Things to do & places to visit in Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, Georgia

Samtskhe-Javakheti Region #7 destination in Georgia 2023. The average rating score is 4.53 based on 2.720 traveler reviews, of 57 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Tbilisi, current date and time: Monday, May 13, 2024, 18:13.

Top things to do (43)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Vardzia (594 reviews)
- Fascinating cave town
Ancient Ruins

A cave town containing a large number of caves carved in the mountain in the twelfth century, it is hard to believe that people used to live in these caves, quite fascinating to see, the condition of the caves is not bad, some better than the others, the church within the cave and the escape route were really unbelievable. This site is highly recommended, and I do recommend having a guide to explain the details and the history, making your visit much more fascinating interesting. The complex stretches over several levels connected by walkways and staircases, and the hike up there is not easy, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. See more..
5.0 The Drinking Spot - Dimitri's Marani (62 reviews)
- Amazing place with high quality Georgian homemade wine
Monday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wine Bars

Cafe-bar & restaurant Dimitri's Marani offers you different types of georgian wine and is specialized in making Georgian classical homemade wines. you can taste 11 types of homemade wines from 4 different regions of Georgia. The restaurant is located in 4 Star hotel Borjomi Underwood and offer Georgian and international Dishes See more..
5.0 Cave Town Vanis-Kvabebi (19 reviews)
- It is like the movie & im on it
Ancient Ruins

history is what what moulds the people with in it and the future. This place the one of the most WOW experience ive been. the amount of hard work from that time of civilization and the tools and equipments they used to make this magnificent town pure made in rock mountain. cave town they call it and the partition of its rooms and cellars, from the Queens quarter and the meeting room of the council members, to wine cabin to the medical room and storage area. Visiting this place is like watching a movie in the early age and you are in it! it is a place with pure history. See more..
5.0 Hookah Bar Po-Krasote (8 reviews)
- Best place on ski resort
Monday: 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs

The best hookahs in Bakuriani. High-quality devices and a large selection of tobaccos. Game of billiards. Winter cocktails. Cool interior and atmosphere See more..
5.0 Bakuriani Ski Academy (8 reviews)
- Great Experience! English Speaking Ski Lessons at Bakuriani
Spent More than 3 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas

In winter, learn to ski with professional English, Russian and Georgian-speaking ski instructors. Rent all the equipment you will need from the shop at the base of the slopes. In summer take scenic tours around Georgia and experience the culture, cuisine and history in the company of local experts who will be your guide and organise everything you need. See more..
5.0 chopra travel (6 reviews)
- Nice young driver who’s professional
Monday: 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Day Trips

Perfect driver definitely recommend!!!! All people who are in Borjomi recommend to take day trip to cave town vardzia +995568737361 See more..
5.0 Tmogvi Fortress (5 reviews)
- Ruined Fortress
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

Tmogvi is a ruined fortress located on a top of a cliff. Ascending the cliff and reaching the ruines is not easy, but it is an exciting part. The view from the top is astonishing. Highly recommended. See more..
5.0 Akhaltsikhe Synagogue (5 reviews)
- Amazing synagogue
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

Our amazing Georgian guide Malkhaz Inashvili took us in Akhaltsikhe to visit the 2 synagogues. One of the synagogues is abandoned. It last served as a boxing club meeting place. The other synagogue was locked but the caretaker was happy to come and open up the place to show us. It was renovated and it’s sad that as there are only 3 Jews left they can’t pray because they don’t have a minyan (10 men). He showed us a 500 year old Torah that they have. During the summer when a tour bus comes they can use the synagogue. See more..
5.0 Abuli Fortress (4 reviews)
- Magical and unforgettable experience
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

