What's included in the Lunch & Sulfur Bath option?

Traditional Georgian cuisine tasting and access to natural sulfur baths at the Abastumani resort. The sulfate-sodium chloride mineral water has been valued historically for wellness purposes.

How much driving is involved?

Expect approximately 555 km (345 miles) of driving over the 14-hour tour. Significant time is spent in transit between monasteries and Abastumani in the mountain region.

Can I visit the Abastumani Observatory?

Yes. The tour includes the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory, founded in 1932 as the first alpine astrophysical facility in the Soviet Union. It offers views and exhibits on the premises.

What are the main historical sites?

The tour covers three monasteries (Sapara from the 9th century, Zarzma from the 8th century, and Chulevi from the 14th century), Queen Tamar's 12th-century bridge, and the Abastumani Observatory and spa resort complex.

Is this tour accessible for all fitness levels?

The tour involves walking on uneven monastery grounds and some stone steps. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential. Much of the day is spent driving, so it's suitable for those with limited mobility who can manage short walks at each site.

Comfortable walking shoes, light jacket for mountain altitude, modest clothing for monasteries, sunscreen, and entertainment for long drives. If booking the sulfur bath option, bring swimwear and a towel.

Abastumani Escape: Sapara, Zarzma & Observatory Tour 1

Abastumani Escape: Sapara, Zarzma & Observatory Tour 2

Abastumani Escape: Sapara, Zarzma & Observatory Tour 3

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Abastumani Escape: Sapara, Zarzma & Observatory Tour

(3)

Tbilisi, Georgia

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About this activity

A comprehensive 14-hour private journey into Georgia's spiritual and scientific heritage, combining three medieval monasteries, a historic 12th-century bridge, and the Soviet Union's first alpine observatory, set against the Caucasus Mountains. This immersive day trip blends Byzantine art, monastic history, and mountain wellness in one of the South Caucasus's most culturally rich regions.

Private full day trip to Abastumani includes visiting Sapara Monastery from 9th century with beautiful carvings and frescoes, Zarzma Monastery built in the 8th century with an underground burial vault, Chulevi Monastery to explore the church built in the 14th century and the waterfall, Queen Tamar’s Bridge from 12th century, Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory, the first alpine astrophysical observatory that was founded in 1932 on the territory of the former Soviet Union and climatic resort Abastumani located on the southern slopes of Caucasus Mountains with natural springs rich in sulfate-sodium chloride that has long been used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Two options are available for the tour. Tour with Lunch & Sulfur Bath option includes tasting the best meals from local traditional cuisine and enjoying sulfur baths. Private tour to Abastumani is suitable for people who enjoy exploring medieval churches, spa resorts and breathtaking nature. Total drive 555 km (345 miles).

Highlights

✓Sapara Monastery (9th century) – intricate stone carvings and preserved frescoes
✓Zarzma Monastery (8th century) – underground burial vault and ancient architecture
✓Chulevi Monastery (14th century) with scenic waterfall and church exploration
✓Queen Tamar's Bridge – 12th-century royal crossing over mountain terrain
✓Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory – first alpine observatory in Soviet Union (1932)
✓Natural sulfur springs and thermal spa resort in mountain setting

Insider tips

★Book the Lunch & Sulfur Bath option to experience traditional Georgian cuisine and therapeutic hot springs – the sulfate-sodium chloride waters have been used for wellness centuries
★Wear comfortable hiking shoes; monastery grounds involve uneven terrain and some stone steps between sites
★Visit in late spring or early autumn when mountain passes are clear and weather stable – winter snow can block roads to higher monasteries

Good to know

•Total distance is 555 km (345 miles) – expect significant driving time; bring entertainment and snacks
•Private tour option means flexible pacing; communicate special interests (photography, geology, history) to your guide beforehand
•Modest dress recommended when entering monasteries; bring a light jacket for altitude (Abastumani sits on southern Caucasus slopes)
•Sulfur bath option requires swimwear and towel if not provided – check with operator

Who it's for

History and archaeology enthusiasts exploring Byzantine and medieval architectureWellness seekers interested in thermal spa culture and mountain retreatsPhotography and nature lovers documenting Caucasus landscapes and ancient stone carvingsCouples and small groups wanting an immersive private cultural experience

Best time to visit

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer clear skies ideal for observatory visits and comfortable hiking temperatures. Avoid winter months when mountain roads may close due to snow.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Pete B.

May 2025

our guide Aiko was nice enough, but a little local spot off the usual route felt a bit rushed honestly, and would only really suit you if youre not fussy, ran the full 4 hours promised.

Sarah L.

Apr 2025

our guide Aiko was nice enough, but the bit at the end nobody expects felt a bit rushed honestly, and expected more, our Phuket tour was better value, loved it

Yuki C.

Feb 2025

our guide Leila sorted everything for us and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight, and honestly better than the tour we did in Paris last year.

from€215.78€215.41/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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