15 Best Day Trips from Kutaisi (2026 Guide)

TL;DR: Use Kutaisi as a base for Gelati, Martvili, Tskaltubo, Racha, tea estates, and forest hikes, with 15 day trips grouped by distance, season, and transport.

Overview

Kutaisi sits at the crossroads of western Georgia, with high mountains to the north, the Black Sea coast 90 minutes west, and the country's second-biggest wine region on its doorstep. Whether you are based in Georgia's second city for a few days or passing through on a longer road trip, there are at least 15 excellent day trips within easy reach. Here are the best excursions from Kutaisi, from the most popular to the genuinely offbeat.

Getting Around from Kutaisi

Four main options for organising day trips:

• Marshrutka vans: Depart from Kutaisi Central Bus Station. Cheap but schedules are limited. Best for short distances like Tskaltubo and Zestafoni. See our transport guide for more.
• Organised tours: Local companies run small group tours to the canyons, caves, Chiatura, and Vardzia year-round.
• Hired driver: Book through GoTrip for fixed-price transfers with as many stops as you want.
• Rental car: The roads around Kutaisi are mild compared to Tbilisi. A rental car from Kutaisi gives complete freedom. For mountain routes, consider a 4x4. Read our driving tips before you go.

The Essential Kutaisi Outings

1. Gelati and Motsameta Monasteries

Distance: 9km (20 minutes) · Best for: History and culture · When: Year-round

A half-day excursion to twin monasteries northeast of Kutaisi. Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1106 by King David the Builder, holds vivid 12th-17th century frescoes and the remains of an ancient academy. Motsameta Monastery sits on a cliffside above the Tskaltsitela River, surrounded by forest that turns fiery red in autumn.

Note: As of 2025, Gelati is under restoration and only opens on Sundays.

Getting there: Taxi via Bolt (12 GEL). Marshrutka runs 5 times daily. You can hike between the monasteries and back down to Kutaisi via the railroad tracks.

2. Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon, and Prometheus Cave

Distance: 75km (2 hours) · Best for: Nature and adventure · When: April-October

The canyons and caves of Imereti and Samegrelo are the most popular full-day trip from Kutaisi. Martvili Canyon features mossy branches hanging over brilliant blue waters with an optional boat ride. Okatse Canyon has a suspended canopy walk around the lip of a deep gorge. Prometheus Cave is a massive cave system with a walking trail and underground boat ride. In winter, tours swap Okatse for Sataplia Nature Reserve.

Getting there: No reliable public transport to all three. Join an organised tour or book a driver for the day. A rental car is ideal.

3. Tskaltubo: Soviet Spa Ghost Town

Distance: 15km (20 minutes) · Best for: Photography and urbexing · When: Year-round

Famous for its semi-abandoned sanatoriums and spas, Tskaltubo is a playground for photographers. Dozens of grand Soviet-era bathhouses and sanatoria line the streets, some repurposed as apartments, others undergoing renovation. Beyond the sanatoriums, Central Park is beautiful in autumn, and Otia's Ezo offers wine and beer tastings in a house museum setting.

Getting there: Frequent marshrutka vans from the Red Bridge in Kutaisi centre. Taxi via Bolt costs about 15 GEL.

4. Chiatura, Katskhi Pillar, and Mgvimevi Convent

Distance: 75km (2 hours) · Best for: Soviet architecture and adventure · When: April-October

The mining town of Chiatura is famous for its network of cable cars built during the Soviet period. The original cars were decommissioned in 2021 and replaced with modern gondolas, but in late 2024 the first rehabilitated Soviet cable car relaunched. The town also has fabulous mosaics, Brutalist architecture, and the Pioneers Palace. On the way, stop at Katskhi Pillar, a monastery perched atop a limestone column, and Mgvimevi Convent, pressed into a cliffside.

Getting there: Semi-frequent marshrutka from Kutaisi (from 8am). Old commuter trains run twice daily (6am and 10am, 3 hours). A hired driver is more efficient.

5. Vardzia, Rabati Fortress, and Borjomi

Distance: 230km (5-6 hours) · Best for: History and cave cities · When: April-December

The longest day trip on this list but worth it. Vardzia is Georgia's largest cave city, with chambers, apothecaries, and wine cellars carved from a cliff face. Akhaltsikhe's Rabati Fortress is a sprawling 9th-century castle with a gilded mosque and gardens. Stop at Borjomi spa town on the return to drink mineral water from the original Romanov-era springs.

Getting there: A 14+ hour day. Organised tour or hired driver strongly recommended. A rental car gives flexibility to explore Meskheti at your own pace.

Deeper Into Western Georgia

6. The Abasha River: Wild Waterfalls and Swimming Holes

Distance: 55km (1.5 hours) · Best for: Hiking and swimming · When: May-September

An alternative canyons day trip without the crowds. Dozens of waterfalls and swimming holes line the Abasha River in Samegrelo, mostly around Martvili, Gachedili, and Balda. Highlights include Abhesi Waterfall, Gachedili Canyon, and Kaghu Waterfall. A 16km hiking trail from Balda village leads to Oniore, the tallest waterfall in the South Caucasus. Stop in Martvili town for lunch at Oda Family Marani.

