Excursions in Kutaisi

The administrative center of Imereti, Kutaisi, is currently the second largest city in Georgia. Within the city itself, there aren't that many attractions. However, it's the most convenient starting point for excursions around the country. Such trips will be much cheaper than similar routes from Batumi or Tbilisi.

Travel tips

If you're planning your excursion route independently, keep the following tips in mind:

Two major attractions near Kutaisi have different days off. The Prometheus Cave and Okatse Canyon are closed on Mondays. Sataplia Cave is closed to tourists on Tuesdays.

Children under 3–4 years old and shorter than 100 cm are not allowed on excursions to the canyons.

For any excursion, along with your camera, it's recommended to take a small snack and water.

How to organize a sightseeing tour

Kutaisi is a small city — you can see all of its major sights in just one or two days and, using the descriptions of the landmarks, organize your own sightseeing tour around the city. You won't feel like a stranger here — locals are welcoming and always happy to help tourists.

There’s also a convenient option: before your trip, arrange tours with local guides who will meet you and show you the most interesting places. Guides in Kutaisi advertise their services online, so check reviews from travelers who have already visited the city. The cost of tours in Kutaisi depends on the number of participants and the length of the route. Keep in mind that the quoted price isn’t always final — don’t forget to bargain!

In the city center, there is a tourist company called Travel in European Georgia, which offers group bus tours around Kutaisi and nearby attractions (Gelati and Motsameta Monasteries, Sataplia Nature Reserve, Prometheus Cave).

If you’re not a fan of such trips and prefer to travel independently, take a taxi to your chosen destination. For example, a ride to Sataplia Nature Reserve will cost around 30 GEL if you don’t plan to make stops along the way. When you arrive at Gelati or reach the Motsameta Monastery, there’s no need to look for a guide — local guides will give you a tour for a small fee.

Canyons and caves

Martvili canyon

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 20 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.

It is believed that being inside the cave has healing effects and can alleviate respiratory ailments.

The entrance fee to the cave is 25 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 20 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 20 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;

Rabati, Khertvisi, and Vardzia rock cities;

Shaori and Racha Lakes, which will delight nature enthusiasts with their picturesque beauty.

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.