that served multiple functions throughout history.

The admission fee is $5, and visitors typically spend around 3 hours exploring every corner of Vardzia. The site’s vast scale and well-preserved structures make it a captivating experience, especially for those interested in Georgia’s medieval architecture and monastic life.

Convenient Transportation and Expert Guidance

One of the tour’s major strengths is the door-to-door transportation, which includes Wi-Fi on board for connectivity. This makes the long drives between sites comfortable and productive. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring a pleasant journey regardless of the weather.

The highly qualified guide not only navigates the logistics but also provides contextual stories and historical insights at each stop. Many reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and language skills, particularly mentioning guides like George, who explain Georgian history in accessible terms.

Since the tour is private, your group can enjoy a flexible pace and personalized attention, enhancing the overall experience. The entire day is well-paced, balancing sightseeing with sufficient time at each location.

Practicalities: Meeting Points, Ticketing, and Cancellation

The tour departs from 1 Abano St, Tbilisi, at 7:00 am, with the activity ending back at the same meeting point. The ticketing process is straightforward, with a ticket redemption point at 3 Vakhtang Gorgasali St.

While entry to sites requires some additional tickets—$2 for Borjomi, $4 for Rabat’s castle, and $5 for Vardzia—these are modest costs that add to the overall value. The tour includes no lunch, so travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during stops.

If needed, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for plans to change.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This private tour suits history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those eager to explore Georgia’s legendary sites without the hassle of logistical planning. It’s especially good for first-time visitors who want a rundown of Georgia’s diverse heritage in one day.

Travelers who appreciate comfortable transportation, expert commentary, and small-group intimacy will find this experience rewarding. It’s ideal for those with limited time but a strong interest in discovering Georgia’s most iconic landmarks.

Final Words on the Georgia Day Tour

This $118 private day trip delivers a balanced experience of nature, history, and architecture. The inclusion of Borjomi’s mineral waters, Rabati Castle’s colorful history, and the vast caves of Vardzia makes it a rich, varied itinerary.

While the entrance fees are extra, the overall value is high given the convenience and depth of exploration. The personalized guides and comfortable transport make this a reliable choice for anyone eager to see Georgia’s most legendary sites efficiently.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, informative, and scenic day out, this tour offers a compelling way to experience Georgia’s historical treasures in one memorable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $118 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 13 hours from start to finish.

What is included in the price?
The price includes private transportation, Wi-Fi onboard, and a highly qualified guide. Entrance tickets to sites are not included but are inexpensive.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from 1 Abano St, Tbilisi at 7:00 am.

Are tickets required for each site?
Yes, additional tickets are needed: $2 for Borjomi, $4 for Rabati Castle, and $5 for Vardzia.

Is lunch included?
No, travelers should plan to bring their own food or buy options during stops.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but physical mobility may be required for exploring Vardzia’s extensive caves.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of three legendary sites in one day, personalized guidance, and door-to-door transportation make it a practical and enriching experience.

Who is the tour provider?
The tour is operated by ushba travel.