Imereti Canyons and Caves

Itinerary

Day 1 — Journey Through Time and Nature

We'll start our exciting Georgia tour with a morning pick-up from your Tbilisi hotel, setting off toward the Imereti region via the western highway. Our first stop on this memorable trip to Georgia's hidden gems is the ancient Uplistsikhe Cave Complex, located just an hour's drive from Tbilisi and only 14 km (9 miles) from Gori. Meaning "the fortress of God," Uplistsikhe dates back to the 1st millennium BC, offering a fascinating glimpse into pre-Christian civilization. Carved into the high rocky banks of the Mtkvari River, this ancient town was once a pivotal trading center. After exploring Uplistsikhe, we'll travel to the natural limestone monolith known as the Katskhi Pillar en route. Following a delightful lunch, we'll continue our journey along unique, verdant paths less traveled — full of discoveries waiting to be made. We'll head to Kutaisi city for an overnight stay. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the old town, soaking in its historic charm. Dinner and overnight stay in Kutaisi.

Route: Tbilisi — Private car | 100 km · 2 h — Uplistsikhe — Private car | 130 km · 2 h 15 min — Katskhi Pillar — Private car | 70 km · 1 h 15 min — Kutaisi

Activities: City Walking | 1 hours , Sightseeing | 2 hours

Accommodation: Included Hill Hotel * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: White Bridge, Uplistsikhe, Kutaisi's Royal District, Katskhi Pillar.

Day 2 — Canyon Wonders and Prehistoric Footprints

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll drive to Sataplia Nature Reserve, renowned for its well-preserved fossilized dinosaur footprints conserved within one of its fascinating karst caves. Immerse yourself in the prehistoric ambiance as you walk where giants once roamed. Next, we'll journey to Okatse Canyon, notable for its magnificent wild nature, astonishing waterfalls, and breathtaking views. Located near the village of Gordi, the canyon stretches roughly 14 kilometers (8.7 miles), with a width ranging from 3–6 meters (10–20 feet) to 15–20 meters (50–65 feet) and depths plunging between 20–100 meters (65–330 feet). Discover natural stone bridges arching over the river and mysterious caves where Karst waters flow. Our adventure continues to Samegrelo, where we'll visit another natural monument — Martvili Canyon. Over millions of years, the Abasha River has carved a magnificent gorge in limestone rocks, creating canyons, caves, and waterfalls reaching depths of 40 meters (130 feet). The total length of the canyon is one kilometer (0.6 miles). In the upper part, you can enjoy a boat trip to the very beginning of the canyon and witness a stunning 7-meter (23 feet) waterfall. There's also time for paddling, swimming in stretches of tranquil water, climbing steep rocks, and exploring hidden caves. Dinner and overnight stay in Kutaisi.

Route: Kutaisi — Private car | 10 km · 15 min — Sataplia Cave — Private car | 40 km · 1 h — Okatse Canyon — Private car | 30 km · 45 min — Martvili Canyon — Private car | 50 km · 1 h 15 min — Kutaisi

Activities: Canyoning | 1 hours , Sightseeing | 3 hours

Accommodation: Included Hill Hotel * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Martvili Canyon, Sataplia Nature Reserve, Okatse Canyon, Kinchkha Waterfall, Sataplia Cave, Abasha Waterfall.

Day 3 — Cultural Treasures and Return to Tbilisi

After breakfast, we'll check out from the hotel and begin our return trip to Tbilisi. Our first stop is the vibrant Kutaisi Farmer’s Market, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and perhaps purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and traditional sweets. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience daily life during your trip to Georgia, mingling with locals and savoring regional delicacies. We'll then drive to the Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve, a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum showcases an astonishing collection from the area's cultural zenith between 800 BC and 100 AD, including exquisite jewelry crafted by local goldsmiths, imported artifacts from the Greek world and Persian Empire, ritual figurines, and a life-size bronze torso. This visit offers deep insights into the rich history that makes Georgia travel so rewarding. As we journey back to Tbilisi through the scenic Rikoti Pass, we'll make a short stop at the 9th-century Ubisi Monastery to admire its beautiful 14th-century wall paintings. The monastery provides a serene glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the region, adding a meaningful touch to our Georgia tour.

Route: Kutaisi — Private car | 40 km · 1 h — Vani — Private car | 270 km · 4 h 15 min — Tbilisi

Activities: Sightseeing | 2 hours , City Walking | 1 hours

Accommodation: Not Included

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Ubisi Monastery, Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve, Kutaisi Green Bazaar.