Mtkvari (Kura) River

The Mtkvari River, also widely known as the Kura, is the longest and most significant river in the Caucasus region. It originates in northeastern Turkey, flows through the heart of Georgia, including the capital city of Tbilisi, and eventually empties into the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan. The Mtkvari has been the lifeblood of the region for millennia, shaping its geography, history, and culture. In Georgia, it carves through dramatic gorges, such as the one at Vardzia, and forms wide, fertile valleys. The river is central to the identity of Tbilisi, dividing the city into two banks connected by numerous historical and modern bridges. The Mtkvari offers various activities, from scenic boat rides in Tbilisi to exploring ancient cave cities along its banks.