From Kutaisi: Guided Tour of Okatse, Martvili, & Prometheus

Exploring Georgia’s Natural Beauty: A Deep Dive into the Kutaisi Guided Tour of Okatse, Martvili, & Prometheus

If you’re considering a day trip from Kutaisi that takes you through some of Georgia’s most stunning natural sights, this guided tour might just be what you’re looking for. It’s designed for those who love nature, enjoy a good hike, and want a taste of Georgia’s impressive caves and canyons without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What I particularly like about this experience is how it combines diverse landscapes—deep gorges, dramatic caves, and tranquil boat rides—all within one day. Plus, the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the journey both informative and fun. That said, it’s a full day, so some might find the walking and constant activity a bit tiring, especially if you’re not used to long outdoor excursions.

This tour is best suited for active travelers who want to see several highlights in a single day, and who don’t mind a good walk or a boat ride. If you’re traveling with children over 120 cm tall, you’ll find this adventure quite suitable, but younger kids might need some extra motivation or breaks. Overall, it’s a solid pick if you’re after a comprehensive Georgia experience, mixing adventure with scenic beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Diverse natural attractions offer a well-rounded glimpse into Georgia’s landscapes.
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Entry fees are paid separately, so budget around 63 GEL for the main sites.
• Active participation is encouraged, including walking and optional ziplining.
• Long but rewarding day, with approximately 10 hours of touring.
• Great value considering transportation, guides, and access to major sights.

What to Expect on the Tour

This full-day excursion kicks off at 10:00 am from the office of Budget Georgia in Kutaisi. From there, you’ll hop onto a comfortable bus for a journey that covers roughly 4-5 locations, each showcasing Georgia’s natural beauty and geological marvels.

First Stop: Prometheus Cave

Your adventure begins with a visit to Prometheus Cave, a sprawling underground wonder stretching 1.4 km and plunging 80 meters beneath the surface. It’s a place that feels almost otherworldly, with massive stalactites and stalagmites, sparkling formations, and the famous Hall of Love, where couples have tied the knot.

Here, you’ll have the choice of taking a boat ride inside the cave—an experience many reviews call “unforgettable.” The boat journey offers a peaceful way to see the incredible formations from a different perspective. The guided tour lasts about an hour, giving you plenty of time to soak in the sights and snap photos. Entry fees are not included in the tour price, so you can expect to pay around 23 GEL for access and an additional 20 GEL if you choose the boat ride.

Tip: Bring water and comfortable shoes, as walking on uneven surfaces is common inside the cave. Also, keep in mind that if the weather or water levels aren’t ideal, the boat ride might be unavailable, but you’ll still see plenty of stunning sights.

Second Stop: Okatse Canyon

Next, the journey takes you to Okatse Canyon, renowned as Georgia’s deepest canyon. The main attraction here is the network of high bridges and skywalks that span the gorge, offering breathtaking views. You’ll hike about 2.5 hours, either via a scenic 6 km trek or, for those looking to save energy, by an off-road taxi—an option that reviews suggest is handy and makes the experience more accessible.

Walking on the long suspension bridges is an experience that draws both awe and a bit of adrenaline. As one review noted, “the ascending walk is fine, just the descending one makes me tired,” but the view is worth every step. The entrance fee for Okatse is around 20 GEL, and you should prepare for some physical activity, especially if you’re not used to hikes.

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Third Stop: Martvili Canyon

After the canyon, you’ll head to Martvili Canyon—a favorite for many visitors. Here, the highlight is the boat tour, which glides through the pristine waters, past waterfalls and lush scenery. The boat ride lasts about 80 minutes and offers fantastic photo ops and a cool break from walking.

For the thrill-seekers, there’s also an optional zip line over the canyon, costing around 70 GEL, which adds an aerial perspective to the stunning scenery. The boat ride and zipline are paid separately, with reviews emphasizing how much they enhance the experience.

Lunch and Rest

Midway through the day, you’ll stop at a local restaurant to enjoy Georgia’s delicious cuisine—a chance to relax, refuel, and discuss the highlights so far. The included or optional lunch is a great way to experience authentic flavors, and reviews mention how delicious the food is, though some suggest the restaurant could be a little more refined.