7. Khvamli Mountain: Easy Day Hike with Epic Views

Distance: 69km (1.5 hours) · Best for: Hiking and panoramic views · When: May-October

North of Kutaisi in Lechkhumi Region, Khvamli is a brilliant spot for a short day hike. A paved road takes you most of the way up. The 4km circuit to the peak takes about 3 hours, with panoramic views of both the Greater and Lesser Caucasus at the top. For an easier option, walk to the plateau to visit the Church of St. George. The drive passes Rachkha Waterfall, one of the most powerful cascades in Georgia. In spring, wildflowers line the entire path.

8. Vani Archaeological Museum and Sulfur Springs

Distance: 40km (1 hour) · Best for: History and hot springs · When: Year-round

The award-winning Vani Archaeological Museum displays gold artefacts and burial objects from the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, including the original Tamada (Toastmaster) statue replicated in Old Tbilisi. The museum sits atop an ancient burial ground. Nearby, the Dikhashkho Sulfur Geyser features perfectly round travertine pools for soaking.

Getting there: Marshrutka from Kutaisi every hour from 7am. The museum is a 20-minute walk from Vani bus station.

9. Nokalakevi Fortress and Jikha Hot Spring

Distance: 50km (75 minutes) · Best for: Archaeology and hot springs · When: Year-round

A restored Byzantine fortress and open-air museum on the site of the former capital of Colchis. Interactive exhibits and ancient walls make it great for families. The location on a bend in the Tekhuri River is stunning. Further upriver, the Jikha hot spring is a surreal sulfur formation that pours piping hot water into the cool river.

10. The Monument Route: Soviet Relics to Zugdidi

Distance: 75km (75 minutes) · Best for: Soviet architecture and photography · When: Year-round

The road between Kutaisi and Zugdidi is lined with Soviet-era monuments, culture houses, mosaics, and abandoned sanatoriums. Highlights include Marani Culture House, Abasha mosaics and memorials, Sujuna Palace, and Senaki's war memorial and theatre. Allow a full day for all stops. Best done with your own rental car.

11. Baghdati, Sairme, and the Imereti Wine Route

Distance: 50km (1.5 hours) · Best for: Wine and mineral pools · When: Year-round

Head south into the Lesser Caucasus foothills. Sairme is a mineral water resort with open-air and indoor pools. Stop in Baghdati for the Vladimir Mayakovsky House Museum. The Imereti Wine Route runs through this area, with family vineyards offering tastings of local varieties. Combine with our Racha road trip guide for a longer exploration.

12. Zestafoni: Mosaics and Markets

Distance: 40km (40 minutes) · Best for: Soviet architecture and photography · When: Year-round

An industrial city east of Kutaisi known for its ferroalloy plant and incredible mosaics, including a Poseidon mosaic inside a former swimming pool. Like Rustavi near Tbilisi, Zestafoni was purpose-built for Soviet workers. The massive undercover bazaar has amazing light and is very photogenic. Visit the railway station, walk the park, and tour the small local museum.

Getting there: Marshrutka every hour from 7am, or Bolt taxi (~50 GEL).

13. Racha: Mountains, Wine, and Medieval Cathedrals

Distance: 75km (1.5 hours) · Best for: Scenery, hiking, and wine · When: May-October (autumn colours spectacular)

One of Georgia's most underrated mountain regions. Start with the Tskhrajvari (Nine Crosses) viewpoint near the Nakerala Pass for panoramic views of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. Stop at Shaori Lake for a picnic. Visit Nikortsminda Cathedral for incredible frescoes and stone carvings. Continue to Ambrolauri for a Khvanchkara wine tasting. See our Racha road trip guide for the full experience.

14. Ajameti Managed Reserve: Old-Growth Forest Hiking

Distance: 12km (20 minutes) · Best for: Nature walks and families · When: Year-round

A pocket of old-growth forest on Kutaisi's southern outskirts with majestic oak trees, wild mushrooms, and well-posted trails of various lengths. Almost completely shaded and flat, making it perfect for summer hikes. After the walk, visit Chateau Vartsikhe, a wine estate with a pool, mountain views, and a restaurant open to walk-ins.

15. Renegade Tea Estate: Georgia's Tea Revival

Distance: 12km (20 minutes) · Best for: Cultural immersion · When: Spring (first flush) through autumn

North of Kutaisi, abandoned Soviet-era tea fields have been rehabilitated by an Estonian-run project. Tours run twice weekly and include a hands-on look at the plantations and processing equipment, plus a tea tasting. Perfect for families (children under 15 are free). For more on Georgia's tea culture, see our Guria guide.

