Visiting Vardzia in 2024 – Best Tips, Transport & Prices

Although Georgia is a relatively small country, it is diverse and offers unique sites to its visitors. Famous for breathtaking nature, historical sights, medieval defense towers, and tasty cuisine, the country provides something for any traveler. If some of you are keen on discovering unusual sites, visiting Vardzia should be on your Georgia bucket list as it’s the biggest, most majestic, and simply impressive among other cave towns.

With Uplistsikhe and David Gareji, Vardzia is one of Georgia’s most renowned attractions, an emblem of historical grandeur and architectural ingenuity. 

I have visited Vardzia multiple times, so in this comprehensive Vardzia guide, meticulously updated for 2023, I provide essential insights needed to maximize your exploration of Georgia’s famous cave city. 

However, if you still have any doubts, please let me know in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to help. 

Disclaimer

This post includes affiliate links to products, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to fund my blog and bring more authentic articles to you 🙂  Learn more

Why consider visiting Vardzia?

Vardzia, a site dating back to the Bronze Age, grew into a complex of profound historical significance during the dynamic period between the 11th and 13th centuries. 

visiting vardzia

Carved meticulously into the unyielding facade of a sheer rock wall, it overlooks the winding Mtkvari River, cradled in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region southwest of Georgia, near the Turkish and Armenian border.

Initially envisioned by King Giorgi III, Vardzia emerged as a sanctuary for villagers seeking refuge from the brutal waves of enemy attacks. It was a defensive and safe town constructed to house around 50,000 individuals during the raids.

Nevertheless, during the reign of the legendary Georgian female ruler, the mysterious King (or Queen) Tamar, Vardzia evolved into something more than just a shelter from danger. Under her innovative guidance, the complex became a self-reliant city carved into the rock, a testament to human adaptability and fortitude.



Duging on the side of the Erusheti Mountain was challenging for many workers. However, the legend is that King Tamar distributed a pick-ax with gold in the middle to the workers and promised that the gold would be theirs once done.

What distinguishes Vardzia Cave Monastery from others is its design. The cave complex has an astonishing labyrinthine network comprising roughly 641 discrete chambers on its 13 levels. These chambers, extending around 500 meters along the imposing cliff, remain concealed in the very heart of the rock, interconnected by an intricate web of tunnels, some exceeding 150 meters in length, and an assortment of staircases and terraces.

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It’s believed that the only access to this sanctuary was through a secret tunnel leading from the Mtkvari River. Moreover, if the enemy managed to get inside, some of the rooms of Vardzia lead nowhere to disorientate them.

King Tamar, shown in a rare wall fresco within the chapel, once possessed a personal chamber in Vardzia cave city. However, the strict rules of the Vardzia monastery didn’t allow her to have permanent residence. She stayed here once during one of the ruthless raids with other women and children. 

In its prime time, Vardzia cave monastery boasted more than 6,000 rooms spread over 19 meticulously carved levels, each dedicated to various purposes, including residential quarters of 200 devoted monks, a defensive fort, sacred chapels, and pharmacists, to name just a few. The complex also had at least 25 wine cellars and a nunnery. 

The enormity of Vardzia town is nothing short of astonishing. What you see today represents only a tiny portion of the original Vardzia. 

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Unfortunately, the glorious days of Vardzia didn’t last long. Even though it was safe from Mongol invasions, a devastating earthquake in 1283 destroyed most of the town, unveiling its innermost secrets. 

Afterward, a monastery community lived here until the Persian attack in 1551. Some essential cultural relics, such as the famous fresco of the Virgin Mary, doors made of gold and steel, and many cultural treasures of that time were lost.

When Ottomans took over today’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region in the 16th century, inhabitants abandoned the Vardzia cave monastery entirely. 

Since then, it has been deserted for centuries, and sometimes shepherds used it as a shelter, leaving lots of traces (soot from open fireplaces) on the walls of the complex. Later, the Soviet government started excavations and rekindled interest in the complex. 

Today, Vardzia is part of a state heritage reserve and on a tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sights together with Khertivisi Fortress. It even got a prestigious European Union prize for cultural heritage in 2021. 

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Vardzia has been an active monastery since the monks moved back in 1988. It is a prime Orthodox pilgrimage site and one of the must-visit places in Georgia

One of the most captivating aspects of Vardzia lies in the ongoing excavations that continuously unearth new treasures. During my most recent visit in the summer of 2023, I saw a newly discovered collection of clay Qvevri for the world to behold. 

