Vardzia cave monastery at a glance
Vardzia is a rock monastery of the 12th century in the municipality of Aspindza, in Samtskhe-Javakheti. It lies about 30 km from Aspindza at a height of 1,300 m. Caves are cut into the cliff over many levels, and the church has portraits of King Giorgi III and Queen Tamar. Monks still live at Vardzia, so treat it as a living monastery and not only as a sight.
The trip from Borjomi is a full day. By road it is 1 hour 55 minutes one way. Part of the site is closed, so expect a shorter visit.
Our pick: Vardzia day trip
A guided day that includes the cave monastery along with Borjomi and Rabati.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Vardzia tours and day trips
Day trips to Vardzia with Rabati Castle and Borjomi, with live prices and availability.
Tickets, guides and opening hours
Prices and hours for 2026.
| Item | Price or hours |
|---|---|
| Adult entry | GEL 15 |
| Georgian pupils, students and pensioners | GEL 1 |
| Guide in a foreign language | GEL 45 |
| Guide in Georgian | GEL 25 |
| Audio guide | GEL 15 |
| Shuttle | GEL 2 per person |
| Virtual tour | GEL 15 |
| 1 March to 1 May | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| 1 May to 1 October | 10:00 to 19:00 |
| 1 October to 15 November | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| 15 November to 1 March | 10:00 to 17:00 |
Children under 6 enter free. Free entry also applies to people with a disability and one companion, and to ICOM members, with proof. For most visitors, the audio guide is the cheaper way to get background. The monastery is open daily; ask at the entrance about the last entry.
What is closed: the Secret Tunnel
Rockfall damaged the footbridge and the railing at the Secret Tunnel earlier in 2026. The area is closed off. Safety nets and repairs are planned, and the area stays closed until they are done. The rest of the site is open, but the full walk through the caves, including the tunnel, is not guaranteed. Expect a shorter route and check the current state before you go.
The cliff is also steep in places. Wear shoes with grip and keep to the paths.
The cave city of Vardzia: what you see
The sights in the order of a typical visit.
The rock face
The cliff holds rows of caves joined by passages and stairs. This is why many call Vardzia a cave city.
The church
The church has portraits of Giorgi III and Tamar. You must not take photos inside.
The valley
From the terraces you look over the Mtkvari valley and the green hills around it.
Dress with respect. Men wear long trousers; women wear a long skirt and a head cover. The rule applies to the church and the monastery areas, not to every outdoor terrace.
Getting to Vardzia from Borjomi and Tbilisi
Driving times without stops.
From Borjomi allow 1 hour 55 minutes each way. From Tbilisi the drive is 4 hours 10 minutes via Borjomi or 3 hours 45 minutes over the highland, one way. A day trip from Tbilisi with a stop at Rabati and Borjomi is therefore a long day, and not a half day. The usual plan is to stay in Borjomi and go from there. Look at the Rabati Castle guide for the stop on the way, and at Borjomi day trips to compare trips. Winter roads can be hard, so ask about conditions.
Vardzia: frequently asked questions
How much does Vardzia cost?
Adult entry is GEL 15 in 2026. A foreign-language guide is GEL 45, an audio guide GEL 15 and the shuttle GEL 2 per person.
Can I enter the Secret Tunnel?
Not at present. The area is closed after rockfall, and repairs are planned. Do not count on a full walk through the caves.
How long does it take to get there from Borjomi?
About 1 hour 55 minutes by road one way, so plan a whole day.
What should I wear?
Men wear long trousers; women wear a long skirt and a head cover. Photos inside the church are not allowed.
Is Vardzia open every day?
Hours change by season: 10:00 to 17:00 in winter and 10:00 to 19:00 from May to September. Check the opening days before the long drive.