If you don't have much time to see Kutaisi, we recommend taking a sightseeing tour.
Kutaisi, the administrative center of Imereti, is the second-largest city in Georgia today. There are not many sights within the city itself, but it serves as a convenient base for excursions throughout the country. Such trips will be much cheaper compared to similar routes from Batumi or Tbilisi.
Travel Tips
When planning your own itinerary, consider the following tips:
Two important attractions near Kutaisi have different closing days. Prometheus Cave and Okatse Canyon are closed on Mondays, while Sataplia Cave is closed to visitors on Tuesdays.
Children under 3-4 years old or shorter than 100 cm are not allowed on canyon excursions.
For any excursion, it's advisable to bring a small snack and water in addition to your camera.
Kutaisi is a small city where you can explore all its iconic places in one or two days and easily organize a sightseeing tour of Kutaisi on your own using the descriptions of the attractions.
Another convenient option is to arrange tours with local guides before your trip. They will meet you and show you the most interesting sights. Russian-speaking guides in Kutaisi advertise their services online, so you can also rely on the reviews of tourists who have already visited the city. The cost of tours in Kutaisi depends on the number of participants and the distance of the route. Remember that the quoted price is not always final, so don't forget to negotiate!
In the city center, there is a tourism company called Travel in European Georgia that offers group bus excursions around Kutaisi and its surroundings (including Gelati and Motsameta monasteries, Sataplia Nature Reserve, and Prometheus Cave).
If you prefer independent travel, you can take a taxi and go to your chosen destination. For example, to reach Sataplia Nature Reserve, you will need to pay approximately 30 GEL if you don't want to make any other stops along the way. When you arrive at Gelati or reach Motsameta Monastery, you don't need to look for a tour guide. Local guides will offer to give you a tour for a small fee (around 10 GEL).
Exploring the canyon itself will take at least one to two hours. During the excursion, tourists can enjoy:
rafting on an inflatable boat along the Martvili Canyon;
scenic views of the waterfall cascade.
The entrance fee to one of the most beautiful canyons in Georgia is 16 GEL.
The cost of the full tour (including transportation and visits to nearby attractions such as Martvili Monastery) starts from 280 GEL.
Prometheus Cave
Prometheus Cave (or Kumistavi) is considered one of the most accessible attractions in Georgia. There are always many tourists here, enjoying the well-maintained stalactite walls, as well as the lighting and the presence of peaceful music. However, it can be quite cold inside the cave, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing for the excursion.
< p>It is believed that being inside the cave has healing effects and can alleviate respiratory ailments.
The entrance fee to the cave is 20 GEL.
The price of the tour, including transportation, starts from 295 GEL.
Sataplia Nature Reserve
Most tourists believe that Sataplia falls short in beauty compared to Prometheus Cave. However, it is less crowded here, and the cave is surrounded by the namesake nature reserve. Therefore, there is definitely something to see within the territory of Sataplia. The main highlights of this excursion route include:
traces of dinosaurs dating back over 150 million years;
life-size dinosaur figures;
an observation platform above the abyss that takes your breath away;
a preserved Colchis forest;
a recreated Jurassic period park;
a wild bee colony (the name of the cave translates to "a place where there is honey").
The entrance fee to the cave costs from 18 GEL.
The price of the full excursion route starts from 230 GEL.
Oqatsi Canyon
Oqatsi Canyon is located an hour's drive from Kutaisi (50 km away). It is not accessible by public transport. The main attraction of the canyon is a narrow bridge that passes over the abyss. It is a thrilling experience for adventurous tourists to walk across it.
The entrance fee costs 7 GEL. A self-organized trip (e.g., by taxi) will cost at least 50 GEL.
The price of the excursion to Oqatsi Canyon starts from 260 GEL.
Monastery Complexes
Gelati Monastery
The excursion program with Gelati Monastery usually includes a visit to one of the caves (Sataplia or Prometheus) and also the Motsameta Monastery.
Founded around the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin in the 11th century, Gelati Monastery is rightfully considered one of the most iconic complexes in all of Georgia. In addition to the monastic cells, Gelati Monastery includes the Church of St. George and St. Nicholas the Miracle-Worker. Today, the monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Entrance to the monastery complex is free.
A self-organized trip from Kutaisi to Gelati will cost 2 GEL. Buses depart from an additional bus station daily and cost 1 GEL to Gelati Monastery.
The price of the excursion will be around 230 GEL per person.
Motsameta Monastery
Both monasteries (Motsameta and Gelati) are within walking distance of each other, but they are connected by a winding path that is not easy to find. You can reach the Motsameta Monastery by the same bus that goes to Gelati, getting off a bit earlier.
The tranquil and cozy Motsameta Monastery attracts fewer tourists compared to Gelati. Several churches and monastic cells are surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Entrance to the monastery complex is free.
A self-organized trip to both monasteries by taxi will cost 30 GEL.
The price of the excursion with a guide starts from 230 GEL.
Other Excursion Routes from Kutaisi
From Kutaisi, you can reach any attraction in Georgia, such as the favorite places of the country's guests:
Rioni River, where you can enjoy easy rafting, see the Shaori reservoir and Nikortsminda Cathedral (500 GEL, 8-hour excursion);
Rabati, Khertvisi, and Vardzia rock cities (740 GEL, 14-hour excursion);
Shaori and Racha Lakes, which will delight nature enthusiasts with their picturesque beauty (420 GEL, 9-hour excursion).
The name of the city Kutaisi translates to "stone." That is why there are so many attractions here related to stone: rocky canyons, stone monasteries. It is impossible to explore the second most important city in Georgia without visiting its landmarks.
