This Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon tour from Kutaisi brings together the best of western Georgia's history and nature in one private day. You will start at Bagrati Cathedral on its hill above Kutaisi, then travel into the green countryside of Samegrelo to Martvili Canyon, with its turquoise water and waterfalls, before descending into the vast, lit chambers of Prometheus Cave. It is just your group and your guide, so the route and pace are shaped around you.
It is a great first day if you have flown into Kutaisi, and it suits families, couples and older travellers alike, with a good mix of culture and the outdoors and no long hikes. Western Georgia is greener, wetter and gentler than the east, and these three stops show it at its most striking. A local guide adds the stories behind them, from the kings who built Bagrati to the myths that gave the cave its name.
Highlights of the route
Bagrati Cathedral
Bagrati Cathedral stands on a hill above the Rioni river and has watched over Kutaisi for a thousand years. It was built at the start of the 11th century under King Bagrat III, the first ruler of a united Georgia, and became a symbol of the young kingdom. In 1692 it was badly damaged by Ottoman troops and stood as a roofless ruin for centuries. A full reconstruction was completed in 2012; the restoration was controversial, and in 2017 UNESCO removed Bagrati from its World Heritage List, while nearby Gelati Monastery remains on it. Today it is an active cathedral again, and the terrace gives wide views over the city. Dress modestly, and your guide will explain both the history and the debate.
Martvili Canyon
In the hills of Samegrelo, the Abasha river has carved a narrow gorge through the rock, and Martvili Canyon is the result: cliffs hung with greenery, small waterfalls, and water of an almost unreal turquoise. Walkways and bridges lead along the edge of the canyon to viewpoints over the falls, and when water levels allow, short boat rides take you along the gorge itself. The canyon was once a favourite bathing place of the Dadiani family, the noble rulers of Samegrelo, and it is easy to see why. Paths are often wet from spray and rain, so wear shoes with good grip. In summer, arrive early or late for a quieter visit.
Prometheus Cave
Prometheus Cave, near the spa town of Tskaltubo, was discovered in 1984 and is now one of the most visited caves in Georgia. A walkway leads you through a series of chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, curtains of stone and underground pools, all lit with coloured lights that bring out their shapes. The name comes from the Greek myth of Prometheus, who was said to have been chained in the Caucasus as punishment for giving fire to humans. Your guide will point out the most remarkable formations and the stories locals tell about them. The cave stays cool year-round, so bring a warm layer even in summer, and expect steps and damp ground along the route.
Make it your own
This route is a starting point, and we can shape it however you like. History lovers can add Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the clifftop monastery at Motsameta; both feature on our other Kutaisi tour, and many travellers do the two routes on consecutive days. If you prefer nature, add Okatse Canyon or Kinchkha Waterfall in the same area, or the dinosaur footprints at Sataplia. Martvili Monastery, above the town of Martvili, is another worthwhile stop. See all our tours from Kutaisi for more ideas.
We can collect you from Kutaisi airport at any hour and start the day from there. Kutaisi is also the natural gateway to Svaneti and Racha, so this day fits neatly into a longer journey with a private driver in Georgia. With children or older travellers, we will plan regular breaks and keep the walking light. Guides speak English, Russian and Georgian; just tell us which you prefer.
Good to know
- Bring a warm layer for Prometheus Cave, which stays cool all year.
- Wear shoes with good grip. Both the cave and the canyon walkways can be wet.
- Bagrati is an active church: cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a headscarf.
- Western Georgia sees plenty of rain, so a light waterproof is worth packing in any season; our month-by-month guide has more.
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, group size and where you are staying, and we will send you a route and a quote for your day around Kutaisi.
