Guarding the strategic junction of the Mtkvari and Paravani rivers, Khertvisi Fortress is one of Georgia's oldest and best-preserved medieval strongholds. Located right on the scenic road to Vardzia, this unrestored stone citadel offers rich history, stunning gorge views, and a 10th-century church. Plan your visit with this comprehensive history, architecture, and practical travel guide.

Discover Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe, a remarkable Georgian fortress blending centuries of Christian, Ottoman, and Russian history. Located on the road to Vardzia, this practical visitor guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, visit durations, key historical highlights like the Ahmed Pasha Mosque, and tips for planning your trip from Tbilisi or Borjomi.

Founded in the 6th century by St John Zedazneli, Zedazeni Monastery stands high above Mtskheta on the forested Saguramo Range, combining early monastic history with exceptional valley and Caucasus views.

Founded by St Serapion and rebuilt under Beka I Jaqeli, Zarzma Monastery preserves exceptional medieval architecture, historical frescoes and one of Georgia's most impressive bell towers.

Just a few kilometres from Vardzia, Upper Vardzia preserves an earlier 9th–11th-century Dormition Church with carved stone details, traces of frescoes and an active convent.

Experience Rtveli, Georgia's traditional grape harvest, where centuries-old winemaking traditions meet legendary hospitality. Running from late August through autumn, this vibrant season offers visitors the chance to pick grapes, press juice into traditional clay qvevri vessels, and share in an authentic supra feast. Discover when to visit and how to join the harvest in Kakheti.

Just 7 km from Vardzia, Tsunda Church is a late medieval St John the Baptist church set above the Mtkvari Valley amid ancient settlement remains, terraced fields and the fortress landscape of Tmogvi.

Hidden beside the road to Kutaisi, Ubisa Monastery preserves exceptional 14th-century frescoes associated with the master Damiane, a 9th-century church and a remarkable four-storey medieval tower.

Founded in the 6th century by St Shio, Shio-Mgvime Monastery lies in a secluded gorge near Mtskheta, surrounded by ancient churches and more than one hundred historic monastic caves.

Hidden in a forested gorge near Akhaltsikhe, Sapara Monastery combines medieval Georgian architecture, exceptional frescoes, Jakeli dynasty history and one of the most atmospheric settings in Samtskhe-Javakheti.

Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta connects some of the most important chapters of Georgian Christianity, from St Nino and Georgia’s first Christian rulers to an 11th-century cathedral and the grave of St Gabriel Urgebadze.

Built in 1030, Samtavisi Cathedral is one of Georgia's most influential medieval churches, famous for its elegant proportions, monumental carved cross, intricate stone ornament and historic frescoes.