day tours from kutaisi

Wander-Lush

The 15 Best Day Trips From Kutaisi, Georgia (Including 10 Offbeat Ideas)

The ultimate list of the best day trips from Kutaisi, Georgia by a Kutaisi expat – including popular day tours and alternative excursions, complete with transport info.

With high mountains to the north and south, easy access to the Black Sea Coast in under 1.5 hours, and the country’s second-biggest wine region right on its doorstep, there are infinite opportunities to discover the many different sides of Georgia through Kutaisi.

A big part of my decision to move to Kutaisi from Tbilisi was the city’s strategic location. It is without a doubt the perfect base for exploring Georgia .

Beyond the typical Kutaisi day trips, there are lesser-visited corners where sublime hiking, Soviet-era relics, tea fields, natural hot springs, ancient forests and much, much more awaits you.

Here are my 15 top day trips from Kutaisi with transport details .

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Quick reference

• My overall favourite day trip from Kutaisi: Tskaltubo
• Best short excursion from the city: Gelati & Motsameta Monasteries
• Best day hike near Kutaisi: Khvamli Mountain
• Best day trip for urbexing: The Mosaic Route
• Best day trip for families with kids: Canyons & Caves or Nokalakevi
• Best day trip for autumn colours: Racha
• Best winter day trip: Borjomi & Bakuriani Snow Tour

Map of Kutaisi day trips

To help you visualise where these locations are in relation to Kutaisi, here is a quick map of the 15 destinations covered in this guide .

How to organise a day trip from Kutaisi

First, let me quickly run through the different transport options for getting around. This is a broad overview – in the next section, you’ll find detailed transport instructions for each of the day trips.

Public transport (marshrutka van or train)

Some of these Kutaisi side trips can be done independently using intercity marshrutka vans , and a few can be done by train . Using public transport requires you to be somewhat flexible with your schedule, but it is a very budget-friendly way to get around.

I have included detailed public transport directions for some of the destinations below. I always recommend you double-check times and fares in person before you travel, either at the bus/train station or at the Kutaisi Tourist Information Centre on Rustaveli Avenue.

→ Vans depart from Kutaisi Central Bus Station (see the exact location here ). To get to the station from the centre, take bus #1 from the colonnades on the main square, opposite McDonalds (60 tetri) or book a taxi through Bolt (3-5 GEL).

Organised day tours from Kutaisi

Joining a small group or private tour with a local guide is a great option for harder-to-reach places, hiking trails, and historical areas that require some explanation.

Budget Georgia is far and away my favourite tour company in Kutaisi. Guides know Georgia inside out, and prices are very reasonable. They run tours throughout the year (including throughout winter ) and are always adding creative new options to the program.

→ Mention Wander-Lush for 10% off any tour when you book direct on the Budget Georgia website or in person at the office in the centre of Kutaisi.

For hiking and more offbeat destinations, you might wish to hire a specialised guide. Another of my favourite outfits, Timothy’s Tours focuses on alternative destinations and adventurous outdoor adventures. Tell him I sent you!

If you need a guide for Tskaltubo or Chiatura, please get in touch and I can refer you to someone.

Private driver

If you don’t fancy joining a tour but you want the flexibility of having your own vehicle, GoTrip is a convenient and budget-friendly compromise.

Think of it as a long-distance Uber: The platform matches you with a professional driver and private vehicle, giving you complete freedom to plan your own one-way or return route.

You won’t have a guide as such, but in my experience, the driver will always be more than happy to give you tips and info along the way.

When you design an itinerary on GoTrip , you’re free to add as many stops as you desire. If the platform doesn’t recognise a location, just leave the address in the notes for your driver. They will wait for you while you do your sightseeing then drive you to the next location.

The price is set at the time of booking so there’s no need to negotiate, and you can make extra photo/food stops whenever you want without the fare going up.

→ Visit the GoTrip website to design your own Kutaisi day trip itinerary

Hiring a car in Kutaisi

For complete freedom, your best option is to hire a car. The roads around Kutaisi (and even within the city centre) are pretty mild compared to Tbilisi.

I recommend using the Local Rent website to search and compare offerings from independent agents. Manual and auto, sedans and 4WDs are all available – usually for a very reasonable daily rate.

Before you hit the road, make sure you read up on my tips for driving in Georgia .

→ Visit the Local Rent website to find a car

5 popular Kutaisi day trips

First, here are the 5 most popular day trips with my tips to give each one a ‘local twist’.

1. Gelati & Motsameta Monasteries

• Distance from Kutaisi: 9 km / 6 mi
• Travel time by road: 20 minutes (one-way)
• Recommended transport: Bolt taxi, marshrutka or guided tour
• Great for: History, culture, hiking

Technically more of a half-day trip, an excursion to the twin monasteries north-east of Kutaisi features on most itineraries. Personally, I consider the monasteries a must-see.

One of Georgia’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites , Gelati Monastery was established in 1106 by King David the Builder and is one of the oldest and most important churches on this side of the country. Highlights include vivid frescoes painted in the 12th-17th centuries, and the remains of an ancient academy that once housed a scriptorium and a library.

Important: Gelati Monastery is closed for repairs from July 2-August 15, 2024.

Roughly 2 kilometres from Gelati, Motsameta Monastery has a modest interior by comparison – but its location is more impressive . The ‘Place of the Martyrs’ is located on a cliffside above the Tskaltsitela River, nestled in a blanket of trees. For a few weeks in autumn, the entire landscape turns fiery red.

If you’re visiting independently and you have enough time, it is possible to hike from Gelati to Motsameta , then hike all the way back down to Kutaisi via the railroad tracks.

→ For full details about the hike and visiting the monasteries, see my Complete Gelati Motsameta Visitors’ Guide (coming soon)

Insider tip

Start with a lavish Imeretian supra-style lunch at Agro Guesthouse Korena in Motsameta village. From there, you can walk to Gelati then continue down to Motsameta.

As you approach Kutaisi, make a detour to see the Red River and stone Tamada Bridge, then finish with a drink at Veranda and maybe a wander through the Jewish Cemetery in Sapichkhia, a hidden gem in Kutaisi .

How to get to the monasteries from Kutaisi

There are marshrutka minivans that go to Gelati from Kutaisi centre, but the schedule is limited to 5 services per day. For ease, I recommend taking a taxi instead – it only costs 12 GEL when booked through Bolt.

If you don’t want to hike between the monasteries, you might be able to find a taxi at Gelati to take you to Motsameta, or you can try hitchhiking. Otherwise it is best to book a day tour.

Best day tour to the monasteries from Kutaisi

Budget Georgia’s three-hour trip to Gelati and Motsameta is a very convenient way to see both monasteries. There is very little signage, so it does help to have a guide here. The program also includes a stop at Bagrati Cathedral on the way back into town.

→ Book direct and mention Wander-Lush for 10% off

→ Check prices & availability here on Viator

2. Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon & Prometheus Cave

• Distance from Kutaisi: 75 km / 47 mi
• Travel time by road: 2 hours (one-way)
• Recommended transport: Guided tour or GoTrip
• Great for: Outdoors, adventure, kid-friendly fun

The canyons and caves of Imereti and Samegrelo are by far the most popular full-day trip from Kutaisi. The typical itinerary covers Prometheus Cave, Okatse Canyon and Martvili Canyon. In winter, tours usually swap out Okatse for Sataplia Nature Reserve. (Note that when there is heavy rain, the boat tours at Martvili and Prometheus don’t run.)

Of these, Martvili Canyon is the furthest from Kutaisi (around 70 minutes by road). It’s also my favourite of the three, with stunning mossy tree branches hanging over brilliant blue waters.

Okatse is much deeper and has a suspended walking bridge around the lip of the canyon. Prometheus Cave (it has nothing to do with the Greek legend, by the way!) is a massive cave system with a walking trail and an optional boat ride .

To be honest, this is not my favourite day trip – all these sites are very commercial, and tickets are expensive for what you get. 

→ For more thoughts on this day trip, see my Guide to Visiting the Canyons and Caves Near Kutaisi

Visit Martvili Canyon, then explore some of the lesser-known canyons, waterfalls and pools where you can actually swim (see item #6 on this list below).

How to get to the canyons & caves from Kutaisi

Without reliable public transport connections, it’s not possible to visit all these spots independently – so if you do opt for this excursion, you’ll need to join a tour or book a driver for the day.

Budget Georgia runs small group tours every day throughout the high season and once weekly during winter. The price includes transfers and a guide, but you’ll need to buy your own entrance tickets.

→ Book direct and mention Wander-Lush to get 10% off

Alternatively, reserve a car and driver to visit the three sites independently. Martvili and Okatse are fine to explore unguided, while at Prometheus Cave, you will always be accompanied by one of their guides.

→ Book a private round-trip transfer from Kutaisi

3. Tskaltubo

• Distance from Kutaisi: 15 km / 9 mi
• Recommended transport: Marshrutka or Bolt taxi
• Great for: Photography, urbexing, Soviet throwbacks

Famous for its semi-abandoned sanatoriums and spas , Tskaltubo is a playground for urbexers and photographers. The town is a blast from Georgia’s Soviet past and a very unique place to spend a day. When people ask me what my favourite place in Georgia is, I usually answer with Tskaltubo!

Alongside the few dozen grand sanatoria and bathhouses, you’ll find other Soviet relics including photo booths, mosaics and bas-reliefs, and an abandoned post office. Some buildings have been repurposed as apartments, so take care when walking around. Furthermore, a lot of buildings are now undergoing renovation and might be closed off.

There is more to Tskaltubo than just the sanatoriums: Central Park is beautiful, especially in autumn, and I love coming here to eat lunch at the retro Magnolia . You can also visit Otia’s Ezo , a house museum-slash-winery-slash-brewery, or do a wine tasting inside White Cave .

→ For a shortlist of the best sanatoriums and the latest info about closures, see my Mega Tskaltubo Guide

For something really memorable, spend a night at Legends Resort , the only partially refurbished sanatorium (so far) in Tskaltubo.

→ Read my account of staying at Legends

How to get to Tskaltubo from Kutaisi

Marshrutka van connections are very frequent between Kutaisi and Tskaltubo. To get there, pick up a van from the end of the Red Bridge – drivers wait in the parking lot on the left-hand side. Get out when you reach the big park. When you’re ready to come back to Kutaisi, simply flag down a van travelling the opposite way or find a taxi driver outside the Tskaltubo Bazaar.

A taxi in either direction costs around 15 GEL when booked through Bolt.

Visiting Tskaltubo with a guide

If you are in need of a guide, please get in touch with me via email – there are several terrific guides based in Tskaltubo who I can recommend.

4. Chiatura, Katskhi Column & Mgvimevi Convent

• Recommended transport: Marshrutka or GoTrip
• Great for: Urbexing, photography, Soviet throwbacks, culture

The first time I visited Chiatura it was still a bit of a ‘hidden gem’ in Georgia. Well, not any more! The secret of Chiatura’s retro cable cars is well and truly out, and now people flock to the small mining town (well, relatively speaking) to see them.

In 2021, the famous Soviet-era cable cars – the ones I got to ride back in 2017 – were decommissioned and replaced with new ropeways . You can still see some of the old carriages and station buildings, but you can no longer ride on ‘Stalin’s rope roads’.

