What you will see between Batumi and Kutaisi
The real value of this trip is three completely different natural sights on a single route. Martvili Canyon is a water trip: you board a boat and glide through the emerald gorge of the Abasha River, between moss-covered cliffs and past small waterfalls. The Dadiani princely family once bathed here. Okatse Canyon is all about height: a metal walkway is fixed to the cliff at about 140 meters up, and right next to it falls Kinchkha Waterfall, one of the tallest in the country. Prometheus Cave takes you 1.7 kilometers underground — illuminated galleries with stalactites, an underground river and a boat ride in the dark. And the day ends in Kutaisi — the ancient capital of Colchis, with UNESCO-protected Gelati Monastery and the majestic Bagrati Cathedral on a hill above the city.
The drive from Batumi: travel time and how the day goes
It is about 140 kilometers from Batumi to the canyon area, roughly two hours on a good highway along the coast and then inland. We leave in the morning to see the main sights without rushing, with a coffee stop on the way. The drive is part of the experience: the subtropics of Adjara, tea plantations and foothills roll past the window. During the day — canyons, the cave and Kutaisi; in the evening, a relaxed return to the sea. The whole tour takes 10–11 hours, about four of which are spent on the road there and back. It is a comfortable “one active day” in the middle of a beach holiday.
When to go
April–June. Full rivers and waterfalls, lush greenery around the canyons. The ideal time for Martvili and Kinchkha; the valley is warm but not exhaustingly hot.
July–August. Peak season in Batumi. The cool water of Martvili and the underground Prometheus Cave (+14 °C all year round) are especially pleasant in the heat — a great contrast to the beach.
September–October. Soft sunshine, fewer tourists and clear air for photos on the Okatse walkway. One of the best seasons for this trip.
November–March. The canyons are open, but the Okatse walkway may close in rain and ice. In the off-season we focus on Prometheus Cave and Kutaisi, which are open all year round.
What the Batumi–Kutaisi trip price includes
The day trip from Batumi to Kutaisi costs from 195 GEL per person. The price includes a round-trip transfer from your hotel in Batumi in a comfortable air-conditioned car, a local guide for the whole day, a flexible route tailored to your interests and all photo stops. Entrance tickets to the canyons and the cave (₾10–20), the boat in Martvili (₾15 per person, optional) and lunch at a café (~₾20–30) are paid separately. Budget about ₾240–260 per person for the day with all expenses. Booking via WhatsApp with a 10% prepayment and free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Batumi to Kutaisi?
About 2 hours each way, roughly 140 km by road. We leave in the morning, stop at the canyons and the cave on the way, and bring you back to your Batumi hotel in the evening.
What can we see in one day?
You can realistically combine one canyon (Martvili or Okatse), Prometheus Cave, and Gelati Monastery with Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi. The guide picks the exact mix to suit the group’s pace.
Will you pick us up from our hotel in Batumi?
Yes. We pick you up from your hotel or apartment in Batumi, Kobuleti or Gonio and bring you back in the evening. Round-trip transfer is included in the price.
What language is the excursion in?
In English or Russian. Your guide is a local who talks about the history and nature of Western Georgia in a lively way.
How much is the Batumi to Kutaisi excursion?
From ₾195 per person. The price includes the round-trip transfer, a guide and support all day. Entrance tickets, the boat and lunch are paid separately.
