Treasures of Southern Georgia: Batumi, Vardzia and Tbilisi in 7 Days

An unforgettable experience through the captivating region of Georgia, a destination that perfectly combines breathtaking landscapes, rich history and a warmth that will make you feel right at home. This 7-day itinerary takes you from the vibrant Black Sea coast in Batumi to the historic capital of Tbilisi, passing through hidden gems like the Martvili Canyon, the impressive Prometheus Cave, and the rock-carved monasteries of Vardzia. Every day is carefully designed to offer you a balance of adventure, culture and relaxation, giving you an authentic glimpse of Georgia's beauty. The tour kicks off with a transfer to the coastal heart of Batumi, where you'll explore its modern and traditional charms along with its surrounding natural landscapes. You'll then visit the spectacular Martvili Canyon and the magical Prometheus Cave before reaching the historic city of Kutaisi. Along the way, you'll discover unique destinations like Borjomi, famous for its mineral waters, and the medieval fortress of Khertvisi. You'll also enjoy a Spanish-guided city tour in Tbilisi, where every corner tells fascinating stories of a city that bridges the ancient and the modern. Get ready for a cultural adventure that will stay with you forever!

Itinerario

Day 1 - Transfer from Batumi Airport to Batumi

Total road for the day - 0KM 0 Hours and 0 Minutes Transfer according to the scheduled time Road 0KM 0 Hours and 0 Minutes

Day 2 - Batumi and Surroundings

Total road for the day - 27KM 0 Hours and 50 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we start our adventure. The plan includes: Road 6KM 0 Hours and 15 Minutes

Batumi Ethnographic Museum

The Borjgalo Ethnographic Museum, located in Batumi, Georgia, is a fascinating space celebrating Georgian culture and traditions. Created by sculptor Kemal Turmanidze, this museum offers a unique collection of wooden sculptures and interactive exhibits representing daily life, traditional crafts and customs of the country's diverse regions. Set in a welcoming atmosphere, Borjgalo is ideal for discovering the essence of Georgian life. During our visit we'll explore the detailed sculptures, learn about Georgia's ancestral traditions and immerse ourselves in the cultural richness that makes this museum a truly unique place. "

Gonio Fortress

Gonio Fortress, located near the Black Sea coast a few kilometers from Batumi in Georgia, is a historically significant monument. Built in Roman times, this fortification dates back to the 1st century AD and is considered one of the country's oldest archaeological sites. Famous for its defensive design and connection to the Silk Road, Gonio also holds legends related to the tomb of the Apostle Matthew, making it a blend of history and myth. During our visit we'll walk along its ancient walls, explore the archaeological museum and uncover the mysteries and legends surrounding this fascinating destination on the Black Sea.

Day 3 - Batumi - Martvili - Prometheus Cave - Kutaisi

Total road for the day - 240KM 4 Hours and 16 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we start our adventure. The plan includes: Road 163KM 3 Hours and 0 Minutes

Martvili Canyon

Martvili Canyon, located in the Samegrelo region of Georgia, is a natural wonder known for its turquoise waters and impressive waterfalls. Shaped by thousands of years of erosion, this canyon offers a dreamy setting surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can enjoy boat rides along the Abasha River, explore scenic trails and marvel at the unique rock formations and local legends associated with the place. During our visit we'll sail through the crystal-clear waters, walk the nature-lined paths and soak up the serenity and unparalleled beauty of Martvili Canyon. "

Prometheus Cave

Prometheus Cave, located near Kutaisi in Georgia, is one of the country's most impressive and extensive caves, standing out as a major natural and tourist attraction. Discovered in 1984, this fascinating underground cavern offers a tour through vast halls adorned with stalactites, stalagmites and spectacular rock formations that, thanks to careful lighting, create a magical and immersive atmosphere. In addition to the well-laid paths that allow exploration of its impressive interior landscapes, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the underground river running through the cave, providing a unique experience that highlights the natural and geological richness of the region. During our visit, we'll walk through its illuminated passages, marvelling at the formations shaped by nature over centuries, and enjoy a boat ride that lets us sink into the serenity and hidden beauty of this underground environment, making this trip an unforgettable experience.

Day 4 - Kutaisi - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe

Total road for the day - 182KM 3 Hours and 6 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we start our adventure. The plan includes: Road 130KM 2 Hours and 16 Minutes

Borjomi

Nestled in the picturesque Mtkvari Valley in central Georgia, Borjomi is a legendary spa destination world-renowned for its healing mineral waters, which bubble up naturally hot from the depths of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. This elegant resort town, which reached its peak during the 19th-century Russian Tsarist era, preserves magnificent imperial-style mansions and extensive historic parks. Its mineral water, bottled since 1890, is considered a Georgian national treasure and has been prized for centuries for its medicinal properties. During our stay, we'll stroll through the romantic Mineral Park, taste the thermal waters straight from the historic springs and explore the pristine trails of the national park, one of the largest in Europe.

