Martvili canyon & Prometheus cave group tour from Tbilisi

If you’re hunting for a full-day adventure that mixes stunning landscapes with a touch of mystery, this Martvili Canyon & Prometheus Cave group tour might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a popular option for those who want a taste of Georgia’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

One of the things we really like about this tour is that it combines two iconic sites in one day—a boat ride through the breathtaking Martvili Canyon and a visit to the mysterious Prometheus Cave. Both spots promise memorable views and unique experiences, making it perfect for nature lovers or anyone craving a break from city life. Plus, the inclusion of a local Georgian meal at Sweet Village ensures you’ll leave both full and happy.

However, a small caveat is that the full itinerary involves a long day of travel—about 14 hours in total—which isn’t ideal if you’re not a fan of bus journeys or if you’re traveling with younger children who might tire out easily. Also, keep in mind that entrance fees are not included in the price, so you’ll want to budget for those separately.

This tour really suits travelers who enjoy scenic outdoor activities, are comfortable with a fairly packed schedule, and love experiencing nature in a more organized setting. If you prefer a leisurely pace or in-depth personal exploration, you might want to consider alternative options. But for an efficient, guided adventure that hits some of Georgia’s most notable natural sights, this could be a strong choice.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines two major sites, Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave, for a full-day adventure.
• Guided tour: Led by an English-speaking guide, ensuring you get interesting insights about each location.
• Scenic boat rides: The boat tour through Martvili Canyon offers a close-up view of waterfalls and stunning canyon walls.
• Delicious Georgian food: Lunch at Sweet Village gives you a taste of local cuisine, often praised for its quality.
• Long day: Expect around 14 hours from start to finish, including travel time.
• Additional costs: Entrance fees for the canyon and cave are not included but are reasonably priced.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting early at 8:00 AM from Tbilisi, this tour takes you on a scenic drive westward to Kutaisi, where the group reunites. From there, the journey to Martvili Canyon begins, which is the first highlight. Once there, you’ll hop into a boat for a relaxing yet exciting ride through the canyon, gliding past waterfalls and viewing the lush landscape from a fresh perspective. The boat fee is 20 GEL, but it’s well worth the experience.

After the boat adventure, it’s time for a hearty Georgian lunch at Sweet Village. The restaurant is renowned for serving some of the best local dishes, and many reviews mention their satisfaction with the quality and flavors—definitely a highlight for food lovers.

Post-lunch, the tour moves on to Prometheus Cave, a cavern that stretches over 1.4 km beneath the earth’s surface. Inside, travelers can expect a dramatic underground environment, with formations that look like sculptures—stalactites, stalagmites, and other mineral structures that glow under carefully placed lighting. The cave also features an underground boat ride for 20 GEL, and there’s a special spot called the Hall of Love, where couples sometimes tie the knot if they wish.

The journey back to Tbilisi involves a vehicle change in Kutaisi, and you’ll arrive around 10 PM, tired but full of stories and photos to share.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start Point: The tour departs from various starting locations in Tbilisi, but note that during summer, there’s no pickup or drop-off service, so plan accordingly.

Transportation: Comfortable vans take you between sites, with the total drive time being approximately five hours split across different legs of the journey. The drive is scenic but can be long, so bring snacks and entertainment.

Stop in Kutaisi: A brief 30-minute breather to stretch and regroup before moving onward.

Martvili Canyon: About four hours are allocated here, including the boat ride and free time to walk and admire the waterfalls. The boat fee is 20 GEL, with additional entrance costs.

Lunch Break: At Sweet Village, which gets high marks for authenticity and flavor—it’s a highlight for many visitors.

Prometheus Cave: Around an hour’s drive from Kutaisi, spend roughly two hours exploring the cave, which includes the underground boat ride and the Hall of Love.

Return Journey: After the cave, you’ll head back to Tbilisi, ending the tour late evening.

The Experience in Detail

We loved the smooth organization and how the guide made an effort to keep everyone engaged and informed. The boat in Martvili was a real highlight; gliding past waterfalls and vibrant greenery gave us a true sense of Georgia’s natural beauty. The calm water and cool breeze made the boat ride relaxing, but it’s worth noting that the boat fee is an additional expense.

The lunch at Sweet Village is more than just fuel—it’s a memorable part of the day. The menu features traditional Georgian dishes, and many reviews praise the quality and flavors. It’s a great way to experience local cuisine in a convivial atmosphere.

At Prometheus Cave, the underground world is striking. Visitors frequently comment on how impressive the formations are, with one reviewer mentioning how they loved the way the cave’s lighting enhanced the glow of stalactites. The underground boat ride adds a sense of adventure, especially if you’re comfortable in enclosed, slightly dark spaces. The Hall of Love, where some couples tie the knot, offers a romantic touch to the mysterious environment.

The long day might be tiring, especially for those unaccustomed to lengthy bus rides, but the variety of sights and activities makes it worthwhile. Reviewers often mention that the trip is well-organized, but it’s a good idea to bring comfortable shoes and clothes—as you’ll be walking and exploring for most of the day.

Cost and Value

The tour costs around the mid-range for a full-day experience. When you consider transportation, guided service, boat rides, and the opportunity to see two of Georgia’s top natural attractions, it offers solid value. Keep in mind that entrance fees (20 GEL for Martvili Canyon and 25 GEL for Prometheus Cave) are separate, so budget for those.

The included guiding service ensures you get informative commentary, making it more engaging than simply visiting the sites independently. However, since it’s a group tour, the pace is fixed, and some travelers may prefer more personalized attention.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who are interested in Georgia’s natural scenery and geological wonders. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with a long day of travel and want a guided, organized outing rather than planning everything independently. It’s especially good for those who appreciate scenic boat rides, underground exploration, and local cuisine—all within a single day.

If you’re traveling with children or prefer a more relaxed pace, you might find the tour a bit packed. But for most, the mix of adventure, nature, and cultural flavor makes it a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, booking ahead guarantees your spot since tours fill up, especially in peak season. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes and clothes, as you’ll be walking and exploring outdoor sites. It’s also advisable to bring water, snacks, and a camera.

Are the entrance fees included? No, entrance fees for Martvili Canyon (20 GEL) and Prometheus Cave (25 GEL) are payable separately on-site.

Is the tour suitable for families? The tour is mainly suited to adults and older children comfortable with long hours and walking. It’s not specifically designed for young children, but older kids who enjoy nature will likely find it exciting.

How long is the drive back to Tbilisi? The return journey after visiting the cave takes around four hours, with the tour concluding around 10 PM.

Is transportation comfortable? Yes, the tour uses vans designed for passenger comfort, but the long hours of sitting might be tiring for some.

Final Thoughts

This group tour from Tbilisi to Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave offers a comprehensive taste of Georgia’s stunning outdoor landscapes in one day. The combination of boat rides, underground adventures, and local cuisine makes it a well-rounded trip for those eager to explore outside the city. It’s a practical choice for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing with a helpful guide, without the fuss of organizing transfers or tickets themselves.

While it’s a full day with a fair amount of travel, the payoff is visiting two of Georgia’s most photogenic locations, with plenty of time to enjoy and photograph the scenery. If you’re after a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and nature, and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour is worth considering.

In summary, this experience is perfect for curious travelers who want to see Georgia’s natural highlights without the stress of planning every detail. It’s best suited to those comfortable with long days and group activities, especially if you’re keen on experiencing Georgia’s scenic beauty, local flavors, and underground mysteries all in one go.

You can check availability for your dates here: