Borjomi, Rabati & Vardzia - one day group tour from Kutaisi

If you’re looking to spend a day uncovering some of Georgia’s most iconic sites without the hassle of planning your own itinerary, this full-day group tour from Kutaisi offers a convenient and enriching way to experience the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. With visits to Borjomi Park, Rabati Castle, and the cave city of Vardzia, it promises a balanced mix of storytelling, scenic views, and authentic local flavors.

What I love about this tour is how it combines well-known highlights with a genuine touch — from tasting traditional Georgian bread to exploring ancient cave dwellings. The guides, especially Saba, are praised for their knowledge and engaging stories, transforming historical facts into captivating narratives. Plus, the scenic drives through Georgia’s lush landscapes are a definite highlight.

One thing to consider is the long duration — about 14 hours — which means an early start and plenty of walking or exploring. This tour suits those eager to pack a lot into a single day, especially travelers interested in history, culture, and photography. It’s ideal for curious explorers who appreciate comfort, value guided insights, and aren’t afraid of a full schedule.

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Key Points

Well-organized itinerary with a mix of historical sites, local tastes, and scenic views.
Knowledgeable guides like Saba and Lasha bring stories to life, making history engaging.
Authentic experiences like tasting Nazuki bread and mineral waters add local flavor.
Long but rewarding day — perfect for those who want a comprehensive taste of southern Georgia.
Cost-effective, with most major highlights included in the price, but entrance fees are extra.
Suitable for active travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and walking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Kutaisi

Starting Early with Pickup and Transportation

The tour kicks off at 8:00 am from Budget Georgia’s office on Shota Rustaveli Avenue in Kutaisi — a central and easy-to-find location next to Winetage wine shop. From there, your group is whisked away in a comfortable van, with the drive itself a highlight. Georgia’s landscapes change beautifully as you head south, with lush greenery and rolling hills becoming the backdrop for your day.

Traveling with a small group keeps the journey intimate, and the guide’s commentary offers interesting tidbits about Georgia’s history and culture along the way. The two-hour drive to Surami allows you to settle in with some snacks or chat with fellow travelers, setting the tone for the day ahead.

First Stop: Surami and Nazuki Bread Tasting

The first official stop is Surami, a charming town famous for its Nazuki, a traditional Georgian sweet bread. Here, locals demonstrate how the bread is made — a process involving simple ingredients but a lot of skill. You get to sample fresh slices, which are a delightful treat and a great way to start the day on a tasty note.

This experience offers more than just eating; it’s about observing Georgia’s culinary traditions firsthand. Several travelers appreciated this touch, describing it as a sweet and memorable moment that added authenticity to the trip. One reviewer summed it up: “The locals demonstrate its preparation and generously offer us samples to try,” making it a genuine cultural encounter.

Borjomi Central Park and Mineral Water Tasting

Next, you arrive at Borjomi, famous for its naturally carbonated mineral waters. In the central park, you can sip from the springs, which are renowned for their supposed health benefits. While the cost for tasting is a small additional expense (around 5 GEL), the experience is a relaxing break amid the lush surroundings.

Borjomi’s park is a pleasant place to stretch your legs, watch locals and travelers alike enjoying the waters, and soak in the peaceful natural scenery. The connection between the town’s famous water and its lush, forested setting makes this stop particularly appealing for nature lovers.

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Exploring Rabati Castle: A Medieval Fortress

From Borjomi, the journey continues to Rabati Castle, a site that’s a fascinating patchwork of history. This medieval fortress features a mixture of styles — from ancient walls to restored buildings. It’s a perfect snapshot of Georgia’s diverse past, with influences from different eras and cultures.

Your guide, such as Lasha, a wealth of historical facts and legends, will walk you through the castle, highlighting key features. Reviewers praise guides for their storytelling skills and deep knowledge — one called Lasha “a library on wheels,” ensuring you understand the significance of every stone and tower.

Entrance to Rabati costs approximately 18 GEL, an additional expense you’ll want to budget for. Many visitors find this site especially engaging because of its layered history and the chance to explore on your own after the guided part.

There's plenty more to explore in Kutaisi

Lunch Break at a Local Restaurant

After exploring Rabati, the tour includes a stop for lunch at a local restaurant. This is a good chance to sample Georgian dishes, perhaps complemented by local wines or mineral waters. While the meal isn’t included in the tour fee, many reviews mention that the food is tasty and reasonably priced, offering good value for the experience.