A new tunnel from the chapel led to the upper levels, which I don’t remember walking through during my previous visits. Some parts of this tunnel are short and narrow, resembling the Derinkuyu cave complex we visited in Cappadocia.

The legend why we call it Vardzia and its meaning

King George III, his counterparts, and his daughter, Queen Tamar, hunted in the area. Entertained with a fun activity, they completely forgot about the child who got lost in the caves when playing around.

When King realized that Queen Tamar was missing, he stopped hunting, and everyone started to search for her, shouting: “Where are you, Tamar?”.

He finally heard Tamar calling from inside the cave: “Aq Var Dzia!” which translates into English as “I am here, Uncle!”. Hence the name Vardzia.

Places to see when visiting Vardzia

Even though there are plenty of chambers and rooms to go through, here are some must-see places when visiting Vardzia. 

The Bell Tower: As you start walking into the complex, the Bell Tower is a prominent place to visit that also offers fantastic views of the rock-cut city. Erected after a devastating earthquake that destroyed most of the complex, the tower featured a heavy bell later stolen during the famous Mongol invasions and other town treasures.

Church of the Dormition & King Tamar fresco: This stone chapel sits at the center of Vardzia, with a soaring 30-foot ceiling adorned with a mosaic of vibrant Medieval frescoes. 

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Most remarkable among these is the portrait of King Tamar inside the chapel, a rare depiction distinguishing itself as one of only three in Georgia. Moreover, this version portrays her as an unmarried woman without the customary headdress that typically adorns her other portraits. Faded frescoes on the church’s exterior provide additional glimpses into its historical and spiritual significance. 

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King Tamar’s fresco replica at Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum

A more vivid reproduction of this renowned fresco is at the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum inside Akhaltsikhe Castle. 

Tears of Tamari: Concealed within the depths of the complex lies a natural wonder known as the “Tears of Tamari.” Accessible via a dimly lit tunnel right next to the chapel, this spring derives from the rock walls where water comes drop by drop and slowly fills a pool. Hence comes the name. 

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A transparent glass wall safeguards the spring, but if you wish, you can drink the holy water from a designated nearby container, which is believed to hold healing properties.

Phramasy: Perched on one of the higher levels and visible from the winding path, the Pharmacy is proof of ancient herbal wisdom. Here, medicines were skillfully developed and stored for medicinal purposes. Even though the Pharmacy room is inaccessible and only visible from the pathway, you can still notice the small shelves hewn from the stone, which once cradled glass bottles brimming with remedies and elixirs. 

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Wine Cellars: In its heyday, Vardzia had no less than 25 wine cellars, evidence of the integral role that viticulture played in the lives of its inhabitants. Some of these cellars survived, showing the necks of clay Qvevri or the remnants of it buried underground stone floors. 

Clay Pipes: An intricate irrigation system crawled through Vardzia’s rocky labyrinth. Among the most venerable relics at Vardzia are the 12th-century remnants of these clay water pipes securely implanted within the stone walls.

Essential tips for visiting Vardzia

Here are a few tips when planning your Vardzia visit to provide a comfortable trip and experience. 

There are two Vardzia’s on Google Maps: Be aware that there are two places named Vardzia in Georgia! If you rely on Google Maps for navigation, exercise caution to ensure you distinguish the cave town from the town of Vardzia near Zestafoni in Imereti. You need Vardzia near Gogasheni or Aspindza. Here is the exact location on the map

Arrive early in peak season: if you plan on visiting Vardzia in peak season, late spring, summer, and early autumn, ensure you arrive at the entrance as early as possible, preferably when the gates open. Big tour companies bring tourists between mid-morning and early afternoon, so aiming to be among the first to enter as soon as the ticket office opens can help you avoid the crowds. Arriving early also allows you to appreciate the area peacefully and at your own pace. 

Opt for the minibus ride: Invest an additional 2 GEL for an optional minibus transfer from the ticket booth to the caves’ main entrance. Even though it is only one kilometer from the ticket office to the start of the trail, the path is quite steep, and this small expense spares you the uphill climb. The complex has several steps and steep walkways, so save your energy for that. 

Take a guided service or an audio guide: there is no signage throughout the complex, only a few names and numbers for an audio guide. Therefore, if you are visiting Vardzia independently, invest in a guide (45 GEL) or an audio guide (15 GEL). 

Remember that guides have access to some otherwise inaccessible caves and areas, but also note that English-speaking guides might not always be available. 

