Kutaisi: Martvili canyon and Prometheus Caves with Tskaltubo

Key Points

• Explore the stunning Martvili Canyon with dramatic rock formations and waterfalls, including a boat tour along the river.
• Visit the iconic Prometheus Caves to see impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground mineral formations.
• Enjoy a local Megrelian cuisine lunch in a traditional restaurant after the canyon visit.
• Discover Tskaltubo’s Soviet-era sanatoriums and thermal waters, known for their health benefits.
• Private, comfortable transfer with an English-speaking driver ensures a smooth experience.
• Tour duration of 6.5 hours makes this a comprehensive yet manageable day trip from Kutaisi.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Natural Splendors of Western Georgia

This 6.5-hour private tour from Kutaisi offers an excellent taste of Georgia’s breathtaking landscapes. It combines natural wonders like Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Caves with cultural and historical sights such as Tskaltubo’s Soviet sanatoriums. Perfect for travelers seeking an active day immersed in nature, the tour is designed with comfort and in-depth exploration in mind, thanks to the private transfer and knowledgeable English-speaking driver.

The tour balances scenic sightseeing with opportunities to relax and enjoy local flavors. While it covers several destinations in a single day, the pace remains moderate, making it suitable for most visitors who enjoy outdoor adventures and cultural insights. A key strength is how smoothly the logistics are managed, with pickups from any hotel in Kutaisi included, leaving you free to focus on the sights.

Key Points

• Duration: 6.5 hours, ideal for a full but not overwhelming day.
• Transport: Private transfer with an English-speaking driver for comfort and ease.
• Main stops: Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Caves, Tskaltubo.
• Highlights: Waterfalls, underground rock formations, scenic drive, local cuisine.
• Suitable for: Active travelers interested in nature, caves, and history.
• Limitations: Not suited for travelers over 70 or with certain health conditions like diabetes.

Exploring Martvili Canyon: Waterfalls and Boat Tours

Martvili Canyon is the first stop and a highlight of this tour. Located in the Samegrelo region, it features dramatic rock formations, lush green vegetation, and several waterfalls. Visitors get a stunning view of the canyon’s natural artistry and can take a boat tour along the river, which offers a close-up look at the scenic cliffs and waterfalls.

The canyon visit lasts about 1.5 hours, giving enough time to explore its natural beauty and enjoy the boat ride. The area is spacious and safe, with plenty of photo opportunities. We like how the guides explain the geological features and make the experience informative without rushing. Afterward, a traditional Megrelian lunch completes the experience, allowing you to savor local flavors in a cozy restaurant.

The Wonders Beneath: Prometheus Caves

After lunch, the tour moves on to Prometheus Caves, an underground marvel famous for its stalactites, stalagmites, and mineral deposits. The caves are about 80 minutes of exploration, during which you can admire the impressive rock formations that have been created over millennia.

The caves’ underground chambers are a highlight for anyone fascinated by geology or underground landscapes. The guide leads you through well-lit paths, ensuring safety while revealing the cave’s secrets. The underground formations are visually striking, and the tour provides plenty of opportunities for photos. The caves stand out as one of Georgia’s most captivating natural attractions.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tskaltubo: Soviet Sanatoriums and Thermal Waters

From the caves, the tour continues to Tskaltubo, a town renowned for its radon-rich thermal waters and abandoned Soviet-era sanatoriums. The walk here lasts about 1 hour, giving a glimpse into the town’s history as a wellness destination. The soviet sanatoriums, though no longer in operation, feel like a walk into the past, with their large, empty buildings and grand architecture.

Visitors also observe the town’s thermal waters, which are believed to have health benefits. The peaceful ambiance and the historical ruins make Tskaltubo a unique stop that combines wellness history with nostalgia. The tour’s focus on the town’s abandoned sanatoriums offers a rare perspective on Georgia’s Soviet-era leisure culture.

Scenic Drive Through Georgia’s Valleys and Landscapes

Throughout the day, the private transfer provides a scenic drive through Georgia’s diverse landscapes. The route takes you through picturesque valleys and lush green scenery, making the journey as enjoyable as the stops. The driver shares insights about the region’s geography and history, adding context to each location.

This comfortable and efficient transport ensures that you spend more time at each stop and less time in transit. The drive also allows for rest and photo stops, enhancing the overall experience of the tour.

Practical Details: Logistics and Comfort

This tour starts with hotel pickup in Kutaisi, with the driver arriving 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure. The private group setup offers a personalized experience and flexibility. Bring comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and outdoor sightseeing.

The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans. Note that food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and the tour is not suitable for travelers over 70 or with certain health conditions like diabetes.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The combination of scenic landscapes, impressive underground caves, and historical sanatoriums makes this tour appealing to those interested in both nature and Georgian history. The knowledgeable guides, praised in reviews for their friendly and insightful approach, add significant value. Our research highlights how guests appreciate the stunning views at Martvili Canyon and the informative commentary provided at Prometheus Caves.

The private transfer ensures comfort and flexibility, ideal for those wanting a hassle-free day trip. The local Megrelian cuisine enjoyed during the lunch break adds a tasty cultural element to the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Kutaisi: Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Caves Tour

This well-rounded tour offers a fulfilling day exploring some of Georgia’s most captivating natural and historical sites. It suits travelers who appreciate outdoor adventures, geological wonders, and cultural insights. While it packs a lot into 6.5 hours, the pace remains manageable thanks to the private transport.

The standout features—the waterfalls at Martvili, underground formations of Prometheus Caves, and the Soviet sanatoriums of Tskaltubo—make it an engaging experience. The guide’s expertise and friendly approach shine through, as reflected in high praise from past participants.

If you’re visiting Kutaisi and want a comprehensive day trip that combines nature, history, and local flavor, this tour provides excellent value and memorable sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes private transfer, visits to Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Caves, and Tskaltubo, along with an English-speaking driver. Lunch is not specified as included, but the opportunity to taste local cuisine is part of the experience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 6.5 hours, making it a full but comfortable day trip.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
It is not recommended for travelers over 70 years old or those with diabetes or similar health conditions, due to walking and exploration involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended. No food or drinks are allowed in the vehicle.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its private group setting, scenic routes, and a balanced combination of nature, underground caves, and historical sanatoriums make it stand out. The highly praised guides enhance the experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is lunch included?
The itinerary mentions a chance to taste traditional Megrelian cuisine in a local restaurant, suggesting that lunch is an optional or separate expense.

How do I meet the driver?
The driver picks you up directly from your hotel in Kutaisi, with instructions to wait in the hotel lobby 10-15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Are there any physical requirements for the tour?
Basic walking is involved at all stops. The terrain in the caves and canyon may require comfortable shoes, but no strenuous activity is specified.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English with an English-speaking driver.

Where can I find similar experiences?
Additional Georgia tours include wine tastings, abandoned sanatoriums, and other canyon or cave explorations, available via related links on GetYourGuide.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby