Canyons and Caves: 4 Days of Geology and History

DAY 1: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi

We'll leave Tbilisi to first visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia, Mtskheta. There we'll explore its World Heritage treasures: the panoramic Jvari Monastery and the sacred Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Next, we'll travel through ancient history at Uplistsikhe, an impressive Iron Age rock-hewn city where we'll walk among caves and temples carved into sandstone. Our next stop will be in the nearby city of Gori, where we'll visit the Stalin Museum to learn about the Soviet leader's birthplace and career. Finally, we'll continue our journey westward, entering the legendary land of Colchis, until we reach Kutaisi.

Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*

267 km | 04:44 by car

DAY 2: Kutaisi - Okatse - Martvili - Kutaisi

We'll begin the day immersing ourselves in Imereti's spectacular geography with a visit to Okatse Canyon. We'll feel the excitement and adrenaline walking its 700-meter suspended walkway, a unique structure offering impressive panoramas of the gorge and surrounding wild nature. Next, we'll change scenery heading to Martvili Canyon, a natural gem famous for the serenity and emerald color of its waters. In this idyllic setting, if water levels permit, we'll enjoy a boat ride silently navigating between high rocky walls and refreshing waterfalls, plus walking its trails wrapped in lush subtropical vegetation. After a day full of fresh air and unforgettable photographic landscapes, we'll return to Kutaisi.

Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*

128 km | 02:40 by car

DAY 3: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe

Today's route departs from Kutaisi, heading first to the imposing Bagrati Cathedral. From its privileged location on Ukimerioni hill, we'll enjoy a complete panorama of the city before continuing to Gelati Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will allow us to appreciate medieval architecture and valuable frescoes from what was a great academy in the 12th century. Leaving human history behind, we'll enter the spectacular geology of Prometheus Cave, touring its halls full of millennia-old formations and, if water conditions are favorable, navigating its underground river. Finally, the journey will take us south to Borjomi, a tranquil oasis famous for its volcanic springs, before continuing to Akhaltsikhe.

Accommodation: Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath 4*

239 km | 04:57 by car

DAY 4: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Tbilisi

Today we'll begin the day exploring the majestic Vardzia, an extraordinary 12th-century rock-hewn monastery-city that will transport us to the past. We'll venture into its labyrinthine tunnels to discover unique medieval frescoes and visit its ancient wine cellars, witnesses to the area's millennial winemaking tradition. We'll continue our route to the imposing Khertvisi Fortress, one of Georgia's oldest fortifications, strategically located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti valley; there we'll admire its robust walls and enjoy unparalleled panoramic views. Finally, we'll head toward Tbilisi to conclude the day, crossing dreamlike landscapes dominated by the imposing Lesser Caucasus mountains.

287 km | 05:30 by car