Despite this, Chiatura is still worth visiting in my opinion. There are some fabulous mosaics , Brutalist architecture , and other Soviet-vintage landmarks such as the Pioneers Palace .

On the way to Chiatura, which is located north-east of Kutaisi in Upper Imereti, you can visit Katskhi Pillar , the famous monastery atop a limestone stalactite. Another unique Orthodox site, Mgvimevi Convent is pressed into a cliffside just outside Chiatura.

→ For the latest details about visiting Chiatura and all the best things to see and do, see my Comprehensive Chiatura Guide

On your way to/from Chiatura, stop in Argveta to eat lunch at Lia Deida , a charming restaurant hidden away in a village house that serves incredible Imeretian fare. After Chiatura, continue to Sachkhere to see more mosaics and to visit Modinakhe Fortress.

How to get to Chiatura from Kutaisi

Semi-frequent marshrutka vans depart from Kutaisi for Chiatura throughout the day, starting from around 8am. Alternatively, you can transit through Zestafoni.

If you want to visit Katskhi on the way, just jump out early (give the driver plenty of warning) then flag down another passing van when you’re ready to move on.

Old-school electro commuter trains connect Kutaisi and Chiatura, with two services a day at approximately 6am and 10am. Journey time is around 3 hours. Tickets can be purchased on board.

A more efficient option is to hire a car and driver for the day to take you around.

→ Book a private round-trip transfer to Chiatura

5. Vardzia, Rabati Fortress & Borjomi

• Distance from Kutaisi: 230 kilometres / 143 miles
• Travel time by road: 5-6 hours (one-way)
• Great for: History, adventure, kid-friendly fun

Visiting Vardzia from Kutaisi involves a lot of driving – it is by far the longest day trip on this list. If you have your heart set on seeing the medieval cave town but you don’t have time to spend a night or two in the area, it makes just as much sense to travel to Vardzia from Kutaisi as it does from Tbilisi (travel time from either city is roughly the same).

Vardzia is one of Georgia’s most impressive landmarks. It takes at least 90 minutes to cover the cave complex on foot, following the marked path between different chambers, ancient apothecaries and wine cellars .

Nearby, Akhaltsikhe (Rabati) Fortress in the city of Akhaltsikhe is of a different ilk, but is equally impressive. Completely renovated a couple of years ago, its gilded mosque, gardens and fortifications are almost a Disneyland-like experience.

The historic spa town of Borjomi is an easy place to pause on the way back to Kutaisi. I personally think it deserves more time (as does Akhaltsikhe , for that matter) – but if a day is all you have, stop to walk through Central Park and sip the famous Borjomi mineral water direct from the Romanov-era spring.

In Akhaltsikhe, grab lunch at Old Bar – and be sure to order a couple of Meskhetian delicacies such as the local crispy khachapuri and apokhti khinkali, a small dumpling filled with dried meat and dressed with garlic. The village of Saro between Vardzia and Akhaltsikhe has a megalithic fortress and is an excellent place to do a short hike.

→ Find more things to do in this underrated region in my Meskheti Travel Guide

Best Vardzia-Rabati-Borjomi day tour

Budget Georgia runs this day trip year-round. It is a long day – 14 hours plus – but the itinerary is as well-paced as it can be.

If you are visiting between December and April, there is an option to visit Borjomi and the nearby Bakuriani winter resort from Kutaisi . This day trip is perfect for snowy landscapes and winter sports .

DIY day trip with GoTrip

If you prefer to travel at your own speed and see more of Akhaltiskhe, the same itinerary can be replicated with a private driver via GoTrip.

10 alternative day trips from Kutaisi

If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track, there are plenty of other day trip possibilities around Imereti and Samegrelo. Here are 10 of my favourite alternative Kutaisi day trips.

6. The Abasha River

• Distance from Kutaisi: 55 km / 34 mi
• Travel time by road: 1.5 hours (one-way)
• Recommended transport: Hire car or GoTrip
• Great for: Nature, hiking, swimming, relaxation

This ‘alternative’ canyons and waterfalls day trip is my top choice for nature-lovers and anyone who wants to hike and swim without having to contend with ticket booths, turnstiles and crowds of tourists.

There are dozens of waterfalls and swimming holes up and down the Abasha River in Samegrelo, mostly around Martvili, Gachedili and Balda.

These include:

• Abhesi Waterfall
• Gachedili Canyon
• Kaghu Waterfall

If you’re into hiking, there is a 16-kilometre trail to two more waterfalls, Toba and Oniore (the latter is the tallest waterfall in the South Caucasus ) that departs from Balda village. Find a full guide to the hike here on Ecotour .

Martvili is a pleasant town with a magnificent monastery, a local museum, and a couple of great winery-restaurants. I highly recommend stopping for lunch at Oda Family Marani .

→ Find location pins and insider tips in my Guide to Visiting the Abasha River (coming soon)

How to get to the Abasha River from Kutaisi

It is ideal to have your own wheels for this area. Short of that, you can organise a transfer to Martvili using GoTrip. Remember to leave the names of the other spots you want to visit in the comments field when you book.

→ Book a private transfer here

7. Khvamli Mountain (Lechkhumi)

• Distance from Kutaisi: 69 km / 43 mi
• Recommended transport: Hire car or hiking tour
• Great for: Nature, hiking, waterfalls

North of Kutaisi in Lechkhumi Region, Khvamli massif is a brilliant spot for a short, easy level day hike . A new paved road takes you most of the way up the mountain. From there, you need around 3 hours to complete the 4-kilometre circuit to the peak, where panoramic views of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus await.

If you want to make the walk even easier, you can simply venture to the plateau to visit the Church of St. George . The views from this point are also majestic, and throughout spring and summer you will find vibrant wildflowers all along the path.

The drive to the Khvamli trailhead from Kutaisi is very pleasant, with scenic lookout spots and waterfalls . The most impressive is definitely Rachkha Waterfall , which is taller and more powerful than just about any other cascade I have come across in Georgia.

→ Check out my Complete Guide to the Khvamli Mountain Hike

How to get to Khvamli from Kutaisi

This day trip is most conveniently done with your own car.

You don’t necessarily need a guide for the hike, but if you prefer to travel with someone who knows their way around, then I highly recommend contacting Timothy Merkel at Timothy’s Tours . Tim has a wealth of experience in Georgia (he once walked from Tbilisi to the Black Sea) and is an incredible resource. He offers hiking tours and offbeat cultural programs all around Georgia – but Lechkhumi Region is a particular passion of his.

Contact Timothy through his website – and tell him I sent you!

8. Vani Archaeological Museum & Dikhashkho sulfur geyser

• Distance from Kutaisi: 40 km / 25 mi
• Travel time by road: 1 hour (one-way)
• Great for: History, culture, hot springs

Located south-west of Kutaisi, the award-winning Vani Archaeological Museum is one of the best museums in Georgia. I don’t know why more people don’t visit! It primarily displays gold artefacts and burial objects linked to the ancient Kingdom of Colchis and several different civilisations.

One of the highlights is the original Tamada ‘Toastmaster’ statue , which you can find replicated in Old Tbilisi. The modern museum building is erected atop one of the ancient burial grounds , so you’re essentially seeing things in situ.

Nearby, the Vani Sulfur Pool or Dikhashkho Sulfur Geyser is one of many natural hot springs in Georgia . It burst from the earth a century ago, creating perfectly round travertine pools (helped along with a little bit of concrete) that you can soak in.

→ For photos and tips, see my Quick Guide to the Vani Sulfur Spring

How to get to Vani from Kutaisi

Marshrutka minivans to Vani depart from Kutaisi once an hour, starting from 7am. The museum is a 20-minute walk from the bus station in Vani ( see the exact location here ).

It’s possible to use the same van to get to the highway near the sulfur pool, but accessing the spring involves a long walk. A more efficient option is to book a GoTrip driver for the day.

→ Book a private round-trip transfer here

9. Nokalakevi Archaeological Museum & Jikha sulfur spring

• Distance from Kutaisi: 50 km / 31 mi
• Travel time by road: 75 minutes (one-way)
• Great for: History, nature, hot springs, kid-friendly fun

Located west of Kutaisi in Jikha, Nokalakevi is a restored Byzantine fortress and open-air archaeological museum on the site of the former capital of Colchis. Kids in particular will enjoy visiting the castle – signage is limited, but there are a few interactive exhibits , and the entire grounds (including the old walls and lookout points ) are essentially open to explore as you please.

The location on a crook in the Tekhuri River is phenomenally beautiful. Save for a small indoor exhibition and a church, the area is open and exposed – so I don’t recommend this one for hot, sunny days.

A short way further up the river, the Jikhia hot spring is a surreal sulfur formation that bulges from the riverbank like a cloud. The water that pours from the mini cascade is piping hot. After splashing yourself in the spring you can plunge into the cool waters of the shallow river – spa style!

→ My Nokalakevi Guide includes more visitor’s tips

How to get to Nokalakevi from Kutaisi

By public transport, take a van to Senaki then find a taxi from there (the fortress is 20 minutes’ by car from Senaki). If you can find a driver who takes the road through Bandza to get to Senaki/ Zugdidi , then you can go direct and jump out at the turn-off for Gakhomela.

Again, a GoTrip transfer will give you more flexibility. On the way back, you can stop in Bandza for the synagogue and/or in Khoni for lunch at Tsvenebi .

10. The Mosaic Route

• Recommended transport: Hire car
• Great for: Soviet throwbacks, urbexing, photography

The ‘Mosaic Route’ is something I coined to describe the road between Kutaisi and Zugdidi. It features in my Georgia Road Trip Itinerary , and due to the sheer number of places to stop, it is best done with your own vehicle.

As the name suggests, this route is all about Soviet-era relics – mosaics primarily, but also culture houses, monuments and abandoned sanatoriums . This part of Georgia is rich with architecture from this period and is a true treat for anyone who loves urbexing and photography.

Highlights include:

• Marani Culture House
• Samtredia Culture House
• Abasha mosaics and war memorial
• Sujuna Palace
• Senaki mosaic, war memorial and theatre
• Menji sanatoriums

It involves about 2.5 hours of driving all up, but you should give yourself plenty of time (ideally a full day) for all the various stops.

→ For a full description of this day trip, see my Guide to Driving the Mosaic Route in Western Georgia (coming soon)

11. Baghdati, Sairme & the Imereti Wine Route

• Distance from Kutaisi: 50 km / 30 mi
• Recommended transport: GoTrip
• Great for: Wine, culture, nature

This day trip takes you due south of Kutaisi into the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus mountains . The landscape of mossy rocks and ambling mountain streams is incredibly beautiful – and again, very underrated.

Sairme is a mineral water resort where people come for balneological treatments. Some companies organise day trips here for ziplining, but I recommend coming for the mineral pools . There are both open-air and indoor pools to choose from.

On the way, stop in Baghdati village for the Vladimir Mayakovsky House Museum , which is dedicated to the Futurist artist who was born here, and for lunch at the lovely Cafe Glitsinia .

The Imereti Wine Route, a smaller alternative to the more-popular wine route through Kakheti , runs through Baghdati, so there is the opportunity to stop for a wine tour/tasting at one of the family vineyards. I recommend Minadze’s Marani Phersvi or Maximus Wine Cellar . See more options here in my Imereti Winery Guide . Bookings are essential.

