short breaks three - Georgia Tourism and Attractions

Georgia is home to many different cave towns, some used for monastic life, some – for public and some – for mixed population. The construction epochs vary from first millennium BC to 12th century AD.

The biggest two surviving cave towns are now Vardzia and Uplistsikhe.

Vardzia was meant to be a secret town for protecting Georgians from their enemies but the earthquake tore the cliff and Vardzia was exposed to all passers by.

Uplistsikhe was the main point on Georgian portion of the Great Silk Road and all the caravans paid tax to enter the town and have safe overnight.

 

  • Available May to October

Day 1: Tbilisi/Paravani Lake/Dashbashi Canyon/Vardzia

We start our morning by driving to Paravani lake. The route is simply gorgeous and full of lakes. On a halfway we’ll take a detour to Dashbashi canyon and walk for about 15 minutes to picturesque waterfalls of Dashbashi. Return to the main road and continue to Poka Nunnery. The establishment of Poka Nunnery is credited to St. Nino of Cappadocia who is said to have brought Christianity into Georgia. The nuns living here make delicious cheese and sweets, as well as honey and you can buy them there in the little shop. Afterwards arrive in Vardzia cave town. Visit this beautiful cave city (12th c) with so many legends associated to it and still keeping the fresco of Georgia’s most beloved Queen of the 12th century – Tamar.

Overnight in Vardzia.

Day 2: Vardzia/Borjomi/Uplistsikhe/Mtskheta/Tbilisi

Visit Borjomi town famous for mineral water. We can try carbonated local water at Borjomi Park – a good place to escape from sun and tiredness.

Continue to Gori and visit the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe. That’s the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. The cave town is real fairytale, enabling to discover the ancient treasure of Georgia. Before reaching Tbilisi we’ll stop at UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari monastery.

Transfer to Tbilisi.

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