Vardzia & Rabati day trip from Tbilisi
Vardzia & Rabati day trip from Tbilisi: $330 sedan, $430 minivan, $490 4x4, $660 Sprinter, $785 Premium — per car, return, the driver waits. 550 km, about 13 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 .
Vardzia, the 12th-century cave town above the Mtkvari, is about 275 km from Tbilisi each way — a long day of 12–13 hours with Rabati fortress in Akhaltsikhe on the way. There is no direct public transport that makes this a day trip, which is why people book a car.
- Distance550 km
- Drive time13 h
- Pricefrom $330
Vardzia & Rabati day trip 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 | $330 ≈ 858 GEL | ≈ 165 | ≈ 110 | — | — |
| Minivan up to 6 Mercedes Vito / Hyundai Starex | $430 ≈ 1,118 GEL | ≈ 215 | ≈ 143 | ≈ 108 | ≈ 72 |
| SUV 4x4 up to 4 Toyota Prado / Mitsubishi Delica, winter tyres | $490 ≈ 1,274 GEL | ≈ 245 | ≈ 163 | ≈ 123 | — |
| Sprinter up to 16 Mercedes Sprinter, up to 16 seats | $660 ≈ 1,716 GEL | ≈ 330 | ≈ 220 | ≈ 165 | ≈ 110 |
| Premium up to 4 Mercedes E-Class or Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (SUV on mountain roads), experienced driver | $785 ≈ 2,041 GEL | ≈ 393 | ≈ 262 | ≈ 196 | — |
paid parking and entry fees not included. Prices updated 21 October 2026.
The road
Tbilisi → Khashuri → Borjomi → Akhaltsikhe (Rabati) → the Mtkvari canyon road via Khertvisi fortress → Vardzia, and back the same way. Leave Tbilisi at 7:30–8:00.
Worth stopping
- Rabati fortress, Akhaltsikhe.
- Khertvisi fortress viewpoint.
- Vardzia cave monastery (walking 1.5–2 h, entry fee extra).
- Optional: Borjomi on the way back.
Good to know
- Too long for one day? Sleep in Akhaltsikhe or Borjomi and continue — ask for a 2-day quote.
- Good shoes: the cave town is steps and tunnels.
- Entry fees and opening hours are set by the museum-reserve — check locally.
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.
Vardzia & Rabati day trip from Tbilisi: questions
How much is a Vardzia day trip by car?
$330 per sedan, $430 per minivan, $490 per 4x4 — the driver waits, back to Tbilisi the same day.
How long is the drive to Vardzia?
About 4.5 hours each way without stops.
Can we add a guide?
Yes, a licensed guide is +$130 per day.
Is it worth staying overnight?
For a relaxed visit, yes — Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe halves the driving per day.