Soon, the road through Sairme to Abastumani – another resort town with an observatory and ties to the Romanovs – will be refurbished, making it possible to visit Abastumani from Kutaisi in a day.

→ See my Travel Tips for Sairme and Baghdati for more

How to get to Baghdati & Sairme from Kutaisi

In the absence of frequent marshrutka connections to Sairme, the best option is to go with a private car. If you want to partake in a wine tasting, it’s best to organise a driver for the day via GoTrip.

12. Zestafoni

• Travel time by road: 40 minutes (one-way)
• Great for: Soviet throwbacks, photography, urbexing

Another one for my fellow mosaic fiends! The industrial city of Zestafoni (just east of Kutaisi) is known for its incredible ferroalloy plant and a slew of mosaics (including this indoor pool mosaic , which is quite possibly my all-time favourite). 

Much like Rustavi or Gurjaani near Tbilisi, Zestafoni was purpose-built for workers – so almost everything you see here dates to the Soviet period.

Zestafoni is also home to one of my favourite bazaris in all of Georgia. The massive (modern) undercover market has amazing light and is very photogenic. I also recommend visiting the railway station , taking a walk in the park, and touring the small local museum which explains the history of the metalworks.

→ See my Full Guide to Zestafoni for a map and more things to do

How to get to Zestafoni from Kutaisi

Vans depart from Kutaisi every hour starting from 7am. Alternatively, you can book a taxi through Bolt for around 50 GEL. Zestafoni is quite compact so there is no need to go by car.

13. Tskhrajvari, Shaori Lake & Nikortsminda Cathedral (Racha)

• Recommended transport: GoTrip or guided tour
• Great for: Scenery, hiking, monasteries, wine

One of Georgia’s most underrated mountain regions, Racha is easily accessible from Kutaisi. This day trip is perfect for a breath of fresh air in summer or a chance to see resplendent foliage in autumn .

Racha offers a good mix of hiking and scenery, cultural sights, and regional cuisine and wine . For this reason, I consider it one of the most well-rounded excursions on this list.

First stop is Tskhrajvari (‘Nine Crosses’), a scenic viewpoint near the Nakerala Pass. After a short but intense hike to the top of the rock you will be rewarded with some of the best views in Western Georgia. The road to Tskhradjvari takes you right past Gelati and Motsameta monasteries , so you can add them in here if you wish.

Make a stop at the picturesque Shaori Lake for a picnic, then continue to Nikortsminda Cathedral . Shortlisted by UNESCO, it has incredible frescoes and stone carvings.

A little further up the road, Ambrolauri is the main town in Racha. Book a Khvanchkara wine tasting (my top choice is ( Margveladze Wine Cellar in Dzirageuli) accompanied by local delicacies including cured ham and shkmeruli garlic chicken , visit the Love Waterfall , or pull up a beach chair on the pebbly shore of the Rioni at Bungalow Changes .

If you have time, Oni is another 45 minutes further up the road and is one of the loveliest towns in the region, with an incredible synagogue and a Local Lore Museum .

→ For more ideas, see my Guide to Visiting Racha Region

How to get to Racha from Kutaisi

Racha is quite spread out, so you will get a lot more out of this day trip if you travel by car. If you don’t have your own, GoTrip will suffice.

Best organised tour to Racha from Kutaisi

Between May and October, Budget Georgia offers a modified version of this day trip, which includes the Tskhrajvari hike, Shaori Lake and Nikortsminda, plus another short hike in neighbouring Lechkhumi Region to the Sairme Pillars.

14. Ajameti Managed Reserve

• Distance from Kutaisi: 12 km / 7 mi
• Recommended transport: Bolt taxi
• Great for: Nature, kid-friendly hiking

Located on the southern outskirts of the city, Ajameti Managed Reserve is one of the closest national parks to Kutaisi. It is a pocket of old-growth forest where you can find majestic oak trees, wild mushrooms , and all sorts of goodies. I enjoy hiking in this area in summer – it is almost completely shaded and flat. Just remember to bring your bug spray!

Several trails of different lengths start from the park administration building, located here . There are no maps available, but the trails are well-posted. I recommend downloading Wikiloc as a back-up. Rangers are on hand to answer any questions.

After the hike, take a taxi to the nearby Chateau Vartsikhe , a wine estate and hotel with a pool and incredible mountain views. The restaurant is open to walk-ins. If you are self-driving, note that you have to access the property via this road (the other road is unpaved and has a stream running across it – we learned that the hard way!).

How to get to Ajameti from Kutaisi

A Bolt taxi to the park administration office costs less than 20 GEL. Bolt is not available in Vartsikhe, so to get to the winery or back to Kutaisi, you will need to use the Maxim app or find a local street taxi.

15. Renegade Tea Estate (Gumati)

• Great for: Nature, culture

Drive north of Kutaisi, and you will encounter tea plantations in a matter of minutes. If you’re curious to learn more about Georgia’s tea culture , I highly recommend an immersive tea tour at Renegade Estate.

Renegade is an Estonian-run project that has seen several abandoned Soviet-era tea fields around Kutaisi rehabilitated. I especially recommend visiting the Gumati Plantation in spring when the ‘first flush’ tea is being picked and conditions are not too warm.

The team offers tours twice a week, and the program includes a hands-on look at the plantations and the processing equipment plus a tea tasting . This side trip is perfect for families – and children up to 15 years old can come along for free.

For more information and to make a booking, visit the Renegade website .

How to get to Renegade Tea Estate from Kutaisi

Take a Bolt taxi (~10 GEL). Renegade can assist you with getting back to the city by taxi or marshrutka.

Where to stay in Kutaisi

If it’s your first time visiting Kutaisi, I highly recommend choosing a hotel that’s located in the city centre. See this neighbourhood guide for detailed recommendations, or check out my top Kutaisi accommodation picks below.

TOP CHOICE: Communal Hotel (⭐ 9.7). Launching in autumn 2023, the latest offering from The Communal Company (also of Communal Telavi and Tbilisi) is Kutaisi’s premier boutique hotel. Rooms are cosy and perfectly decorated, and the property has an outdoor pool and onsite restaurant-bar, Doli.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY: Black Tomato (⭐ 9.2). This popular hostel in historic Sapichkhia offers both dorms and private doubles with ensuites. The terrace garden is lovely, and the onsite Georgian-Jewish restaurant serves a delicious breakfast plus meals throughout the day.

MID-RANGE: Newport Hotel (⭐ 9.1). Located on the cusp of Kutaisi’s historic Jewish Quarter, behind the Colchis Fountain, this hotel is located inside the former Kutaisi Courthouse. Rooms are comfortable, the service is friendly, and the onsite bar-restaurant is excellent.

MID-RANGE: Hotel 1887 (⭐ 9.2). This historic 19th-century house is a 10-minute walk from the Colchis Fountain. Rooms pair original wooden panelling and parquet floors with minimal, Scandi-style furnishings. There is a garden, and some rooms have private balconies.

UP-SCALE: Hotel Grand Opera (⭐ 8.7). Situated in the heart of Kutaisi centre, this hotel has a magnificent rooftop bar overlooking the Opera Theatre. Expect well-appointed rooms and a generous breakfast from this hotel with a location that’s impossible to beat.

Essential reading for Kutaisi

• The best things to do in Kutaisi , plus a suggested Kutaisi itinerary
• Hidden gems in Kutaisi , my favourite offbeat attractions
• Best restaurants & cafes in Kutaisi , where & what to eat
• Best bars in Kutaisi , for local wine, cocktails & city views
• How to get from Kutaisi Airport to the city , transport tips including the new shuttle bus
• How to travel from Kutaisi to Tbilisi , detailed transport guide
• How to travel from Kutaisi to Batumi , detailed transport guide

More day trip ideas

• Day trips from Tbilisi , from the wine region to the Stalin Museum
• Day trips from Batumi , national parks & high mountains
• Day trips from Borjomi , hiking & monasteries
• Days trips from Kazbegi , valleys & peaks

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10 Day Trips From Kutaisi: Soviet Spa Town, Canyons & More

Kutaisi is almost in the center of Georgia, making it relatively easy to visit some of the most charming and fascinating places in Georgia. You can even explore the Imereti region and go to Samegrelo and Racha . In this post, I give you all the best day trips from Kutaisi you need to take to make the most of your Kutaisi itinerary . 

This post includes affiliate links to products, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to fund my blog and bring more authentic articles to you 🙂   Learn more

Popular and Less-known day trips from Kutaisi

Gelati and motsameta monasteries .

One of the first day trips from Kutaisi is visiting Georgia’s most important religious sights. Due to the proximity to each other and Kutaisi, it’s easy to combine visiting both in one morning and have some time off to enjoy Kutaisi sights . 

Gelati Monastery is one of Georgia’s most important medieval buildings and is believed to be the quintessence of local architecture. Located 11 km from Kutaisi, the monastery was founded by David Agmashenebeli, translated as David – the Builder, the most powerful king of Georgia between the 12th and 13th centuries. His grave is also located here. 

Enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gelati Monastery complex includes different buildings, but the most distinguished one is the Monastery of Holy Mother of God and its gorgeous frescos. 

At the very center of the church, there is a fresco of St. Mary with Baby Jesus in her hands and ringed with archangels Michael and Gabriel. Those frescos are typical Georgian creations and have no analog in medieval art. 

Motsameta monastery is located close to Gelati and was built to immortalize the names of two brothers – David and Constantine Mkheidze. This religious building dates back to the 11th century, but the first church was built in the 8th century. 

Breathtaking deep gorges and mountains surround the church. The name in English translates as ‘the place of martyrs’, and several legends are connected to it. According to one of them, the Dukes of Argveti, David and Constantine, were tortured during the Aran invasion.  

How to get to Gelati Monastery: If you are willing to take public transport, you’ll need to go to Mari Brose Street behind the drama theater building in the city’s center. Marshrutkas are going to Gelati. 

How to get to Motsameta Monastery: After visiting Gelati Monastery, take the same marshrutka towards Kutaisi but ask the driver to drop you off near Gelati Police Station to go to the monastery. From here, you’ll need to walk around 2km to reach the entrance path of the religious site. 

To return to Kutaisi from here, you can walk in the same direction to get to the main road and wait for the marshrutka from Gelati or take a taxi. The approximate price for a taxi should be at most 20-25 GEL. 

ADVICE : always travel with comprehensive travel insurance that also covers COVID. I personally use SafetyWing . 

Tskaltubo 

If you need to choose one place from this post of day trips from Kutaisi, choose Tsklatubo . It used to be a famous spa resort in the Imereti region. However, today it’s most famous for its caves, particularly Prometheus cave (more on it below). Even though the cave is very close to Tskaltubo, I decided not to include them together. 

I recommend spending more time in Tskaltubo admiring gorgeous abandoned sanatoriums and spending an entire day here rather than going to slightly overcrowded, overpriced, and overrated Prometheus. BUT if caves are your thing, by all means, read all about it down below. 

Back in Soviet times, Tskaltubo was a popular destination due to the healing properties of its hot thermal waters. There were dozens of sanatoriums and resorts to host thousands of people from all over the world. 

