Georgia, the Caucasus · DAVID GAREJA DESERT MONASTERY TRIPS
Semi-desert an hour and a half from Tbilisi, cave cells cut into a ridge, and the striped Rainbow Mountains next door. These 15 differ on whether the upper cave church is part of the walk and how hot the day gets.
Rainbow Mountains stripes, Kapatadze salt-lake photos, and David Gareja caves on a 7-hour guided trip from Tbilisi for $39.
“This trip was amazing! 🤩 Our guide Lado was great, and told us a lot of interesting stories. I recomend everyone to book this tour.”
A small-group 4x4 day from Tbilisi to Gareja and Georgia’s Rainbow Mountains, with a cave monastery hike and desert-village lunch.
“This was a wonderful trip. Small group. Relaxing and laid back atmosphere. Salomea is a wonderful guide, very enthusiastic , friendly full of stories. Because of rain some section of road was completely wiped out. They did their best to take us to all spots . Overall one of the best day trip in Georgia”
Rainbow Mountains colors, a semi-desert drive, and David Gareja monastery stories, all from Tbilisi in about 7 hours for $39.
“I don't usually do organised tours as I prefer to make my own way to places, however, getting to this location isn't easy with public transport. I was very happy I picked this tour, it was a really nice day out. Our guide was great, very informative and funny too. His knowledge of global geography is amazing!!!! We did a hike when we arrived at the monastery and that was really nice, then we walked through the monastery and to finish off we walked up the back of it towards the Armenian border. The views were fabulous!!!”
4x4 off-road day trip from Tbilisi to David Gareji and Rainbow Mountains, cave monasteries, desert salt views, and optional wine.
“This tour was a fabulous experience the guides are helpful and knowledgeable. It is exactly as described and very comfortable for an off road experience. This tour is highly recommended.”
Private Kakheti day trip from Tbilisi: Bodbe, David Gareji caves and Rainbow Mountains, Signagi, village bread stops and wine tastings.
“This was the best tour I did while spending a week in Georgia and Armenia. I had had the same tour guide two days prior for the Tbilisi walking tour, so it was great to see him again. We were able to continue our discussions about Georgian history and politics. For me the highlight was the David Gareji caves and the trip to them. This area of Georgia has beautiful rolling green hills with no one there except a few sheep herders. At the site you travel up behind the ridge where the monastery is, get to see into Azerbaijan, and look around in the rooms carved into the hillside.…”
Private day trip from Tbilisi to David Gareji, Rainbow Mountains, Bodbe and Sighnaghi with tastings, churches and views
“It was better then we imagine. Perfect spots, delicious degustations, excellent driver and cery expirienced guide Khato! You are just amazing and the day with you was a pure joy! highly recommended!”
Private Kakheti day trip from Tbilisi with Davit Gareja cave monastery, Rainbow Mountains viewpoints, Sighnaghi walls, Bodbe monastery.
“Anyone can book a ride to see the famous sights of Georgia. However, our Guide, Sergio, made us feel like old friends and marveled us all day with his stories and insights into the history and customs of the country and region. I am so glad we connected and look forward to going him again for our next Georgia tour! Thank you”
Private David Gareja and Signagi day trip from Tbilisi, rock-hewn monasteries, city walls and wine degustation, St Nino at Bodbe.
“Fantastic day trip. Georgi was a wonderful driver and guide. He took me to several vantage points around Signaghi for a better overview as well as a wonderful terrace restaurant with delicious food. The monasteries and area are beautiful I highly recommend this trip.”
See David Gareja monastery and semi-desert hills near Tbilisi, with a monk cave walk, saint water hike, and colorful viewpoint stops.
“My recent trip to David Gareja Monastery was truly unforgettable, thanks in large part to Goerge. From the moment we set off, his humor and mindfulness set a positive tone for the entire journey. He was not only rich with knowledge about the history and significance of the monastery but also shared fascinating anecdotes that brought the place to life. The hike through the mountains, while a bit challenging (for me), was made enjoyable by his proactive approach. He ensured I was comfortable and engaged, often going out of his way to point out interesting sights and provide context. His enthusiasm was infectious, making the trek feel less like a…”
A full day from Tbilisi to David Gareja caves and monasteries, then stroll Signagi for wine, walls, and views, with pickup included.
“David Gareja was excellent !! Guide Dimitri from Trek Georgia was very very amicable, and warm without being intrusive, which I really liked. The 2-hour hike up the 750 meter mountain to see the caves and frescoes on the 6th-century monastery was worth it. Please be prepared for the expedition.”
Sunrise hike from Tbilisi to David Gareja, Udabno village brunch, and Rainbow Hills trail with a small English-speaking group.
“This day trip was so worthwhile. Our guide Zura was ready and waiting for us in the reception of our hotel as promised. He was very personable and spoke excellent English. We were able to ask him anything He was not only very knowledgeable he was also an excellent listener and clearly very intelligent.”
Full-day David Gareja monasteries, Rainbow Hills hike, Sighnaghi and Bodbe, with hotel pickup, 4x4 transport, and Georgian bread masterclass.
“Definitely a very worthy investment. I was very happy to have been advised by Zurab (the guide) to wake up early for the sunrise.”
10 hours through Kakheti with David Gareja, Rainbow Mountains photo stops, Bodbe Convent, and Sighnaghi walls, plus great value private transport.
A private 2-day organic wine tour in Georgia, mixing Soviet-era stops, monastery visits, and organic cellar tastings plus a lunch.
“We had a phenomenal trip with Tsotne and enjoyed a great combination of history, culture, wine, food, and wonderful landscape. Our two days was truly a once in a lifetime trip. Everything from the pick-up all the way through his continued communications and help returRead more”
Private 8-hour David Gareja and Udabno caves tour from Tbilisi, with picnic lunch, off-road desert views, and wildlife terrain.
“interesting place. a lot of driving . like 4 x 4 in the desert. the caves were too steep... i can't reach the top. so i missed them.”
The mountains, the wine belt, the old stones and the water — pick the kind of day you want.
