Kutaisi city tour including Gelati monastery and Sataplia

One day through 3,000 years of history—from the legendary kingdom of Colchis to a UNESCO monastery, 120-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, and Imeretian wine at a family vineyard

This full-day Kutaisi city tour takes you through 3,000 years of Georgian history—from the legendary kingdom of Colchis to medieval monasteries and Soviet-era curiosities. You’ll explore Georgia’s second capital with a local guide, visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walk among 120-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, and end the day with authentic Imeretian wine at a family vineyard.

Kutaisi makes the perfect introduction to western Georgia. Unlike busy Tbilisi, this relaxed city on the Rioni River preserves its historic character: tree-lined boulevards, ornate bridges, colorful bazaars, and monuments that tell the story of a city that was Georgia’s capital long before Tbilisi existed.

Ancient Greeks knew this region as Colchis—the legendary destination of Jason and the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece. Whether the myth has historical basis or not, Kutaisi was certainly a major trading center in antiquity. The city served as capital of the medieval Kingdom of Georgia during its golden age.

This tour suits: History enthusiasts interested in medieval Georgian culture, families with children (dinosaur footprints are a hit), wine lovers wanting to explore Imeretian traditions, travelers with limited time in western Georgia, and anyone arriving at Kutaisi Airport looking for a comprehensive day tour.

This tour doesn’t suit: Travelers seeking adventure activities or strenuous hiking, visitors wanting extensive wine tastings (this includes one family winery), or those with very tight schedules who can’t dedicate a full day.

Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Kutaisi (or Kutaisi Airport if arriving that morning). We begin with a walking tour through Kutaisi’s historic center.

Kutaisi Old Town

Stroll along the Rioni River, crossing the elegant White Bridge (Tetri Khidi) with its views of traditional houses climbing the hillsides. We’ll walk through streets that have seen traders for millennia—this was the heart of ancient Colchis, where Greek myths placed the Golden Fleece.

Colchis Fountain: The city’s central square features this striking fountain adorned with golden animal sculptures representing archaeological artifacts from the Colchian period—a modern celebration of Kutaisi’s ancient heritage.

Kutaisi Green Bazaar: Experience the colors and flavors of a working Georgian market. Your guide will introduce you to local cheeses (especially the stretched Imeretian cheese), churchkhela (walnut and grape candy), fresh herbs, and seasonal fruits. This is where Kutaisi residents shop—a window into daily life.

Bagrati Cathedral

We drive up Ukimerioni Hill to Bagrati Cathedral—a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture. Built in 1003 by King Bagrat III during Georgia’s unification, the cathedral stood partially ruined for centuries after the Ottoman invasion. The controversial reconstruction was completed in 2012.

From the terrace, panoramic views stretch across the city and surrounding hills.

Okros Chardakhi (Golden Canopy): Near Bagrati, this historic royal pavilion offers another excellent viewpoint. The name comes from the golden decorations that once adorned it when Georgian kings held court here.

A short 10 km drive through the Imereti countryside brings us to one of Georgia’s most important monuments.

Gelati Monastery

Gelati Monastery was founded in 1106 by King David IV (David the Builder), Georgia’s greatest medieval ruler. It was not merely a monastery but a major center of learning—the Gelati Academy was one of the most significant educational institutions in the medieval Christian world, comparable to European universities of its time.

The complex includes three churches adorned with exceptional frescoes and mosaics. The main cathedral houses a magnificent 12th-century mosaic of the Virgin Mary that has survived intact for 900 years.

King David himself is buried at the entrance gate—he requested to be placed where every visitor would step over him, an act of humility.

Gelati was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding medieval architecture and its role as a center of Georgian cultural and intellectual life. Your guide will explain the symbolism in the frescoes, the academy’s history, and the stories of the kings buried within.

Optional: The nearby Motsameta Monastery (3 km) perches dramatically on a cliff above the Tskaltsitela River. If time permits and you’re interested, we can make a quick stop here.

After a lunch break (at your expense, recommendations provided), we head to Sataplia Nature Reserve, just 9 km from central Kutaisi.

