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

Exploring Georgia’s incredible landscapes is a rewarding experience, especially when you have a knowledgeable guide leading the way. The guided day trip from Kutaisi to visit three of the region’s top natural attractions—Okatse Canyon, Martvili Canyon, and Prometheus Cave—is packed with scenic views, adventurous activities, and authentic Georgian flavor.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how smoothly it combines different types of natural beauty — from soaring canyon bridges to tranquil boat rides and impressive underground caves. The flexibility to include optional activities like boat rides and ziplining adds an extra layer of thrill.

A possible consideration is the time commitment; at around 10 hours, it’s a full day of walking and exploring, so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with a lot of movement. This tour is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those eager to see Georgia’s spectacular landscapes, all with a professional guide to enrich the experience.

Key Points

• Diverse scenery: Visit three very different natural sites, each offering unique sights and activities.
• Expert guides: Guides like Georgi and Joseph are frequently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm.
• Active day: Expect about 10 km of walking, with optional activities such as boat rides and ziplining.
• Value for money: The tour includes transportation, guiding, and entry fees (though some extras cost extra), making it an affordable way to see multiple sites.
• Weather considerations: Heavy rain can lead to the closure of Okatse Canyon; an alternative like Sataplia might be offered.
• Good for: Active, curious travelers wanting an all-in-one Georgian nature experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Overall Structure

Our journey kicks off at 10:00 from the Budget Georgia office in Kutaisi. From there, the group boards a comfortable bus, ready for a roughly one-hour drive to our first destination. The tour’s well-organized itinerary ensures we visit each site in a logical sequence, with time allocated for exploration, rest, and a hearty Georgian lunch.

Prometheus Cave: An Underground Marvel

First stop is the Prometheus Cave, which stretches 1.4 km beneath the earth and reaches depths of 80 meters. This attraction is a true highlight, showcasing stunning calcite formations and underground chambers — including the famous Hall of Love, where couples have tied the knot. You’ll get to enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the cave, which is both relaxing and awe-inspiring.

Several reviews mention the cave’s spacious and spacious environment, making it suitable for most visitors. For those wanting an even more adventurous experience, there’s an optional open-air boat ride costing around 20 GEL, which adds a little extra magic to the visit. Reviewers like Andriana praised the cave, calling it “AMAZING,” while others note that the formations are truly impressive.

It’s worth noting that entry fees are not included in the tour price, and it costs about 23 GEL for the cave, plus additional optional costs for boat rides.

Okatse Canyon: A Thrill for Nature Enthusiasts

Next, we head to Okatse Canyon, Georgia’s deepest canyon. What makes this stop special is the chance to walk on high bridges and skywalks, offering panoramic views that are both breathtaking and slightly nerve-wracking — but in a good way. The walk involves either a scenic 6 km hike or an off-road taxi ride to access the bridges, so be prepared for some physical activity.

Many reviews highlight the spectacular vistas and the thrill of walking on hanging bridges. Guides like Georgi and Joseph are praised for their insights and friendly attitude, often sharing interesting facts about the canyon’s geology and history. As Dinesh pointed out, the long walk may be tiring, but the views make it worthwhile. For families or those with mobility issues, note that children under 120cm are not permitted, and some sections require steady footing.

Martvili Canyon: Waterfalls and Boat Rides

The third main stop is Martvili Canyon, known for its stunning waterfalls and tranquil boat rides. Here, you’ll hop into a boat and drift through the canyon’s calm waters, passing under waterfalls and alongside lush greenery. Several reviewers mention the scenic beauty and the smooth boat ride as highlights, with some describing it as feeling “straight out of a movie.”

Optional activities like ziplining (costing around 70 GEL) are available if you crave more adrenaline. While most travelers appreciated the boat experience, one review indicated that high water levels and swift currents sometimes prevent boat rides, so flexibility is key to enjoy this part fully.

Lunch and Rest

After all the outdoor adventures, a well-deserved break awaits at a local restaurant. The tour includes about 80 minutes for lunch, giving you time to sample Georgian dishes like khachapuri or khinkali. Reviewers have enjoyed the food, noting that it adds a genuine taste of Georgia to the experience.

Final Stop: Return to Kutaisi

The tour concludes around 19:00 back at the starting point. Many travelers express satisfaction with the day, noting how well-organized and enriching the experience was. The guides’ enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge significantly enhance the tour, making it more than just sightseeing.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of reviews are glowing, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on over 400 comments. Travelers praise guides like Georgi and Joseph for their friendly, engaging explanations, and many mention the stunning scenery as a highlight. Andriana pointed out how the guides share “historical insights about the country,” adding depth to the trip.

Some pointed out that the long walks at Okatse can be tiring, but most agree that the views and thrill of crossing hanging bridges make it worthwhile. Several reviews also appreciated the flexibility — guides offering alternatives when weather conditions affected certain activities, like boat rides in Martvili or canyon access.

Tips from Reviewers

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and hiking.
• Bring water to stay hydrated during the day.
• Be aware that heavy rain can lead to site closures, especially at Okatse Canyon.
• Children under 120cm are not permitted at Okatse, so plan accordingly.
• Optional activities like boat rides and ziplining are extra costs; decide in advance if you’d like to add them.

Pricing and Value

While the tour price covers transportation and guiding, entrance fees are paid separately — averaging around 20-23 GEL for each site, plus optional extras. Considering the full-day itinerary, expert guides, and the convenience of transportation, many find it to be good value. It saves you the hassle of organizing multiple trips yourself and offers insider knowledge from guides who are passionate and well-informed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers comfortable with walking and outdoor activities. If you enjoy scenic hikes, boat rides, and exploring underground caves, you’ll find plenty to love. Families with children over 120cm, couples, and solo travelers eager to see Georgia’s dramatic landscapes will appreciate the diverse stops and friendly guides.

Final Thoughts

This guided tour from Kutaisi offers a well-rounded day of adventure and natural beauty. It’s a fantastic way to see three of Georgia’s most impressive sites without the hassle of planning every detail. The mix of spectacular views, engaging guides, and optional adrenaline activities creates a memorable experience that appeals to curious, active travelers.

While it’s a long day, the variety of scenery and the quality of guidance make it worth the effort. If you’re after an authentic, hassle-free way to explore Georgia’s stunning landscapes, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation is included in the tour price, taking you comfortably from Kutaisi to each site and back.

How much are the entrance fees?
Entrance fees for Prometheus Cave (23 GEL), Okatse Canyon (20 GEL), and Martvili Canyon (20 GEL) are not included but are paid separately.

Can I do the boat rides?
Boat rides are optional and cost around 20 GEL each, with availability depending on water levels and weather conditions.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children shorter than 120cm are not allowed at Okatse Canyon, and the walk may be tiring for some. The tour is best for active kids able to handle a full day of walking.

How long is the total tour?
Approximately 10 hours, including travel, exploration, lunch, and breaks.

Are there any weather restrictions?
Heavy rain can cause Okatse Canyon to close for safety, with Sataplia Nature Reserve as a possible alternative.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, given the walking involved, especially at Okatse Canyon, it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. Waterproofs might be helpful in case of rain.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is operated by Budget Georgia Kutaisi, a reputable local provider known for well-organized tours and friendly guides.

To sum it up, this tour is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive Georgian nature experience, guided by passionate experts. Its combination of striking landscapes, engaging activities, and insightful commentary makes it a memorable day for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.