There’s only a one-way path: when visiting Vardzia cave town, always remember it’s a one-way path. While you can detour and wander to some rooms, try to follow the number signs for an audio guide to avoid getting lost. 

Once you finish the walkway, you’ll exit on the opposite side via extensive steep stairs. Then, you’ll walk a flat path of the entire length of the cave system back to the ticket office. 

Visiting Vardzia is sadly not for all: Navigating Vardzia entails substantial uphill walks, uneven staircases, and occasionally unsafe ridges. There are tilted tunnels, steep paths, and sections where caution is crucial. 

While some tunnels, such as the one near the spring, are optional, the ‘exit tunnel’ is obligatory, serving as the sole exit. 

Regrettably, Vardzia is not wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for those with mobility concerns. Visitors with small children should exercise caution, as certain areas lack protective railings.

It still is a holy place: always remember that Vardzia is an active monastery complex; therefore, treat its grounds with the utmost respect. Refrain from running or speaking loudly. When entering the church, dress accordingly (see the second below and what to wear in Vardzia). Taking photos inside the church is prohibited but allowed in all other places. 

Expect to spend at least 1:30 hours: while you could rashly traverse Vardzia in as little as 45 minutes, allocate at least an hour and a half to spend here. Plan a bit more if you want to wander through the chambers, and expect around 2:30-3 hours if you take an audio guide. 

During high season, the church and the exit tunnels often become pinch points, leading to temporary setbacks that slightly prolong your time here. Thus, consider potential delays when navigating the site during crowded times.

Best view of Vardzia: Vardzia is pretty from inside the complex. However, when walking through the marked paths, you might need help understanding its scope and size. For this and photography reasons, I advise stopping at this Vardzia viewpoint on the opposite side of the river.

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Plan your visit to Vardzia

Vardzia opening hours

Vardzia opening hours have changed since my last visit, and now it is open seven days a week (before it was closed on Mondays). However, the times change according to the season, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly:

  • March 1 to May 1: 10 am – 6 pm
  • May 1 to October 1: 10 am – 7 pm
  • October 1 to November 15: 10 am – 6 pm
  • November 15 to March 1: 10 am – 5 pm

As an active monastery, Vardzia is open during Orthodox holidays, including Easter and Christmas. However, confirm the opening hours before planning your visit during religious or public holidays. To ensure accurate information, consider contacting the Tourist Information Office in Akhaltsikhe.

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Vardzia entrance fee

Similar to the opening hours, the Vardzia entrance fee has changed and increased compared to the last time I was there.

  • Adults – 15 GEL, both local and foreign nationals
  • Guide – on Georgian language – 25 GEL, on foreign language – 45 GEL
  • Audio guide – 15 GEL
  • Minibus service – 2 GEL

There are no student or senior discounts available for foreigners. For Georgian residents and citizens, it costs 1 GEL for pupils, students, and seniors. 

FREE entrance for the following individuals:

  • Children under 6
  • People with special needs and their accompanying individuals
  • Befriend the Heritage Club members

You can pay in cash with Georgian Lari or pay with a credit/debit card. 

The best time to visit Vardzia

The summer is the high season for Vardzia, from late June through September. This period ushers in hordes of tourists and is quite hot during the day. Therefore, if the heat is too much to bear, especially during July and August, you should skip visiting Vardzia in summer.

For a more tranquil trip amidst nature’s palette and a respite from the crowds, consider visiting Vardzia in late spring, around mid-April and May, or autumn, from late September through October. 

Coincidently, most of my trips here were in summer, which was quite hot in the afternoons. My last visit to Vardzia in August 2023 was in the evening, which was a much better time than the previous ones. 

Alternatively, when snow covers this stunning rock-cut cave town, Vardzia becomes a picture-perfect winter wonderland. However, exercise caution, as ice and snow terrain might be unsafe and slippery.

What to wear when visiting Vardzia

Visiting Vardzia means a lot of walking on hilly and uneven surfaces; therefore, wear comfortable shoes and clothes. I wore my Reebok sneakers, and it was fine. The complex has short tunnels, steep walkways, and uneven stairs. 

Bring a rain jacket or an umbrella if there is a slight chance of rain. Wear sunscreen and a hat (like one of these fedora hats), during summer months.

Even though it’s a monastery complex, there are no strict rules on clothing outside the church. Still, I suggest you dress modestly

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Shorts and miniskirts are prohibited according to the signs at the complex entrance, but I have seen people in such clothes. Even though no one said a word, I still advise you to adhere to the rules as it is an active religious site. 

