Vardzia Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Vardzia with this comprehensive tour guide that includes information on places to visit, hiking routes, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Vardzia
- List of Places to Visit in Vardzia
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Vardzia
- Best Things to Do in Vardzia: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Vardzia
- Food and Drink Scene of Vardzia
- Where to Stay in Vardzia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Vardzia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Vardzia
- Best Time to Visit Vardzia
- Do’s and Don’ts of Vardzia
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Vardzia: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Vardzia
- Where to Go Next from Vardzia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Vardzia
If you’re an adventurer looking for a unique destination to explore, Vardzia is the place to be. It’s a rock-hewn city that was carved in the 12th century during the reign of Queen Tamar of Georgia. Vardzia is located in Samtskhe-Javakheti, in the southern part of Georgia, which is known for its magnificent natural scenery.
In this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll find information on the best things to do in Vardzia, including a list of places to visit, hiking routes, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and more.
List of Places to Visit in Vardzia
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Vardzia Monastery
- Tmogvi Fortress
- Khertvisi Fortress
- Sapara Monastery
Natural Attractions of Vardzia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Rabati Castle
- Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
- Khevsureti
Hiking/Biking Routes of Vardzia
- The Vardzia to Khertvisi Fortress Route
- Vardzia to Tmogvi Fortress Trail
- Sapara Monastery Route
Best Things to Do in Vardzia: Activities and Tours
- Visit the Vardzia Monastery and explore its tunnels and secret passages.
- Enjoy an outdoor adventure at Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
- Relax and rejuvenate at one of the natural hot springs in Vardzia.
- Take a tour of the Sapara Monastery and discover its fascinating history.
- Visit the Rabati Castle and immerse yourself in Georgian culture.
Week-Long Itinerary for Vardzia
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Vardzia Monastery, explore its tunnels and secret passages. |
| 2 | Hike the Vardzia to Khertvisi Fortress trail. |
| 3 | Take a tour of the Sapara Monastery and learn its history. |
| 4 | Enjoy an outdoor adventure at the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park |
| 5 | Relax and rejuvenate at one of the natural hot springs. |
| 6 | Visit the Rabati Castle and immerse yourself in Georgian culture. |
| 7 | Explore the local markets and try some Georgian cuisine. |
Food and Drink Scene of Vardzia
Must-Try Dishes
- Khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread)
- Khinkali (Dumplings)
- Phkali (Spinach and walnut pâté)
- Lobio (Bean stew)
Local Beverages
- Georgian wine
- Chacha (Georgian brandy)
Where to Stay in Vardzia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hotel Vardzia Resort
- Guesthouse Tavkvetili
- Namaste Vardzia Guesthouse
What to Buy in Vardzia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Georgian wine and chacha
- Handmade woolen socks and scarves
- Local honey
Local Culture and Customs of Vardzia
- Georgian people are very friendly and hospitable
- Respect Georgian Orthodox traditions
- Dress modestly while visiting religious sites
Best Time to Visit Vardzia
The best time to visit Vardzia is from May to September, which is when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Vardzia
Do:
- Respect local traditions and customs
- Try Georgian cuisine
- Dress modestly while visiting religious sites
Don’t:
- Be disrespectful toward Georgian culture
- Take photos of religious sites without asking for permission
- Enter religious sites without proper attire
Safety and Health
Safety in Vardzia
Vardzia is a safe place to visit. However, visitors are advised to take standard safety precautions like avoiding walking alone at night.
Health in Vardzia
It is recommended that visitors receive a tetanus shot before traveling to Vardzia.
Getting to Vardzia: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Vardzia
- Akhaltsikhe Airport
- Batumi International Airport
Bus Stations Near Vardzia
- Akhaltsikhe Bus Station
- Tbilisi Bus Station
Other Options
- Taxis (available in cities like Akhaltsikhe and Tbilisi)
- Car rental (available at major airports)
How to Get Around in Vardzia
The most convenient way to get around Vardzia is by car or taxi.
Where to Go Next from Vardzia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Tbilisi
- Batumi
- Kazbegi
Conclusion
Vardzia is a hidden gem in the Caucasus region, and it is definitely worth visiting. By following the tips and recommendations in this comprehensive tour guide, you can have a fun and memorable trip to Vardzia.
