3-Day SUV Tour: Kutaisi- Zekari Pass- Vardzia

Day I: Kutaisi-Zekari Pass-Akhaltsikhe

The tour starts from Kutaisi in the direction of Sairme resort.

From Sairme, go up to the Zekari pass (2,180 meters above sea level), which connects Imereti to Samtskhe-Javakheti Region. This road passes through Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Then the road descends to the mountainous Abastumani balneological resort. Make sure to visit the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory.

The route continues in the direction of Akhaltsikhe. Visit the historic part of the city crowned by the Akhaltsikhe (Rabati) Castle, the history of which started in the 9th century.

There are many hotels in Akhaltsikhe available for an overnight stay, including those in historic districts.

Day II: Akhaltsikhe-Vardzia

On the way from Akhaltsikhe to Vardza, pass Rustavi and Khertvisi villages, famous for their medieval fortresses.

The road from Khertvisi to Vardzia passes through the Mtkvari valley. In the valley lies the historic Tmogvi fortress, which controlled the entrance to Georgia from Asia in the Middle Ages.

The next stop is Vardzia, a fascinating, carved into the rock city that includes an active monastic complex built in the 12th-13th centuries. Stay overnight at the hotel in Vardzia village.

Day III: Vardzia-Vanis Kvabebi-Kutaisi

On the way from Vardzia to Kutaisi, visit the Vanis Kvabebi monastic complex, another Georgian monument of the VIII-XVI centuries carved inside the rock.

Useful Information:

Use an SUV, equipped with either A/T or M/T tires, to travel the route. Enable offline GPS and in case of an emergency, contact the Public Safety Management Center at 112 available 24/7.