Vardzia

Nestled into the steep cliff on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, the incredible cave city of Vardzia is the symbol of the Georgian Golden Age of the 12th century. The monastic complex was mostly destroyed by a large earthquake in the 13th century, but the hundreds of rooms still visible today are a testament to the city’s former grandeur. The bedrooms, refectories, wine cellars, medicine cabinets and churches, connected by a network of tunnels and narrow staircases form an impressive labyrinth that can be explored on Route 14 of our book. The perfect day trip betwen Tbilisi and Kutaisi ! Composed of more than 4,000 individual cells and chambers hewn from a sheer rock wall, it cuts an impressive figure. It’s enthralling to explore on foot, especially when you have a guide to point out the copper pipes, bread ovens and clay qvevri – ancient amenities that once supported a large community of resident monks.