Kutaisi: Terjola Day Tour with Optional Lunch & Wine Tasting

If you’re looking to step off the beaten path and explore some of Georgia’s lesser-known but incredibly charming spots, this Kutaisi: Terjola Day Tour with Optional Lunch & Wine Tasting delivers just that. From ancient caves and historic churches to dinosaur footprints and local wines, it’s a well-rounded experience designed to showcase the beauty and culture of the Imereti region.

What makes this tour especially appealing is its focus on less crowded sites—a welcome change from the usual tourist hotspots—and its relaxed pace that lets you soak in each location without feeling rushed. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Georgian meal paired with homemade wine adds a genuine taste of local hospitality.

On the flip side, the tour is quite comprehensive and involves a fair bit of driving (though all sites are within a 30-minute radius from Kutaisi). If you’re after a very leisurely, relaxing day with plenty of downtime, this might not be your best fit. It’s best suited for travelers who love a mix of history, nature, and culture, and don’t mind a bit of walking and exploration.

Overall, if you’re curious about Georgia’s lesser-known sites, enjoy diverse scenery, and want to indulge in authentic food and wine, this tour could be a fantastic choice. It offers a genuine and enriching experience that goes beyond the usual tourist trail.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experiences: Visit family-run wineries and meet rescue dogs at a local shelter.
• Historical & Cultural Sites: Explore a 6th-century basilica and a house-museum dedicated to Georgian literature.
• Natural Wonders: See dinosaur footprints and enjoy a scenic waterfall stop.
• Accessible Day Trip: All sights are within a short drive from Kutaisi, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
• Taste of Georgia: Sample homemade wine and traditional lunch, highlighting regional flavors.
• Engaging Guides: The tour is accompanied by friendly guides speaking English and Russian, enriching the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Stops and What to Expect

Starting Point and Group Size

The tour kicks off from a centrally located office in Kutaisi, near the city’s main square, making it easy to find. Expect a small, friendly group—usually no more than a handful of people—which helps keep the experience intimate and engaging. The transportation is comfortable, and the itinerary is designed to maximize sightseeing while minimizing travel time between stops.

Meeting the Rescue Dogs at Tabakini

We loved the way the tour begins with a visit to the Tabakini Dog Shelter, where friendly rescue dogs happily greet visitors. It’s a warm way to start the day, especially for animal lovers, and sets a tone of kindness and community. The shelter is a worthwhile stop that adds a bit of heart to the journey.

House-Museum of Davit & Sergo Kldiashvili

Next, you get a glimpse into Georgia’s literary heritage at this house-museum. It’s a cozy, well-curated space that offers insights into Georgian writers and their stories. The guides do a good job explaining the significance, making it more than just a quick look at old furniture.

More Great Tours Nearby

Gogni St. George Church

One of the highlights is the VI-century basilica carved in stone at Gogni St. George Church. The ancient structure, with its simple yet impressive architecture, transports you back to early Christian times. It’s a peaceful spot that allows for reflection amid history, and the views from around the church are lovely.

Sagvargile Cave

Moving on to Sagvargile Cave, you’re stepping into a place of legends. This mysterious cave, filled with stories and local lore, makes for a fun, slightly adventurous stop. Be prepared for some walking and exploring, but the cave’s atmosphere is captivating enough to justify the effort.

Village Dzevri – The Vardzia of Imereti

Dzevri is often called the “Vardzia of Imereti” because of its striking rock formations and historic significance. It’s a hidden gem, with a landscape that looks almost sculpted by nature itself. You’ll get a good sense of Georgia’s ancient settlement history here.

Chkhari & Okoni Hill

For panoramic views and archaeological insights, the historic villages of Chkhari and Okoni Hill are a must. The scenery here is breathtaking, with lush valleys and ancient ruins that give a real sense of time standing still.

Kadagidzes Cliff & Dinosaur Footprints

One of the most fun stops is at Kadagidzes Cliff, where you can see 65-million-year-old dinosaur footprints. It’s not every day you get to stand in a place that was once traversed by prehistoric creatures. The cliff’s backdrop offers fantastic photo opportunities and a tangible connection to Georgia’s natural history.

Samtsvera Waterfall

The tour wraps up with a refreshing stop at Samtsvera Waterfall. The sound of rushing water, surrounded by greenery, offers a peaceful moment before heading back. It’s a simple but effective way to connect with nature and relax after a busy day.

Optional Lunch & Wine Tasting

The highlight for many is the traditional Georgian lunch paired with homemade wine at a local family winery. The food is homemade and hearty, and the wine tasting gives a genuine taste of regional flavors. It’s an authentic experience that adds a warm, welcoming touch to the tour.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Comfortable shoes are essential since there’s some walking involved, especially around caves and historic sites.
• A hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended, particularly during warmer months.
• Photography is encouraged, so don’t forget your camera.
• The tour is about 5 hours long, so plan your day accordingly.
• It’s not suitable for people with back problems or wheelchair users, due to some uneven terrain and steps.
• The group size tends to be small, which is great for personalized attention, but it also means booking in advance is recommended.

The Value of This Experience

When you consider the cost—especially with the inclusion of lunch and wine—it offers quite a good deal for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Georgia’s lesser-known sites. Visiting multiple landmarks in a single day avoids the hassle of planning separate trips, and the local guides add a rich layer of storytelling and context that makes the experience more meaningful.

The tour earns high marks for the variety of stops—each offering something unique, whether it’s natural beauty, ancient history, or local culture. The emphasis on authentic experiences, like sampling homemade wine and meeting rescue dogs, makes it stand out as a genuine Georgian adventure.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see a side of Georgia that’s off the main tourist trail. It’s perfect if you enjoy history, nature, and food, and don’t mind a bit of walking and exploring. Families with older children might find it engaging, especially if they’re curious about caves and dinosaurs. It’s also well-suited for those who like small-group tours, where you can ask questions and get personalized attention.

If you’re short on time in Kutaisi but want a diverse, meaningful day out, this tour hits a nice balance of sights and stories. And for those who appreciate authentic local flavors, the lunch and wine tasting add a memorable touch.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children who can handle some walking and exploration, especially around caves and historical sites. Younger children might find some stops less engaging or challenging.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, camera, and water. The sites involve some walking and uneven terrain, so dress appropriately.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts around 5 hours, including visits to multiple sites and the optional lunch and wine tasting.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes comfortable transportation between sites, which helps make the day smooth and enjoyable.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility to adjust your plans.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both English and Russian, making it accessible for most travelers.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-focused, older children and teenagers who enjoy history and nature will probably find it interesting.

Are there any restrictions on smoking or alcohol?
Smoking, alcohol, and littering are not allowed during the tour, so plan accordingly.

Will I get enough time at each site?
The itinerary is designed to give you a meaningful look at each stop, without feeling rushed, but some sites may have limited time for exploration.

What is the significance of the dinosaur footprints?
They are 65 million years old, offering a rare glimpse into Georgia’s natural past and a fun photo opportunity for visitors.

This day tour from Kutaisi to Terjola offers a thoughtful blend of history, nature, and local flavor, making it a worthwhile addition to your Georgian adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone eager to taste authentic wine, it’s a trip that promises memorable moments and a deeper connection with Georgia’s diverse landscape and culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: