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

If you’re looking to spend a day surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes, a guided tour from Kutaisi that covers Okatse Canyon, Martvili Canyon, and Prometheus Cave offers an excellent mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural insight. While this tour is packed with activity and can be physically demanding, it offers an authentic glimpse into some of Georgia’s most stunning geological and scenic sites.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the guides consistently receive praise for their enthusiasm and knowledge—plus, the scenery is genuinely breathtaking, from high bridges over deep canyons to awe-inspiring underground caves. However, be prepared for a full day of walking, and remember that some attractions may be affected by weather, especially in heavy rain.

This tour is ideal for active travelers who enjoy exploring outdoors and are comfortable with long walks and some stairs. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, it’s a comprehensive way to see Georgia’s natural highlights in one day.

Key Points

• Diverse Experiences: Combines hiking, boat rides, and cave exploration for a well-rounded day.
• Stunning Views: Expect breathtaking scenery at every stop, from canyon vistas to underground formations.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their friendliness, humor, and historical insights.
• Good Value: The tour includes transportation and a local lunch, making it cost-effective for the experience offered.
• Weather Considerations: Heavy rain can lead to site closures or alternative plans.
• Physical Demands: Be ready for a fair amount of walking and stairs, especially at Okatse Canyon.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full-Day Adventure into Georgia’s Natural Wonders

If you’re in Kutaisi and craving a day filled with natural beauty and a bit of adrenaline, this guided tour ticks many boxes. It’s a long day — around 10 hours — but for those who love exploring outdoors, the sights are worth every step.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at 10:00 from the office of Budget Georgia in Kutaisi. After a brief check-in, you’ll hop onto a comfortable bus that whisks you away to the first major attraction. The group size tends to be manageable, fostering both camaraderie and personalized attention from guides.

Prometheus Cave: The Underground Marvel

Your first stop is Prometheus Cave, a vast underground wonder stretching 1.4 km and plunging 80 meters into the earth. Visitors often describe it as a surreal experience, with stalactites, stalagmites, and stunning formations illuminated to highlight their shapes. The Hall of Love inside the cave is particularly noteworthy—some couples have even tied the knot there, making it a romantic highlight.

The cave tour includes an underground boat ride, which is both serene and unforgettable—imagine gliding through an otherworldly landscape of glowing mineral formations. For those seeking extra thrill, an optional open-air boat ride is available for an additional 20 GEL.

Tour reviews highlight that guides share insightful stories, making the underground world both educational and enchanting. One reviewer noted that the cave’s beauty is “spacious and mesmerizing,” great for photography and quiet reflection.

Okatse Canyon: Elevated Views and Walking

Next, the group heads to Okatse Canyon, known for being Georgia’s deepest canyon. The highlight here is walking on high bridges and skywalks, suspended over the canyon—an experience that provides sweeping views that are well worth the climb.

Getting to the canyon involves either a 6 km scenic walk or an off-road taxi ride, which can be an enjoyable part of the adventure. At Okatse, you’ll encounter hanging bridges and skywalks that cater to those looking for an adrenaline boost, along with panoramic vistas.

However, be aware that children under 120 cm are not permitted in the canyon, and if heavy rain causes safety issues, the canyon may be closed. In such cases, the tour will substitute with a visit to the Sataplia Nature Reserve, ensuring you still get a dose of Georgia’s natural beauty.

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Martvili Canyon: Waterfalls and Boat Tours

The third major stop is Martvili Canyon, famous for its stunning waterfalls and serene boat rides. Visitors love the way the canyon looks like something from a movie—lush cliffs, cascading water, and peaceful pools.

The boat tour here is a highlight, giving you a chance to see the canyon from a different perspective. Some reviews mention a zip line option, which can be a real thrill, but it depends on availability and cost (around 70 GEL).

You’ll have approximately 80 minutes to explore, take photos, or simply soak in the natural tranquility. The scenery is so remarkable that many comment it’s one of the most beautiful spots they’ve visited in Georgia.