When entering the church within the complex, though, men should wear long pants and women long skirts and cover their heads with a scarf as usual. Wrap-around dresses and scarves are available at the entrance of the church.

What to bring when visiting Vardzia

Bring lots of water if you visit Vardzia during the summer months. During the day, it gets pretty hot here. 

I suggest packing a light lunch if you are visiting Vardzia independently using public transport. However, several cafes and shops are at the complex’s entrance if you need to buy snacks or drinks. The prices might be high, as expected from a tourist place.

How to get to Vardizia

Unfortunately, Georgia doesn’t have an excellent inland transportation system, and getting to Vardzia is a pain and a hassle. There are limited direct minibusses from Tbilisi to Vardzia. 

In southern Georgia within the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Vardzia is approximately 270 kilometers from Tbilisi, taking around 4:30-5 hours by road. Alternatively, you can travel from Akhaltsikhe, 60 kilometers away, or 36 km from Aspindza. The journey takes 1:30 hours from Akhaltsikhe and 40 minutes from Aspindza, with a car.

Visiting Vardzia is also possible as a day trip from Kutaisi, but similar to Tbilisi, there are no direct buses. Your best bet with public transportation is changing buses in Akhaltsikhe from Tbilisi or Kutaisi. Alternatively, if you’ll be spending some time in Borjomi, you can also plan a visit to Vardzia from Borjomi via Akhaltsikhe. 

If you plan on visiting Vardzia as a day trip from Tbilisi, the best option is to book an organized tour that stops at Akhaltsikhe Castle in Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive independently or use a driver service via GoTrip.

Tbilisi to Vardzia with public transport via Akhaltsikhe

If you decide to use public transportation to visit Vardzia, find the Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe minibusses at the Didube Bus Station. They depart every 30-60 minutes or when full each day, and the journey takes around 3 hours to reach Vardzia from Tbilisi. The ticket costs 10 GEL.

Marshrutkas from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia depart daily three times a day, leaving at 9 am, 10 am, and 3 pm. The ticket costs 5 GEL, and the trip lasts another 1:30 hr.

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Tbilisi to Vardzia day trip tour with a company or independently

Best choice: Opt for the Vardzia, Akhaltsikhe (Rabati) Castle, and Borjomi private tour. This full-day tour lasts around 12 hours and includes visiting the caves’ depths, exploring Akhaltsikhe (Rabati) Castle, and immersion in Borjomi Central Park. The package comes with all the entrance fees, convenient hotel transfers from Tbilisi, and a dedicated private guide.

Budget-friendly alternative: If you’re seeking a budget-friendly option, consider the full-day Vardzia tour with a small group that stops in Borjomi before exploring the cave town. Remember that the tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, entrance fees, and lunch stop in Akhaltsikhe. 

→ Check prices and availability for this tour on Get Your Guide.

Driver service and a flexible journey: For those who desire flexibility and the freedom to set their own pace, the private round-trip transfer option with GoTrip is ideal. This personalized experience allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints and explore the nearby landscapes, all without the constraints of a guided tour. It’s a door-to-door service that puts you in control, enabling you to stop for photographs wherever your heart desires.

→ Book a private driver here with my ready-made itinerary, or use the GoTrip Trip Planner to craft your own. 

Kutaisi to Vardzia with public transporation via Akhaltsikhe

If you want to make a day trip from Kutaisi to Vardzia, find the marshrutka to Akhaltsikhe at Kutaisi’s bus station near McDonald’s (not the one at the Colchis Fountain). 

Currently, only two daily buses are leaving at 8:20 am and 1 pm. The price is 12 GEL, and it takes around 3:30 hr. Then, change to Vardzia in Akhaltsikhe bus station.

Kutaisi to Vardzia tour

If you prefer joining a small tour, Budget Georgia, a local tour company, offers a full-day Kutaisi to Vardzia tour with Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe (Rabati) Castle visits before wandering Vardzia caves.  

→ Check prices and availability for this tour on Viator.

Alternatively, you can hire a driver at GoTrip for more freedom and comfort to explore nearby sights at your own pace. You can go directly from Kutaisi to Vardzia or add a few more stops when booking the driver. 

→ Book a private driver here, or use the GoTrip Trip Planner to add more stops. 

Borjomi to Vardzia marshrutka via Akhaltsikhe

Visiting Vardzia from Borjomi could be an excellent option to cut the journey time short and add one place to your Georgia itinerary. 

