About Excursion

Short overview and main highlights

We set off early in the morning and cross mountainous Adjara via Khulo. On the Goderdzi Pass, above 2,000 m, there are alpine pastures and summer villages, and on the other side of the pass Samtskhe-Javakheti awaits.

In Akhaltsikhe we explore Rabati Castle, where a church, a mosque, a citadel and a museum share one courtyard. Then we follow the Mtkvari valley, stop at the ancient Khertvisi Fortress and continue to Vardzia, the city carved into the rock in Queen Tamar's time, with hundreds of cells, tunnels and a church full of frescoes.

We have a Meskhetian lunch in Aspindza, and on the way back, in season, we stop at the emerald Green Lake or at the Goderdzi panorama. It is a long day, but one of the most impressive day trips from Batumi.

Itinerary & Places to See

9 stops with photos and short descriptions

Stop 1
Batumi
Batumi is the capital of Adjara and the main resort town on the Black Sea coast. The city is famous for its seaside boulevard, modern architecture, historical streets of old Batumi and piazza square. On the boulevard there is a moving statue "Ali and Nino" and the alphabet tower, which look especially beautiful in the evening light. From Batumi, you can easily go to the Botanical Garden, Mtirala National Park and the waterfalls of the mountainous region of Adjara.
Place Details
Stop 2
Khulo
Khulo is the centre of mountainous Adjara, in the Adjaristskali valley at about 900 m. The small town sits among forested slopes and mountain villages, surrounded by the peaks of Upper Adjara. One of Khulo's symbols is the Tago cable car, which crosses the deep gorge and links the town with the village of Tago on the opposite slope. The views are especially beautiful in spring and autumn. On the road to the Goderdzi Pass, Khulo is a natural stop where travellers rest, have breakfast and get ready for the long mountain road. 📷 Photos: Gaga.vaa, Yasuhiro Kojima, Goderdzi Bolkvadze, Jelger Groeneveld / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA / CC BY)
Place Details
Stop 3
Rabati Castle
Rabati Castle stands on a high hill in the old part of Akhaltsikhe, on the bank of the Potskhovi river. Its history goes back to the early Middle Ages: it was the residence of the Jaqeli, the rulers of Samtskhe, and under Ottoman rule it became the seat of the pashas of Akhaltsikhe. Different eras and cultures meet in a single courtyard here: a citadel and towers, a Georgian church, the Ottoman Ahmediye mosque, a bathhouse and palace buildings. The complex was extensively restored in 2012. The castle grounds house the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum, and from the walls you can see all of Akhaltsikhe and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, when it is lit up, the castle is especially beautiful. 📷 Photos: John Wagner, Alexey Yurko, Jelger Groeneveld, Karelj / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA / CC BY)
Place Details
Stop 4
Khertvisi Fortress
Khertvisi Fortress is one of the oldest strongholds in Georgia. It stands on a rocky hill at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Paravani rivers and once controlled the whole valley. The walls and towers that survive today mostly date from the 10th–14th centuries, though the fortress itself is much older. The small village of Khertvisi lies in the valley below. The fortress is clearly visible from the road to Vardzia and is one of the most photogenic monuments of Meskheti, especially against the dry, rugged slopes of the gorge. 📷 Photos: Gaga.vaa, Vladimir Pankratov, Makalu, Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA / CC0 / CC BY)
Place Details
Stop 5
Vardzia
Vardzia is a monastery city carved into the rock of Mount Erusheti in the Mtkvari valley. Its construction began under King Giorgi III, and the main part was built at the end of the 12th century, during the reign of Queen Tamar. Hundreds of cells, churches, a refectory, wine cellars and water channels were cut into the cliff on several levels, linked by tunnels and stairways. An earthquake in 1283 brought down part of the rock face, exposing the inner rooms of the city to the outside. The heart of the complex is the Church of the Dormition, with surviving 12th-century frescoes that include portraits of Giorgi III and Queen Tamar. A monastery still functions at Vardzia today. 📷 Photos: SzerokieWidoki, Martin Cígler, Piotr Rokita, Sarah Murray / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Place Details
Stop 6
Aspindza
Aspindza is a small town in the Mtkvari valley, between Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia. It went down in history with the Battle of Aspindza in 1770, when the army of King Erekle II defeated the Ottomans. The town is surrounded by the dry, rugged mountains of Meskheti, and the ruins of a medieval fortress stand nearby. Vardzia and Khertvisi Fortress are only a short drive away. Aspindza is a good stop for lunch, a chance to try Meskhetian cuisine with its meat dishes, mushrooms, cheese and local bread. 📷 Photos: G.N., Jaba1977 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Place Details
Stop 7
Green Lake (Goderdzi)
Green Lake is a mountain lake near the Goderdzi Pass, at about 2,000 m. It takes its name from its emerald water, which reflects the fir forest around it. Alpine meadows and walking paths surround the lake, and in summer the slopes are covered with flowers. It is a peaceful place for a short walk and photos. The lake can only be reached in the warm season, roughly from late spring to autumn. In winter the road is closed by snow.
Place Details
Stop 8
Goderdzi Pass
The Goderdzi Pass links Adjara with Samtskhe-Javakheti and lies at over 2,000 m. After Khulo, the mountain road from Batumi to Akhaltsikhe climbs up here, from the forests to the alpine pastures. On the pass there are summer villages, wooden houses and wide meadows with a panorama of the Adjara and Meskheti ranges. The Goderdzi ski resort is close by, and in winter the snow here is often deep. The weather changes quickly in the mountains: even on a sunny day fog can roll in, so warm clothes always come in handy. 📷 Photos: Yasuhiro Kojima, Jelger Groeneveld, Krzysztof Ziarnek / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA / CC BY)
Place Details
Stop 9
Batumi
Batumi is the capital of Adjara and the main resort town on the Black Sea coast. The city is famous for its seaside boulevard, modern architecture, historical streets of old Batumi and piazza square. On the boulevard there is a moving statue "Ali and Nino" and the alphabet tower, which look especially beautiful in the evening light. From Batumi, you can easily go to the Botanical Garden, Mtirala National Park and the waterfalls of the mountainous region of Adjara.
Place Details

