ツ ✌ Vardzia Tour - 3 contrasting sites Cave Town Rabati Fortress Borjomi Park

ツ ✌ Vardzia Tour - 3 contrasting sites Cave Town Rabati Fortress Borjomi Park

During this day, we will visit 3 contrasting sites of several historical eras! Vardzia which is one of the most beautiful cave towns that exists since the 12th-century! Rabati castle complex where is located Church, Mosque, Minaret, Synagogue and which was rewarded for being a symbol of tolerance! Borjomi which is known for its amazing nature and mineral natural waters!

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Vardzia, Erusheti Mountain, Aspindza 383770 Georgia

Vardzia is one of the most beautiful cave towns. Tourists love to explore this underground monastery and fortress. The caves in Vardzia are stretched along the cliff for around five hundred meters, which makes this place even more mystical.

Vardzia is a cave monastery complex that exists since the 12th-13th centuries. It is located in Javakheti, in the Aspindza region, 1300 meters above the sea level. The story of Vardzia is connected with King George III and his daughter Tamar. While King George was hunting with some Georgian nobles and his daughter, they lost her. Tamar was playing, and that is why she did not notice that she was lost in the cave town. Right after they noticed that she was missing, the King ordered to stop hunting and started searching for her. The hunters started to run around, and they were crying out the following words: “Tamar, where are you?” She heard the voice and answered back with a happy voice: “Aq Var Dzia” that means: “I am here uncle.” So, from those words comes the name of this place ‘Vardzia.’

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Cafe Vardzia, Georgia

After Vardzia we will stop at Georgian traditional restaurant and you will be able to taste some delicious Georgian foods and drinks.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Rabati Castle, Akhaltsikhe Georgia

The history of Rabati Castle begins from the IX century. In XII-XIII centuries this place became the residence of Jakels. This family was ruling this part of Georgia for centuries. While visiting the castle you can freely imagine that you are travelling in ancient times of Georgia. The fortress attracts the attention of tourists by its architecture, labyrinths, churches and mosque. You can also visit the historical museum of Samtskhe-Javakheti that is located in the Jakeli’s family house. The fortress is located near the river Potskhovi, on the mountaintop around 1000 m above the sea level. It consists of different kind of constructions from the middle ages.

According to historical sources, the town Akhaltsikhe was founded in the 9th century. Rabati is one of its districts where Catholics, Jews, Armenians, Orthodox, Christians and Muslims had their own chapels. This small district of Akhaltsikhe shows to the world how people with different religions can live together peacefully and friendly. A few years ago Rabati Castle was rewarded for being a symbol of tolerance as this is a place, where many nationalities live in peace next to each other regardless their ethnical and religious diversity.

Today Rabati is a traveller’s favourite place and several thousands of tourists visit it every day.The restoration of Rabati Castle started in 2011. Today there is Rabati Museum on this place. The attention is paid to the mosque which is built in Aya Sophia style with the Orthodox elements. It was built by Ahmad Pasha Jakeli in the 18th century on the basis of the Orthodox cathedral. The synagogue was built in 1863. Here prays are held rarely, only when the synagogue is visited by Jewish tourists. Because according to Jewish rules, at least 10 men are required to attend prays and there are only 5 Jewish families left in Akhaltsikhe. Nowadays, the complex does not have any religious purpose anymore. People who are coming here will be able to get acquainted with different periods of Georgian history and have a good time to relax. In the second part of the complex are the hotel, night bar, cafes and even shopping center, so the guests do not need to go out.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Borjomi Central Park, 50, 9 Aprili Street, Borjomi 1200 Georgia

As you might already know, Borjomi is a great place where you can relax in a calm environment and beautiful nature, taste different kinds of mineral waters and feel healthier. While visiting Borjomi Central Park and enjoying nature, you will definitely want to know more about this place. The first park around Borjomi springs was built in 1850 and the construction of the first factory started in 1854, where Borjomi was bottled. The Borjomi mineral water has also attracted the attention of Romanovs (Russian aristocratic family.) Mikheil Romanov loved to be in Borjomi very much. That’s why he built there not only a summer house but also he ordered to Alexander Gustav Eiffel (the architect of the famous Eiffel Tower) to build the bridge. This historical bridge is located near Tsagveri, next to the Borjomi-Bakuriani railway lines. It was completed in 1902. The Eiffel Bridge makes Borjomi’s nature more interesting and attractive for tourists.

Drink Borjomi, be healthy! A single drop of “Borjomi” is invaluable. That is why obtaining of this resource is strictly defined by the authorities. This process is natural and the mineral water rises to the surface without pumping. Nowadays, the healing features of Borjomi mineral water are famous not only in Georgia but also in many other countries. It is used in the treatment of several digestive diseases and diabetes. It is exported to over 40 countries and is considered as one of the symbols of Georgia.

We are always happy and proud of the fact that many of our foreigner friends and tourists tell us that they have tasted Borjomi in their countries and they liked our mineral water very much. However, Borjomi is much tastier when you drink it in Georgia, especially in Borjomi city. Georgian mineral water is full of beneficial minerals. Here is one tip from us: Borjomi mineral water is the best cure for hangovers. So don’t be afraid of Georgian strong alcoholic drinks, as you can have Borjomi in the morning! : ))

Duration: 40 minutes