About 40 minutes south of the city on a well-paved road. The cave is well signposted.
2-Day Imereti Road Trip: Kutaisi, Prometheus Cave & Canyon Views
Route Overview
A two-day loop from Kutaisi into the green hills of Imereti, where underground rivers carved spectacular caves, canyons hang suspended on walkways, and medieval monasteries guard the hillsides.
Natural Beauty
Cultural Sites
Perfect for Families
Kutaisi to Prometheus Cave and Okatse Canyon
Imereti is western Georgia's green heart, and Kutaisi is its gateway. This two-day loop from Kutaisi Airport threads together the region's greatest natural and cultural attractions: Prometheus Cave, where an underground river has sculpted kilometres of lit chambers; the Okatse Canyon, crossed by a vertiginous suspended walkway; the hidden waterfall pool of Martvili Canyon; and the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery, where medieval Georgia's finest frescoes glow in candlelit silence. The roads are good, distances short, and the landscape rolls in green hills and walnut forests. An Abbycar rental from Kutaisi Airport makes the whole region yours within minutes.
View route on map
Starting Station: Kutaisi Airport
Trip Duration: 2 days
Mileage Distance: 200 km
Perfect For: Nature Lovers, Families, Adventure, Photography
Loading map...
Reddit Reviews
· Prometheus Cave is described as one of Europe's most impressive show caves.
· Okatse Canyon's suspended walkway thrills visitors of all ages.
· Gelati Monastery's frescoes are called some of the finest medieval art in the Caucasus.
· Martvili Canyon's boat ride through the gorge is a consistent highlight.
· Kutaisi is praised as a charming, affordable base with excellent food.
· Canyon walkways can close in heavy rain or winter.
· Summer weekends bring queues at Prometheus Cave.
· Some approach roads to the canyons are narrow.
· Martvili Canyon boat slots should be booked in advance in peak season.
Sentiment is solidly positive, with families and nature lovers particularly enthusiastic about the combination of underground and canyon experiences.
👍 85 % positive|👎 15 % negative
Listen to our favorite spotify Music lists for roadtrips
Loading...
Where To Stop
Recommended Stops in Imereti
Five stops through caves, canyons and candlelit monasteries.
1
First stop
Gelati Monastery (UNESCO)
Founded by King David the Builder in 1106, Gelati's frescoed interior and mosaic of the Virgin rank among the finest medieval art in the Caucasus. The monastery academy was once the intellectual centre of Georgia. The hilltop setting among trees is deeply peaceful.
Based on 565 reviews
(4.6/5)
2
Second stop
Motsameta Monastery
Perched on a cliff above the Tskaltsitela river gorge, this tiny monastery is a dramatic five-minute detour from Gelati. The red-tinged cliffs below and the forested ravine make it one of Georgia's most photogenic spots.
Based on 316 reviews
(4.6/5)
3
Third stop
Prometheus Cave
Over a kilometre of illuminated underground chambers, stalactites, underground rivers and waterfalls create a genuinely awe-inspiring spectacle. Guided tours run regularly and last about an hour. A short boat ride on the underground river is available as an add-on.
Based on 903 reviews
(4.4/5)
4
Fourth stop
Okatse Canyon & Suspended Walkway
A metal walkway bolted to the canyon wall extends over the 50-metre-deep gorge, ending at a viewing platform suspended above the river. The approach walk through the forest takes about thirty minutes and the canyon experience itself is unforgettable.
Based on 437 reviews
(4.4/5)
5
Fifth stop
Martvili Canyon
A boat ride glides through a narrow gorge of dripping moss and turquoise water, past waterfalls and beneath overhanging cliffs. The upper section offers a walking trail with swimming spots in summer. Book boat slots in advance during July and August.
Based on 302 reviews
(3.9/5)
Practical answers for the Kutaisi caves and canyons drive
Imereti Road Trip FAQs
Okatse Canyon's walkway has high railings and is officially safe for all ages, though vertigo-prone visitors should be aware of the height. Martvili Canyon's boat ride is suitable for families.
The outdoor attractions typically close November to March. Prometheus Cave operates year-round. Check locally for exact seasonal dates.
It is possible but tiring. Two days with an overnight in Kutaisi gives each site the time it deserves, especially if you add the Martvili boat ride.
Imereti is famous for its khachapuri (the Imeretian version uses fresh cheese), lobiani and churchkhela. Kutaisi's restaurants serve some of the best regional Georgian food.
Latest Articles
Stay informed and inspired for your next journey
AbbyCar Travel Experts
Car Rental & Travel Industry Specialists
AbbyCar Travel Experts are the experienced professionals behind AbbyCar, one of Europe’s most trusted and value-for-money car rental brands, operating in over 30 countries. With more than 14 years of hands-on experience in car rentals and road-trip travel, the team has helped more than 1.5 million travellers explore their destinations with comfort and confidence. Drawing on in-depth knowledge of local routes, travel trends, and driving conditions, AbbyCar Travel Experts provide reliable, experience-based advice to help every traveller enjoy a safe, smart, and stress-free journey.
For more road-trip ideas and expert travel inspiration, visit our Road Trips Section
