Private Tour in Tbilisi: Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and it is a very popular destination for travelers because of its rich cultural heritage and attractions. If you plan to visit Tbilisi, you should definitely include a private tour of Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi to your itinerary. These three places are among the most famous destinations in Georgia and each has its own unique history and attractions. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan an amazing private tour of these three places.

What is Vardzia?

Vardzia is an ancient cave city that was built in the 12th century during the era of Queen Tamar. The complex stretches for over 50 meters and contains a number of structures, including a monastery, churches, tunnels, and fortifications. Vardzia is perhaps most famous for its domed churches, which are a great example of Georgian architecture. Today, Vardzia is a popular tourist destination, and it is also home to several monasteries.

What is Rabati?

Rabati is a medieval exclave in the town of Akhaltsikhe, located just outside of Tbilisi. The fortress-city is home to several important historical landmarks, including the Rabati Castle, a 12th-century church, and a 15th-century mosque. The city also contains a number of other important buildings, including the Rabati Cultural Palace and the Rabati Citadel. Rabati has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, and there are several tours that visit the city.

What is Borjomi?

Borjomi is an old spa town located in the Borjomi Gorge in southwest Georgia. The town is well-known for its mineral springs and its surrounding parklands. It is also home to several historic monuments and sites, including the St. Nikolas Church and the Borjomi Fortress. Tourists have long flocked to the town to take advantage of its healing waters and pleasant climate.

What’s included in a Private Tour of Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi?

A Private Tour of Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi typically involves a full day of exploration at each location, with a knowledgeable guide who can provide insights into the history of the sites. Your private tour may include round-trip transportation from your hotel in Tbilisi, entry fees for all three destinations, a lunch break at one of the three locations, viewing points for breathtaking photos, an artisan market visit for souvenir-shopping and some free time to explore on your own.

What’s the best time to visit Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi?

The best time to visit these three destinations is during spring or fall when temperatures are milder and crowds are smaller. Spring months are the best time to experience all the beauty of Vardzia when lush vegetation blooms everywhere, while fall brings breathtaking leaves’ changing colors throughout Rabati and Borjomi’s surroundings.

Booking Tips

You can book a private tour of Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi at any time of the year through GetYourGuide. All tours are fully customizable according to your needs, so you can choose where to start your tour as well as how long to stay in each location. Before booking your tour, be sure to read up on what sites are included in the package you have selected, as each tour provider may vary. Additionally, some tour providers offer multiple prices for different levels of service, so make sure you check what is included in each package so that you don’t end up paying more than you need to.

Conclusion

Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi are all must-see destinations for anyone visiting Tbilisi, and a Private Tour will allow you to experience all three locations in one day. Whether you’re looking for stunning nature views or learning about Georgian culture and history, there’s something for everyone during these unique private tours. To book your own Private Tour of Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi, visit getyourguide.com. With GetYourGuide’s selection of tours through these three magical destinations, you can rest assured that your adventure will be one to remember!

Insider’s Guide to Tbilisi: Discovering Hidden Gems

Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of Georgia, offers an exciting blend of ancient history, traditional culture, and modernity. While the city has many popular tourist spots, there are also some remarkable hidden gems that only locals know about. Here’s our insider’s guide to some of Tbilisi’s lesser-known attractions that are worth adding to your itinerary.

Unearthing Hidden Gems

If you want to see some of Tbilisi’s hidden treasures, head over to the historic neighborhood of Sololaki. Here you’ll find the Dadaena Park, a peaceful oasis away from the bustling city streets. The park has many walking paths, benches, and a charming little pond. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the city’s beautiful surroundings.

Another hidden gem is the Tabakhmela Village, a picturesque rural settlement located on the outskirts of the city. Here, visitors can experience the unique rural lifestyle of Georgians and indulge in delicious homemade food at traditional family-owned restaurants.

Savoring Traditional Georgian Cuisine

No visit to Tbilisi is complete without tasting traditional Georgian cuisine. Our top recommendation is the khinkali- boiled meat dumplings that are stuffed with juicy meat and broth. Khinkali is served in most restaurants across Tbilisi, but the best place to try it is the restaurant Vakiris Palto.

Another popular choice is khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread that’s perfect for breakfast or a light meal. Head to Tone bakery, located in the heart of old Tbilisi, for a freshly baked and piping hot khachapuri straight from the wood-fired oven.

Discovering Local Culture

If you’re interested in discovering Tbilisi’s cultural scene, don’t miss the Art-Café Home. It’s an eccentric cafe offering a unique experience of dining with artworks. This is a place where local artists exhibit their artworks and guests can buy them while dining on delicious homemade food. They also organise live music performances, film screenings and workshops.

If you’re around the end of November or early December, you might want to attend the Tbilisi International Film Festival. The festival showcases a wide selection of indie and international films and has become one of Georgia’s most important cultural events.

Getting to Know Tbilisi’s Past

Tbilisi’s history and culture are fascinating, and unearthing some of its past is an excellent way to understand the city’s heritage. Visit the Georgian National Museum, where you can explore the country’s rich cultural history through a range of exhibits and artifacts. Specifically the treasury of the museum offers an outstanding collection of jewelry and ceremonial objects from various periods.

Another place to go is to the Narikala Fortress, located on a hill overlooking the city. The fortress dates back to the 4th century and has seen many tales of victory and defeat. It’s an excellent way to understand the city’s turbulent history while taking in magnificent views of Tbilisi.

Unconventional Activities to Try

If you’re looking for alternative activities to indulge in, why not try a spa day at the Tbilisi Sulphur Baths. These sulphur baths, located in Abanotubani district, were built by Persians in the 17th century and are famed for their healing powers. Visitors can soak in steaming hot pools, steam rooms, and receive massages from skilled masseuses.

Another off-beat tip is to hike up the funicular hill and take a head-in photo at the Kartlis Deda monument, which is a 20 feet lady with a sword in one hand and Georgias national flag in the other. It offers stunning views of Tbilisi and a chance to experience one of the city’s iconic landmarks in an entirely new way.

Now that you have some insider tips for exploring Tbilisi, get ready to embark on a journey of discovery that blends ancient traditions with modernity. With so many hidden gems to explore, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time in the Georgian capital.