Region · Southern Georgia

Samtskhe-Javakheti

Cave cities, sulfur springs and the fortress of Rabati.

Vardzia — 12th-century cave cityHub: Akhaltsikhe & BorjomiBest: May–Oct

Why This Region

Cave Cities and the Southern Plateau

Samtskhe-Javakheti spans the high southern plateau from the Turkish border to the Armenian highlands, encompassing some of Georgia's most dramatic and under-visited landscapes. Vardzia, the 12th-century cave city carved into a volcanic cliff face by Queen Tamar, is the headline attraction — a working monastery with hundreds of rooms cut into the rock. Nearby Borjomi is the source of Georgia's most famous mineral water and the starting point for the Borjomi–Kharagauli National Park, while the fortified Old Town of Akhaltsikhe and the Ottoman-era Rabati Castle add layers of history that stretch from medieval Georgia to the Russian Empire.

At a Glance

Base towns

Akhaltsikhe & Borjomi (~700–1,000 m)

Getting there

~3–4 h from Tbilisi by road

Terrain

Volcanic plateau, river gorges, pine forest

Best season

May–Oct; Vardzia runs year-round

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Main draw

Vardzia, Borjomi, Rabati, Javakheti

Ideal length

2–4 days

Pairs with

Adjara, Kvemo Kartli, Tbilisi

Things to Do

Signature Sights & Experiences

Cave City

Vardzia

A 12th-century cave monastery complex carved into a volcanic cliff — hundreds of rooms, frescoes, a wine cellar and a working church still in use.

Fortress

Rabati Castle & Akhaltsikhe

A vast Ottoman-era fortress complex in the heart of Akhaltsikhe — mosque, synagogue, church and castle walls from centuries of layered rule.

National Park

Borjomi–Kharagauli NP

One of Europe's largest national parks — dense Caucasus forest with trail networks starting from the spa town of Borjomi.

Mineral Springs

Borjomi

The source of Georgia's most famous mineral water, a 19th-century spa town with a beautiful park and a Romanov-era summer palace.

Plateau

Javakheti Highland Lakes

The volcanic Javakheti plateau at 2,000 m+ holds a string of crater lakes — Paravani, Tabatskuri, Khanchali — and dramatic open skies.

Cave Monastery

Khertvisi & Tmogvi

Two fortress ruins in the Mtkvari gorge near Vardzia — dramatic cliff-top sites overlooking the river that shaped medieval southern Georgia.

Activities available here

Mixed Tours Trekking & Hiking Overlanding

On the Map

Where It Sits in Georgia

Key spots

Akhaltsikhe

Vardzia

Borjomi

Rabati Castle

Javakheti

Best Time to Visit

When to Come

May–Sep

Best Overall

Warm and accessible throughout the region. The Javakheti plateau is green and open; national park trails are at their best.

Apr & Oct

Shoulder Season

Vardzia and Rabati run year-round. Spring brings wildflowers to the Javakheti plateau; October is brilliant for forest colour in Borjomi.

Nov–Mar

Winter

The plateau can be harsh and roads may close. Vardzia, Borjomi spa and Rabati Castle are reachable year-round from the main road.

Good to Know

Practical Notes for the Mountains

Altitude on the plateau

Javakheti sits above 2,000 m — cold even in July. Pack warm layers for plateau drives and lake visits even in mid-summer.

Vardzia access

The final approach to Vardzia is on a good road but narrow. Tours park below and walk up; comfortable shoes are important for the cave steps.

Minority communities

Javakheti has a large Armenian-speaking community and a distinctive culture. It's one of the most ethnically diverse corners of Georgia.

Border proximity

Samtskhe-Javakheti borders both Turkey and Armenia. Some areas near the borders have restricted access — a guide will know current rules.

Want to explore Samtskhe-Javakheti your way?

Cave cities, spa towns, plateau lakes or fortress ruins — tell us what draws you south and we'll design your perfect itinerary.

Plan a Custom Trip

Tailor-Made

Want a Trip Designed Around You?

Tell us your dates, group size, interests, and fitness level, and we'll craft a private itinerary — hiking, climbing, caving, biking, overlanding, or a mix, with as much Georgian food and culture as you like.

Request a Custom Trip