Today, most of those resorts are abandoned and halfway demolished. However, there are a couple that has been renovated to international standards. Those resorts have distinguished architecture that makes you feel like you traveled back in the 1950s. 

How to get to Tskaltubo : Getting to the town is easy as daily minibusses go from Kutaisi to Tskaltubo. You need to cross the Red Bridge and find marshrutka number 30. 

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Prometheus Cave 

There are several karst caves in the territory of the Tskaltubo municipality, but the most famous one that every traveler visits is the Prometheus Cave. Others don’t have a developed tourist infrastructure and are not accessible to visitors.  

This karst cave is rich with stalactites, stalagmites, and stalagmites, to name a few, and is illuminated with colorful lights. The space of the cave is 46.6 ha, while the length of some rooms is around 80-100 meters. 

You are not allowed to wander in the cave on your own. Instead, you wait for a group of people and a guide to enter. During the high season, the cave gets lots of visitors, especially from organized tours, so you need to stand close to the guide to hear the details and history. 

In total, you walk around 1420 meters underground before you reach the exit. If you want, you can take a boat ride out of the cave for an additional fee. Otherwise, you walk through a tunnel where a service bus is waiting for you and takes you back to the cave entrance. 

Opening hours : every day; 10 am – 6 pm Entrance fee : Georgian citizens & residents – 10 GEL; Foreigners – 20 GEL. 

If you prefer joining organized day tours, here are a few to choose from: 

• Tbilisi: Kutaisi Canyons and Caves
• Martvili, Okatse Canyon, and Prometheus Cave Tour
• Kutaisi Prometheus and Sataplia Full Day Tour

Georgian tea at Renegade Tea Estate

Visiting Renegade Tea Estate on a half-day trip from Kutaisi takes you on a journey of the fascinating world of Georgian tea, how the team behind the company revived the old Soviet tea farm, and how they make their high-quality teas. 

Georgia is known for its centuries-old tea-growing heritage, and Renegade Tea Estate stands as a shining example of the country’s commitment to producing exceptional teas. 

Book a tour to discover tea fields, learn about the traditional tea-making process, and savor the exquisite flavors of handcrafted teas, all while immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of the countryside. 

A visit to Renegade Tea Estate offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Georgian tea culture and indulge in a truly memorable tea experience. How to visit the tea farm : the tours are on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:30 am. They last for around 2 hours and cost 40 GEL per person. You can reserve your spot directly on their website .

Chiatura and Katskhi Pillar

Visiting Chiatura is an excellent option for day trips from Kutaisi to explore relatively unknown Georgia. Combining Katskhi Pillar with Chiatura could be slightly challenging but still doable if you use public transport. You’ll need to coordinate marshrutka departure times perfectly. Go to Katskhi Pillar first and then continue your adventure in Chiatura. 

Katskhi Pillar is a natural limestone pillar in Katskhi village, 62 km from Kutaisi. The name of the pillar is believed to derive from the Svan language (one of the three languages spoken in Georgia) and means’ peak.’ 

The pillar is a fascinating natural wonder with a height of approximately 40-45 meters. The area of its top is around 150 sq. meters, and the lower part of the pillar is narrower than the upper one, creating a negative tilt. 

There’s a monastery on top of the pillar, which is only accessible to monks. The current church was restored between 2005-09, but no one knows how people transported the materials back in the day to construct the first church. 

Chiatura used to be a famous manganese town in Georgia which was founded in 1879. During the Soviet times, it saw its heyday. The manganese from here was sent all across the Soviet Union and other countries of the world as well. 

Ride Soviet-time Cable Cars

The town is divided into lower and upper Chiatura. Due to its vast amount of manganese mines, the Soviet government developed a plan to help workers to get to the mines quickly. Due to its mountainous landscape, the means of transport was chosen as a cable car. The town has dozens of cable cars connecting neighborhoods and mines with each other. And sometimes Chiatura is called ‘a cable car town’ among many foreigners. 

Today, the town still produces manganese in different quantities than before. Therefore, most of those cable cars are not operating anymore. And those which do, have not been renovated since its opening in 1954! Riding those cable cars are FREE of charge! 

I am afraid of heights, and taking a cable car that has been in use without any reconstruction for more than 60 years does sound scary, but trust me, it’s not as bad as it sounds. On the contrary, it’s a fascinating experience I would love to do again. 

Visit cave monastery

This monastery is just outside of Chiatura. It has a unique location; to get to the monastery, you need to climb the stairs and walk the tunnel. The church is situated in the cave, that’s why it’s called Mgvimevi.

The best way to get to Mgvimevi is to ask the driver of Kutaisi Chiatura marshrutka to drop you off at the entrance staircase of the monastery and then walk around 2km back to Chiatura to explore the town. 

How to get to Chiatura and Katskhi Pillar : To get to the town and the pillar, you need to take a minibus (marshrutka) from Kutaisi to Chiatura from the central bus station. Minibusses leave every hour from 8:20 am to 5 pm. 

You can ask the driver to drop you off at the road that leads to the pillar. You’ll have to walk around 2 km to get to the monument. If you want to continue your trip to Chiatura, you’ll need to walk back to the main road and wait for the next marshrutka towards Chiatura. 

Alternatively, you can get a Bolt taxi from Kutaisi to Katskhi Pillar, which should cost you around 50-60 GEL one way, depending on the demand and traffic. If you prefer to join a tour from Kutaisi, check out this full-day trip .

Tip : First time using Bolt? Use code YRP76 to get discounts on your first rides. 

Sataplia Nature Reserve 

Sataplia Nature Reserve, located 7 km from Kutaisi, is a place where around 200 footprints of dinosaurs were discovered in 1933. The Nature Reserve spans around 330 ha of land and features a cave, a conservation structure of dinosaurs’ footprints, an exhibition hall, and a panoramic viewpoint, to name a few. 

The Sataplia Cave is around 900 meters long. Like Prometheus Cave, colorful lights illuminate the stalactites and stalagmites. 

After visiting the cave, wander through the forest, walk to the panoramic viewpoint, and visit the bio-speleological museum to learn more about the area. 

How to get to Sataplia Nature Reserve : You must take marshrutka number 31 or 35 from Green Market bus station to the last stop in front of the skating rink. Then you need to change to number 45. Alternatively, you can take a Bolt taxi if you want to avoid going through all that trouble. 

Opening hours : every day; 10 am – 5 pm Entrance fee : Georgian citizens & residents – 8 GEL; Foreigners – 17 GEL. 

Okatse Canyon and Kinchkha Waterfall 

Exploring Okatse Canyon is another popular option for day trips from Kutaisi. It is considered the deepest canyon in the country, located around 50 km from Kutaisi. 

Nestled in Zeda Gordi village, the canyon offers breathtaking views of the surrounding gorge. The canyon’s length is 16 km with a depth of 35-50 meters. In some parts, the canyon’s walls align with each other and create beautiful, natural stone bridges. Unfortunately, you can’t explore the whole canyon as it still needs to be thoroughly studied and has only a 1.5 km long hanging iron walkway built several years ago. 

To explore this true natural gem of Georgia, you must first get to the visitors center, buy the ticket and get ready for a 2.5-kilometer walk. You’ll need around 2-3 hours to spend here. Taxis offer you a ride from the visitors center to the canyon entrance, but they are highly overpriced and might ask you 50 GEL, including the wait time. 

Walking on your own is absolutely doable with a relatively easy track. Coming back might be a challenge. 

If you are up for another beautiful sight in the area, you can hike towards the Kinchkha waterfall from the Okatse Canyon Visitor Center or ask one of the taxi drivers to take you there. 

Kinchkha, also known as Okatse waterfall, is one of the tallest waterfalls in Georgia. This three-step cascading waterfall flows from massive stone slopes and joins the river gorge of Satsikvilo. 

First, it falls from 25-meter high slopes, then from 70-meter high to the flatland, and then makes a third fall from a 20-meter high rock. 

There’s a marked iron trail to walk through the short valley toward the last fall of the waterfall. 

How to get to Okatse Canyon : It’s hard to get to Okatse using public transportation, but it’s doable. First, you must get a marshrutka from the central bus station to Khoni. They leave every hour. 

From here, you need to take another marshrutka to Kintchka, which leaves only at 11 am. If you miss it or want to do something other than wait an hour or more in Khoni, you can ask the driver to drop you off at the road leading to the canyon. From this spot, the canyon is around 14 km away. You can easily hitchhike or walk a bit until the marshrutka comes by. This is what we did. 

Returning to Kutaisi is more accessible as the marshrutka to Khoni comes at around 5 pm. If you have spare time before then, you can sit down at O Cafe for a late lunch or light snack. They even have wi-fi to keep you busy. You’ll need to take another minibus from Khoni to Kutaisi. 

Okatse Canyon opening hours: every day; 10 am – 5 pm Okatse Canyon entrance fee: Georgian citizens & residents – 8 GEL; Foreigners – 17 GEL.  Note : Visitors must be at least 1.20 meters tall to be allowed in the canyon.  Kinchkha Waterfall opening hours : every day; 10 am – 5 pm Kinchkha Waterfall entrance fee : Georgian citizens & residents – 10 GEL; Foreigners – 17 GEL

Martvili Canyon 

Martvili Canyon is another stunning natural gem of the country, located in the Samegrelo region and 50 km from Kutaisi. I had seen dozens of gorgeous pictures before my visit, so I was excited to manage a trip here finally. However, I was very disappointed not because of its beauty, but because of the service offered here. 

Firstly, the canyon is famous for taking a boat trip through green gorges and emerald water. I was okay with that, but when we got there, we found out that the boat takes you for only around 300 meters, and the trip lasts for approximately 10 minutes. 

Moreover, it was packed with tourists even though we came one hour after the canyon was opened. There were so many boats that we bumped into each other. We visited in the summer season, so at all costs, avoid visiting Martvili Canyon in the summer. I have heard spring and autumn are the best times to avoid massive crowds here. 

Read my Samegrelo Guide to find an alternative and less-known place near Martvili.

Unfortunately, unlike Okatse Canyon, where you walk for 1.5 km on the trail through a gorge, the walking path here is short. It took us a maximum of 10 minutes to walk, and we were done with everything! 

Don’t get me wrong, the place is absolutely stunning, with its plant-covered small bridges and turquoise water, but what I paid and what I was offered in terms of infrastructure got me thinking if it was worth the effort. 

Now you know these small details about the canyon, so I leave it up to you to decide if it’s worth it. 

How to get to Martvili Canyon : Compared to Okatse, getting to Martvili is much easier as a day trip from Kutaisi using public transport. Take the marshrutka from the central bus station to Martvili; the driver will drop you off at the canyon entrance. 

To go back from Martvili to Kutaisi, you can ask the driver when it returns to the canyon entrance. If the wait is too long, you can take a taxi or hitchhike to the village of Martvili and then take a marshrutka from there to Kutaisi. 

Opening hours : every day; 10 am – 5 pm Entrance fee : Georgian citizens & residents – 10 GEL; Foreigners – 17 GEL; Boat – 15 GEL

Zugdidi is the central city of the Samegrelo region and is around 2hr drive away fr Kutaisi. Therefore, if you are after less-known day trips from Kutaisi, consider exploring the city’s most iconic sights and indulging in mouthwatering Megrelian cuisine. 

