Vardzia: Queen Tamar's Cave City
- Vardzia is a 12th-century cave city in southern Georgia, carved into the rock under Queen Tamar.
- Open daily from about 10 am, in summer until about 6–7 pm, shorter in winter (guide value, check locally).
- Entry approx. 15–20 GEL according to travel guides; shuttle up the slope approx. 2 GEL.
- No direct marshrutka from Tbilisi: first to Akhaltsikhe (approx. 4 h), then onwards (approx. 1.5 h).
- Best by rental car or tour – often combined with Rabati Fortress and Borjomi.
Vardzia is one of Georgia's most impressive places: an entire town carved into a cliff. Built in the 12th century under Queen Tamar, monks lived here in hundreds of caves – with a church, wine cellars and secret tunnels.
Vardzia at a glance
| Location | southern Georgia, approx. 60 km beyond Akhaltsikhe |
| Getting there | approx. 4–5 h by car from Tbilisi; marshrutka with a change in Akhaltsikhe |
| Entry | approx. 15–20 GEL, shuttle approx. 2 GEL (guide value) |
| Opening hours | daily from approx. 10 am, in summer until approx. 6–7 pm |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours on site |
What you will see
The cave church – the heart of Vardzia, with 12th-century frescoes including a portrait of Queen Tamar.
The cave dwellings – rooms on several levels linked by stairs and tunnels. At the end you climb back up through a narrow passage.
The view of the valley – from the terraces you look far down to the Mtkvari (Kura) river.
How to get there
- Rental car: the most flexible option, via Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe on a good road.
- Marshrutka: from Didube to Akhaltsikhe, change there. Return buses from Vardzia are rare – take an early one.
- Tour from Tbilisi: usually with Rabati Fortress and Borjomi in one long day.
Our tip: two days in the south
- Day 1: Tbilisi → Borjomi (park, mineral spring), on to Akhaltsikhe, evening at Rabati Fortress.
- Day 2: Vardzia early, then back towards Tbilisi or on to Kutaisi.
Read more
Borjomi travel guide · Car rental in Georgia · Georgia itinerary
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Tbilisi to Vardzia?
Take a marshrutka from Didube bus station to Akhaltsikhe (approx. 4 h, about 15 GEL per guides), then change for Vardzia (approx. 1.5 h). Return departures from Vardzia are few – a rental car, driver or tour is much easier.
How much is the entrance fee?
Travel guides quote 15 to 20 GEL, plus about 2 GEL for the shuttle from the car park. Prices change – please check locally.
Is a day trip from Tbilisi enough?
It is possible but long (over 8 hours of driving round trip). An overnight stay in Akhaltsikhe or Borjomi is nicer.
What should I wear?
Sturdy shoes – there are many steps and narrow tunnels. Cover shoulders and knees in the cave church.
Sources: Wander-Lush: Vardzia Cave Monastery Guide · GoTrip: How to reach Vardzia · Wikivoyage: Vardzia. All information without guarantee; rules can change at short notice.