Excursion Details

DepartureSamtskhe-Javakheti

Departure Time06:00

PaymentPayment on departure day in cash

Pickup / meeting pointPick-up from your hotel in Batumi or the nearest stop

What's included

Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Driver

Not included

Rabati Castle entrance ticket
Vardzia entrance ticket
Breakfast and lunch

Schedule & Free Dates for this Tour

Click a date to automatically select it in the booking form

October

November

Available Day Selected DateOther dates available via private tour, by agreement

Photo Gallery

Click photo to enlarge

Itinerary & Places to See

9 stops with photos and short descriptions

Stop 1
Batumi
Batumi is the capital of Adjara and the main resort town on the Black Sea coast. The city is famous for its seaside boulevard, modern architecture, historical streets of old Batumi and piazza square. On the boulevard there is a moving statue "Ali and Nino" and the alphabet tower, which look especially beautiful in the evening light. From Batumi, you can easily go to the Botanical Garden, Mtirala National Park and the waterfalls of the mountainous region of Adjara.
Place Details
Stop 2
Khulo
Khulo is the centre of mountainous Adjara, in the Adjaristskali valley at about 900 m. The small town sits among forested slopes and mountain villages, surrounded by the peaks of Upper Adjara. One of Khulo's symbols is the Tago cable car, which crosses the deep gorge and links the town with the village of Tago on the opposite slope. The views are especially beautiful in spring and autumn. On the road to the Goderdzi Pass, Khulo is a natural stop where travellers rest, have breakfast and get ready for the long mountain road. 📷 Photos: Gaga.vaa, Yasuhiro Kojima, Goderdzi Bolkvadze, Jelger Groeneveld / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA / CC BY)
Place Details
Stop 3
Rabati Castle
Rabati Castle stands on a high hill in the old part of Akhaltsikhe, on the bank of the Potskhovi river. Its history goes back to the early Middle Ages: it was the residence of the Jaqeli, the rulers of Samtskhe, and under Ottoman rule it became the seat of the pashas of Akhaltsikhe. Different eras and cultures meet in a single courtyard here: a citadel and towers, a Georgian church, the Ottoman Ahmediye mosque, a bathhouse and palace buildings. The complex was extensively restored in 2012. The castle grounds house the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum, and from the walls you can see all of Akhaltsikhe and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, when it is lit up, the castle is especially beautiful. 📷 Photos: John Wagner, Alexey Yurko, Jelger Groeneveld, Karelj / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA / CC BY)
Place Details
Stop 4
Khertvisi Fortress
Khertvisi Fortress is one of the oldest strongholds in Georgia. It stands on a rocky hill at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Paravani rivers and once controlled the whole valley. The walls and towers that survive today mostly date from the 10th–14th centuries, though the fortress itself is much older. The small village of Khertvisi lies in the valley below. The fortress is clearly visible from the road to Vardzia and is one of the most photogenic monuments of Meskheti, especially against the dry, rugged slopes of the gorge. 📷 Photos: Gaga.vaa, Vladimir Pankratov, Makalu, Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA / CC0 / CC BY)
Place Details
Stop 5
Vardzia
Vardzia is a monastery city carved into the rock of Mount Erusheti in the Mtkvari valley. Its construction began under King Giorgi III, and the main part was built at the end of the 12th century, during the reign of Queen Tamar. Hundreds of cells, churches, a refectory, wine cellars and water channels were cut into the cliff on several levels, linked by tunnels and stairways. An earthquake in 1283 brought down part of the rock face, exposing the inner rooms of the city to the outside. The heart of the complex is the Church of the Dormition, with surviving 12th-century frescoes that include portraits of Giorgi III and Queen Tamar. A monastery still functions at Vardzia today. 📷 Photos: SzerokieWidoki, Martin Cígler, Piotr Rokita, Sarah Murray / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Place Details
Stop 6
Aspindza
Aspindza is a small town in the Mtkvari valley, between Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia. It went down in history with the Battle of Aspindza in 1770, when the army of King Erekle II defeated the Ottomans. The town is surrounded by the dry, rugged mountains of Meskheti, and the ruins of a medieval fortress stand nearby. Vardzia and Khertvisi Fortress are only a short drive away. Aspindza is a good stop for lunch, a chance to try Meskhetian cuisine with its meat dishes, mushrooms, cheese and local bread. 📷 Photos: G.N., Jaba1977 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Place Details
Stop 7
Green Lake (Goderdzi)
Green Lake is a mountain lake near the Goderdzi Pass, at about 2,000 m. It takes its name from its emerald water, which reflects the fir forest around it. Alpine meadows and walking paths surround the lake, and in summer the slopes are covered with flowers. It is a peaceful place for a short walk and photos. The lake can only be reached in the warm season, roughly from late spring to autumn. In winter the road is closed by snow.
Place Details
Stop 8
Goderdzi Pass
The Goderdzi Pass links Adjara with Samtskhe-Javakheti and lies at over 2,000 m. After Khulo, the mountain road from Batumi to Akhaltsikhe climbs up here, from the forests to the alpine pastures. On the pass there are summer villages, wooden houses and wide meadows with a panorama of the Adjara and Meskheti ranges. The Goderdzi ski resort is close by, and in winter the snow here is often deep. The weather changes quickly in the mountains: even on a sunny day fog can roll in, so warm clothes always come in handy. 📷 Photos: Yasuhiro Kojima, Jelger Groeneveld, Krzysztof Ziarnek / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA / CC BY)
Place Details
Stop 9
Batumi
Batumi is the capital of Adjara and the main resort town on the Black Sea coast. The city is famous for its seaside boulevard, modern architecture, historical streets of old Batumi and piazza square. On the boulevard there is a moving statue "Ali and Nino" and the alphabet tower, which look especially beautiful in the evening light. From Batumi, you can easily go to the Botanical Garden, Mtirala National Park and the waterfalls of the mountainous region of Adjara.
Place Details

