Kutaisi Day Tour — Prometheus Cave & Gelati
UNESCO monasteries and Georgia's most spectacular cave system — all in one day from Tbilisi.
Overview
Georgia's second city packs an extraordinary amount into one day. Start with Gelati Monastery, the 12th-century royal complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site where Queen Tamar is buried. Continue to Motsameta, a small monastery perched dramatically on a cliff above a river gorge. After lunch in Kutaisi, descend into Prometheus Cave — 1.4km of illuminated underground galleries filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers. The day rounds off with a visit to Bagrati Cathedral before the drive back. Led by a female guide throughout.
Highlights
- Gelati Monastery complex (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Burial site of Queen Tamar of Georgia
- Motsameta Monastery on dramatic river gorge cliff
- Prometheus Cave — 1.4km illuminated gallery tour
- Underground rivers, stalactites and stalagmites
- Bagrati Cathedral
- Lunch in Kutaisi city centre
- Female guide throughout
Itinerary
Departure from Tbilisi
Early departure from central Tbilisi. Three-hour drive west through the Surami Pass and into Imereti region. Comfortable vehicle, coffee and snacks on board.
Gelati Monastery
Arrive at the 12th-century Gelati Monastery complex, founded by King David the Builder. Explore the main cathedral with its stunning Byzantine mosaics, the Academy of Gelati, and the tomb of Queen Tamar. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
Motsameta Monastery
Short drive to Motsameta, a small monastery dramatically positioned on a narrow cliff above the Tskaltsitela river gorge. One of the most atmospheric spots in western Georgia, dedicated to two Kakheti princes martyred in the 8th century.
Lunch in Kutaisi
Lunch at a local restaurant in Kutaisi city centre. Try Imeruli khachapuri in the region where it originated, alongside fresh salads and local dishes.
Prometheus Cave
Guided walk through 1.4km of Prometheus Cave's illuminated galleries — one of the largest cave systems in the Caucasus. Marvel at soaring stalactites, mirror-still underground lakes, and multicoloured mineral formations. Optional: short boat ride on the underground river.
Bagrati Cathedral
Visit Bagrati Cathedral in the heart of Kutaisi, a UNESCO-listed 11th-century cathedral and one of the finest examples of medieval Georgian architecture.
Departure for Tbilisi
Begin the three-hour return drive to Tbilisi.
Arrive Tbilisi
Drop off at central meeting point in Tbilisi.
What's Included
- Comfortable transportation from/to Tbilisi
- Female English-speaking guide
- Gelati and Motsameta entrance fees
- Prometheus Cave guided tour
- Bagrati Cathedral entrance
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Snacks and water on board
What's Not Included
- Prometheus Cave boat ride (optional, paid on site)
- Additional drinks or personal purchases
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket (cave temperature is ~14°C year-round)
- Camera
- Sunscreen for outdoor sites
- Small backpack
- Water bottle