If you want to do impressive hikes in Georgia then Patara and Didi abuli mountains and Levani lake are great. Abuli fortress is on Didi abuli mountain, its great place to visit. Hike starts at the end of Gandzani village which is ethnic Armenian village in Georgia, and you need to pass Azeri shepherds hut who are very hospitable. Then from the right side you go up the fortress or at least go up the top of mountain and see fortress. U can use guide or at least gps trail as in case of sudden fog you may get lost. Mountain is almost 2900, fortress is 2600s See more..
5.0 Jivani House Museum (4 reviews)
- A very delighful experience in the Jivani House-Museum
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Ashough (Armenian national singer) Jivani house museum was established in 2016 by Support to Javakheti foundation. The museum consists of two parts: exhibition room and memorial part. In the first part Jivani’s biography and works are represented in 4 languages, while the second, memorial part takes the visitors to the 19th century to fill the odor of the Armenian traditional village life. See more..
5.0 Poka Nunnery of St. Nino (4 reviews)
- A veritable gem
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

It's definitely worth a visit, because of the appealing modern architecture of the nunnery - done by a friend who is an architect - and because the delicious products they offer in their shop: french style cheese and chocolates which they both learnt to make in France. It's a worthwhile detour! See more..
5.0 Vardzia Paragliding (2 reviews)
- интересные пешщеры
Parasailing & Paragliding • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Balloon Rides • Taxis & Shuttles

очень понравилось екскурсия по пешщерам вардзия понравилось лазить в нутри по узкими тропинками и как ето можно было построить и жыть очень интиресно See more..
5.0 Sagamo Lake (2 reviews)
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas

See more..
5.0 Timotesubani Monastery (1 review)
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

See more..
5.0 Zarzma Monastery (1 review)
Religious Sites

See more..
5.0 Biofarming Association Elkana (1 review)
- По-нашему это - экологически чистые продукты )))
Eco Tours

По дороге в обсерваторию, заехали в Елкана - небольшой населенный пункт, пообедать ))) По сути это фермерское хозяйство, где производят экологически чистые продукты. В первую очередь - сыр из козьего молока. Дегустировали ))) Очень вкусно ))) Обедали мясом молодого барашка ))) Несмотря на эксклюзивность, было не дорого и очень вкусно. К сожалению, в связи с жарой, не купили ничего впрок. Еще раз спасибо гиду )))) Грузия, ты прекрасна!!! See more..
4.5 Borjomi Central Park (716 reviews)
- A BEAUTIFUL PARK
Parks

Borjomi park is small and a beautiful place with stylish verandas and with an old factory used to extract natural borjomi mineral water, but it is not as tasty as from the bottle you buy in a grocery. There is a river flowing through the park. Beautifully set in the valley, it's surrounded by mountains and views are really great. There are lots of trees in the park and it feels wonderful to walk in the park at any time of the day or night . See more..
4.5 Rabati Castle (451 reviews)
- One of the best attractions in Georgia
Castles

Rabati Fortress was one of the best attractions I have visited in Georgia, it is extensively renovated so at some points you feel it alive, the fortress is very interesting, multicultural, and a beautiful sight to see, it is truly a hidden gem that you must visit. The original fortress was built in the ninth century, but of course, it has been reconstructed and renovated many times over the years, most recently in 2011, many people complain that it is too renovated to the point that it lost its original state, I did not feel that at all, I found it to be lovely, a real point of cultural harmony, except obviously for the restaurant, cafes, and hotels if that truly exists within the complex. Make sure to take the paid tour and visit the museum to get the full experience. See more..
4.5 Green (Mtsvane) Monastery (120 reviews)
- Amazing and peaceful place surrounded by green forest.
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The monastery is located near the town Borjomi. The best way to go there is by Car. The road is good and no entrance fees required. You can leave your car as soon as you enter the territory and walk for about 1.0km to the monastery. The air is fresh and it is so calm in the territory you can find peace for your mind after busy week or noisy cities. See more..
4.5 Sapara Monastery (72 reviews)
- Hidden monastery in the middle of wood
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Sapara is a monastic complex located 13 km away from Akhtaltsikhe. There are 3 churches of different size, I just saw the biggest because there were restauration works. This church is very fascinating, with ancient frescoes; monks are living in the complex. A little before the monastery, on the top of the hill, there are ruines of a fortress; you can reach them in 5 minutes and enjoy the sight of Sapara that you can't have remaining on the road. The site is full green, Sapara is sorrounded by fresh woods. You can reach it only by car, taxi costs 30 lari and the road is terrible enough, but panorama of Little Caucasus is splendid. See more..
4.5 Cultural Heritage Monument Firuza (70 reviews)
- Persian taste
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Built in the 19th century to be the residence mansion of the Iranian ambassador. Firuza is the colour name in persian language as well as the name of the precious stone due to its external walls light blue colour. Persian Islamic architecture that adds to the beauty of the place right before the entrance of the park. See more..
4.5 Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park (52 reviews)
- close to nature
National Parks

1) Park is open all the year. 2) This park have Nature Reserve with different Trails (attached photo about roads). 3) You need register in park office and get permission. 4) If you will decide go trekking / hiking in office can buy map (it cost until 20 GEl). Attached some info from map about Trails. 5) If you want enjoy nature, take road time + 2 hour for stops (photos, water, lunch from bag an rest time). 6) From city center to park office by walk 15min. 7) From Office where can got permission to trail start go by taxi (20 GEL) ~ 10min. 8) We was in end of September, it was coldest place in all Georgia where we travel. 9) Amazing nature, it changing in all road, possible meet or hear animals. 10) in office can ren tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, backpack. See more..
4.5 Borjomi-Bakuriani Railway (34 reviews)
- Best Winter Wonderland Experience
Spent More than 3 hours Rail Services

Its a very flimly moment to travel in a 100years old Boggy Train amidst the Xmas Pine Trees covered in Snow. Its was a dreamy experience and that too just in 2 Lari per person and children free under 6 years. Its a 2 hour trip so better to plan it only one way if u have limited time and only 2 trips in a day as i am aware. Check timings before planning. We caught the train at 2.15pm from Bakuriani station to Borjomi and that was the last trip of day. See more..
4.5 Borjomi Local Lore Museum (24 reviews)
- must visit
History Museums

ticket was 10 gel or under. included with tour guide. very informative cool storys and lot of intresting facts. See more..
4.5 Paravani Lake (14 reviews)
- nice place
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Near the main road, quiet, unaffected place. No need to come here on purpose. Nice view, few life around. See more..
4.0 Khertvisi Fortress (147 reviews)
- Very interesting place!!
Historic Sites

This fortress was a place of tolerance in the past where Christians lived alongside Muslims. One can see the Church inside the fortress as well as the Mosque. The Museum as well is full of priceless collections, with comments both in Georgian and English. A great place to spend a couple of hours. See more..
4.0 Monument to Prometheus (105 reviews)
- Located inside Borjomi Central Park
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

Borjomi Central Park is the best place in Borjomi for hiking and in your like the Sulfur pool then take clothes with you its only 3.5 km from the Park interance!! Enjoy it See more..
4.0 Didveli Gondola Lift (23 reviews)
- Nice, clean and efficient!
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Trams

Great ski lifts! Fairly priced, quick and efficient! Beautiful views at the top of the mountain and good ski slopes! See more..
4.0 Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory (21 reviews)
- Wonderful tour in English
Observatories & Planetariums

The observatory is an incredible piece of history and is now undergoing some much-needed restoration work. Guided tours are currently held between 11am and 8pm daily. Night visits are temporarily suspended. We visited at around 7.30pm on a Saturday evening without any reservation. We were the only two people in the group who don''t speak Georgian, yet our guide meticulously and gracious translated everything into English for us. He was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable. The tour lasted 1.5 hours. The road is in good condition but quite narrow, so be careful if you're driving down in the dark. The tour was absolutely wonderful and more than worth the 10 GEL entrance fee. Highly recommended! See more..
4.0 Joyland (20 reviews)
- Interesting place
Spent More than 3 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas

Best place in Bakuriani See more..