The drive from Sighnaghi to Vardzia took most of the day, even though it only looked a short distance on the map! As we travelled west, the weather cooled and Jo reported snow was falling in Vardzia. Expected maximum temperature 2 degrees! What! Lionel hasn’t stopped complaining about the cold, but he happily takes a drop of Chacha ( the local firewater with our host and tries to cope.)
On the way we stopped at Khertvisi Fortress, which had commanding views of the surrounding countryside and the snowy mountains we were heading towards.
Vardzia is a very small village, we are staying by the river at Sada Guesthouse, where the owner likes a drink or two. It was surprisingly cosy and warm last night despite the zero temperatures!
Today we climbed up to the cave city. This was built into the side of the mountain in the 12th Century to hide and protect the people from the Mongol Hordes! It could house 50,000 people! A century later, an earthquake shattered two thirds of it, exposing the tunnels and various rooms.
The monks continue to live up there today. It was an amazing place to wander through, thankfully with plenty of railings and stairs! We left via the “secret tunnel” which of course bought lots of my favourite movies to mind! Snow started falling as we climbed down, time for a warming drink of chacha!
Chris Godman 
Amazing! Lots of “tea” being consumed on this trip…
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Yes! Jo and I are sitting by that fire again, finishing off a bottle of red. Lionel has gone to bed…too much chacha!
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Zero degrees. I’m with Lionel. Lots of tea and cha-cha.
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Wow! Incredible. Bet u had a few Genghis Khan moments 🤣
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Yes! The Georgians have been knocked around by so many invaders. They just keep getting up again. Very hospitable people.
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Just amazing!
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This place looks really interesting, a bit like Cappadocia but without the ‘Tourist Hordes’. How are you finding Georgia generally?? I’m trying to decide on a side trip to 4 of the Stans (guided) or Georgia (self) next time we go to Europe. No doubt you’ll say ‘do both!’ Really enjoying your posts, safe travels. 😊
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I think I’d go for the Stans first. (We had drivers through “Indy Guide” for our trip) There are lots of similarities of course, but it could also depend on how much time you have to spend on your way to your final destination. Evidently Vardzia gets very busy in Summer. It was a long drive from Sighnaghi, but you could do a different route. Depends on the time of year too. Our plans have just changed cause of road closures due to Spring snow and roadworks! We will have to get together for a drink or two and discuss in detail!
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Definitely! Look forward to it.
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Those stairs going off at different angles reminds me of that Escher painting! Fabulous!
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