Caves, and Ancient Cathedrals kutaisi

Day 1 — The Road to the Ancient Kingdom

1. Start · Morning Chronicle of Georgia

   We begin our morning at the "Georgian Stonehenge"—the Chronicle of Georgia. Perched on a hill overlooking the Tbilisi Sea, this massive monument features 30-meter-tall bronze pillars that beautifully depict the history of Georgia, its royal kings, and its spiritual roots. The sheer scale of the columns makes for an unforgettable start to the trip.

2. Jvari Monastery

   Next, we drive up to Jvari Monastery, a breathtaking 6th-century hilltop church that stands proudly overlooking Mtskheta. Beyond its immense spiritual and historical value, it is world-famous for its view: from the cliff's edge, you will look down upon the magical confluence of two major rivers—the Aragvi and the Mtkvari—as they meet and flow together.

3. Stalin Museum

   We then travel further west to the town of Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Here, we will visit the complex dedicated to his life, which includes the grand exhibition halls, the small wooden house where he was born, and his private, bulletproof armored train carriage. It is a unique and thought-provoking look into a complex chapter of global history.

4. Optional · Lunch in Gori

   Take a relaxing break to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Gori. It's a wonderful opportunity to try traditional Shida Kartli dishes and hearty local comfort food before we make our long drive through the Rikoti Pass into western Georgia.

5. Late Afternoon Bagrati Cathedral

   As we arrive in Kutaisi, we head straight up to Ukimerioni Hill to visit the majestic Bagrati Cathedral. Built in the early 11th century during the reign of King Bagrat III, this iconic masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture stands as a symbol of united Georgia. The panoramic view of the entire city of Kutaisi and the Rioni River from the cathedral grounds is absolutely spectacular, especially as the sun begins to set.

6. End · Evening Overnight in Kutaisi

   After a rich day of traveling across the country, we will check you into your hotel in Kutaisi. Enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the charming, laid-back streets of the old town and get a great night of sleep—tomorrow, we dive deep into underground worlds and emerald canyons!

Day 2 — Underground Worlds and Emerald Canyons

1. Start · Morning Exploring Western Georgia

   Good morning from Kutaisi! Today is entirely dedicated to the breathtaking natural wonders of Western Georgia. Get ready to explore a magical subterranean world of stalactites and step into a fairytale canyon with rushing waterfalls and emerald waters, before making our way back to the capital.

2. Prometheus Cave

   Our first destination is the breathtaking Prometheus Cave, one of Georgia’s most magical natural wonders. We will walk through a 1.4-kilometer underground path surrounded by stunningly illuminated stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, and underground rivers. The spectacular multi-colored LED lighting and classical music playing inside make the entire cave feel like a hidden, underground palace.

3. Martvili Canyon

   Next, we head into the lush region of Samegrelo to visit the breathtaking Martvili Canyon. Here, a powerful emerald-green river cuts through deep limestone cliffs covered in moss and hanging vines. We will walk along the beautiful stone paths and bridges to admire the roaring waterfalls, and you can even take a memorable rubber boat ride through the canyon to experience its fairytale beauty up close.

4. Optional · Lunch in Zestafoni

   On our way back toward the capital, we will stop for a hearty, traditional lunch in Zestafoni. This is the perfect place to experience authentic, flavorful Imeretian cuisine—such as freshly baked Imeruli Khachapuri stretching with cheese, and local chicken prepared in a rich, savory garlic sauce (Chkmeruli).

5. End · Evening Return to Tbilisi

   With a heart full of beautiful memories, a camera packed with stunning photos of canyons and caves, and a deep appreciation for Georgia's diverse regions, we will complete our journey and drive you comfortably back to your hotel in Tbilisi!