Guest reviews

What travelers say about us

It was an amazing trip! Our driver was very polite, professional, and well-mannered. He went above and beyond by showing us beautiful places that weren’t even included in the itinerary. He also took us to the mountains and different cities and was very flexible with our schedule and any changes to the plan. It was one of the best trips I’ve had to Georgia. Highly recommended!😍😍😍
A AzhykeevaGoogle review
An absolutely fantastic experience with Aslankan, a true professional in every sense of the word 🌟 From the very first moment, his professionalism and respect were impeccable. He followed up on every detail, responded quickly, and was incredibly helpful with every inquiry or request. What impressed me most was his attention to detail and his commitment to ensuring a comfortable and well-organized trip, free from any stress. He is a dedicated, honest, and clearly experienced professional, and I truly felt that customer comfort and satisfaction are his top priorities. I sincerely thank him for his excellent service, organization, and attention to detail. I highly recommend him, and I hope to travel with him again in the future ❤️✈️
Samah Abu IssaGoogle review
A fantastic trip, one of the best I've ever taken to Europe. The itinerary was well-organized and packed. We visited city landmarks, as well as breathtaking natural scenery—mountains and rivers. The guide was fluent in Arabic, friendly, kind, and professional, providing thorough explanations of the areas we visited. The Mercedes, a modern and well-equipped six-seater, was our destination. We also enjoyed an exciting Jeep Wrangler adventure. It was a trip to remember! 😊
תרוות סעדGoogle review

Vardzia, Rabati and Khertvisi — A Grand Meskhetian Journey over the Goderdzi Pass

About Excursion

Itinerary & Places to See

Batumi

Khulo

Rabati Castle

Khertvisi Fortress

Vardzia

Aspindza

Green Lake (Goderdzi)

Goderdzi Pass

Batumi

Excursion Details

What's included

Not included

Schedule & Free Dates for this Tour

Photo Gallery

What travelers say about us

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Plan your unforgettable journey with us

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Vardzia, Rabati and Khertvisi — A Grand Meskhetian Journey over the Goderdzi Pass

About Excursion

Itinerary & Places to See

Batumi

Khulo

Rabati Castle

Khertvisi Fortress

Vardzia

Aspindza

Green Lake (Goderdzi)

Goderdzi Pass

Batumi

Excursion Details

What's included

Not included

Schedule & Free Dates for this Tour

Photo Gallery

What travelers say about us

Similar Tours

Family Day on the Coast: Petra Fortress, Shekvetili Dendropark and Ureki

Gomis Mta: An Evening Above the Sea of Clouds with a Mountain Picnic

Prometheus Cave, Tskaltubo's Abandoned Spa and Kutaisi

Plan your unforgettable journey with us

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions