Tusheti, Vardzia and Sighnaghi: beyond Tbilisi
A remote 4×4 highland, a cave city carved into a cliff and a walled town above the vineyards — three trips that show the Georgia beyond the capital.
Tusheti — the remote highland
Reached only in summer over the Abano Pass — one of the world's more dramatic mountain roads — Tusheti is a remote region of stone tower-villages like Omalo and Dartlo, shepherds and near-total quiet. We travel it by 4×4 with a driver who knows the road; it's for those who want real wilderness.
Vardzia — the cave city
In the south near the Turkish border, Vardzia is a cave monastery city carved into a cliff face in the 12th century under Queen Tamar — hundreds of rooms, churches and tunnels over many levels. Paired with the fortress of Khertvisi and the Borjomi–Bakuriani area, it makes a strong two-day loop.
Sighnaghi — the walled wine town
In Kakheti, Sighnaghi is a small walled hill town above the Alazani valley, with cobbled lanes, city walls you can walk and long views to the Caucasus. It's the romantic heart of the wine country and an easy, rewarding day or overnight from Tbilisi.