I recommend renting a car from LocalRent (a more affordable company) and driving to Zugdidi from Kutaisi. Even though there are a few things to see and do in Zugdidi itself, visiting a few sights nearby the town is much easier with a car than public transport when doing a one-day tour. 

Alternatively, spend the whole day in Zugdidi, admiring the only European-style castle in Georgia – Dadiani Palace-Museum, walking through their massive garden, trying various Megrelian dishes, or meandering through its bazaar, to name a few. 

If you want to avoid driving, daily marshrutkas run from Kutaisi to Zugdidi from early morning till later in the afternoon. 

Shaori Reservoir, Nikortsminda, Abmrolauri

The mountainous region of Racha is still an undiscovered area for many tourists. However, after road reconstruction and a shorter highway connecting Tbilisi to Ambrolauri, Racha has been gaining popularity for the past two years. 

You can visit some iconic Racha attractions within a 1-2hr drive from Kutaisi. Like in the case of Zugdidi, I advise renting a car to give you more flexibility. 

On your day trip from Kutaisi to Racha, your first stop would be Shaori Reservoir, the biggest lake in the region, nestled at an altitude of 1100-1200 meters and surrounded by mixed deciduous trees. In terms of size, the lake is 7.1km long, 2.7km wide, and 14.5 meters deep. 

Don’t miss a short stopover at Nikortsminda Cathedral, which represents the Georgian cross-dome architectural style and features some of the most beautiful fresco paintings and carving examples of late-Medieval Georgian ecclesiastical art.

Afterward, finish your day tour in Ambrolauri, the main town of the Racha region, to try local cuisine and the most famous wine variety – Kvanchkara- and see some great artwork of Georgian painters at its Fine Art Museum, to name a few. 

My Favorite Travel Resources

To ease your travel planning, check out all the posts about Georgia travel . Additionally, here are some of the websites and services I use when preparing for my next adventure anywhere in the world.

✈ Book affordable flights on WayAway , a platform that shows the best flight deals, tours, and hotels. With a WayAway Plus membership, you can earn cashback . Get 10% off with code: RFD10

🚫 Get compensation for up to 700$ with Airhelp if your flight was canceled or delayed within the last 3 years.

🚗 Rent a car at Local Rent for affordable prices and convenient service.

❣ Pre-book a private car transfer with GoTrip from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel or any other city across Georgia.

💻 Get a VPN from Surfshark to protect your devices from hackers when using public Wi-Fi when traveling.

📱 Install the Airalo app , which provides local eSIMs for a more affordable internet connection when traveling. Get 3 USD with code: BAIA2592 .

💸 Use Wise to withdraw money in local currency without hidden fees and avoid high exchange rates. On top, you might get a Visa or Mastercard debit card .

🍷 For some of the best, expat-designed wine tours check out Eat!ThisTours . Get a 5% discount with code RFD5 .

🏨 Find budget-friendly deals on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com .

🩺 Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance, SafetyWing , covering COVID .

☀ Book in advance some of the best city walks, cultural experiences, and day tours to maximize your stay and experience here.

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One Comment

What an exceptional guide to exploring the surrounding wonders of Kutaisi, Georgia! Your article beautifully captures the essence of each day trip destination, making it evident that you’ve ventured beyond the beaten path to unearth these hidden gems. Your vivid descriptions and captivating photographs transport readers to the lush landscapes, ancient monasteries, and charming villages that define the region’s allure. Your insights into the local culture, traditions, and cuisine provide a well-rounded experience for anyone seeking to delve into the heart of Georgia. Your practical tips and recommendations for each day trip are incredibly valuable and make planning an adventure seamless. Thank you for sharing your passion for travel and your dedication to uncovering the treasures that lie just a stone’s throw away from Kutaisi. Your article is an invaluable resource for wanderers eager to explore Georgia’s rich history and breathtaking beauty.

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Georgiastartshere.ge

9 Best Day Trips from Kutaisi

• Georgia Starts Here Team
• December 22, 2023

Since Wizz Air has direct flights to Kutaisi from major cities of Europe, Kutaisi has become a popular destination for many tourists. This former capital and the second largest city of Georgia has a great location to see some of the main cities, town, and natural landmarks. Thus, we compiled the 9 best day-trips you can do from Kutaisi. 

Photo Source: My Wanderlust

This small spa resort town located very close to Kutaisi has lost its glory, however, it still is an important place to explore. Boasting with radon-carbonate mineral water springs, the main focus of the resort is balneotherapy. During the Soviet rule, Tskaltubo was a popular destination for many locals and foreigners attracting about 125,000 tourists per year. Even Stalin used to come here and had his own private room, which is open for the public to see.  

Chiatura and Katskhi pillar

Chiatura is a manganese producing town which similar to Tskaltubo lost its glory after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Civil War of Georgia in the 90s. However, it still produces the minerals, but not with the same capacity as in the past. In terms of the attractions, Chiatura has nothing to offer except an adrenaline-boosting cable car that hasn’t been changed for more than 50 years and is surprisingly working perfectly. 

From here, you can also drive to one of the natural wonders of Georgia – Katskhi Pillar, a natural limestone monolith with the height of about 40 meters (131 ft). Until 1944, the pillar was not surveyed by researchers or claimed. The more regular expeditions happened from 1999 till 2009 and discovered that a monastery of the medieval times used to be on top of the pillar. The church that you’ll see today was built in 2009. Unfortunately, no one is allowed up there, but the site is still magnificent even from the below. 

Shaori Lake

Photo Source: Georgian Journal

Serving as both lake and the reservoir, Shaori is considered as one of the most important water sources of the country. Located about an hour drive from Kutaisi, the lake offers beautiful views of the surrounding nature. And if you happen to travel to Georgia in autumn, make sure to add Shaori Lake to your itinerary. It’s even beautiful at this time of the year. 

Okatse Canyon

Photo Source: National Parks

Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to Okatse Canyon, another natural wonder of Georgia. The path is well marked and takes around two to three hours to walk through the gorgeous forest towards the Kinchkha waterfall. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. The side is even beautiful during the spring as water levels are high and nature is in bloom. 

Martvili Canyon

This is another great escape to a natural sight. The emerald green color lake of the canyon does attract many visitors. The trail is not long and is moderately easy, therefore you won’t need any special hiking shoes here. And to add a bit more excitement to your trip, you can take a boat ride along the lake. 

Photo Source: Georgian Travel

Borjomi is another resort town famous for its mineral waters of the same name, Romanov summer house located in a small village called Likani, and breathtaking trails of Borjom-Kharagauli National Park. Hiking lovers should spend a couple of days here, but if you are short on time, Borjomi will suit you just fine. Come here to drink the mineral water at its original form, walk along the beautiful park, and ride up a cable car for picturesque views of the town. 

Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia

Photo Source: Journal of Nomads

Even though Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia are a bit far to include in a day-trip, but those of you who are determined enough to see as much as possible during your vacation here, we decided to include them in the itinerary. 

The main sight of Akhaltsikhe is the Rabati Fortress, a newly renovated complex boasting with a mixture of different religions and cultures. It’s one of those rare spots where several religious worship landmarks co-exist next to each other. Due to the fact that Georgia was constantly invaded by Mongols, Russians, and Ottomans, the Fortress altered its purpose and exterior each time, resulting in a blended complex of different cultures.

Photo Source: CNN

Not far from Akhaltsikhe is the 13th-century cave town Vardzia. Constructed by Queen Tamar, the town managed to survive different invasions from the enemies. There are 13 floors that house more than 600 rooms, a bell tower, a church, throne room, and wine cellars. 

Kolkheti National Park 

Photo Source: Georgia Travel

The coastal town and port of Poti is home to another beautiful national park of Georgia. Kolkheti National Park is rich in flora and fauna, however, Paliastomi Lake is its main attraction. In order to see the park and have a full-scale experience, take a boat tour on the river, lake, and Pichori Gorge. It’s worth noting that an archaeological team found remnants of the Colchis Kingdom here. 

Photo Source: Georgian Travel Guide

The central city of Samegrelo region is another great day-trip option from Kutaisi. Come here to learn more about the Dadiani Family, the ruling dynasty of the Samegrelo Kingdom, wander through their palace and admire unique antique memorabilia including the death mask of Napoleon, relax at the botanical garden, stroll down the boulevard, and visit the Queen’s Palace.

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Day Trips from Kutaisi.

Your Gateway to Adventure: Best Day Trips from Kutaisi, Georgia

Immersing yourself in the things to do in Kutaisi , from exploring the ancient Bagrati Cathedral to visiting the Prometheus Cave, quickly fills your itinerary with Georgia’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. Yet, day trips from Kutaisi offer an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into Georgia’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, reaching beyond the city’s well-trodden paths.

Venturing from Kutaisi, you’re introduced to a broader spectrum of things to do in Georgia , such as the serene Martvili Canyon’s boat tours or the medieval monasteries nestled in the Imereti region’s rolling hills. These journeys not only highlight the natural splendor of Georgia but also its enduring traditions and historical depth.

Choosing where to stay in Kutaisi is key for those wishing to balance their time between exploring the city’s ancient sites and embarking on adventures in the surrounding countryside. The right accommodation offers convenience, comfort, and a touch of Georgian hospitality, ensuring your stay is as enriching as it is comfortable, and positions you perfectly for both urban explorations and rural excursions.

Table of Contents

Discover Best Day Trips from Kutaisi, Georgia

1. martvili canyon, georgia.

Martvili Canyon in Georgia offers a stunning display of natural beauty with its bright blue waters and lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride through the canyon, exploring its serene and picturesque landscapes.

Travel Time: It’s about a 1-hour drive from Kutaisi to Martvili Canyon.

Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and try to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

2. Prometheus Cave, Georgia

Prometheus Cave is one of Georgia’s natural wonders, featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers. This extensive cave system provides a unique and magical underground experience.

Travel Time: The cave is located approximately 20 kilometers from Kutaisi, about a 30-minute drive.

Travel Tip: Bring a light jacket as it can be cool inside the cave, and be aware that photography may be restricted in certain areas.

3. Okatse Canyon, Georgia

Okatse Canyon, known for its breathtaking views and thrilling suspended walkways, is a must-visit for adventure seekers. The canyon features a 700-meter-long walkway hanging over the gorge, offering stunning vistas.

Travel Time: The journey to Okatse Canyon takes around 1.5 hours by car from Kutaisi.

Travel Tip: Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for a fair amount of walking, including some steep sections.

4. Motsameta Monastery, Georgia

Motsameta Monastery is a small but picturesque monastery near Kutaisi, set in a scenic location overlooking a river bend. It’s known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful architecture.

Travel Time: The monastery is just a 15-minute drive from Kutaisi.

Travel Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for fewer crowds and a peaceful experience, and don’t forget to walk around the outside for stunning views of the river.

5. Gelati Monastery, Georgia

Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Georgia’s Golden Age. This medieval monastery complex is adorned with stunning frescoes and mosaics.

Travel Time: Located about 10 kilometers northwest of Kutaisi, the drive to Gelati Monastery takes around 20 minutes.