Marshrutkas from Borjomi to Akhaltsikhe depart daily from the bust stop in front of the Municipality. The first one leaves Borjomi at 8:35 am and takes only one hour to arrive in Akhaltiskhe. Then, as mentioned above, take another one to Vardzia.

Getting back from Vardzia to Akhaltsikhe

Marshrutkas from Vardzia to Akhaltsikhe depart from the complex entrance near the cafes and shops three times daily: 9 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Therefore, make sure you get the last van. Otherwise, you’ll have to find accommodation in Vardzia or nearby villages.

Driving to Vardzia

The primary road leading to Vardzia from Akhaltsikhe has recently undergone repairs. The road is paved and easily navigable, even in a regular sedan. 

Rent a car at LocalRent for affordable prices and well-maintained vehicles.

Where to stay in Vardzia

The town of Vardzia itself has a limited number of hotels. This part of the country is very special and remote, so for the full local experience and their hospitality, I would recommend spending a night or two at a homestay or guesthouse. However, I will enlist several options for every budget traveler.

Vardzia Resort – if you are looking for a bit of luxury with an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and comfortable rooms with a flat TV and other amenities.

Hotel Vardzia Terrace – a budget-friendly hotel only a 2.1 km drive away from the cave monastery. It offers typically equipped rooms and a view of the complex from its terrace.

SADA Guesthouse – located only 300 meters from the cave monastery, this guesthouse features a nice garden and typical rooms.

Guest House Aleksandre – this is where I stayed during my last visit to Vardzia. Located in the small village of Tmogvi, only 6 km away from Vardzia, this family-run homestay is ideal for those who would like to relax in a peaceful environment and meet local hosts who welcome you with huge smiles and open hearts. Alexandre has four family rooms with a private bathroom that can accommodate 1-3 people in each room.

If you prefer to stay in Akhaltsikhe, check out Gino Wellness Rabat inside the Akhaltsikhe Castle, a mid-range hotel with a spa and sauna. Alternatively, try Taba Hall, a boutique hotel with a garden, shared lounge, and terrace with a beautiful castle view. 

More sites to add to your Vardzia itinerary

The ancient Meskheti region, a hidden gem in southern Georgia, remains a less-traveled route full of captivating fortresses, enchanting hiking routes, and delicious culinary adventures. For a comprehensive list of places to visit in the region, refer to my ultimate guide to Samtskhe-Javakheti.

Note that Vanis Kvabebi (Vani Caves), very close to Vardzia and another cave complex, is still closed after updating this post in September 2023. 

Khertvisi Castle: Standing as one of the grandest fortresses in Georgian history at the confluence of the Paravani and Mtkvari rivers, the castle is a mere 16 kilometers north of Vardzia. Stop on the main highway to admire the fort majestically towering over the river valley, then drive underneath to explore its grounds.  

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Tmogvi Fortress: The village of Tmogvi conceals the dramatic ruins of the Tmogvi Fortress, perched high above the steep rocky river valley. Although it hasn’t been restored, you can carefully climb it to embrace the breathtaking vistas that unfold in all directions. 

Akhaltsikhe city and its castle: Akhaltsikhe Castle (also called Rabati Castle) is proof of the confluence of cultures and epochs. Make sure to visit the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum within the castle grounds to understand local culture and history better. 

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Beyond the fortress, Akhaltsikhe offers some exciting attractions, including a synagogue home to the oldest Torah in Georgia, dating to 500 years. The city also has a good selection of local restaurants eager to entice your palate with Meskhetian cuisine and plenty of accommodation options. 

→ For more sights in Akhaltsikhe and beyond, refer to my Samtskhe-Javakheti guide.

Amphora beer, spa, and lunch: For an even more exciting experience, head to Aspindza and book a beer tasting made in Qvevri clay jars and maybe a lunch at Amphora Beer.

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Zaza Zedgenidze, the visionary behind Amphora Beer, makes Belgian and German-style lagers, harnessing the rich flavors of Georgian hops and locally cultivated wheat varieties, some of which thrive wild just beyond his courtyard fence. For an even more once-in-a-lifetime experience, Zaza also has a beer spa with unlimited beer on tap and a few rooms to stay overnight.

My Favorite Travel Resources

To ease your travel planning, check out all the posts about Georgia travel. Additionally, here are some of the websites and services I use when preparing for my next adventure anywhere in the world.

