Kutaisi: Tskaltubo Town and Tetra Caves with Wine Tasting

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines nature, history, and a touch of adventure, this tour from Kutaisi may just be your perfect fit. It promises a mix of breathtaking landscapes, mysterious underground worlds, and evocative ruins—an ideal way to see a different side of Georgia. As someone who loves uncovering hidden stories and authentic experiences, I find this tour offers just that.

What’s especially appealing is the chance to walk among dinosaur footprints, explore impressive underground caves, and sample quality Georgian wines aged right inside the Tetra caves. Plus, the journey through abandoned Soviet sanatoriums in Tskaltubo adds a hauntingly fascinating glimpse into Georgia’s recent past. One small consideration might be the 7-hour length, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and some walking.

This trip suits those who appreciate natural beauty, history buffs curious about Soviet-era architecture, or wine lovers eager to taste local vintages in a truly unique setting. If you’re after a diverse, educational, and visually stunning experience, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The panoramic vistas of Sataplia Nature Reserve are a highlight, perfect for photography.
• Unique Underground Landscapes: Tetra caves’ formations and wine aging caves offer a one-of-a-kind experience.
• Historical Insight: Abandoned sanatoriums provide a glimpse into Georgia’s Soviet-era past.
• Comfort and Convenience: Includes private transport, hotel pickup, and WiFi for a hassle-free day.
• Authentic Tasting: Tasting three types of wine directly in the caves adds a special local flavor.
• Time Management: The itinerary balances sightseeing with free time, but expect some walking and driving.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins with a hotel pickup in Kutaisi, included in the price, which means no fuss about finding meeting points or navigating public transport. The private transport, driven by an English-speaking driver, makes the day smooth and flexible. During the 7 hours, you’ll spend time comfortably moving between attractions, with WiFi available to share photos or check messages—an underrated feature that adds a touch of modern convenience.

Sataplia Nature Reserve: Dinosaur Footprints & Panoramas

The first stop is Sataplia Nature Reserve, a gem for anyone interested in Georgia’s natural or prehistoric past. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately 1.5 hours. The highlight? The preserved dinosaur footprints, which are a real crowd-pleaser and lend a sense of walking in the footsteps of ancient creatures. The reserve’s lush Colchic forests and striking caves make for a scenic walk.

You’ll also visit the Sataplia Cave, which has been illuminated for visitors, making exploration easy and safe. The glass observation deck offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for photos. A nearby museum further explains the region’s geological and prehistoric significance, making this stop educational as well as visually impressive.

Reviewers have noted that the views here are truly spectacular, with one mentioning, “The panoramic scenery from the observation deck is breathtaking, and the footprints are a fun reminder of Georgia’s ancient history.”

Tetra Caves: An Underground Adventure and Wine Tasting

Next, you’ll hop into a jeep or SUV for a roughly 30-minute drive to the Tetra caves, a natural monument perched at 140 meters above sea level. The caves are known for their impressive underground formations, which can be explored on a guided tour lasting around two hours.

The caves aren’t just a natural wonder—they’re also used for Speleotherapy, a therapeutic practice that takes advantage of the caves’ mineral-rich air, which some visitors find relaxing or beneficial. Inside, you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations that have taken thousands of years to develop, giving you a real sense of the Earth’s slow, patient artistry.

What makes the Tetra caves stand out is their role in wine maturation. You’ll taste three types of high-quality Georgian wines, all aged within the cave’s cool, stable environment. Sipping wine in such a distinctive setting enhances the experience and allows you to appreciate the local craft in an authentic way.

Feedback from previous visitors highlights the uniqueness of tasting wine in the caves: “It’s not every day you drink wine inside a cave—this really made the experience special.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Tskaltubo: Ghosts of the Soviet Era

After the caves, the tour takes you to Tskaltubo, famous for its abandoned Soviet sanatoriums. This part of the trip provides a stark contrast to the natural wonders, offering a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into a different era. The architecture, often grand and decaying, attracts photographers and history enthusiasts alike.

You’ll have about 1.5 hours here for a photo stop and free time to walk among the crumbling buildings. Some visitors mention that these ruins evoke a sense of history and provide ample opportunities for evocative photos. It’s an atmospheric experience—one that sparks curiosity about the once-bustling health resorts of the Soviet period.

Return to Kutaisi

The tour wraps up with a scenic drive back to Kutaisi, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. The entire experience is designed for convenience, allowing you to soak in the sights without the stress of navigating on your own.

Practical Details and Value

The tour costs include private transportation, an English-speaking driver, all entrance fees for Sataplia and Tetra caves, and the wine tasting—a package that offers good value given the exclusive experiences. The addition of WiFi and bottled water enhances comfort throughout the day.

Since food and drinks are not included, it’s wise to bring a snack or plan for a light lunch before or after the tour. The timing, starting at a flexible time, allows travelers to choose the most suitable departure, though availability varies, so booking in advance is recommended.

The tour’s small group or private format appeals to those seeking a more personalized experience, avoiding the feeling of being just one among many on a bus.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers who enjoy scenic vistas and underground landscapes. It also appeals to history buffs intrigued by Soviet-era architecture, and wine enthusiasts curious about Georgian vintages. The walking involved is moderate, making it suitable for most travelers in decent health.

If you’re after a tour that balances active exploration with moments of reflection and stunning visuals, this is a strong choice. Keep in mind that the full day means you’ll need comfortable shoes and clothes, especially for walking in caves and ruins.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, underground adventure, and historical intrigue. The panoramic views from Sataplia, combined with the mysterious underground formations of Tetra caves and the evocative ruins of Tskaltubo, create a varied and memorable day. The inclusion of wine tasting in a cave adds a distinct local flavor, making this an experience that feels both authentic and special.

For travelers who want a well-rounded glimpse of Georgia’s diverse landscape and history, this tour delivers value and unique moments that won’t easily be forgotten. It’s especially suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing, looking for engaging, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

If you love discovering places where nature and history collide, and you’re eager to taste Georgia’s famed wines in an extraordinary setting, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and free time.

What is included in the price?
Private transportation, an English-speaking driver, hotel pick-up and drop-off, WiFi, entrance fees for Sataplia and Tetra caves, and three types of wine tasting in the caves.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you may want to bring some snacks or plan to eat before or after the tour.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and exploring caves and ruins are recommended.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is arranged for private groups, which allows for a more flexible and personalized experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, due to limited availability and to ensure your preferred start time, booking ahead is advisable.

You can check availability for your dates here: