Kutaisi in 2 days
Kutaisi, the ancient heart of Georgia, is a city where history whispers through its cobbled streets and sacred monuments. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Colchis, where Jason and the Argonauts sought the fabled Golden Fleece, Kutaisi has stood as a witness to millennia of conquests, kingdoms, and cultural evolutions. Today, it invites travellers to explore its rich past and vibrant present through a well-crafted itinerary.
Day 1: The Heart of Kutaisi – Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery
Bagrati Cathedral: Start your journey at the iconic Bagrati Cathedral, a symbol of Georgia’s unification under King Bagrat III in the 11th century. Although damaged by Ottoman invasions and later controversially restored, the cathedral offers stunning views of the city below. Open daily from 9:00 to 18:00. Free entry.
Gelati Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 12th-century monastic complex was built by King David the Builder. It served as a major cultural and intellectual hub during Georgia’s golden age. Its frescoes are among the most breathtaking in the Caucasus. Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Free entry.
Lunch: Try local khinkali and khachapuri at "Palaty" (Address: 5 Tbilisi St., Avg. price: 25 GEL / 8 EUR, Open: 10:00-23:00).
Prometheus Cave: In the afternoon, take a trip to Prometheus Cave, an awe-inspiring underground world of stalactites and stalagmites, discovered in the 1980s. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:30. Entry: 23 GEL / 7.50 EUR. Website: www.prometheuscave.gov.ge
Day 2: Natural Wonders and Hidden Gems
Sataplia Nature Reserve: Just a short drive away, this reserve is famous for its dinosaur footprints, lush forest trails, and glass panoramic platform overlooking Kutaisi. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Entry: 17 GEL / 5.50 EUR.
Okatse Canyon: Walk along the 800-meter suspension bridge and feel the adrenaline rush as you admire the deep gorge and waterfalls. Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Entry: 20 GEL / 6.50 EUR.
Lunch: Enjoy traditional Georgian cuisine at "Gala" (Address: 3 Lesia Ukrainka St., Avg. price: 20 GEL / 6.50 EUR, Open: 11:00-22:00).
Martvili Canyon: Cap off the day with a boat ride through the emerald-green waters of Martvili Canyon. Once reserved for Georgian nobility, this natural wonder is now a must-visit for all travelers. Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Entry: 15 GEL / 5 EUR. Boat ride: 10 GEL / 3.50 EUR.
Practical Information
Transport: Marshrutkas (minibuses) and taxis are the most convenient ways to travel between sites. Prices range from 5-15 GEL (1.50-5 EUR) per ride.
City Pass: A combined ticket covering major attractions is not currently available, but booking online in advance can help save money.
Where to Stay: Boutique guesthouses like "Hotel Argo" (Avg. price: 80 GEL / 26 EUR per night) provide an authentic experience.
Kutaisi is a city of legends, where every stone has a story to tell. Whether marveling at its ancient monasteries or exploring its breathtaking landscapes, visitors leave with a deep sense of connection to Georgia’s rich past and dynamic present.