Final Stop: Prometheus Cave (Again or Alternative)

After lunch, the tour revisits Prometheus Cave for a different perspective or an earlier stop if time allows. If the weather has caused the cave to close the boat ride, guides are quick to suggest alternatives like the nearby Sataplia Nature Reserve, ensuring you still get memorable scenery.

End of the Day

The tour winds down with a relaxed drive back to Kutaisi, arriving around 19:00. Many travelers leave with a camera full of photos and hearts full of stories. It’s a full, active day that demands some physical effort but rewards you with some of Georgia’s most spectacular sights.

Why This Tour Works

The main appeal of this tour lies in its ability to combine multiple attractions into one day without the hassle of organizing transport or guides. The guided aspect ensures you get insightful commentary, which many reviews find engaging and informative. Guides like Georgi and Joseph get particular praise for their friendliness, humor, and knowledge.

The sites themselves are genuinely impressive—deep canyons, intricate caves, and boat rides that bring the scenery to life. The entry fees aren’t included in the tour price, but the overall cost remains competitive considering all the transportation, guide service, and access to these major sights.

The logistics are well-paced, with enough time at each stop to explore without feeling rushed. The longest part of the day involves walking and hiking, but the prices for optional extras like taxis or ziplining are reasonable, offering flexibility depending on your stamina and interests.

Things That Could Be Better

While most reviews praise the experience, some mentioned the long walks and stairs—not ideal if you have mobility issues or aren’t used to walking. Children under 120 cm are not permitted in Okatse Canyon, which is worth noting if traveling with younger kids.

Weather can also interfere; heavy rain may close Okatse Canyon, but guides are quick to suggest alternatives like Sataplia, so you’re not left empty-handed.

Some travelers felt that the canyon walk inside Martvili could be a bit tiring, especially for those not accustomed to walking long distances. Also, while the boat rides add a memorable touch, they are optional and come at extra costs.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re an adventurous traveler who loves outdoor activities like hiking, boat rides, and exploring caves, this trip hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect for those who want a full-day experience that captures Georgia’s natural charm.

While it’s not designed as a family-friendly activity for very young children, older kids and teenagers will likely enjoy the scenic views and the optional ziplining. It’s also great for solo travelers or couples seeking a mix of adventure, education, and stunning landscapes.

However, if you prefer relaxing, less active sightseeing or have mobility concerns, this might be a bit much. Also, be prepared for a long day, with lots of walking and some physical exertion, especially at Okatse Canyon.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation from and to Kutaisi is included. The tour uses a comfortable bus that makes travel between sites smooth and convenient.

How much do I need to budget for entrance fees?
Entrance fees are not included in the tour price. Expect to pay around 23 GEL for Prometheus Cave, 20 GEL for Okatse Canyon, and 20 GEL for Martvili Canyon. Optional boat rides and zip lining are extra but are reasonably priced.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable shoes are a must—think sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes—as well as water to stay hydrated. Waterproofs can be handy, especially if rain is forecast, and some reviews suggest bringing a camera for all the stunning views.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children shorter than 120 cm are not permitted in Okatse Canyon, so check your kids’ heights before booking. The rest of the sites are more flexible, but always consider the physical nature of some activities.

What if it rains?
Heavy rain might close Okatse Canyon for safety reasons. The guides will then recommend alternative locations, like Sataplia Nature Reserve, so your day still includes beautiful scenery.

How long does the tour last?
It starts at 10:00 am and typically ends around 19:00, with roughly 10 hours of sightseeing, walking, and travel.

Are the guides friendly and knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight guides like Georgi, Joseph, and Luka for their warmth, humor, and detailed explanations, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This guided tour from Kutaisi offers a rich taste of Georgia’s natural landscapes, mixing caves, canyons, and boat rides into one memorable day. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for an active, engaging experience with the comfort of guided support and transportation included.

While it demands some physical effort and patience with long walks, the breathtaking views, friendly guides, and quality of the sites make it well worth it. For travelers eager to explore Georgia’s diverse outdoor charm without the headache of planning every detail, this trip delivers a well-organized, rewarding adventure.

If you’re after a way to see some of Georgia’s most impressive natural sights in a single day, and don’t mind a full schedule, this tour will likely leave you with unforgettable memories—and plenty of great photos to show for it.

You can check availability for your dates here: