Western Georgia is greener, wetter and wilder than the east, and Kutaisi, the country’s ancient legislative capital, is the gateway to some of its best natural sights. This full-day tour from Tbilisi, one of the highest rated in the city with nearly seven hundred reviews, covers the two highlights: Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon. Prometheus Cave is a vast system of limestone chambers, with a lit walkway that winds past stalactites, stalagmites and mirrored pools, and the walk takes about an hour. Martvili Canyon is a narrow gorge cut by a river through the forest, where visitors walk wooden platforms above water of an unreal turquoise and, on the boat ride, glide beneath mossy cliffs and small waterfalls. Between them you pass through Kutaisi and the drive reveals a different Georgia, with hazelnut orchards, tea slopes, ruined factories and big rivers. The price is low for a day of this scale, but the distance is large.
How to visit
Kutaisi is about 230 kilometres from Tbilisi, so the drive is around four hours each way and the full tour runs between eleven and fifteen hours depending on the operator and the stops. It is a demanding day trip, best taken with an early start and a patient mood. If you have the time, consider doing the same sights over two days with a night in Kutaisi, or flying into Kutaisi and visiting them at the start or end of a western Georgia trip.
What to expect
At Prometheus Cave the lit path leads through large galleries in cool, damp air, and a light jacket is useful even in summer. At Martvili Canyon, the platforms and the short boat trip are the highlights, and paths can be wet and slippery. Admission fees and boat rides are sometimes extra on group tours, so check the inclusions. Wear shoes with good grip and bring a change of socks if you are visiting in rainy weather.
Making the most of it
Spring and early autumn are ideal, with full water in the canyon and mild temperatures in the cave. In winter, the caves stay open but days are short, and the long drive can be tiring. Avoid doing this trip on the day before an early flight, and arrange something calm for your return evening.
What to expect
The experience
A guided group day trip by vehicle to Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon near Kutaisi, with a stop in the city.
Best time
Spring and early autumn for a full canyon and comfortable weather; winter works but the days are short.
How long
Between eleven and fifteen hours depending on the operator, with about four hours of driving each way.
Tips
Start early, bring a light jacket for the cave, wear shoes with grip and check whether entry fees and boat rides are included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers who want caves, canyons and a taste of western Georgia in one trip.
- Families
- Children usually love the cave and the boat ride, but eleven hours or more in a vehicle is a lot.
- Couples
- The turquoise canyon and the lit cave chambers are a memorable shared outing.
- Pair with
- A night in Kutaisi if you want to split the sights over two days.
- Time needed
- A very long day, or two days with an overnight.
Good questions
How far is Kutaisi from Tbilisi?+
It is about 230 kilometres, which takes around four hours each way by road. The full day tour runs between eleven and fifteen hours.
What is Prometheus Cave?+
It is a large limestone cave system near Kutaisi, with a lit walkway that passes through chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites. The walk takes about an hour.
What is Martvili Canyon like?+
It is a narrow gorge with turquoise water, mossy cliffs and small waterfalls, which you see from wooden platforms and on a short boat ride. The paths can be slippery when wet.
Is the Kutaisi day trip too long?+
It is a very long day, with about four hours of driving each way. Many travellers prefer to split it over two days with a night in Kutaisi.
Are entrance fees included?+
Group tours sometimes leave cave admission and the canyon boat as extras. Check the inclusions on the booking page before you go.