Travel Tip: Dress modestly as it is an active religious site, and take time to appreciate the intricate artwork and serene surroundings.

6. Sataplia Nature Reserve, Georgia

Sataplia Nature Reserve is famous for its dinosaur footprints and beautiful cave complex. The reserve also offers lush forests and a glass-bottomed viewing platform overlooking the stunning landscape.

Travel Time: Sataplia is around a 20-minute drive from Kutaisi.

Travel Tip: Apart from the caves and dinosaur tracks, make sure to walk the eco-trail for some fantastic views of the surrounding area.

7. Uplistsikhe Cave Town, Georgia

Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town, offers a unique glimpse into Georgia’s early history. This archaeological site features various structures carved out of rock, dating back to the early Iron Age.

Travel Time: It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive from Kutaisi to Uplistsikhe.

Travel Tip: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of uneven terrain, and consider hiring a guide for a more informative visit.

8. Kinchkha Waterfall and Okatse Canyon, Georgia

Combining a visit to Kinchkha Waterfall with Okatse Canyon makes for an exhilarating day trip. The waterfall is one of the tallest and most beautiful in Georgia, offering a refreshing retreat in nature.

Travel Time: The drive to Kinchkha Waterfall from Kutaisi takes about 1.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Bring a swimsuit if you plan to take a dip in the natural pools, and always be cautious as the rocks can be slippery.

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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Kutaisi, Georgia

What are the best day trips from kutaisi.

Notable day trips from Kutaisi include visits to the Prometheus Cave, Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon, and the Sataplia Nature Reserve. Each offers unique natural landscapes and historical insights into the region.

Is the Prometheus Cave worth visiting?

Definitely! The Prometheus Cave is one of Georgia’s natural wonders, offering breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers. Guided tours are available, providing a deeper understanding of its geological significance.

Can I take a boat tour in Martvili Canyon?

Yes, Martvili Canyon offers boat tours that allow you to navigate through its stunning turquoise waters surrounded by lush vegetation and waterfalls. It’s a serene experience not to be missed.

What can I expect at Okatse Canyon?

Okatse Canyon features a thrilling walkway suspended over the canyon, providing spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. It’s perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Is Sataplia Nature Reserve a good spot for families?

Yes, Sataplia Nature Reserve is great for families. It’s known for its dinosaur footprints, cave systems, and a glass walkway offering panoramic views of the area. The reserve also has a small museum dedicated to its prehistoric past.

How can I explore Georgian culture from Kutaisi?

A day trip to the ancient Gelati Monastery and Motsameta Monastery offers insights into Georgian religious history and architecture. Visiting these UNESCO World Heritage Sites also provides beautiful views of the Imereti region.

Can I visit a winery near Kutaisi?

Yes, the Imereti region around Kutaisi is known for its traditional Georgian winemaking. Several wineries offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the unique qvevri winemaking process and sample local wines.

Are there any nature hikes near Kutaisi?

The area around Kutaisi offers numerous hiking opportunities, such as the trails around Kinchkha Waterfall and Tsqaltubo. These hikes lead through lush forests and past stunning waterfalls, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Sources: https://www.getyourguide.com/kutaisi-l90033?activity_type=dayTrip

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.

David Zacik

I like to travel and I run a website about interesting places, food, countries and customs, sharing practical tips and inspiring others. Follow me on YouTube and Instagram .

Georgia: Sip the Wine from the Cradle of Viticulture

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10 Amazing Places You Can Visit As Day Trips From Kutaisi, Georgia

Last Updated on 20/05/2024 by kami

Kutaisi, Georgia is often overlooked by tourists who enter the country via the local Kutaisi airport, the main hub for low-cost airlines in Georgia. While the city itself isn’t the biggest highlight of Georgia (but still is pleasant enough to spend a few hours in) you can use it as a base for day trips from Kutaisi.

The Imereti region that Kutaisi is the capital of is very interesting and offers a variety of attractions: old monasteries, quirky cities with the Soviet past, caves, canyons and more! This part of the country isn’t as popular as other regions (especially Svaneti or Kazbegi ) but definitely deserves your attention. You can actually find some of the best places to visit in Georgia there!

I’ve been three times in Kutaisi, always dividing my time there between the city and its surroundings. During my recent trip to Georgia , I used Kutaisi as my main base to do all the day trips. And I enjoyed them all!

Kutaisi essentials

• Airport transfer: Pre-book the airport transfer from Kutaisi airport to your accommodation in Kutaisi here .
• Where to stay in Kutaisi: Grand Opera Hotel (9.0/10) / Newport Hotel Kutaisi (9.1/10)
• Best Kutaisi tour: Kutaisi Ancient City and Soviet Sanatoriums
• Best day trip from Kutaisi: Okatse, Martvili, Prometheus cave .
• Get insured for your trip to Georgia with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Day trips from Kutaisi

Here is a little overview of all the best day trips from Kutaisi to help you plan your trip to Georgia. As you can see, there is plenty to choose from!

This is probably the easiest day trip from Kutaisi as Tskaltubo is located only some 10 kilometers away from the city and connected with frequent marshrutkas (minibusses). To get to Tskaltubo from Kutaisi you need to take marshrutka no 34 from across the bridge near the Kutaisi market, they depart every 20 minutes or so.

In Soviet times, Tskaltubo was a well-known spa town, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year. Even Stalin had its own cottage here and was a frequent guest in Tskaltubo. Today most of the sanatoriums are abandoned or occupied by internal refugees from Abkhazia.

If you like urbex and exploring abandoned places Tskaltubo will be pure heaven for you. Even if in the state of decay, the sanatoriums, hotels or bathhouses are beautiful, with the splendid architecture of the Soviet times (you will find lots of ornaments and mosaics here).

The rumor says the sanatorium will be renovated, some of them are already fenced and protected so you might not be able to enter but overall this is a wonderful place to visit. I spent the whole day in Tskaltubo and still haven’t seen all I wanted to!

Click here to read more about Tskaltubo.

The iconic town of old Soviet cable cars can be easily visited as a day trip from Kutaisi. It takes some 2 hours to get there, depending on your luck – you might get the direct marshrutka from Kutaisi or you might need to change in Zestafoni.

Chiatura , the mining town located in the deep valley, is known for the old Soviet cable cars that serve as a means of public transport here. They can quickly take you to the upper parts of town from where you can enjoy beautiful views of Chiatura and surroundings.

The cable cars are rusty and a bit scary but people use them on a daily basis and once you are actually inside it’s not so bad anymore.

You can find the locations of the cable cars on the map in maps.me app but most likely you will use the two from the station next to the bridge, with Stalin’s mosaic and a miner mural.

Apparently these days the cable cars are being renovated so might lose its charm but it’s still worth visiting Chiatura!

Click here to read more about Chiatura.

Katskhi pillar

On the way to Chiatura, you will see Kathkhi Pillar – an impressive limestone monolith. It is around 40 meters tall, on top you can find a small church and the hermitage.

Katskhi pillar used to be dedicated to the god of fertility therefore it is often known as the Pillar of Life. The two churches you can find on the pillar (one is in ruin) date to the 6th-9th centuries.

In 1993 a local monk, Maxime Qavtaradze, inhabited the pillar – he goes down through a narrow ladder only once every 2 weeks to stock up on food supplies.

Even if it is not possible to go up to the top of the Katskhi Pillar, the place is still worth visiting. You can also see it clearly on the way to/from Chiatura – when you go to the town it will be on your left side when leaving Chiatura – on the right.

Gelati Monastery

I’ve seen many monasteries in Georgia and Armenia but Gelati is the most beautiful one. For me it is even much better than the famous David Gareja Monastery .

Founded in 1106 by King David the Builder, one of the greatest rulers of Georgia, the monastery is located only 9 kilometers outside of the city and makes one of the easiest day trips from Kutaisi.

It is a real masterpiece of the Georgian Golden Age, the period spanning from the late 11th till the 13th century. It used to be the main cultural and intellectual center of the country, often referred to as “New Greece”.

Today you can visit two churches, both with stunning frescoes from the 12th-17th century. It is a truly spectacular place.

When I visited the main church I was there on my own and I was transfixed with its beauty and greatness, I stood still for some 15 minutes, looking at all the details and admiring the frescoes in awe. No wonder Gelati Monastery has made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List, it is a must place to visit in Georgia!

The entrance is free of charge.

Motsameta Monastery

Located halfway between Kutaisi and Gelati Monastery, this is yet another example of impressive sacral architecture in Georgia. Motsameta Monastery was built in the 11th century and is beautifully located on the edge of the cliff above the deep valley of the Ckalcitela (“Red Water”) river.

The name of the monastery means “Place of the Martyrs” comes after two brothers from the noble Argveti family who were behind the rebellion against the occupying Arabs in the 8th century.

Motsaneta might not be as stunning as Gelati Monastery but it surely is interesting to visit too. According to the legends, there is a secret passage connecting Morsameta and Gelati Monasteries.

The monastery, together with its surroundings, is one of the prettiest places you will see in Georgia.

Prometheus Cave

Prometheus Cave is located only a short ride away from Tskaltubo so you can combine these two places together.

The Cave was discovered in 1983 by the local speleologists but was open to the public only in 2011.

The total length of the cave is around 11 kilometers but the tourist route has just a bit over 1 kilometer and goes through six of 22 halls. At the beginning of your sightseeing, you will hear that there are around 900 stairs on the trail but it’s not as tiring as it sounds!

The cave is beautiful inside, with so many stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations. The sightseeing takes around 40-50 minutes, as you walk through the halls lit in bright colors (a bit kitschy, if you ask me) you are accompanied by the classical music playing in the background.

At the end of the tour, you might optionally go for a boat ride inside the cave – I skipped this part but still enjoy my visit at Prometheus Cave a lot, it was beautiful! Maybe not as impressive as Postojna Cave in Slovenia but still pretty amazing.

By the way, the name Prometheus Cave is just a marketing trick but according to the legend, Prometheus indeed was chained to the mountain in this area.

Okatse Canyon

The walking path in Okatse Canyon is a fairly new attraction in Georgia and this place is definitely not for the faint of heart. It seems like the path is hanging in the air, attached to the rocks.

If you have a fear of space visiting Okatse Canyon might be a bit challenging for you. For others – it is so much fun really! The views you can admire on the way are really amazing and the vast space around can take your breath away.

At the end of the path, you will find the air bridge from which you can admire Okatse Canyon in its full glory. The canyon in the deepest places reaches some 100 meters, you can also spot here some waterfalls.

This is such an exciting place to visit, not only for its beauty but also for the unique experience. The bad news – you need to walk around 900 stairs here and especially on the way back it is exhausting.

From the visitors center (where you have to buy the ticket) it’s some 2,5 kilometers one way to the entrance to the canyon. It’s a picturesque walk through the forest but it is also pretty steep in some parts. The total elevation change from the visitors center to the air bridge is around 200 meters, the round trip is around 7 kilometers and everything takes around 3 hours.

Alternatively, you can take 4×4 from the visitors center to the entrance to the canyon – local drivers will be waiting for you. They charge around 50 lari for the round trip, including the waiting time (you need around 1 hour to walk the path and back), I managed to lower the price to 40 lari which still was a bit pricey but I didn’t have time for walking from the visitors center and back (there was still Martivili Canyon waiting for me and I needed to get to Batumi on the same day). The car ride down to the canyon is a pretty interesting experience anyway.

