Adventure

Off-road Tour to David Gareja Monastery and Rainbow Mountain

Adventure

Off-road Tour to David Gareja Monastery and Rainbow Mountain

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From US$ 69.95 US$ 45.47 per person

Discover martian landscapes with this off-road tour from Tbilisi. Visit David Gareji monastery and get off the beaten track to explore lesser-known locations in the Kakheti region.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Duration 10 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Russian
Pickup optional
Your accommodation in Tbilisi
Small group
Limited to 12 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Take in the views of this unique and striking landscape
  • Explore the orange and yellow hues of the Caucasus Mountains
  • Spot the many species of colorful Georgian birds
  • Learn all about the David Gareja Lavra monastery complex
  • After a day in nature, savor tastings of local Georgian wine
Full description

Explore the rainbow mountains of Eastern Georgia on this guided 4-wheel drive safari tour. Feel like Indiana Jones as you speed through the colorful mountains and visit the David Gareja Lavra monastery complex, as well as the St. John the Baptist cave monastery.

Departing from Tbilisi, start your journey with a low-difficulty 1-hour walk among the colorful hills around the Mravaltskaro lake. This is one of the best places in Georgia for bird watching, and specialists from all over the world come here during the season. If you don't want to hike, you can just enjoy the beauty of the area and snap some great photos. 

Next, head to the monastery of St. John the Baptist, a cave monastery founded in the 6th century in the desert. Get acquainted with the lives of the monks who live here and visit the church and tower which are built in the cave. You can even see the border with Azerbaijan from the tower. 

Finally, head to the first monastery in the desert, David Gareja Lavra. On the way back to Tbilisi, stop for lunch at an oasis club restaurant and enjoy a tasting of various Georgian wines.

Includes
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if private option selected)
  • 4WD transportation
  • Wine tasting
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
  • Tips for the guide and driver
Not suitable for
  • Children under 10 years
  • People with back problems
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with low level of fitness

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Europe Square.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Hiking shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Motion sickness prevention

Not allowed

  • Sandals or flip flops
  • Pets
  • Oversize luggage
  • Smoking in the vehicle
  • Open-toed shoes

Know before you go

  • On foot, you will cover about 4 km (2.5 miles)
  • The ambient temperature may be over 30ºC (86F). The altitude will be 350 m (1,150 ft)
  • Tours may occasionally be conducted in both Russian and English simultaneously. This may result in a slower pace or longer explanations
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 89 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.9/5
  • Service
    5/5

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Star rating:

Genuinely the best thing i’ve done in Georgia so far, the tour guide Alex and the driver were so fun and knowledgable about the places we visited. The walk and the views were incredible and we even climbed up to a cave that wasn’t on the usual route. I had so much fun and would recommend this to anyone! Thank you so much!

February 19, 2023

The experience was unforgettable and our tour guide Alex was great. He was knowledgeable and kind. Plus, the drive was long, and he didn't let us feel that not for a second. In addition, this tour is unlike others. First of all, the hike was very nice, you don't feel stuck in a car all the time. Second, some of the stops we made were magical as the places were very old, authentic and not very popular to tourists. We also had lunch in a humble restaurant owned by a family, which was actually nice as it makes you experience the kindness and generosity of the people and their tradition. I highly recommend this tour.

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December 5, 2022

It was a wonderful day, I was lucky enough to join the group trip that only has two people, so it feels like a private tour. The weather was beautiful that makes a fun day. Though the lunch was not included in the fee, I really like the restaurant arranged on the way, it’s one of the best I’ve visited in Georgia.

November 22, 2022

Product ID: 265557