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

Explore Georgia’s Natural Wonders: A Guided Day Trip from Kutaisi

If you’re visiting Kutaisi and craving a day filled with stunning scenery, this guided tour offers a fantastic way to see some of Georgia’s most impressive natural sites. For around 70-80 USD, you’ll spend about 10 hours exploring Prometheus Cave, Okatse Canyon, and Martvili Canyon—each with its own unique charm. What makes this experience stand out is the chance to walk on high bridges over Georgia’s deepest canyon, glide through underground caves, and cruise along waterfalls and riverbeds—all with knowledgeable guides who bring the landscape to life.

Two things we really appreciate about this trip: first, the variety of landscapes packed into one day. From underground caves to soaring canyon viewpoints, the tour offers a diverse mix of adventures. Second, reviews consistently praise the guides, especially for their friendliness and richness of information, which enhances the experience significantly.

One possible consideration is the physical activity involved—be prepared for a fair amount of walking and some stairs, particularly at Okatse Canyon. Also, weather can influence some activities, like the boat rides in Martvili Canyon. This tour suits active travelers eager to see Georgia’s natural beauty firsthand, especially those who enjoy outdoor exploration and don’t mind walking or a bit of adventure.

Key Points

• Diverse Highlights: Includes underground caves, deep canyons, and river boat rides.
• Expert Guides: Many reviews mention guides who are knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining.
• Active Day: Expect lots of walking, hiking, and some stairs—be prepared physically.
• Value for Money: For the price, you’re visiting three major attractions with transportation included.
• Weather Dependence: Some activities, like boat rides, are weather-dependent.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for those comfortable with walking; children over 120 cm only at Okatse Canyon.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Kutaisi Day Tour

This full-day adventure from Kutaisi packs a punch, combining geology, scenic views, and outdoor activity—all in one neatly organized trip. Starting at 10:00 AM from Budget Georgia’s office, you’ll be on the road with a small, friendly group. The journey is comfortable, and the itinerary is well-paced, although be prepared for a long day of exploration.

Why We Love This Tour

First, the variety of landscapes you experience is impressive. You begin with Prometheus Cave, a spectacular underground world stretching 1.4 km below the surface. Here, the formations are stunning, with stalactites, stalagmites, and the famous Hall of Love—where couples have tied the knot. The boat ride inside the cave, available as an optional activity, adds a magical, serene element, offering a different perspective of this underground marvel.

Second, the Okatse Canyon is a highlight that will impress even seasoned travelers. As Georgia’s deepest canyon, its dramatic cliffs and hanging bridges make for unforgettable views. The tour involves a scenic 6 km walk or an adventurous off-road taxi ride to access the skywalks and bridges. Several reviews mention the spectacular vistas and the thrill of walking on high bridges, which provide an aerial perspective of the canyon below.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Prometheus Cave: Located 80 meters below the surface, this cave is a natural sculpture gallery filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The guided tour lasts about an hour, and if you choose to take the boat ride (for an extra fee), you’ll glide through underground streams, adding a peaceful, almost spiritual experience. The cave’s Hall of Love has been a popular spot for weddings, which adds a romantic touch.

Okatse Canyon: Georgia’s deepest canyon offers exhilarating views from high bridges and skywalks. Access involves a scenic 6 km trek or a short off-road ride, depending on your preference. The walk provides ample opportunity to take photos, admire the lush landscape, and appreciate the scale of Georgia’s rugged terrain.

Martvili Canyon: Known for its waterfalls and tranquil waters, Martvili is a place to relax and absorb nature’s calmness. The 80-minute guided boat tour takes you through the canyon’s narrow, water-carved passageways. If you’re feeling adventurous, a zipline option (costs extra) offers an aerial view of the landscape, praised by reviewers for its adrenaline rush.

Lunch Break: You’ll stop at a local restaurant for a hearty Georgian meal, giving you the chance to taste local delicacies and recharge for the afternoon explorations.