Dinosaur Footprints

The reserve’s most famous attraction: actual fossilized footprints left by dinosaurs approximately 120 million years ago. The tracks are preserved under a protective shelter and represent one of the most significant paleontological sites in the Caucasus.

You’ll see multiple footprints from different dinosaur species, with informative displays explaining what we know about these ancient creatures.

Sataplia Cave

Walk through an illuminated karst cave system with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. The cave maintains a constant cool temperature (14°C), making it refreshing on hot summer days. The lighting creates a magical atmosphere as you walk the developed pathway through chambers of different sizes.

Glass Observation Platform

The highlight for many visitors: a transparent glass walkway extending over the edge of a cliff, offering vertigo-inducing views of the canyon and surrounding Colchis forest below. The platform provides panoramic views of the Imereti landscape—on clear days, you can see for miles.

Colchis Forest

The reserve protects rare endemic flora, including ancient boxwood groves that are remnants of the subtropical forests that once covered this region. A short walking trail takes you through this unique ecosystem.

We end the day in the village of Obcha, near Kutaisi, where a local family welcomes us to their vineyard and winery.

Imeretian Wine Tradition

While Kakheti gets most attention, Imereti has its own distinct winemaking tradition. The Tsolikouri and Tsitska grape varieties produce crisp, refreshing white wines unlike anything from eastern Georgia. You’ll learn how Imeretian winemaking differs from Kakhetian methods—particularly in the use of clay qvevri vessels and shorter skin contact times.

Wine Tasting and Dinner

The family will explain their winemaking process, from vineyard to qvevri, then pour several wines for you to taste. The tasting is accompanied by traditional Imeretian dishes prepared by the family—expect fresh salads, local cheese, khachapuri Imeruli (the region’s famous cheese bread), and other homemade specialties.

This is a genuine family experience, not a commercial operation. You’ll taste authentic wines and food while learning about rural life in western Georgia.

After the tasting, we return you to your hotel in Kutaisi (approximately 18:30–19:00).

End of tour: Hotel in Kutaisi (or airport transfer available on request)

Practical Information

Duration: Full day (7-8 hours)
Tour type: Private guided tour
Pickup: Hotel in Kutaisi or Kutaisi Airport
Group size: 2-10 persons
Difficulty: Easy (minimal walking, ~1 km paved paths at Sataplia)
Best season: Year-round
Languages: English, Russian

What to Wear

Comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing for Gelati Monastery (women should cover shoulders; scarves available if needed), light jacket recommended for Sataplia Cave (constant 14°C inside).

Tour FAQ

About Kutaisi

Kutaisi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with archaeological evidence of settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. Ancient Greeks knew this region as Colchis—the legendary destination of Jason and the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece.

The city served as capital of the medieval Kingdom of Georgia during its golden age. King David IV united the Georgian lands from here, and his successors built the magnificent monasteries and churches that still stand. For centuries, Kutaisi remained the most important city in western Georgia, rivaling Tbilisi in influence.

Today, Kutaisi is Georgia’s third-largest city and the administrative center of the Imereti region. It retains a distinctly different character from Tbilisi—more relaxed, more traditional, with a cuisine and wine culture all its own. The opening of Kutaisi International Airport has made it the gateway to western Georgia for travelers from across Europe.

Why This Tour Works

This tour packs 3,000 years of history, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 120-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, and authentic Imeretian wine culture into one well-paced day. Each stop is genuinely worthwhile—not filler.

Perfect for airport arrivals. If you’re flying into Kutaisi, this tour makes productive use of your arrival day while introducing you to western Georgia’s highlights.

Family-friendly. The dinosaur footprints and cave at Sataplia captivate children, while the UNESCO monastery and wine tasting engage adults. Everyone finds something memorable.

Authentic experiences. The winery visit is a genuine family operation, not a commercial tourism venue. You’ll taste real Imeretian wines alongside home-cooked food.

This tour runs year-round. Contact us with your preferred date and we’ll respond within 24 hours.