Things to do in Rabati

Embark on a captivating day tour through the heart of Georgia’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Visit the ancient cave city of Vardzia, the grand Rabati Castle, and the charming Borjomi town, known for its natural beauty and healing mineral waters. Begin with a visit to Vardzia, a fascinating rock-hewn cave city nestled in the cliffs of the Erusheti Mountain, dating back to the 12th century. Vardzia was built by Queen Tamar of Georgia as a fortress and monastery, and it once housed over 2,000 caves. Purchase a ticket to explore the well-preserved chambers, tunnels, and frescoes that showcase the ingenuity and faith of the medieval Georgians. Walk through the complex labyrinth of passageways, visit the church of St. George, and learn about the rich history of this unique site. Next, head to Rabati Castle in the town of Akhaltsikhe, a fortress that reflects the cultural and architectural history of Georgia. Originally built in the 9th century, Rabati Castle was later expanded and has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. The castle complex now features medieval walls, a mosque, a synagogue, a church, and various museums. Buy a ticket to wander through the castle's multiple layers, where Christian, Islamic, and Jewish heritage coexist in harmony. The panoramic views from the castle provide a glimpse of the surrounding town and lush landscapes. The final destination is Borjomi, a charming town famous for its mineral waters and stunning natural landscapes. After a scenic drive, arrive in Borjomi, where you’ll have time to visit the Borjomi Central Park, which is home to the famous Borjomi Springs, known for their healing properties. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the park, taste the refreshing mineral water straight from the springs, and if time permits, take a cable car ride for a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. You’ll also have a chance to explore the nearby Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and lush forested areas.

We set off from the city at 08:00, once all the tourists have gathered. Our first stop is Surami, where we get to taste the traditional Georgian sweet bread called “Nazuki.” The locals demonstrate its preparation and generously offer us samples to try. After that enjoyable experience, we proceed to Borjomi Central Park, where we have the chance to taste the famous mineral water from the springs. Following a walk in the park, we make our way to Rabati Castle. Here, we explore the medieval fortress with a local guide who shares insights into its history and structure. For lunch, we make a pit stop at a local restaurant. Our final destination is Vardzia – the City of Caves. Once we've thoroughly explored all the rooms of the complex, we head back to Kutaisi, having had a day filled with fascinating discoveries.

Embark on a captivating full-day adventure through Georgia’s historical and natural wonders. This shared guided tour takes you to three iconic destinations: Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi. Discover the ancient cave monastery carved into the cliffs of Vardzia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with winding tunnels, frescoed chapels, and breathtaking views. Immerse yourself in history at the majestic Rabati Castle with its blend of Georgian, Ottoman, and European influences, complete with museums, gardens, and stunning architecture. Relax in the lush Borjomi Central Park, renowned for its mineral water springs, picturesque landscapes, and serene walking paths. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll explore rich cultural heritage, learn fascinating stories, and enjoy comfortable transportation throughout the journey.

Discover the natural beauty and rich history of Borjomi on a full-day tour from Tbilisi. Visit the Vardzia Monastic Complex, the Rabati Fortress, and the mineral water sources named after Ekaterina and Evgeniy Golovin. Start your tour from Tbilisi and head to the mineral water sources named after Ekaterina and Evgeniy Golovin. Learn about these legendary figures and the significance of mineral waters in the culture and history of the country. Next, visit Mirza Riza-Khan's summer residence. Transport yourself to the era of diplomacy and cultural exchange, and discuss Georgia's connections with Persia and the Russian Empire. See marvelous examples of Persian architecture blended into the local landscape. Continue to the monument to Georgian Prometheus — Amirani. Immerse yourself in the world of myths and legends. Next, visit the Vardzia Monastic Complex. Carved into the rock, the monastery is famous for its hidden underground passages and rooms. Appreciate the craftsmanship of the 12th-century builders and learn about the country's religion and traditions. Visit the church with frescoes of Queen Tamar and her father George III. Learn about the reign of the queen, her significance, and her influence on Georgian culture. Finally, visit the Rabati Fortress. A magnificent example of medieval architecture and defensive engineering. Hear about the role the fortress played in history and city defense, as well as how it became a center of cultural life.

Explore Georgia’s Hidden Gems: Borjomi, Rabati & Vardzia Tour Join us on an unforgettable journey through Georgia’s stunning landscapes and rich history! This full-day tour takes you to the famous Borjomi National Park, where you can taste its legendary mineral water and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Next, step back in time at the magnificent Rabati Fortress, a fascinating mix of Georgian, Ottoman, and Armenian influences. Finally, we’ll visit Vardzia, a breathtaking cave monastery carved into the cliffs, once a secret refuge of Queen Tamar. Experience culture, nature, and history all in one day—book your adventure now!

