Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi Ancient Georgia Group Tour

The Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi Ancient Georgia Group Tour offers travelers a chance to uncover the rich historical and natural wonders of this captivating region. Departing from Tbilisi, this small-group excursion promises an immersive experience, led by a knowledgeable guide. From the medieval fortress of Rabati to the awe-inspiring cave city of Vardzia and the picturesque town of Borjomi, the tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into Georgia’s enduring heritage. With comfortable transportation and traditional snacks, participants can sit back and soak in the stunning landscapes, leaving them eager to discover more about this intriguing destination.

Key Points

• This group tour provides a comprehensive exploration of three of Georgia’s most significant historical and cultural sites: Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi.
• The tour includes guided visits to these ancient sites, allowing participants to gain insights into Georgia’s rich heritage and diverse cultural influences.
• Travelers can experience traditional Georgian snacks and activities, in addition to enjoying the scenic landscapes during the tour.
• The tour offers air-conditioned transportation, WiFi, and a professional guide, catering to the needs of up to 15 participants.
• While the tour is generally praised for its knowledgeable guides and scenic experiences, some participants have noted logistical challenges and issues regarding the tour’s schedule.

Tour Overview

This group tour provides travelers a chance to explore some of the most captivating historical sites in ancient Georgia.

The tour’s name is "Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi Ancient Georgia Group Tour," and it departs from Tbilisi. With a maximum of 15 participants, the tour has an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 7 reviews.

Starting at 7:00 am, the long day tour returns around 10 pm, offering guided visits to Rabati, Vardzia, and Borjomi.

Included are air-conditioned transportation, WiFi, a professional guide, and admission fees, while meals outside the tour and personal expenses are excluded.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, and a professional guide to lead the group.

Lunch is also provided, along with admission fees to Borjomi Park (5 GEL), Vardzia (15 GEL), and Rabati (17 GEL).

However, any post-tour restaurant meals and food/drink during the tour aren’t included in the cost.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 15 travelers and runs for a long day, returning around 10 pm.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour meeting point is located at 15 Abano St in Tbilisi, Georgia.

At the end of the day, the tour returns to the same meeting point.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps during the transportation.

The tour includes:

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infants must sit on laps
• Returns to the meeting point

The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi on board for the group’s comfort and convenience during the long day of sightseeing.

Tour Experience

The tour provides a captivating exploration of Georgia’s ancient history and natural wonders. Travelers will embark on guided tours of the remarkable Rabati, Vardzia, and Borjomi sites. At each location, they’ll gain insights into Georgia’s rich cultural heritage and have the chance to savor traditional snacks like Chacha and Churchkhela. The transportation includes ample time for travel, allowing participants to enjoy the scenic landscapes en route. While some reviews noted logistical challenges, the overall experience is praised for the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to take in Georgia’s remarkable past.

Activity	Location	Duration
Guided Tour	Rabati	–
Guided Tour	Vardzia	–
Guided Tour	Borjomi	–

Exploring Rabati

Rabati Castle, a captivating medieval fortress, welcomes visitors to explore its rich history and architectural wonders.

Perched atop a hill in the town of Akhaltsikhe, this impressive structure dates back to the 9th century and has witnessed numerous battles and sieges over the centuries.

Visitors can discover:

• The castle’s imposing stone walls and towers
• The Rabati Mosque, a stunning example of Georgian-Islamic architecture
• The Ethnographic Museum, showcasing local traditions and crafts
• The remains of the old synagogue, hinting at the region’s diverse past

Exploring Rabati Castle provides a glimpse into Georgia’s fascinating heritage, blending diverse cultural influences into a captivating historical destination.

Discovering Vardzia

One of the highlights of the Ancient Georgia group tour is the exploration of Vardzia, a breathtaking cave city carved into the side of a mountain. This sprawling complex dates back to the 12th century and was once home to over 20,000 people. Visitors can wander through the intricate network of tunnels, churches, and living quarters, marveling at the incredible feat of engineering. The tour includes a guided visit, allowing travelers to learn about the site’s rich history and cultural significance.

Feature	Description
Age	12th century
Population	Over 20,000 people
Highlights	Tunnels, churches, living quarters

The group will have the opportunity to enjoy the mystique of this ancient wonder, gaining a deeper appreciation for Georgia’s remarkable heritage.

Experiencing Borjomi

After exploring the ancient cave city of Vardzia, the group tour continues to the charming town of Borjomi.

Known for its mineral water springs and lush greenery, Borjomi offers a refreshing respite. The group visits the beautiful Borjomi Central Park, where they can:

• Stroll through the scenic walking paths
• Sample the famous Borjomi mineral water
• Admire the ornate Romanov Palace
• Participate in traditional Georgian activities

With ample time to explore at their own pace, the travelers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty of Borjomi before heading back to Tbilisi, their minds filled with the wonders of Georgia’s past and present.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers provided a mix of feedback on the Ancient Georgia group tour. Many praised the guides for their charisma and helpfulness in providing historical insights.

Travelers also appreciated the scenic views and flexibility of the tour, as well as the opportunity to enjoy traditional Georgian snacks.

However, some found the tour to be average, especially for English speakers. A few participants noted issues with the timing and lack of guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Spending Money Should I Bring for Souvenirs?

Based on the tour details, it’s recommended to bring additional spending money for souvenirs, as the tour only covers admission fees and lunch. An extra $20-$40 USD should provide ample funds for purchasing souvenirs and local snacks during the tour.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Historical Sites?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the historical sites, but they should check with the tour guide or site staff for any specific restrictions. Photography is often permitted, but may be prohibited in certain areas for preservation or security reasons.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to join, though infants must be seated on a parent’s lap during transportation.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Exploring Each Location?

The tour allots approximately 1-2 hours for exploring each location, allowing travelers time to see the key sights and learn about the history and significance of Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi from the professional guide.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour for Additional Sightseeing?

Though the tour is a long day trip, the agency does not appear to offer an option to extend the itinerary for additional sightseeing. The schedule seems fixed, with limited time allocated for exploring each location on the tour.

The Sum Up

This Georgia group tour provides an enriching experience, allowing travelers to explore the country’s captivating historical and natural wonders. From the medieval Rabati fortress to the impressive Vardzia cave city and the picturesque town of Borjomi, participants gain deep insights into Georgia’s heritage. With comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and traditional snacks, the tour offers a well-rounded and immersive way to discover the highlights of this fascinating destination.