Vardzia: The City of Caves

The most anticipated part of the day is Vardzia, the ancient cave monastery complex carved into the cliffs of the Erusheti Mountain. This remarkable site is a sprawling city of caves, tunnels, and churches, built into the rock face. It’s a visually stunning place that offers insights into Georgia’s monastic past and resilience.

Expect to spend around five hours exploring the caves, with plenty of opportunities for photos and soaking in panoramic views. The site’s size and the uneven terrain mean comfortable shoes are a must. Entrance costs about 15 GEL, plus a small extra fee (~2 GEL) for the minibus ride uphill, making it accessible despite the steep approach.

Reviewers highlight how Vardzia feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with one noting it was “a very interesting stop with great lunch nearby.” It’s truly a highlight for those curious about Georgia’s spiritual architecture and its ability to adapt to the landscape.

Return Journey and Drop-offs

After a full day of discovering Georgia’s highlights, the group heads back to Kutaisi in the late afternoon or early evening. The drop-off points are organized to suit different plans, making it convenient whether you’re staying nearby or heading elsewhere.

What Does It Cost and What’s Included?

The price for this tour covers transportation and guiding services, which is significant value considering the all-day itinerary and expert commentary. Entrance tickets to sites like Rabati and Vardzia are paid separately — around 18 GEL for Rabati and 15 GEL for Vardzia, plus minor costs for the mineral water tasting and Nazuki bread.

The lunch is not included, but the reviews suggest that local eateries offer tasty and reasonably priced dishes. The optional costs for entrance fees and tastings are relatively modest, especially given the depth of experience and the convenience of an organized tour.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a comfortable van with a small group (just a handful of travelers in many cases) makes the journey enjoyable and less rushed. The guides have been praised for their friendliness and knowledge, with Saba often singled out as an outstanding guide.

Duration and Timing

The 14-hour schedule is long but packed with highlights. An early start ensures you beat some of the crowds at Vardzia and enjoy the sites with ample time. Keep in mind that the long day involves a mix of physical activity and sightseeing, so comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended.

Authentic Reviews and What They Reveal

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and storytelling. One said, “Our guide Lasha was a library on car,” emphasizing how engaging and informative the experience was. Another highlighted the beautiful landscapes and how they appreciated the detailed stories about Georgia’s history and legends.

Several reviews mention that the trip is well-organized, and despite some minor issues like a windshield wiper breaking (which is understandable on such a long day), the overall experience is positive. Travelers find value in the authentic local tastes, from Nazuki bread to the regional cuisine at lunch.

A common theme is how these sites — especially Vardzia and Rabati — evoke a sense of Georgia’s resilience and layered history, making the day both educational and inspiring.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers who want a comprehensive day out without the hassle of planning. It’s suited for travelers comfortable with long hours on the road and walking, especially those keen to see Georgia’s iconic sites in one go.

If you’re after a budget-friendly way to experience the region’s highlights and enjoy guided insights, this trip delivers remarkable value. Families, solo travelers, or couples looking for an active day with plenty of photo opportunities will find it especially rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour from Kutaisi offers a well-rounded glimpse into Georgia’s historic, cultural, and natural treasures. With knowledgeable guides, manageable group sizes, and a thoughtfully curated itinerary, it makes for a memorable experience that balances storytelling, scenery, and local flavors.

While the day is long, the rewards — from tasting Nazuki bread to walking through ancient caves — make it worthwhile. It’s especially ideal for those eager to maximize their time and see some of Georgia’s most iconic sites without the stress of self-planning.

If you love history, stunning landscapes, and authentic experiences, this tour will likely tick all your boxes.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all age groups?
Yes, as long as participants are comfortable with walking and spending a full day on the move, this tour suits most age groups.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended, especially since you’ll be exploring uneven terrain at Vardzia.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance tickets for Rabati, Vardzia, and other attractions are paid separately — roughly 18 GEL for Rabati and 15 GEL for Vardzia.

Can I buy tastings and snacks on the tour?
Yes, tastings like Nazuki bread and mineral waters are available for small additional costs (around 3-5 GEL).

What is the group size typically?
The tour generally operates with small groups, making it more personal and flexible.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour involves some walking on uneven surfaces, so it may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

How long is the drive between sites?
The longest stretch is about two hours from Kutaisi to Surami, with shorter drives between other stops.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is at your own expense, but local restaurants offer good options at reasonable prices.

What language is the guide speaking?
The tour is conducted in English, with guides like Saba and Lasha known for their clear, engaging storytelling.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This tour balances depth and breadth beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for travelers eager to experience Georgia’s highlights in one long, fulfilling day.