Kinchkha Waterfall

The impressive Kinchkha Waterfall is located very near Okatse Canyon and you should stop here too when you visit the canyon. The waterfall is 88 meters tall, flowing down the massive limestone mountain.

This is such a picturesque place to relax and have a picnic. If you opt for the 4×4 drive to Okatse Canyon you might talk to your driver to take you here as well.

Martvili Canyon

I wanted to visit Martvili Canyon ever since I saw the picture of boat ride between the rocks. Even though in reality the place was much smaller than I expected, it still didn’t disappoint.

Martvili Canyon used to be a bath area for the noble families, these days it’s a popular tourist attraction near Kutaisi. You can walk along the canyon and admire this wonder of nature with small waterfalls and rock formation.

Additionally, you can go for a short boat ride (some 300 meters) and it is a truly magical experience, although not the most comfortable one (boats are inflatable). You go through a steep canyon, surrounded by rocks and with green, crystal-clear water around. Pure beauty!

I was there on my own (the advantage of traveling in late November) so this definitely added up to the experience.

Although the popular Black Sea resort and one of the largest cities in Georgia deserves more than just a day, it is definitely possible to visit Batumi as one of the day trips from Kutaisi.

There are so many great things to do in Batumi: walk along the very pleasant seaside promenade (it’s super long, a few kilometers, so you might not have time for the whole path), admire the quirky and modern architecture, get lost in the streets of charming Old Town, take the cable car to Anuria Mountain for the best views of Batumi, visit the amazing botanical garden with some exotic plants, find street art and Soviet mosaics or simply relax at the beach. You definitely won’t be bored in Batumi!

For lunch I recommend trying the famous Adjarian khachapuri – the local version of the most famous Georgian pastry, with the egg inside (I’m not a big fan but I always eat it in Batumi anyway), you can get it in numerous places all over the city.

Click here to read more about Batumi.

The best time to visit Kutaisi and surroundings

I did most of these day trips from Kutaisi in November and, if only the weather is on your side, this is a good time to visit Georgia (however, I’d recommend more only April or May). All the places I visited were pleasantly empty, therefore I could enjoy it to the fullest, spend as much time as I wanted to and focus on the place itself, not the crowds around.

On the contrary, I heard that the summer season can be really busy here and that’s especially annoying in Okatse Canyon (where the hanging path is really narrow) and Martvili Canyon (where the river can be full of boats).

The only exception was Tskaltubo, I was there in July, but this place is almost always empty anyway.

How to organize all the day trips from Kutaisi

Now, you have a few options to choose from but, except for Tskaltubo, I would recommend either an organized tour or hiring a driver.

I booked a driver through my hotel in Kutaisi, he charged me 150 GEL for the whole day which might have been a bit too much but I’ve seen all I wanted to and the whole day was just as I planned. I’ve seen Motsameta Monastery, Gelati Monastery, Prometheus Cave, Okatse Canyon, and Martvili Canyon, we also stopped briefly in Tskaltubo to see the abandoned Stalin’s cottage.

The whole trip took 9 hours. I know I could probably find a cheaper option but overall I felt like these were money well spent. And let’s face it, it’s only €50 and I’ve seen a lot on that day.

If I had more time, I would opt for organized tours. You can easily take them from Kutaisi but they cover either the Prometheus Cave and two canyons or the monasteries (since those places are located on opposite sides of Kutaisi).

When I went to Chiatura I used public transport, with the change of marshrutkas in Zestafoni. On the way there everything went smoothly but when I was returning I had to wait for over an hour to the departure, as the marshrutka had to fill up. From the marshrutka, I could clearly see Katskhi pillar on the side of the road but I only passed it by, not visited the sight.

Again, I would consider the organized tour to include the proper visit to the Katskhi pillar on the way.

Tskaltubo is super easy to get to from Kutaisi. Marshrutkas depart every 20 minutes or so, you will find them across the bridge from the Kutaisi market.

The easiest way to get from Kutaisi to Batumi is marshrutka – the Soviet-style minibus that might drive a bit too fast. It costs 15 GEL, takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, departs from the main bus station in Kutaisi and will drop you next to the cable car station in Batumi.

Here are the best, highly-rated tours from Kutaisi to surrounding places:

• CANYONS & CAVE Tour from Kutaisi
• Kutaisi monasteries: Gelati, Motsameta, Bagrati. 3 hour tour
• Okatse, Martvili, Prometheus cave. Private tour from Kutaisi
• BORJOMI, RABATI & VARDZIA Tour from Kutaisi
• WINE & DINE Tour from Kutaisi
• Trip to Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Cave and Kinchkha Waterfall from Kutaisi
• Batumi & Mtirala N.P. Hiking tour from Kutaisi
• Kutaisi Ancient City and Soviet Sanatoriums

Further reading

I published many articles about Georgia that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 22 Wonderful and Unique Places to Visit in Georgia
• 15 reasons to visit Georgia – the amazing emerging destination
• 49 Awesome Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
• 10 Beautiful Day Trips from Tbilisi, Georgia
• How to get from Tbilisi to Yerevan (or Yerevan to Tbilisi) – a complete guide
• Is it worth to visit Kutaisi? Best things to do in Kutaisi, Georgia
• 20 Cool Things to do in Batumi, Georgia
• Visit Tskaltubo, Georgia – an abandoned playground

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Caucasus and ask your questions there.

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Kutaisi

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Georgia here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Georgia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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Do you have that contact of the driver you used for Kutaisi day trip ? Can you please share.

No, unfortunately I don’t. I contacted the hotel I was staying at before the trip if they can organize someone to take me around and they were very helpful. Maybe your accommodation can also arrange a similar trip? Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.

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• The 8 Best Day Trips...

The 7 Best Day Trips from Kutaisi

Kutaisi is the second largest and oldest city in Georgia. Home to many interesting places and surrounded by incredible scenery, Kutaisi’s central location makes it the best hub to see several wonders of the country. Without further ado, here are the seven best day-trips you can take from Kutaisi.

1. shaori lake.

Natural Feature

2. Okatse Canyon and Kinchkha Waterfall

3. Tskaltubo

4. Martvili Canyon

Natural Feature, Park

5. Katskhi Pillar

Natural Feature, Historical Landmark

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6. Akhaltsikhe

Architectural Landmark

7. Paliastomi Lake

Bars & Cafes

The 6 best cafés in kutaisi.

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• Georgia Tours
• Tours from Kutaisi
• Georgia Tour from Kutaisi-1

5-day Georgia Tour from Kutaisi 5 Days | Kutaisi, Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati, Motsameta monastery, Prometheus Cave, Mestia, Ushguli, Zugdidi

An unforgettable 5-day Georgia tour from Kutaisi is a wonderful journey that will help you to discover this beautiful and hospitable country. During this trip, you will visit the second biggest city of Georgia – Kutaisi, see the land of thousand towers – Svaneti and explore a valuable architectural and historical monument in Ushguli.

Tour itinerary:

• A lunch at ethno- village “ Sisatura ” close to Zugdidi , in the village Chkhoria. Here you will see old Megrelian house “Oda” with fascinating relics (old utensils, newspapers from last century and authentic Megrelian clothing that have been kept from ancestors). The whole place is dedicated to ethnography and is essentially a living museum. Having a lunch here is a unique experience, enabling you to enjoy traditional Megrelian meals like Gebzhalia (cheese in mint sauce), Ghomi (a hot porridge made with corn flour) and Sulguni (type of cheese) in an authentic Megrelian place. To be booked in advance.
• Alternatively, we can stop at Dadiani palace in Zugdidi. The 17th-century palace was built by Levan Dadiani, a local prince, and served as a residence of Megrelian princess and princesses. Nowadays, Dadiani Palace is a historical and architectural museum complex that includes a palace for Ekaterine Chavchavadze-Dadiani, a residence of her son Niko Dadiani, a church, and beautiful botanical garden.
• All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-12 pax by Mercedes Sprinter passenger van, 13-20 by 30-seats bus);
• Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
• Sightseeing tour program with local English-speaking guides;
• Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary.
• Full board (lunches and dinners);
• Hotel charges for additional services;
• Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
• Personal travel insurance.

Prices, per person

Accommodation, tour request, georgia tour from kutaisi-1 reviews, post a comment, more similar tours to 5-day georgia tour from kutaisi.

• Martvili Canyon - This wonderful place is located in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, Georgia. The small city of Martvili is just half an hour away from Kutaisi. Martvili district is truly one of the gorgeous places in Georgia – combining a unique natural environment. You will be shocked by brilliant scenery, sensational waterfalls, and a boat trip in the river with deep green color. You can take a boat with a boatman, and he will take you on an unforgettable journey in the canyon. The walls of the canyons are covered with moss. Martvili Canyon is a fantastic place to adventure with family, friends, and co-workers.
• Prometheus Cave - Kumistavi owes a famous legend about Amirani for the sonorous naming of the “Cave of Prometheus.” The legend says that Amirani, like Prometheus, angered the Gods and was punished brutally. The eagle tormented him, eating his liver; however, unlike the Greek giant, cruel Gods were chained. Amirani, not to the rock, but inside a massive cave. Khvamli Mountain is visible from Prometheus Cave, where the legend says Prometheus was chained. Spectacular views of stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, underground rivers, and cave lakes.

The cave has colorful lights, ranging from orange-red to pink and blue.

• Transportation service
• Guide service
• Hotel pick up
• Food and drink
• A ticket for Martvili Canyon (17.25 GEL – about 5.5 USD per person)
• A ticket for Prometheus Cave (23 GEL – about 7 USD per person)

Eager to uncover the secrets of Georgia? Experience the highlights of Imereti and Samegrelo with Kutaisi.Martvili.Prometheus! Our journey will present you with stunning scenery, exquisite cuisine, and majestic canyons characteristic of these areas. We’ll gather you at 06:15 am, guide you through all the landmarks, and end the tour at your choice of Kutaisi or Kutaisi airport or in Tbilisi at Rose revolution square.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• SI SWIMSUIT

2024 PGA Tour Player Survey: One Golf Rule You Would Love to Change

Art stricklin | jul 5, 2024.

Earlier this summer Sports Illustrated surveyed a number of PGA Tour players about a range of topics around golf, from tournaments with the best food to bucket-list courses, and much more. We think you’ll enjoy the answers.

Previous topics: Golf viewing habits | Paying to play | Best Tour Perk | Best food on Tour | Bucket-list courses | Best rookie advice

Today’s question: 

If you were golf czar for a day, what rule would you change?

