What's included in the tour?

Entry to all four monastery sites (Sapara, Zarzma, Chulevi), Queen Tamar's Bridge, and Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory. The 'Lunch & Sulfur Bath' option adds a traditional Georgian meal and access to thermal baths; confirm your package before booking.

How long is the driving and how many stops are there?

Total distance is 555 km over 14 hours. This includes roughly 10–11 hours of driving split across the day, with dedicated stops at each monastery, the bridge, observatory, and resort area for exploration and lunch.

Can I do this tour with a small group or only privately?

This is listed as a private tour. Confirm group size limits and whether prices are per person or per vehicle; pricing may differ if you're joining others or booking solo.

Is the observatory open to the public and what will I see there?

Yes, Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory is included in the tour. It was founded in 1932 and is the first alpine astrophysical observatory built in the Soviet Union. Expect exhibits and possibly observatory facilities, though active telescope access may be limited; ask your guide for current accessibility.

What are the thermal springs like and do I need to bring anything for the sulfur bath?

Abastumani is known for natural sulfate-sodium chloride thermal springs, historically used for health treatments. If your tour includes the sulfur bath option, bring a towel and swimwear; some facilities may provide these, so confirm in advance.

Is this tour physically demanding?

Expect moderate activity — walking around monastery grounds, climbing some steps, and exploring outdoor sites. The long day and driving may be tiring. Comfortable shoes are essential; notify your guide of any mobility concerns beforehand.

Abastumani Tour from Tbilisi with Sapara, Zarzma, Chulevi and Observatory 1

Abastumani Tour from Tbilisi with Sapara, Zarzma, Chulevi and Observatory 2

Abastumani Tour from Tbilisi with Sapara, Zarzma, Chulevi and Observatory 3

Abastumani Tour from Tbilisi with Sapara, Zarzma, Chulevi and Observatory 4

Abastumani Tour from Tbilisi with Sapara, Zarzma, Chulevi and Observatory 5

Abastumani Tour from Tbilisi with Sapara, Zarzma, Chulevi and Observatory 6

Top Deal1 / 6

Abastumani Tour from Tbilisi with Sapara, Zarzma, Chulevi and Observatory

Top Deal

1 / 6

Abastumani Tour from Tbilisi with Sapara, Zarzma, Chulevi and Observatory

(5)

Tbilisi, Georgia

Cultural ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsBus & Minivan ToursPrivate Car Tours

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About this activity

A comprehensive 14-hour private journey through Georgia's southern highlands, combining three centuries-old monasteries, a historic astrophysical observatory, and a alpine wellness resort. This route covers 555 km of diverse landscapes and cultural sites, ideal for travellers wanting medieval architecture, Soviet-era science history, and natural thermal springs in one day.

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 frescoes
✓Zarzma Monastery (8th century) — underground burial vault and riverside setting
✓Chulevi Monastery (14th century) — church and adjacent waterfall
✓Queen Tamar's Bridge (12th century) — medieval stone crossing
✓Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory — first alpine observatory in Soviet Union (founded 1932)
✓Abastumani resort town — natural sulfate-sodium chloride thermal springs

Insider tips

★Book the Lunch & Sulfur Bath option if visiting in cooler months; the heated baths are especially rewarding after a long drive and monastery exploration
★Arrive early (tour starts ~9am) to maximise daylight for photography at each monastery site
★Bring layers — the Caucasus foothills have significant elevation changes; afternoons can be notably cooler than Tbilisi
★The observatory site offers views across the region; ask your guide about any current research or displays on display day

Good to know

•Total drive distance: 555 km (345 miles); tour is 14 hours including travel and stops
•Private car/minivan tour — size and vehicle type depend on group size
•Lunch and sulfur bath facilities included only on the 'Lunch & Sulfur Bath' option; confirm which version you've booked
•Modest dress recommended when entering active monastery sites; comfortable walking shoes essential for uneven terrain
•Pickup location and exact start time should be confirmed with supplier; typically departs from central Tbilisi

Who it's for

History and architecture enthusiasts interested in Georgian medieval monasteriesScience and astronomy buffs curious about Soviet-era observatoriesWellness travellers seeking natural thermal spa experiencesCultural explorers wanting to cover remote southern Georgia in one structured day

Best time to visit

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild temperatures and clear skies ideal for both monastery exploration and observatory views. Avoid winter if snow affects mountain roads; summer heat can be intense at lower elevations but pleasant at Abastumani's altitude.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Lena N.

Jun 2026

our guide Diego really knew their stuff and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight. Did it on our first morning so it wasnt too busy. Miles ahead of a similar tour we tried in phuket, and 6 stops in about 3 hours. Would book again no question.

Claire G.

May 2026

our guide Leila sorted everything for us and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight. First thing in the morning so it wasnt too busy. Booked it for my birthday, and used it for our summer trip. Would book again no question.

Megan B.

Mar 2026

Yuki our guide very good, and a stop the guide added on the fly we love it. Is much better than the tour we do in Lisbon before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

Carlos E.

Jan 2026

our guide Carla sorted everything for us and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight, and spot on for a couples day out, and came away with 200+ photos.

Will W.

Apr 2025

our guide Joseph was brilliant and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight, and ideal with kids (ours are 6 and 9), and 6 stops in about 3 hours.

from€215.87€215.41/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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