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CANYONS & CAVE Tour from Kutaisi - Okatse, Martvili & Prometheus
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Kutaisi
Low-cost flight hub and gateway to western Georgia's canyons
Kutaisi. Overview
About the city
Kutaisi is Georgia's second-largest city, the former capital of the Imeretian Kingdom. It sits on the Rioni River, 230 km west of Tbilisi. The climate is humid subtropical: summers reach 38–40°C, winters bring occasional frost and snow. The city itself isn't a major tourist draw – the architecture is mostly Soviet-era, and the compact centre can be walked in a couple of hours. The real value lies in its proximity to Gelati Monastery, Prometheus Cave, Martvili Canyon, and the abandoned Soviet spa towns of Tskaltubo and Chiatura.
Kutaisi is the country's main low-cost hub: David the Builder Airport (KUT) handles Wizz Air and Ryanair flights from 27+ European cities. From the airport to the centre it's 14 km – Georgian Bus costs 5 GEL, a taxi 20–30 GEL. Marshrutkas to Tbilisi run for 20 GEL (4 hours); the train is 14 GEL (5–6 hours). Half a day is enough for the city itself; budget 2–3 days to cover canyons, caves, and Motsameta Monastery. For day trips beyond the city, it's easier to rent a car – public transport to natural sites is infrequent.
Weather now · Kutaisi
23°
CloudyWed27°/16°
Thu33°/18°
Fri29°/18°
RegionWestern Georgia
When to goApril – October
AirportKutaisi (KUT)20 kmLocal time—Georgia
Kutaisi. What to see
Top sights
What you should not miss in the city and around it.
Bagrati Cathedral
11th-century cathedral on Ukimerioni Hill – the architectural symbol of Kutaisi
Gelati Monastery
12th-century monastery with Golden Age mosaics – a UNESCO site and royal burial ground
Motsameta Monastery
8th-century cliff monastery above the Tskaltsitela River – shrine of martyred brothers
Prometheus Cave
Georgia's largest show cave with an underground river boat ride
Sataplia Nature Reserve
Dinosaur footprints, a karst cave, and a glass observation deck above Imereti
Martvili Canyon
A gorge with turquoise waters and a boat ride on the Abasha River
Kutaisi. Map
On the map
Key sights and surroundings — to plan your walk and gauge distances.
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Kutaisi. Services
Plan your trip
Everything you need — connectivity, transport, stay and tours.
Kutaisi. Tours1
Tours & activities
Tours and activities from trusted platforms — book directly with the operator.
Kutaisi. Questions & answersFAQ
Popular questions
Answers about seasonality, routes, neighbourhoods and basic trip planning.
How many days do I need for Kutaisi?+
Half a day for the city. If you plan to visit nearby canyons, caves, and monasteries, budget 2–3 full days.
How do I get from the airport to the centre?+
Georgian Bus (5 GEL) departs after each flight. Bolt taxi costs 20–30 GEL. You can flag a marshrutka on the highway for 3–5 GEL, but you need to walk to the road.
Does Bolt work in Kutaisi?+
Yes. Rides within the city cost 3–7 GEL. Outside the city, driver availability drops off.
Where should I stay?+
Near David Agmashenebeli Square in the centre – walking distance to Bagrati Cathedral, cafés, and marshrutkas. The area is quiet; hotels start at 50–75 GEL for a double.
How much does lunch cost?+
A full meal at a local café runs 15–25 GEL per person. Kutaisi is noticeably cheaper than Tbilisi or Batumi.
Can I reach Martvili and Prometheus Cave without a car?+
Marshrutkas to Martvili exist but run irregularly with no fixed schedule. Public transport to Prometheus Cave is virtually non-existent. Best bet: rent a car or hire a taxi for the day (100–150 GEL).
Is travel insurance required?+
Since 2026, travel insurance is mandatory for entering Georgia. It's checked at the border.
Is it worth flying into Kutaisi instead of Tbilisi?+
How's the internet?+
4G is stable in town. For trips into canyons and mountains, get a local eSIM in advance – signal drops in gorges.
What day trips can I take?+
Gelati and Motsameta – 30 min from centre. Prometheus Cave and Sataplia – 1 hour. Martvili Canyon – 1.5 hours. Tskaltubo with its abandoned sanatoriums – 15 min.
Kutaisi. Nearby
Nearby cities
Towns nearby — easy to add to your route for a day trip.
