Kutaisi Tour from Tbilisi 2026

Kutaisi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and was once the proud capital of the Kingdom of Colchis — the land from which Jason and the Argonauts sought the Golden Fleece. This day trip from Tbilisi packs three extraordinary experiences into a single day: a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, one of the longest show caves in the Caucasus, and a spectacular canyon with views that will stay with you for life.

What You Will See

Gelati Cathedral

Gelati was founded in 1106 by King David the Builder and is considered the greatest architectural achievement of Georgia's Golden Age. The frescoes inside the main church are among the finest examples of Byzantine art in the Caucasus. King David himself is buried beneath the gate arch — by his own request, so that visitors would tread over him as they entered. The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an active monastery.

Prometheus Cave

Named after the mythological titan chained nearby, Prometheus Cave stretches for 11 kilometres through the Imereti hills. The show cave section winds through six large chambers filled with extraordinary formations: stalactites, stalagmites, cave pearls, and underground lakes illuminated in coloured light. The highlight is the boat ride on the underground river — a truly otherworldly experience. Inside the cave, temperature is a constant +14°C regardless of the season, which is refreshing in summer and bracing in winter.

Okatse Canyon

The Okatse Canyon offers one of the most dramatic viewpoints in Georgia: a suspended glass-floored walkway extending over the gorge at heights of 80–140 metres, with the Okatse River rushing far below. The walk through the pine forest to reach the suspended section is beautiful in its own right. For those with a fear of heights, there is a standard viewing platform that does not require walking on the glass floor.

Why Choose This Tour

Detailed Itinerary

We depart from your hotel at 08:00 and head west on the E60 highway toward Kutaisi, 230 km away. The drive takes around 3–3.5 hours through the Georgian lowlands. First stop is Gelati Monastery, 12 km outside Kutaisi, founded by King David the Builder in 1106. The main cathedral contains 12th-century Byzantine mosaics in the apse that rival anything in Constantinople. Entry ₾5.

From Gelati we drive into Kutaisi to see Bagrati Cathedral (built 998–1010) perched on Ukimerioni Hill above the city. Free entry. The viewpoint from the cathedral terrace gives the best aerial perspective of Kutaisi you will find. We then head to a local restaurant for lunch — I recommend the Imereti khachapuri (double suluguni cheese baked inside the dough, different from the Adjarian boat-style) and lobiani (flatbread stuffed with spiced kidney beans). Budget ₾15–25 per person.

At 14:00 we arrive at Prometheus Cave, 12 km east of Kutaisi. The show cave route covers six chambers over 1.4 km, illuminated with coloured lighting that brings out the mineral tones in the formations. Temperature inside is a constant +14°C. I strongly recommend adding the boat ride (₾17): 10 minutes on the underground river through two dimly lit caverns is one of the most atmospheric experiences in Georgia. Combined ticket (cave + boat): approximately ₾40.

At 15:30 we drive 15 km to Okatse Canyon. A 1.6 km forest trail leads to the suspended walkway — a cantilevered metal structure extending over the canyon at 80–140 metres above the river. The canyon is narrower and more dramatic than the famous Martvili Canyon and considerably less crowded in the afternoon. Entry ₾15. For those uncomfortable with heights, the forest trail and a standard viewing platform are available without the glass-floor walkway. At 17:30 we head back to Tbilisi, arriving around 21:00.

What to Bring

• A light jacket or fleece — the cave is +14°C year-round
• Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles for the canyon walkway
• Cash ₾80–100 for entrance tickets, boat ride, and lunch
• 1.5 litres of water — there is a gap between the cave and canyon with no shops
• A portable phone charger — 14-hour days with lots of photography drain batteries fast

Three Specific Tips for This Tour

• The cave is always cold. Even if the forecast is 35°C outside, pack a thin layer — the contrast is startling.
• The Okatse Canyon walkway is metal grating: if it rained overnight the surface is slippery. Sandals are not suitable.
• In July and August the cave sells out last-entry tickets by around 18:00. We visit at 14:00 to be safe. If you are booking a self-guided trip, arrive no later than 15:00.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will we see in Kutaisi?

Gelati Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1106), Bagrati Cathedral (UNESCO, XI century), Prometheus Cave with 11 km of underground chambers and a boat ride on the underground river, and Okatse Canyon with its suspended walkways 80–140 metres above the gorge.

How long is the Kutaisi tour from Tbilisi?

The tour takes 12–13 hours. We depart Tbilisi at 08:00 and return in the evening. The drive each way is approximately 3–3.5 hours on the E60 highway.

Is the Kutaisi tour suitable for children?

Yes. Prometheus Cave is especially popular with children — the coloured lighting and underground river make a strong impression. The Okatse Canyon walkway requires moderate fitness but is accessible for most children over 6. Gelati and Bagrati cathedrals are suitable for all ages.

Is the entrance to Prometheus Cave included in the tour price?

Cave and canyon entrance tickets are not included in the base price. The cave ticket costs approximately ₾23, the boat ride ₾17, and the canyon ₾15. Timur will confirm exact current prices when you book via WhatsApp.

How do I book?

Write to Timur on WhatsApp: +995 511 272 623. He replies within 10–15 minutes, confirms your date, group size, and hotel address, and sends a detailed itinerary. A 10% deposit is required to hold the date; the balance is paid on the day of the tour. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Practical Information

Departure at 08:00 from your hotel in Tbilisi. Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Group maximum 7 people — families and solo travellers both welcome. Payment in GEL (Georgian lari) cash or bank transfer. Languages: English and Russian.

When to book

In high season (May–October) I recommend booking 3–5 days in advance. In winter and shoulder season, a day's notice is usually sufficient. If weather is bad or the canyon is closed for maintenance, we reschedule at no extra charge.