Akhaltsikhe Fortress (Rabat)

Akhaltsikhe Fortress (Rabat), located in the picturesque town of Akhaltsikhe, Georgia, is an impressive historic complex that blends medieval architecture with unique cultural elements. Founded in the 9th century, this fortress has witnessed numerous civilizations, reflected in its churches, mosques and gardens. Its distinctive design mixes Georgian, Ottoman and Persian influences, making it a symbol of the region's rich multicultural history. Restored in recent years, Rabat also houses a museum, a hotel and modern recreational areas. During our visit we'll explore the imposing walls, stroll through the perfectly maintained gardens and discover the museum to learn the fascinating stories that shaped this unique destination.

Day 5 - Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Tbilisi

Total road for the day - 287KM 5 Hours and 30 Minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we start our adventure. The plan includes: Road 60KM 1 Hour and 20 Minutes

Vardzia

Carved into the vertical face of Mount Erusheli, Vardzia emerges as an impressive 12th-century cave monastery-city, a symbol of medieval Georgia's cultural peak during the reign of Queen Tamar. This monastic complex stretches 500 metres long and reaches up to 19 storeys high, housing over 600 rooms including churches, wine cellars, libraries and an intricate system of tunnels and irrigation channels. The site is especially noted for the Church of the Dormition, which preserves exceptional 12th-century frescoes, including a famous portrait of Queen Tamar. During our exploration, we'll walk through the tunnels and secret staircases connecting the different chambers, discover ancient wine cellars and marvel at the medieval frescoes that have survived earthquakes and centuries of history in this architectural gem hewn from the rock.

Khertvisi Fortress

Khertvisi Fortress, set in the Samtskhe-Javakheti Valley, Georgia, is one of the country's oldest fortresses, with origins dating back to the 2nd century BC. Strategically positioned at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Paravani rivers, it served as a key medieval defence and an important point on the Silk Road. Its imposing walls, towers and panoramic valley views make it a symbol of the region's historical resilience. During our visit we'll explore the well-preserved structures, climb the towers to admire the landscape and immerse ourselves in the stories that make Khertvisi a place full of charm and history.

Day 6 - Tbilisi - Spanish-guided City Tour

No driving After breakfast at the hotel, we start our adventure. The plan includes:

Rustaveli Avenue

Rustaveli Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi, stretches 1.5 kilometres from Freedom Square to Republic Square. This iconic street, named after the medieval poet Shota Rustaveli, is home to the city's most prestigious buildings, including the Parliament of Georgia, the Opera Theatre and the National Museum, all built in neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles during the 19th century. During our stroll, we'll soak up the vibrant Georgian cultural scene, stop at the elegant historic cafés and admire the monumental architecture while exploring the many shops and art galleries.

Metekhi Square

Metekhi Square, one of Tbilisi's most emblematic historic spots, rises on a cliff with privileged views over the Mtkvari River. This landmark is dominated by the 13th-century church and the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the city's legendary founder. The square was for centuries the seat of the royal palace, establishing itself as a strategic and cultural centre. Although the original church was built in the 5th century, the structure we can admire today is a 13th-century reconstruction. During our tour, we'll delight in sweeping panoramic views of the old town and the famous bathhouse district. We'll also explore Metekhi Church and dive into the fascinating history of the king whose vision made Tbilisi the capital of Georgia, forging one of the most representative places of Georgian heritage.

Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress, an iconic symbol of Tbilisi, has dominated the city's skyline since the 4th century. This ancient citadel, originally Persian and later expanded by Arabs and Georgians, rises on a steep hill with views over the Mtkvari River and the old town. Its imposing walls and towers have witnessed the many civilisations that have ruled Georgia, including the reconstructed St Nicholas Church from the 12th century. During our visit, we'll ride the cable car up to the fortress, walk along the ancient defensive walls and capture stunning panoramic views of Tbilisi as the sun sets over the city.

Abanotubani

Abanotubani, the historic sulphur bathhouse district in the heart of old Tbilisi, is the original core where the Georgian capital was founded. Sitting on the right bank of the Mtkvari River, this neighbourhood is famous for its distinctive sulphur baths with brick domes emerging from the ground, witnesses to over 1,500 years of history. The natural thermal waters that spring from deep within the earth maintain a constant temperature of 37–40°C, and their healing properties have attracted illustrious visitors such as Alexander Pushkin and Alexandre Dumas. During our visit, we'll wander through the streets of legendary thermal waters and get lost in the picturesque medieval alleyways winding between the bathhouses, breathing in the most authentic essence of old Tbilisi.

Anchiskhati

Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in Tbilisi, is a vital testament to Georgia's Christian history since the 6th century. Located in the heart of the old town, this sandstone church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, takes its name from the miraculous icon of Christ (Anchiskhati) that it housed for centuries. Its typically Georgian three-nave basilica architecture is complemented by medieval frescoes and a 17th-century bell tower. During our exploration, we'll take in the mystical atmosphere of the temple, listen to the ancient Georgian polyphonic chants that still resonate in its walls and admire the craftsmanship of its traditional icons.