A city carved out of history, David Gareji is set in the heart of a semi-desert amongst dramatic pink and yellow sandstone cliffs. Founded by the 6th century monk, David Gareji, this monastery complex expanded over the centuries and at one time housed over 10,000 monks living in caves and monasteries within a twenty-kilometre radius.

Many of the caves are still decorate d with paintings made by the monks - particularly the Udabno caves, high on a ridge overlooking Azerbaijan. It is considered by many people to be a true spiritual center, a place of south profound beauty and transcendence that the presence of the holy spirit can be palpably felt.

The largest cave complex in Georgia, at one point Vardzia had 19 levels, 3,000 caves and penetrated sixty metres into the cliffs and is still nearly as extensive. Partly-destroyed by an earthquake in the 15th century, about twelve levels remain, including the marvellous church of the Assumption inset into the rock and covered in fine frescos. One shows both David the Builder and Queen Tamar - believed to have been painted during the Queen's lifetime (12th century). Designed to be an impregnable center of learning and a monastery by Queen Tamar, Vardzia represents the apex of the cave city, the culmination of an ancient tradition. At one time defenders here were able to hold off an army of 400,000 Moslems invaders, and after this and many other victories it became famous as an outpost of faith.

The ancient, large complex of natural caves of the Uplistsikhe city site is located 10km away from the town of Gori, on the right bank of the Mtkvari River. Inhabited from pre-Christian times it was an important trade center on the historic Silk Road, well until the 12th century. Rooms of various sizes and functions and halls of dwellings are carved in the rock. The hall complexes, the pagan temples and Christian churches, the theatre, the dungeons and wine cellars are noteworthy. Don't forget a side visit to the Stalin Museum in nearby Gori.