Timur's Tip
Bring a light jacket for Prometheus Cave — the temperature inside is a constant +14°C even in August when it can be +35°C outside. On the Okatse Canyon walkway, wear shoes with a non-slip sole: the metal grating gets slippery after rain.
In peak season (July–August) the cave operates 10:00–20:00, but tickets for the last sessions sell out by 18:00. We arrive before 14:00 to avoid queues. And if you take the boat ride (₾30), do not skip it — 10 minutes on the underground river is one of the most unusual things you can do in Georgia.
Included
- Private transfer from Tbilisi and back
- English-speaking guide (Timur)
- Gelati Monastery visit
- Bagrati Cathedral visit
- Prometheus Cave with boat ride
- Okatse Canyon
- All transport between sites
Not Included
- Meals and drinks
- Cave entrance (₾40)
- Boat ride (₾30)
- Canyon entrance (~₾15)
- Personal purchases
Why Choose This Tour
Why Travellers Choose Sakhva Travel
- Private group — maximum 7 people. You are not sharing a minibus with 40 strangers.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included. No need to find a meeting point or navigate Tbilisi transport.
- Timur replies on WhatsApp within 10–15 minutes. Booking confirmed with a detailed itinerary PDF.
- 4.9 rating on Google Maps from 82 independent reviews — not a curated selection.
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. No hard-sell, no pressure to add extras.
- Flexible stops: if you want more time at a location, just say so. Timur adjusts on the go.
- Comfortable air-conditioned car. No cramped public minivans on 3-hour mountain roads.
Detailed Itinerary
We depart from your hotel at 09:00 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 (₾30): 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 09:00 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 ₾40 for foreigners, the boat ride ₾30, 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 48 hours before departure.
Practical Information
Departure at 09:00 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.
Book This Tour
Timur · Sakhva Travel · licensed guide No. 8247109128 · rating 4.9 · 500+ guests
