Nature and Monasteries: 5 Days in Imereti

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

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

Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*

267 km | 04:44 by car

DAY 2: Kutaisi - Okatse - Martvili - Kutaisi

We will begin the day immersing ourselves in the spectacular geography of Imereti with a visit to Okatse Canyon. We will feel the excitement and adrenaline as we walk along its 700-meter hanging pedestrian walkway, a unique structure offering impressive panoramic views of the gorge and the wild nature surrounding it. Next, we will 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 will enjoy a boat ride sailing silently between high rocky walls and refreshing waterfalls, as well as walking along its trails wrapped in lush subtropical vegetation. After a day full of fresh air, water sounds and unforgettable photographic landscapes, we will return to the comfort of Kutaisi to rest.

Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*

128 km | 02:40 by car

DAY 3: Kutaisi - Dendrological Park - Batumi - Kutaisi

Today we will dedicate the day to exploring the coast of Guria and Adjara. Our first visit will be to the surprising Shekvetili Dendrological Park, an oasis of biodiversity facing the Black Sea. We will walk along its paths to admire transplanted century-old trees, Japanese-style gardens and rich fauna including free-roaming exotic birds, all in an atmosphere of absolute peace. Later, we will move to the "Pearl of the Black Sea", the city of Batumi. There we will have time to get lost in the streets of its old town, full of European charm, and stroll along the modern Boulevard by the beach, observing famous sculptures like Ali and Nino. As evening falls we will begin our return journey to Kutaisi, taking with us the sea breeze and the memory of a day full of contrasts.

Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*

325 km | 05:32 by car

DAY 4: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Motsameta - Gelati - Nikortsminda - Kutaisi

Our cultural exploration begins in Kutaisi, first visiting the majestic Bagrati Cathedral. From its privileged hilltop location, we will visually dominate the entire city before moving to a place of spectacular geography: Motsameta Monastery. Dramatically located on a rocky promontory surrounded by the Tskaltsitela River, this sanctuary offers an atmosphere of deep spirituality and moving landscapes. Nearby, the Gelati Academy awaits us, a UNESCO World Heritage complex that guards invaluable frescoes and the history of the Georgian Golden Age. Later, we will leave the city surroundings to venture into the picturesque Racha region, famous for its mountainous landscapes. There we will visit Nikortsminda Cathedral, a masterpiece of ecclesiastical architecture, world-renowned for the intricate beauty of its stone reliefs and magnificent decorated interiors. Surrounded by the serenity of the mountains, we will enjoy this artistic jewel before returning to Kutaisi.

Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*

191 km | 04:25 by car

DAY 5: Kutaisi - Sataplia - Prometheus Cave - Tbilisi

We will depart from Kutaisi for a day of natural exploration before heading to the capital. Our first stop will be the Sataplia Nature Reserve, famous for preserving footprints of herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs. There we will walk its trails, enter its caves and enjoy a spectacular view from its glass-floored viewpoint. Later, we will visit the majestic Prometheus Cave, an underground world of geological fantasy. We will walk among its immense halls decorated by nature and, if water level conditions are right, experience sailing through its hidden river. Once these visits in the west of the country are finished, we will take the main highway that crosses Georgia from west to east. We will cross the Rikoti Pass and various changing landscapes until we reach our final destination in the vibrant city of Tbilisi.

288 km | 04:45 by car