David Gareja monastery from Tbilisi
David Gareja monastery from Tbilisi: $110 sedan, $150 minivan, $165 4x4, $220 Sprinter, $265 Premium — per car, return, the driver waits. 150 km, about 6 h. Russian-speaking driver and fuel included; 50% online to confirm, the rest in cash to the driver, or 100% online (under $100: in full); full refund if cancelled 24 h+ before pickup. Prices checked .
David Gareja, the cave monastery in the semi-desert near the Azerbaijani border, is about 75 km from Tbilisi each way — a 6-hour half-to-full day. The last stretch from Udabno is a rough road, and there is no regular public transport to the monastery itself.
- Distance150 km
- Drive time6 h
- Pricefrom $110
David Gareja monastery from Tbilisi: price per car
| Car | Per car return trip, driver waits | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6, USD | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan up to 3 Toyota Camry / Prius or similar | $110 ≈ 286 GEL | ≈ 55 | ≈ 37 | — | — |
| Minivan up to 6 Mercedes Vito / Hyundai Starex | $150 ≈ 390 GEL | ≈ 75 | ≈ 50 | ≈ 38 | ≈ 25 |
| SUV 4x4 up to 4 Toyota Prado / Mitsubishi Delica, winter tyres | $165 ≈ 429 GEL | ≈ 83 | ≈ 55 | ≈ 41 | — |
| Sprinter up to 16 Mercedes Sprinter, up to 16 seats | $220 ≈ 572 GEL | ≈ 110 | ≈ 73 | ≈ 55 | ≈ 37 |
| Premium up to 4 Mercedes E-Class or Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (SUV on mountain roads), experienced driver | $265 ≈ 689 GEL | ≈ 133 | ≈ 88 | ≈ 66 | — |
paid parking and entry fees not included. Prices updated 21 October 2026.
The road
Tbilisi → Sagarejo turn → Udabno village → the steppe road to Lavra monastery. In dry weather a sedan is fine; after heavy rain we recommend a 4x4.
Worth stopping
- Lavra monastery (1–1.5 h).
- Optional walk up the ridge to the Udabno caves (+1.5 h, steep).
- Udabno village for lunch.
Good to know
- Bring water, a hat and closed shoes; there is little shade.
- Part of the cave complex lies on the border line; follow signs and local guidance.
- Combine with Sighnaghi as a long day — ask for a quote.
Included
- Private car and driver, fuel, parking
- Russian-speaking driver as standard; English and other languages on request — confirmed when you book
- Free meet & greet with a name sign at airports, 60 min free waiting after landing
- Free stops on the way for photos, coffee or a monastery (up to 1 h in total)
- Child seat free on request
- Pay 50% online to confirm, the rest in cash to the driver — or pay 100% online. Trips under $100 are paid in full online. Full refund if cancelled 24h+ before pickup (multi-day trips: 7+ days before the start).
Who runs your trip
RideGE: Bookings operated by GG Services Limited (Hong Kong). We hand-pick licensed drivers in every country, preferring drivers with experience in tourism.
Russian-speaking driver as standard; English and other languages on request, confirmed at booking.
David Gareja monastery from Tbilisi: questions
How much is a David Gareja day trip?
$110 per sedan, $165 per 4x4 — the driver waits.
How long does it take?
About 2 hours each way plus 2 hours at the monastery.
Do we need a 4x4?
Not in dry weather. After rain the steppe road gets muddy — choose 4x4.
Is there a guide?
A licensed guide is +$130 per day.