IBEROGEORGIA - Travel Catalog

3043 From the Caucasus to Vardzia

4 Days  |  Georgia

About this trip

Journey "From the Caucasus to Vardzia" on a 4-day tour that connects northern and southern Georgia. Starting with an ascent to the Kazbegi mountains, we will enjoy views of the homonymous mountain and the Gergeti church.

Historical Contrasts

Then we will head to the deep south to explore the cave city of Vardzia and the Khertvisi fortress. The trip also includes stops in Kutaisi and Bordjomi. An itinerary of extreme contrasts, from alpine glaciers to river canyons and cities carved into volcanic rock.

Mapa Ruta

Itinerary Summary

DAY 1: Tbilisi - Jvari - Svetitskhoveli - Kazbegi - Gudauri
216 km
DAY 2: Gudauri - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi
335 km
DAY 3: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Promete - Bordjomi-Akhaltsikhe
239 km
DAY 4: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Tbilisi
287 km
🗺️ Road Map

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: Tbilisi - Jvari - Svetitskhoveli - Kazbegi - Gudauri

We will depart from Tbilisi to take a deep immersion into the country's spiritual history. Our first stop will be at the Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century jewel situated atop a mountain, from where we will enjoy the iconic view of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Next, we will descend to the ancient capital, Mtskheta, to visit the magnificent Cathedral of Svetitskhoveli. This temple, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the sacred heart of Georgia and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. We will resume our route northward through the scenic Georgian Military Highway until we reach Kazbegi (Stepantsminda). There, the highlight will be the ascent to the Church of the Trinity of Gergeti, which stands solitary against the imposing and eternal summit of Mount Kazbek. After enjoying this postcard landscape, we will head to the mountain resort of Gudauri to spend the night.
Accommodation: Marco Polo 4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐
216 km  |  04:29 coche

DAY 2: Gudauri - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi

Our journey begins by immersing ourselves in the pages of contemporary history by visiting the famous Stalin Museum in the city of Gori. This unique complex offers us a unique perspective on the figure of the Soviet leader, allowing us to explore from the humble birth house where he was born to his luxurious and imposing personal armored carriage. Through an extensive collection of objects and documents, we will reflect on his complex legacy before radically changing scenery. We will take a leap back in time of more than three millennia to discover Uplistsikhe, a fascinating cave-city masterfully carved into living rock. We will walk through the ancient streets of this extraordinary archaeological site, a true open-air museum where pagan temples and Christian basilicas coexist. The adventure will continue exploring its mysterious secret tunnels and cave dwellings, all while enjoying unparalleled panoramic views over the course of the Mtkvari river. This experience, which unites modern political history with the most ancient roots of civilization in the Caucasus, will leave us with an indelible impression of the cultural richness of Georgia.
Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐
335 km  |  05:20 coche

DAY 3: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Promete - Bordjomi-Akhaltsikhe

Our today's route starts from Kutaisi, heading first to the imposing Catedral de Bagrati. From its privileged location on Ukimerioni hill, we will enjoy a complete panoramic view of the city before continuing towards the Gelati Monastery. This site, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will allow us to appreciate the medieval architecture and valuable frescoes of what was a great academy in the 12th century. Leaving behind human history, we will delve into the spectacular geology of the Prometheus Cave, touring its halls full of millenary formations and, if water level conditions are favorable, navigating its underground river. Finally, the journey will take us south until we reach Borjomi, an oasis of tranquility famous for its volcanic springs. In this charming destination, surrounded by the National Park, we will be able to breathe pure air and learn about the origin of its celebrated healing mineral waters, thus closing a day that perfectly combines cultural heritage with the relaxing beauty of Georgian landscapes before continuing towards Akhaltsikhe.
Accommodation: Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath ⭐⭐⭐⭐
239 km  |  04:57 coche

DAY 4: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Tbilisi

Today, we will begin the day exploring the majestic Vardzia, an extraordinary 12th-century rock-hewn monastery-city that will transport us to the past. We will venture into its labyrinthine tunnels to discover unique medieval frescoes and visit its ancient cellars, witnesses to the millennia-old winemaking tradition of the area. We will continue our route towards the imposing Fortaleza Khertvisi, one of the oldest fortifications in Georgia, strategically located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti valley; there we will admire its robust walls and enjoy unparalleled panoramic views. Finally, we will head towards Tbilisi to conclude the day. Although an extensive road journey awaits us, this will become a memorable experience in itself, offering us a continuous visual spectacle. We will cross dreamlike landscapes dominated by the imposing mountains of the Lesser Caucasus, where wild nature and peaks will accompany us throughout the entire journey until we reach the vibrant capital, thus closing a day full of history and natural beauty.
Accommodation: Fin del viaje
287 km  |  05:30 coche

Rates per Person without meals (Indicative prices)

Group of... Price per Person Single Suppl.
1 People 1,700€ +150€
2 People 1,070€ +150€
3 People 900€ +150€
4 People 780€ +150€
5 People 720€ +150€
6 People 710€ +150€
7 People 680€ +150€
8 People 650€ +150€
✅ PRICE INCLUDES
  • Accommodation: 3 nights in selected hotels.
  • Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast.
  • Transport: Private vehicle with A/C and fuel.
  • Guide: Professional Spanish-speaking guide.
  • Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver).
  • Water: 1 bottle per person/day.
  • Taxes: Local taxes.
  • Tickets: Monuments according to itinerary.
❌ NOT INCLUDED
  • International flights.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Lunches and Dinners (unless indicated).
  • Alcoholic beverages and tips.
  • Personal expenses.
Nota: Indicative prices subject to availability.