Planning Tips for Kutaisi Day Trips

• Combine wisely: Gelati + Motsameta work as a half day. Martvili Canyon + Abasha River waterfalls make a full day. Chiatura pairs well with Katskhi Pillar and Sachkhere.
• Airport connections: If arriving via Kutaisi Airport, many of these day trips can be done en route to or from the airport. A Kutaisi Airport rental lets you start exploring immediately.
• Seasons matter: Canyons and caves close boat rides in heavy rain. Mountain hikes (Khvamli, Racha) are best May-October. Tskaltubo and Zestafoni work year-round.
• Connectivity: Pick up a Georgian SIM card at the airport for navigation.
• Beyond Kutaisi: For day trips from Tbilisi, see our Tbilisi day trips guide. For longer road trips, see our 10-day Georgia road trip and top road trips guide.

Pros and cons

Rental car or self-drive

• Pros: Best for flexible timing, scenic stops, luggage, and routes that continue beyond one town or viewpoint. Groups can share the daily cost instead of paying per seat on every transfer.
• Cons: One traveler needs to manage navigation, parking, fuel, and local road conditions. Wine routes also need a sober driver or a separate driver plan. It is less useful if the whole day stays inside a walkable city center.

Marshrutka, minivan, or bus

• Pros: Usually the cheapest choice for a simple point-to-point journey. Works well when the plan follows a known route and does not need extra stops.
• Cons: Schedules, luggage space, comfort, and exact arrival points are less flexible. Some services leave when full or require a station transfer.

Train

• Pros: A calm scheduled option when the route is served by rail. Good for travelers who prefer not to drive or negotiate with drivers.
• Cons: Rail does not reach every village, trailhead, winery, or hotel area. Station transfers and ticket availability still need to be planned.

City public transport

• Pros: Low-cost and useful for short city movements when stations match the route. It avoids parking and city traffic stress.
• Cons: It is less convenient with luggage, late-night arrivals, or multiple stops far from stations. Crowds, transfers, and payment cards can slow down a tight plan.

Walking

• Pros: Best for slow neighborhood detail, cafes, markets, viewpoints, and short historic centers. No parking, tickets, or driver coordination are needed.
• Cons: Weather, hills, uneven pavements, and luggage can make the day harder. It only works well when the main sights are close together.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to use this guide?

Use the guide before fixing dates, then check the latest weather, opening hours, event dates, and transport timing close to departure.

Is this route safe to drive?

Driving can work well when the route, season, road surface, luggage, and driver confidence match the plan. Avoid rushed days and night driving on unfamiliar rural or mountain roads, and choose a higher-clearance vehicle only when the route genuinely needs it.

Should I use public transport, a driver, or self-drive?

Public transport is usually cheaper, private drivers are easier for door-to-door timing, and self-drive gives the most control over stops and luggage. The best choice depends on distance, group size, comfort, and whether the route needs flexibility.

Can costs change after planning?

Yes. Fares, fuel, tickets, exchange rates, and seasonal prices can change, so treat any guide price as a planning reference and recheck the final cost before travel.

Rental pricing and feature reference

For trips like this guide, these are the current FSTA rental and add-on prices used across the website.

Service	Current price	Booking note
Full off-road insurance	EUR 29/day	For paved and off-road driving with no road restrictions; includes tires, glass, underbody, and scratches with EUR 0 responsibility for covered damage.
Roof tent	EUR 27/day	Available on eligible vehicles, subject to availability and route suitability.
Camping equipment	EUR 149 flat fee	Cooking and outdoor kit rented as one package.
Daily car rental	From EUR 53/day	Current starting rate from FSTA fleet data; model-specific rates are shown in the vehicle comparison table.
Standard Insurance	EUR 9/day	For paved-road trips only; off-road damage is not covered.
Cross-border documents	EUR 89 flat fee	Available for eligible cross-border trips with paperwork prepared before travel.
Yacht trip	EUR 250 flat fee	Private yacht or lake trip for up to 5 people where the selected country and city support it.
Helicopter tour	EUR 3,000 flat fee	Private 3-hour helicopter tour for up to 7 people, with route and takeoff details confirmed after request.
No deposit	Included	No blocked deposit in FSTA rental terms.
Unlimited mileage	Included	Useful for long self-drive routes and cross-country planning.
Free second driver	Included	A second driver can share the road without an extra daily fee.

Expert sources and local authority checks

This guide cites official transport, tourism, road, rail, park, or local travel references where relevant. Fares, travel times, opening hours, and road conditions can change, so FSTA checks these sources and local route notes before publishing.

• Tbilisi Transport Company standard tariff - official Tbilisi metro, bus, minibus, and ropeway fare rules.
• Georgian Railway passenger ticket portal - official train ticket search and passenger schedule checks.
• Roads Department of Georgia restrictions - official road restriction and closure notices for mountain and highway routes.
• Georgia Travel official destination guide - official country destination context for regions, cities, culture, and parks.
• National Parks of Georgia - official visitor information for protected areas and national parks.