Lunch and Rest Breaks

After these outdoor adventures, a well-deserved lunch break at a local restaurant provides an opportunity to sample Georgian cuisine—think khachapuri, khinkali, or other regional delicacies. The restaurant choice and food quality are usually well-received, adding to the overall value of the trip.

Wrapping Up the Day

The tour concludes with a 30-minute drive back to Kutaisi, arriving around 7:00 pm. Though long, this day is packed with varied sights and activities, leaving you with vivid memories of Georgia’s natural wonders.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The price of around 70-80 EUR covers transportation and guide services. Entry fees to the attractions are paid separately—Prometheus Cave (23 GEL), Okatse Canyon (20 GEL), and Martvili Canyon (20 GEL)—so budget accordingly. Optional extras, such as boat rides and the zipline, are extra costs but are highly recommended if you want the full experience.

The tour is wheelchair- and pregnant-woman unfriendly, and children under 120 cm are not permitted at Okatse. Be prepared for some physical exertion—walking, stairs, and uneven terrain are common. Many reviewers mention that you should wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

Weather can influence the schedule; heavy rain may close Okatse Canyon, but guides are quick to suggest alternative activities like Sataplia, ensuring your day remains enjoyable.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

Reviews consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides, often describing them as energetic, humorous, and full of useful insights. One reviewer mentioned that their guide “made the experience ten times better,” emphasizing how essential good guiding is.

Many travelers appreciated the stunning views—from high vantage points over the canyon walls to the underground formations of Prometheus Cave. The boat rides in Prometheus and Martvili are repeatedly highlighted as magical moments that elevate the whole trip.

Some caution that long walks and stairs can be tiring, and that the tour involves a fair bit of physical activity. Several reviewers also mention the importance of being prepared for weather changes and the need for comfortable footwear.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor adventures, spectacular scenery, and learning about Georgia’s natural landscape, this tour offers excellent value. The combination of hiking, boat rides, and underground caves makes for a varied and memorable experience. The guides’ enthusiasm and local insights add depth and humor, making the long day more engaging.

However, this isn’t the best choice if you prefer relaxed sightseeing or are concerned about physical exertion. It’s also not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, but for active travelers, it’s a full day of stunning sights and genuine adventure.

In short, this tour suits visitors eager to explore Georgia’s wild side—those who love walking, taking photographs, and discovering natural wonders without sacrificing comfort or guidance.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from Kutaisi to all sites and back is part of the package.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 10 hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning around 7:00 pm.

Are guides fluent in English?
Yes, the guides operate in English and are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

What are the entrance fees?
Entry fees are paid separately—23 GEL for Prometheus Cave, 20 GEL for Okatse Canyon, and 20 GEL for Martvili Canyon.

Can I do the boat rides?
Boat rides are optional. In Prometheus Cave, you can choose an open-air boat ride for an extra fee of 20 GEL; in Martvili, the boat ride costs 20 GEL.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 120 cm are not permitted in Okatse Canyon, and the physical demands may be tiring for young kids.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and water are essential. Waterproofs are recommended in case of rain.

What if it rains heavily?
Heavy rain may lead to closures at Okatse Canyon, but guides will suggest alternative sites like Sataplia.

How is the group size?
Groups tend to be manageable, allowing for personalized attention and interaction with guides.

In The Sum Up

This guided tour from Kutaisi offers a fantastic way to experience Georgia’s most striking natural landscapes in a single day. From the towering high bridges at Okatse to the mysterious depths of Prometheus Cave and the lush waterfalls of Martvili, it’s a journey filled with visual splendor and physical activity. The guides’ positive reviews highlight that local expertise and friendly attitudes truly enhance the experience.

For travelers eager to combine adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural insights into one memorable trip, this tour provides solid value and authentic fun. While it demands a good level of fitness and weather awareness, it rewards those who want to see Georgia’s wild side in all its glory.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Note: Always check availability and weather conditions before booking, and plan accordingly to enjoy this exciting day to the fullest.