Martvili + Okatse + Caves

Explore Georgia’s Natural Marvels with the Martvili + Okatse + Caves Tour

This full-day tour from Tbilisi offers a chance to see some of Georgia’s most breathtaking natural attractions for $79 per person. It covers three out of four spectacular destinations—Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon, and either Prometheus Cave or Sataplia Cave and Nature Reserve—based on your preference. The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, providing ample time to enjoy each site comfortably with private transportation, a driver and guide, and wifi on board.

This experience suits those eager for adventure, scenic views, and natural beauty, with the flexibility to choose your preferred cave or canyon. Keep in mind, admission tickets for the stops are not included, so plan to purchase these separately. The tour offers a balanced pace with many photo opportunities, making it ideal for travelers who want a well-organized day trip exploring Georgia’s stunning landscapes.

Key Points

• Price and duration: At $79, this tour provides a cost-effective way to see three major natural sites over around 10 hours.
• Flexible stops: You select three out of four sites—Prometheus Cave, Sataplia Nature Reserve, Okatse Canyon, and Martvili Canyon—allowing customization.
• Highlights include: The boat trips in Martvili Canyon, stunning views from Okatse Canyon, and the underground wonders of caves.
• Includes amenities: Private transport, guide, wifi, bottled water, and home-made Georgian wine.
• Not included: Entrance fees and lunch—these are paid separately at each stop.
• Reviews praise: Knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, with some noting the long hours but feeling the trip was worthwhile.

Pickup, Transport, and Group Details

The tour starts in Tbilisi, where a private vehicle with air conditioning picks up your group. The driver and guide speak English, ensuring smooth navigation and explanations throughout the day. WiFi on board helps keep you connected, and the group size is kept small, offering a more personalized experience. The tour concludes back at your starting point in Tbilisi, making logistics straightforward.

Choosing Your Top Three Destinations

Since only three locations are visited in a day, you’ll decide which stops to include. The options are:

• Prometheus Cave: Surrounded by a 3 km landscape area, this Kumistavi cave features a 1600-meter walking route and underground river boat ride. The cave is known for its spectacular colors and underworld atmosphere, though admission is extra.
• Sataplia Cave and Nature Reserve: Besides exploring the cave, visitors enjoy views over Kutaisi from a glass platform and can see millions of years old dinosaur footprints. There’s also a museum and a heart-shaped stalagmite.
• Okatse Canyon: A recently developed tourist site, offering stunning vistas from stairs and footpaths. The high-quality infrastructure makes exploring easy and scenic.
• Martvili Canyon: Known for its deep green river, waterfalls, and a 300-meter boat tour. Historically a bath site for Georgian Nobles, it now provides spectacular scenery and a chance to enjoy the mountain river canyon.

The flexibility in choosing stops helps tailor the trip to your interests, whether you prefer underground caves, dramatic canyons, or historical sites.

Detailed Look at Martvili Canyon

Martvili Canyon is a standout for its natural beauty and historic charm. The waterfalls, deep green river, and boat trip combine to create a peaceful, picturesque setting. Visitors can enjoy scenery reminiscent of a postcard and take part in short boat trips along the Abasha river.

Once a noble bathing place, the canyon now draws many for photo opportunities and relaxing walks. The 1-hour boat tour offers a close-up view of the canyon’s towering cliffs and lush surroundings, making it a favorite stop for those wanting nature and history intertwined.

The Spectacular Okatse Canyon Experience

Okatse Canyon impresses with its recently built infrastructure that makes exploring easy and safe. The high-quality stairs and footpaths lead visitors to magnificent viewpoints, where the vast canyon stretches out below. The 1 hour and 30 minutes spent here gives enough time for photos, walks, and soaking in the views.

Travelers appreciate the spectacular panoramas and well-maintained walkways. The canyon’s natural monument status and modern infrastructure make it an accessible highlight, especially for those who enjoy dramatic vistas and outdoor activity.

Exploring Prometheus Cave and Its Underground Marvels

Prometheus Cave is one of Georgia’s most famous caves, featuring underground rivers, stalactites, and stalagmites. The 3 km landscape area surrounding it offers scenic views, while the 1600-meter walking route inside allows you to witness the spectacular formations and colors created by mineral deposits.

A boat ride along the underground river adds an extra dimension to the experience, allowing visitors to see the cave’s interior from the water. While admission tickets are not included, the entry fee is well worth it for the unique underground environment.

Sataplia Cave, Dinosaur Footprints, and Nature Views

Sataplia Nature Reserve combines cave exploration with outdoor activities. The highlight is the dinosaur footprints preserved in the limestone, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life. The glass platform provides panoramic views of Kutaisi, making it a great spot for photo ops.

Visitors can also explore the museum and marvel at the heart-shaped stalagmite inside the cave. The walking tour here is about an hour, with plenty of opportunities for pictures and learning about Georgia’s natural history.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour departs from Tbilisi and involves private transportation to each site. Since entrance fees are not included, travelers should prepare to purchase tickets at each location, which generally enhances the overall experience by reducing group delays.

The long hours of the trip are balanced by comfortable transportation, and the guide provides explanations that enrich understanding of the sites. Given the physical nature of some stops, a moderate level of mobility is recommended, especially for walking along trails and stairs.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This customizable tour is best suited for travelers who want to see Georgia’s natural beauty without spending too much time planning logistics. Nature lovers will appreciate the spectacular scenery, while those interested in underground caves or canyons will find plenty to explore.

The flexibility in choosing stops allows for a tailored experience, making it a good option for families, couples, or small groups seeking an adventure-filled day with private transport and guidance.

Final Thoughts on the Martvili + Okatse + Caves Tour

This tour offers excellent value for its price, especially considering the private transport, guide, and additional amenities like wifi and home-made Georgian wine. The choice of stops means travelers can customize their experience to match their interests, whether they prefer caves, canyons, or both.

While admission costs are separate, the scenic vistas, boat rides, and unique underground formations make this a worthy day trip from Tbilisi. It is particularly suited to those who enjoy outdoor adventures and nature photography.

The main limitation is the long hours and potential weather dependency, but with good planning and preparation, this tour provides a comprehensive look at some of Georgia’s most stunning natural features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, admission tickets for the stops are not included and must be purchased separately at each site.

Can I choose which sites to visit?
Yes, you select three out of four locations—Prometheus Cave, Sataplia Cave and Nature Reserve, Okatse Canyon, and Martvili Canyon—based on your preferences.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, allowing time for exploring each site and enjoying the scenery.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers with moderate mobility, but some stops involve walking on trails and stairs.

What amenities are included?
Passengers benefit from WiFi on board, air-conditioned vehicle, driver + guide, bottled water, and home-made Georgian wine.

This flexible, scenic, and well-organized tour provides a great way to experience Georgia’s natural wonders with the comfort of private transportation and the guidance of knowledgeable locals.