The Practical Side

Transportation is included, making it easy to hop from site to site without the hassle of organizing your own transport. Because some attractions charge entry fees (Prometheus Cave 23 GEL, Okatse Canyon 20 GEL, Martvili Canyon 20 GEL), it’s worth noting that these are not included in the price—so budget accordingly. Optional activities like boat rides and ziplining are extra but give you the flexibility to customize your experience.

The entire day runs from 10:00 AM to about 7:00 PM, which is a long but rewarding schedule. Expect to walk a lot—reviewers note around 7-10 km of walking—and to climb stairs, especially at Okatse Canyon. Some reviews highlight the need for comfortable shoes and water.

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Guides and Group Dynamics

Many reviews highlight how engaging and friendly the guides are. One reviewer mentioned Georgi as the “best guide” they’ve ever had, describing him as kind, funny, and full of useful insights. Others praised guides for their patience, especially when navigating challenging terrain or explaining the history and geology of each site.

The group size tends to be small, which enhances the experience—more personal, less rushed. Many travelers also appreciated the casual, school-trip vibe, which made the day feel relaxed and fun.

Weather Considerations

Since some activities are weather-dependent, especially boat rides in Martvili Canyon, it’s wise to check the forecast before booking. The tour operator mentions that in case of heavy rain, Okatse Canyon may be replaced with Sataplia Nature Reserve, ensuring safety without sacrificing the experience.

The Value of This Tour

This guided day trip offers excellent value for its price, considering it covers three major attractions with transportation, guides, and some commentary included. The entry fees are extra, but many travelers find the total cost still reasonable given the experience. The tour is perfect for those wanting an active day immersed in nature without the hassle of planning multiple transportation routes.

While it’s not tailored for those with mobility issues or very young children, physically active travelers will find it rewarding. The combination of walking, hiking, and boat rides offers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation. Plus, the opportunity to learn about Georgia’s geological marvels from enthusiastic guides adds educational value.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you love outdoor adventures, scenic landscapes, and guided storytelling, this trip is a must. It’s especially good for active travelers who don’t mind a fair amount of walking and stairs. Families with children over 120 cm will appreciate the sights and the manageable pace. History and geology enthusiasts will enjoy the guides’ insights into Georgia’s natural formations.

Conversely, if you prefer a less physically demanding experience or have mobility challenges, some activities might be challenging. Also, those traveling during rainy seasons should be aware that some activities could be canceled or substituted, but the tour operator offers alternatives.

FAQ

Are the entry fees included? No, entry fees for Prometheus Cave, Okatse Canyon, and Martvili Canyon are paid separately—about 20-23 GEL per site.

Can I do the boat rides? Boat rides inside Prometheus Cave and outside in Martvili Canyon are optional and cost extra (around 20 GEL each). They are highly recommended for the full experience.

Is this tour suitable for children? Children over 120 cm can participate, but shorter children are not permitted at Okatse Canyon.

How long is the total walking involved? Expect about 7-10 km of walking throughout the day, so comfortable shoes are a must.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour? The tour runs year-round, but check the weather forecast, especially for boat rides and outdoor activities.

Is lunch included? No, lunch is at a local restaurant and costs extra, but it’s a great chance to try Georgian cuisine.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. Waterproofs are recommended in case of rain.

How early do I need to arrive? The tour starts at 10:00 AM from Budget Georgia’s office—arrive a little earlier to check in comfortably.

Final Thoughts

This guided tour from Kutaisi strikes a good balance between adventure, education, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for those who want to tick off Georgia’s must-see natural sites without the stress of organizing transport or guides. The variety of landscapes—from underground caves to towering canyons—keeps the day interesting, and the positive reviews about guides make it feel personalized and engaging.

While physically demanding, the experience rewards those eager to explore Georgia’s outdoors. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family with older children, this trip offers a comprehensive glimpse into the country’s rugged natural charm at a fair price—an outing that’s likely to leave lasting memories of Georgia’s wild, beautiful landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: