Martvili and Okatse Canyons: Budget trip from Tbilisi

What to expect

Journey into the depths of Colchis history
From Tbilisi, we will travel along a picturesque highway past Mtskheta and Jvari, climb to the Rikoti Pass, and finally, from Eastern Georgia through a two-kilometer tunnel, we arrive in Western Colchis. Apart from breathtaking panoramas, on the way you will hear my stories about the historical and spiritual sites of Georgia: the Gelati Monastery, a symbol of Georgia's Golden Age, the cozy Motsameta Monastery, the beauties of underground Colchis - Sataplia and Prometheus caves, the ancient Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi - the capital of the Colchian kingdom and the ancient Georgians who lived here, and the resort town of Tskaltubo with its water and mud baths.

The Lost World of Okatse
Our first destination is the Okatse Canyon. We will reach here through a beautiful forested area, and along the way, we will see the ruins of the Dadiani princely palace. You will descend into the depths of the canyon down a staircase, then walk above the ground along a steel walkway alongside rocky walls. From the viewpoint high above the center of the gorge, you will have a breathtaking view of the surroundings and all of Okatse, through which the river of the same name flows at the bottom.

A walk in Martvili Canyon
Martvili is a transparent-blue river, as if stopping its flow, squeezed between 40-meter-high cliffs. You can take a boat ride along the riverbed, admiring the stone and mossy banks, up to the 12-meter-high powerful waterfall.

*Additionally, if you wish, we can visit the Prometheus caves: here you will see the cave world of Colchis in all its glory. You will walk through rocky grottos, observing stalactites and stalagmites, underground waterfalls, rivers, and a lake.

How the tour goes

• The tour can be conducted for 5-6 people, with an additional fee of 15 euros per extra participant
• Additionally, you can visit the Prometheus caves in Kumistavi for an additional fee of 15 euros per person (group of 1-2 participants) or 10 euros per person (group of 3-4 participants) on top of the main fee. You can also replace one of the canyons in the program with caves: at your request or in case of bad weather.
• If you want to swim in the canyon waters, bring bathing supplies
• The tour can be combined with a transfer to/from Batumi or Kutaisi Airport. Moreover, the tour can begin in any order - from Tbilisi, Kutaisi, or Batumi.

Please note

• Children taller than 120 cm are allowed in canyons and caves. Teenagers under 14 years old only accompanied by adults.
• Visiting canyons with pets is prohibited
• During rainy or foggy weather, the visit to Okatse Canyon is suspended. If possible, we will change the order of sightseeing locations to visit it. On days when the weather does not allow visits, I will suggest visiting the Prometheus caves instead.
• As no one will rush you and time your travel - lunch will be slightly late
• Due to the reconstruction of the road, the travel time may be slightly longer than planned. I apologize for the inconvenience! It is also important to note that the duration of the tour may vary depending on the options you choose in the canyons or caves.

What is included in the price, and what is not

• Included in the price: transport, drinking water
• Not included in the price: your meals during the journey; tickets to Okatse Canyon and Martvili Canyon - the price depends on the package you choose (just a walk or a walk with boat riding on the canyon waters); tickets to the Prometheus caves (also of different denominations - by bus, by train, or by boat on an underground river)