Embark on a captivating journey through southern Georgia, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This full-day tour takes you to the region’s most iconic landmarks: the ancient cave city of Vardzia, the medieval Rabati Castle, and the picturesque spa town of Borjomi. Discover the stunning cave city of Vardzia, a 12th-century marvel carved into the cliffs of Erusheti Mountain. Explore its hidden tunnels, ancient frescoes, and sacred churches while learning about its history as a refuge and cultural center during Georgia’s Golden Age. Step back in time at the Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe, a fortress complex blending medieval, Ottoman, and Georgian influences. Wander through its well-preserved towers, gardens, and museums while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visit the charming town of Borjomi, renowned for its mineral water springs and lush forests. Stroll through Borjomi Central Park, sample the famous mineral water straight from the source, and take in the town’s tranquil beauty. As you travel through Georgia’s southern region, marvel at the ever-changing scenery, from rugged mountains to verdant valleys and picturesque rivers.

Embark on a breathtaking journey to Georgia's most stunning cave city, carved between the 12th and 13th centuries. En route, we'll witness the mesmerizing beauty of Javakheti Zegani, and catch a glimpse of the magnificent Abuli mountain and the colossal Paravani Lake - the biggest lake in Georgia. After exploring Vardzia, we'll head to the Khertvisi castle, strategically located on a hill, between two rivers. And, for lunch, we'll savor some local delicacies, including Qvevri beer. Later, we'll visit the Rabati castle, the biggest preserved castle in Georgia, boasting a palace, church, mosque, fountains, pools, and museum. Our return to Tbilisi, through Borjomi, will offer us stunning views and an entirely different landscape. Don't miss out on this adventure of a lifetime, where you'll witness Georgia's remarkable history and natural beauty.

At 08:00, we depart from Tbilisi, beginning our journey. Our initial destination is Borjomi Central Park, where we have the opportunity to sample mineral water from the springs. After a leisurely walk in the park, we proceed to Rabati Castle. Here, we explore the medieval fortress with the assistance of a local guide, who provides insights into its history and structure. Following our exploration, we break for lunch at a local restaurant. Our final destination is Vardzia – the City of Caves. Upon thoroughly exploring all the rooms of the complex, we commence our return journey to Tbilisi. Upon reaching Surami, we change vehicles and conclude our tour, arriving back in Tbilisi by 22:00.

What to Expect: Picturesque Borjomi: A scenic drive through a fantastically beautiful gorge will lead you to Borjomi. Here, you'll stroll through the city center, visit the park where Emperor Nicholas II and his family used to relax annually, encounter the Prometheus Monument and a charming waterfall. Ascend via cable car to a plateau offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. Of course, we'll delve into the famous "mineral water" extracted from the valley within the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. I'll share insights from archaeological excavations shedding light on the history of the local mineral water, and you'll have the opportunity to taste the world-renowned water directly from the source. Medieval Rabati Fortress: Immerse yourself in one of Georgia's most expressive and colorful landmarks, embodying the energies of both Christian and Muslim cultures. The fortress served as a crucial transit point between these worlds. Explore the palace halls adorned in ancient Georgian style. The fortress's impressive size and rich detailing are sure to captivate you. I'll narrate the foundation of Rabati, explain its name, and elucidate the significance of Akhaltsikhe in Georgia's history. Cave City of Vardzia: The ancient complex of Vardzia is more than just carved rooms in the rock; it's a cave fortress-monastery built near Tbilisi in the 12th century. This extraordinary city spans 13 levels and over 500 rooms, including churches, chapels, residential cells, storerooms, baths, dining halls, and libraries. Rooms extend 50 meters into the rock and rise eight stories high. Hidden passages, remnants of water supply, and irrigation systems have been preserved. During the tour, you'll explore every corner of Vardzia, learning about its purpose and the functions it served throughout its history. En route to the ancient complex, enjoy a magnificent panorama of the well-preserved Hertvisi Fortress. As a result, you'll gain insights not only into the featured landmarks but also the cities you encounter along the way. You'll become acquainted with legendary and mysterious sites of ancient Georgia, relish the beauty of nature, and unravel crucial episodes in Georgian history, enriching your understanding of our country.