✈ Book affordable flights on WayAway, a platform that shows the best flight deals, tours, and hotels. With a WayAway Plus membership, you can earn cashback. Get 10% off with code: RFD10

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🚗 Rent a car at Local Rent for affordable prices and convenient service.

❣ Pre-book a private car transfer with GoTrip from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel or any other city across Georgia.

💻 Get a VPN from Surfshark to protect your devices from hackers when using public Wi-Fi when traveling.

📱 Install the Airalo app, which provides local eSIMs for a more affordable internet connection when traveling. Get 3 USD with code: BAIA2592.

💸 Use Wise to withdraw money in local currency without hidden fees and avoid high exchange rates. On top, you might get a Visa or Mastercard debit card.

🍷 For some of the best, expat-designed wine tours check out Eat!ThisTours. Get a 5% discount with code RFD5.

🏨 Find budget-friendly deals on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com.

🩺 Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance, SafetyWing, covering COVID.

☀ Book in advance some of the best city walks, cultural experiences, and day tours to maximize your stay and experience here.

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20 Comments

  1. I’ve never thought of visiting Georgia, but I think I should change my mind. The caves look so beautiful and you give great information about the history! Very interesting, thanks for sharing!

  2. YUKTI Agrawal says:

    I loved Georgia but missed Vardzia as I was rushing out of time and went to Rabati Castle and Gori cave towns. But during my next visit to Georgia, Vardzia is on my top priority.

  3. That landscape is absolutely unreal! I never knew much about Georgia but wow, it does look stunning. The history sounds amazing too.

  4. Georgia seems like an awesome country to explore and your post caused the travel bug to itch me. I really hope I’ll get to explore it soon and of course, see Vardzia while being there. Is Georgia a good road trip destination?

    1. Yes! It’s more easier to have a road trip than rely on public transport. Especially to Vardzia

  5. I have no idea there’s a real place like this. I thought it’s only in the movie. This is so cool! Glad I bumped into your post. Thank you for writing a post about Vardzia caves. Now my knowledge is even wider.

  6. The views here are amazing. It looks a little bit like Matera in Italy, so fascinating 🙂

  7. Georgia never crossed my mind as a destination I had to visit, until I read this post! Sadly the public transport is not great, because I don’t like driving. But luckily there are possibilities!

  8. What an interesting story behind these caves! I’ve never been to Georgia, but I’ve always been interested in visiting this part of the world. Now you’ve given me another reason to go 🙂

  9. Holly Goodyear says:

    I’ve been looking into Georgia for a little while and this just gave me another reason to go! I love hearing about the history of places!

  10. Beautiful photos of the cave, I didn’t even know these existed in Georgia (Totally need to look into travelling there!). I think renting a car seems best too – my favorite way to explore a country!

  11. Whoa, those caves are awesome! And to think that some places don’t lead anywhere to confuse the enemies…that makes me not want to get lost in there, lol, but still want to see this!

  12. Amber Tatton says:

    I really want to visit Georgia, especially after seeing so many awesome posts about Tbisili. This place looks insane though and has such a cool past. I love those paintings and how many things have happened there, it really was unlucky.

  13. Such an amazing place! Every time I read about the scale of Vardzia my jaw drops. Incomprehensible. You’re so lucky to have so many interesting historical sites right on your doorstep to explore! Great photos of the interior frescoes—they’re so colourful!

  14. Mohana Das says:

    This is amazing! So much planning must have gone into designing and building a cave town this intricate and of such proportions. I love the colourful frescoes on the wall. This place feels like a timewarp, doesn’t it?

  15. This is such an interesting place! It reminds me of the Dogon country in Mali and the caves of Lascaux in France. I didn’t know such things existed elsewhere (but it’s to be expected) I am now intrigued by Georgia and hope to visit one day.

  16. Vardzia sounds and looks like a fascinating place to visit. I have never heard of Vardzia before, despite being a huge fan of art and murals. After reading your post I have put Vardzia right at the top of my bucket list of places to visit. Thank you so much for sharing this and drawing my attention to this beautiful place.

  17. It blows my mind how ancient stuff is so cool even today surviving all those years. Thank you for sharing about this cave town – had not heard about it before.

  18. What an interesting Heritage Site, one that I’d like to visit for sure! I didn’t know such a place exist (this somehow reminds me of the Hobbit/ Lord of the Rings movies. LOL). I wonder if the rooms at the caves are spacious enough not to cause claustrophobia?

  19. I’m not that big on caves, but this one I would visit. The history behind it is fascinating.

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