“I would have a shot clock where you have to have to get off a shot.” — Matt Kuchar “No two-shot penalties, make them all one.” — Keegan Bradley “Hitting out of a sand-filled divot in the fairway in pretty silly, but that’s the rule now.” — Jimmy Walker “Got to say, sand-filled divots.” — Ryan Palmer “Hitting out of sand-filled divots.” — Adam Scott “I don’t think you should be able to anchor any part of the club to any part of your body. Nothing at all.” — Kevin Streelman “I don’t think you should have to keep your own score or somebody else’s. Everybody knows what we shot, in this day and age, it’s crazy you can be disqualified for keeping the wrong score when everybody tracks it.” — Francesco Molinari “They already changed the rule I wanted them to change on the ball rolling on the green with wind, I don’t see anything else.” — Aaron Baddeley “Nobody likes sandy divots.” — Jordan Spieth “Nobody likes sand-filled divots.” — Tom Hoge “Not really sure. Divots can be a pain.” — Mackenzie Hughes “I think most pros would say sandy divots. Also, the ball moving on the greens which they just changed.” — Zach Johnson “Don’t like sand-filled divots. You hit it in the middle of the fairway, you should have a clean shot.” — Gary Woodland

ART STRICKLIN

Art Stricklin is an award-winning golf writer based in Dallas and the president of the Texas Golf Writers Association. He spent more than a decade working for Texas newspapers. Stricklin is the author of 10 books, including, “Thanks for the Memories,” on the history of Northwood Club in Dallas, and “Links, Lore & Legends: The Story of Texas Golf.” He has become one of Texas’ foremost experts on golf history and travel, having witnessed a countless number of professional and amateur golf tournaments in the state. His work has been published in regional, national and international titles, including Sports Illustrated, Connoisseur Golf, Golf Magazine, Texas Monthly, Global Golf Post, D Magazine and Texas Golfer Magazine. Email: [email protected]; Twitter: @artstricklin

Tour de France Stage 8 Preview: The Breakaway Will Look to Hold Off the Sprint Teams

On paper, it looks like Saturday will go the way of a bunch sprint. But could the breakaway steal it?

Stage 8 - Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises (183.5km) - Saturday, July 6

Sandwiched between an individual time trial and the first gravel stage in Tour history, Saturday’s Stage 8 could be sneakily exciting as the sprinters’ teams battle with the Tour’s breakaway specialists to try and win the stage.

The 183.5km stage begins in Semur-en-Auxois–a town in Burgundy that’s hosting the Tour de France for just the second time–and then heads east, where the riders will tackle three of the day’s five categorized climbs in the first hour of racing.

Expect Norway’s Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility)–who currently wears the polka dot jersey as the leader of the Tour’s King of the Mountains competition–to be aggressive in defending it. With six points available over these first three climbs, he can possibly put the jersey out of reach from anyone hoping to steal it before the Tour’s first Rest Day.

A breakaway should have escaped by the time the race passes through the Intermediate Sprint in Lamargelle–59km into the stage–but expect the Tour’s green jersey contenders to fight for whatever points might be left after the break passes through. Eritrea’s Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty)–who wears the jersey as the leader of the Tour’s Points competition–has stated his desire to defend it through the end of the Tour, so he’ll be looking to scoop up more points in Lamargelle if he can.

From Lamargelle, the stage continues north toward the finish in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, bouncing along a twisting, jagged route that could give an advantage to the breakaway by making it harder for the sprinters’ teams to work together at the front of the peloton to set a steady tempo.

The riders will crest the last of the day’s five categorized climbs–the Category 4 Côte de Giey-su-Aujon–about 61km from the finish line. At this point we’ll have a good idea as to whether or not the breakaway stands a chance of going all the way. The weather might help their chances: it’s expected to be rainy–which might dampen the peloton’s motivation–and they’ll have a tailwind throughout much of the stage–which will help them stay away.

But the wind direction should change about 23km from the finish–once the race passes through the town of Bologne. At this point the course makes a hard left turn and the tailwind the riders have enjoyed becomes a cross/headwind. This will shift the advantage from the break to the peloton during the final 20km.

The finish line itself comes at the end of a long straight drag into Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, with no corners inside the final 9km. This further helps the sprinters’ teams as they will be able to see the break up the road ahead of them. An organized peloton can gain about a minute per ten kilometers, and that’s at least what anyone hoping to thwart the sprinters will need to win the day with 10km to go.

Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) should have no trouble defending the yellow jersey. But this will be a tricky stage, with technical roads and rain in the forecast. His team will need to keep him at the front of the bunch and out of harm’s way, possibly cooperating with the sprinters’ teams to keep their leader safe.

Riders to Watch

Stage 8 reminds us of two stages late in last year’s Tour de France, stages that looked like good days for the sprinters but ended up going to the breakaway. We wouldn’t be surprised if history repeats itself on Stage 8, with riders like Great Britain’s Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorious), Italy’s Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost), and Denmark’s Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility) the kind of guys who could hold off the peloton and win the stage.

If they do, the gap to the chasing peloton won’t be huge, especially with Alpecin-Deceuninck still trying to get Belgium's Jasper Philipsen his first stage win in this year’s Tour. If the catch is made, it could be a reduced peloton that does it, which means Philipsen’s toughest competition will likely come from Girmay, Denmark’s Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), and Belgium’s Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny).

How to Watch Stage 8 of the Tour de France

On paper, Stage 8 looks like another day for the Tour’s field sprinters. But with 2,000m of elevation gain throughout the stage, a breakaway could make it all the way to the finish line. The stage is expected to finish around 11:30 a.m. EDT. But with a tailwind expected throughout much of the day (at least according to current forecasts), we might tune-in around 10:50 a.m. EDT so that we’re watching as the course turns left toward the finishing town and the wind direction changes.

Since getting hooked on pro cycling while watching Lance Armstrong win the 1993 U.S. Pro Championship in Philadelphia, longtime Bicycling contributor Whit Yost has raced on Belgian cobbles, helped build a European pro team, and piloted that team from Malaysia to Mont Ventoux as an assistant director sportif. These days, he lives with his wife and son in Pennsylvania, spending his days serving as an assistant middle school principal and his nights playing Dungeons & Dragons.

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Taylor swift's surprise songs from night 3 of the eras tour in amsterdam, including a triple mashup, share this article.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour continued its international journey on Saturday night in the Netherlands (afternoon in the United States) with the third of three shows in Amsterdam. The now 14-time Grammy winner will be touring almost non-stop for the entire year, and at each show she adds two “surprise songs” to her 44-song, three hour plus set list.

MORE:  Patrick and Brittany Mahomes joined Travis Kelce to see Taylor Swift’s final Amsterdam Eras Tour show

For the final night in Amsterdam, Swift changed things up ever so slightly. On guitar, she played “Sweeter Than Fiction” from the One Chance soundtrack combined with “Holy Ground” from Red . On piano, Swift went with a triple mashup of “Mary’s Song” from Taylor Swift with “So High School” from The Tortured Poets Department and “Everything Has Changed” from Red .

🎵 | Amsterdam night 3 surprise songs Guitar: “Sweeter Than Fiction” x “Holy Ground” Piano: “Mary's Song" x “So High School” x “Everything Has Changed” #AmsterdamTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/2wti5Mq8Iu — Taylor Swift Updates (@TSwiftLA) July 6, 2024

Next up, Swift heads to Zürich, Switzerland for two shows starting on Tuesday, July 9.

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Tour de France Stage 6 results, standings: Sprinters shine as Groenewegen wins

The sprinters yet again stole the show at the 2024 Tour de France as Dylan Groenewegen won his sixth career Tour de France stage while Jasper Philipsen, who crossed the line second, was relegated for deviating from his line in a classic sprint finish on Thursday. 

The chaotic dash to the Stage 6 finish line was so close that neither Groenewegen (Jayco Alula) nor second-place finisher Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) appeared to know who had secured the win in the moments after the race. Although race officials initially counted Philipsen’s second-place finish, they later discounted it after reviewing Philipsen's position during the race's final meters.

In the finishing straightaway, Philipsen deviated from his line, boxing in Wout van Aert on the barrier. Van Aert looked to be in contention for the victory but finished sixth after having to use his brakes to prevent a crash. 

Groenewegen, the recent Dutch national road race champion, is now the third winner of the three different sprint stages so far. 

“I’m so proud of how we did today and hopefully we can do it again,” Groenewegen said shortly after his victory. 

With just one climb near the beginning of the 101.6-mile route from Mâcon to Dijon through the Burgundy wine region of France, Stage 6 was among the flattest days of the 2024 Tour de France , which set up the riders perfectly for the ensuing sprint finish. 

Intermarché-Wanty’s Biniam Girmay, who leads the contest for the green jersey (points classification), managed a runner-up finish after making history as the first Eritrean and Black rider to win a Tour de France stage on Monday. 

“At the start of the Tour the green jersey was not an objective, now it’s 100%,” Girmay said . 

Meanwhile, British sprinter Mark Cavendish finished in 20th place after his record-breaking 35th career Tour de France stage win Wednesday. 

Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates continues to lead the general classification standings and will wear the yellow jersey again tomorrow. The top 10 general classification contenders remain unchanged after Stage 6, but the first individual time trial stage Friday offers an opportunity to shake up the leaderboard. 

Here's a full look at the 2024 Tour de France standings after six days of racing.

Tour de France Stage 6 results

TOUR DE FRANCE: Recap, results and standings after Stage 5

Tour de France general classification standings after Stage 6

Tour de france jersey standings after stage 6.

• Yellow ( general classification ) : Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)
• Green ( points classification ):  Biniam Girmay (Intermarché - Wanty)
• Polka dot ( mountains classification ):  Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility)
• White (young rider classification ):  Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep)
• Yellow numbers ( teams classification) :  UAE Team Emirates
• Golden numbers ( combativity award ):  Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)

Tour de France Stage 7: How to watch, schedule, distance

Date : Friday, July 5, 2024

Location : Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin (France)

Distance : 15.7 miles (25.3 kilometers)

Type : Individual time trial 

Streaming : Peacock, FuboTV

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Devin Booker, Kevin Durant near 2024 Team USA tip off; Deandre Ayton has big day

Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and the US Olympic men's basketball team are inching closer to game action, scheduled to face Canada next week in Las Vegas in the USA Basketball Showcase.

Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on FS1.

Team USA, which qualified for the games at the 2023 FIBA World Cup last September, begins its Olympic slate at 8:15 a.m. (Arizona time) Sunday, July 28, against Serbia.

2024 Paris Olympics: Tracking Arizona athletes who have qualified

Meanwhile, more elite NBA matchups played out Saturday, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece eliminating Luka Doncic and Slovenia from the 2024 Paris Olympics with a 96-68 drubbing in the qualifying tournament.

Antetokounmpo had 13 points in just 21 minutes while his team rode the back of Greek Basketball League star Thomas Walkup, who had 19 points in the win.

It was the first international meeting for Antetokounmpo and Doncic, who had 21 points in the loss.

Deandre Ayton and the Bahamas are also on the verge of punching a ticket to Paris after an 89-72 win over Lebanon in the tournament semifinals.

Ayton, the former Suns center, had 24 points and 15 rebounds in the win, continuing his rising form as an international player. He is averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds in three games.

The big man is part of a quality Bahamas roster that includes former Suns guard Eric Gordon, swingman Buddy Hield and dynamic Baylor freshman-to-be V.J. Edgecombe. They are coached by Golden State assistant Chris Demarco.

Greece faces Croatia while the Bahamas squares off with a hard-charging Spain team in their respective finals midday Sunday. Games can be streamed courtside1891.basketball .

Greece is now just one win away from an Olympic berth, which would be a first for Antetokounmpo.

A Bahamian victory would give the island commonwealth its first Olympic basketball national berth.

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