Location highlights from this tour
Cave cities and cliff monasteries, in six days. This private loop runs west from Tbilisi through the heart of old Georgia — rock-hewn towns, a monastery dug into a mountainside, and two of the country's great medieval churches — before circling back to the capital.
You start in Tbilisi, then head west to the Iron Age caves of Uplistsikhe and the old spa town of Borjomi. From there it's up to Vardzia, a whole monastery carved into a cliff, and the rebuilt castle at Akhaltsikhe, before dropping down to Kutaisi and the green water of Martvili Canyon on the way home.
The thread running through it is stone — towns, churches and monasteries cut straight into the rock over the last three thousand years. Vardzia alone once held hundreds of rooms across up to thirteen levels, built into the mountain under Queen Tamar in the 12th century.
The days are full and the driving is real, but each evening lands you somewhere new — and because it's private, the whole thing bends around you rather than the other way round.
You'll be met at the airport and taken to your hotel. Check-in is from 14:00, so if you arrive earlier, we'll begin the city tour first and settle you in afterwards. Either way, the tour starts at Holy Trinity Cathedral — Sameba — one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, rising above the city. From there you'll visit the clifftop Metekhi church, perched above the river, then ride the cable car up to the Narikala fortress for the view over the whole of Tbilisi. Walking down from the fortress, you'll pass through Abanotubani, the district of brick-domed sulfur bathhouses the city was built on and named after, then wander the Old Town lanes to the leaning clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze theatre. After the tour, you'll have free time until the evening. The day ends with a welcome dinner of Georgian food and local wine.
West today, into Georgia's older history. First is Uplistsikhe, a town cut straight into the rock that was a trading hub as far back as the Iron Age — you can walk its cave halls, tunnels and carved streets. Then a stop in Gori for the Stalin Museum, in the town where he was born, before you carry on to Borjomi, the old spa town known for its mineral water and the wooded Central Park in the hills above it.
Today's the big one: Vardzia, a monastery carved into the side of the Erusheti mountain in the 12th century, under Queen Tamar. What's left is a honeycomb of rooms, tunnels and chapels spread across the cliff face, with a frescoed church still in use at its centre. Afterwards you'll head to Akhaltsikhe and its Rabati Castle, a rebuilt fortress where a mosque, a church and a synagogue stand inside the same walls — a good picture of how mixed this border region has always been.
A drive west brings you to Kutaisi, one of Georgia's oldest cities, lived in for more than 3,000 years. Up on the hill sits Bagrati Cathedral, an 11th-century church rebuilt in recent years, looking out over the town. A short way out is the Gelati monastery, founded in the 12th century by King David the Builder and still on the UNESCO list — its main church is covered inside with medieval mosaics and frescoes. There's time to walk the city centre before your night in Kutaisi.
On the way back east you'll stop at Martvili Canyon, a narrow gorge of green water below mossy cliffs, with a short boat trip through the middle of it when conditions allow. It's an easy, pretty break before the long drive to Tbilisi, where the evening is yours for a last dinner or a wander.
A design-forward boutique hotel housed in a converted Soviet-era publishing house on the banks of the Mtkvari River. Rooms Hotel Tbilisi is a cultural landmark in its own right, blending industrial-chic aesthetics with warm Georgian hospitality, a vibrant lobby bar, and a celebrated restaurant.
A colorful and contemporary hotel right on Tbilisi's main Rustaveli Avenue. Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center offers reliable international-standard comfort with a playful design, complimentary breakfast, and an unbeatable central location for exploring the capital.
A cheerful budget-friendly hotel tucked into the winding streets of Tbilisi's Old Town. Ginger Hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms with a warm atmosphere and friendly staff, making it a great-value base for travelers who want to be in the heart of the action.
A world-class resort hotel in the legendary spa town of Borjomi, surrounded by pristine forested mountains. Crowne Plaza Borjomi offers mineral water spa treatments, an indoor pool, multiple restaurants, and luxurious rooms — the ultimate wellness retreat in the heart of the Caucasus.
A well-appointed hotel in the center of Borjomi, nestled along the river with lovely mountain views. Bridge Hotel offers comfortable rooms, a welcoming restaurant, and a perfect location for strolling to the famous mineral water park and exploring the surrounding national park.
A charming budget-friendly boutique hotel in Borjomi surrounded by lush greenery. Borjomi Verde offers a peaceful garden setting, clean and comfortable rooms, and a warm atmosphere that captures the relaxing spirit of this famous Georgian spa town.
A premium boutique inn offering luxurious Junior Suite rooms just steps from the magnificent Rabati Castle. Akhaltsikhe Inn combines elegant interiors with stunning views of the historic fortress and surrounding valley, providing the finest accommodation in this ancient southern Georgian town.
A modern wellness hotel right beside the historic Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe. Hotel Gino features an indoor pool, sauna, and full wellness center, making it ideal for relaxation after exploring the Vardzia cave monastery and the dramatic landscapes of southern Georgia.
A friendly and affordable hotel in Akhaltsikhe offering clean, comfortable rooms and genuine southern Georgian hospitality. Hotel Beni is a great-value base for exploring Rabati Castle, the Vardzia cave city, and the scenic Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
A stylish and modern hotel in the center of Kutaisi, Georgia's second-largest city. Newport Hotel offers spacious rooms with contemporary interiors, an excellent restaurant, and a prime location for exploring the region's UNESCO World Heritage sites and natural wonders.
A charming boutique hotel in central Kutaisi named after the legendary Argonauts who sailed to ancient Colchis. Boutique Hotel Argo offers comfortable rooms, warm service, and a great location for discovering Kutaisi's rich history and the stunning natural attractions of Imereti.
A welcoming hotel in the heart of Kutaisi featuring lush gardens and a BBQ area perfect for relaxing evenings. Hotel West Way serves as the ideal base for exploring the magnificent Prometheus Cave, Sataplia Nature Reserve, and the ancient Gelati Monastery.
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5 days / Starting from €680A private 5-day route from Tbilisi to Batumi taking in Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe, Gori, Kutaisi, Prometheus Cave and the Black Sea coast — hotels, transport and a guide-driver handled for you.
7 days / Starting from €935A private 7-day route from Kutaisi to Tbilisi taking in Gelati Monastery, Prometheus Cave, Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church, with hotels, transport and a guide-driver handled for you.
8 days / Starting from €895A private 8-day route from Tbilisi through Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church to Kakheti wine country, with stops at Uplistsikhe and Gori, hotels, transport and a guide-driver handled for you.