Kutaisi and Imereti heritage

Kutaisi is the capital of Imereti, the ancient center of Georgian statehood. In an amazing natural environment, evidence of Georgia’s vibrant history is kept. The name of the city comes from the ancient Georgian word “kuato”, which means stony.

The first mention of Kutaisi falls on the VI - III century BC; from the VIII to the X century it was the capital of Western Georgia, in the XV century - the capital of the Imereti kingdom. Today Kutaisi is one of the eight oldest cities in the world, the city is filled with the spirit of history, adventure and wandering.

We will start with a walking tour of the city. Walk through the old quarter, from the White pedestrian bridge - one of the symbols of the city - we will see a panorama of cute houses along Rioni, the famous white stones, the Colchis Fountain will acquaint you with enlarged copies of Bronze Age figures belonging to the Colchis culture, the originals of which were found in ancient settlements in the vicinity of Kutaisi.

Next, we will leave Kutaisi and go to the Gelati Monastery of the Virgin, which was founded in 1106. David IV the Builder, later his last refuge, is today a UNESCO heritage site. This place is considered the cultural and religious center of Georgia, every Georgian has visited here at least once in his life. The monastery complex consists of the main monastery temple, the Church of St. Nicholas (XIII century), the church of St. Great Martyr George (XIII century), the belfry, the refectory and the building of the academy. The surviving medieval frescoes and mosaics are the best in Transcaucasia, they amaze with their scale and depth, excite the imagination and convey the spirit of those times and the feeling that the shadows of past centuries still live here.

Not far from the Gelati monastery is the monastery of Saints David and Constantine or Motsameta (which means martyrs). The monastery is located in a very picturesque place on the cliff of the canyon and hidden from unnecessary eyes, you will get a true pleasure from his visit. The monastery was founded in the XI century on the place where, according to legend, the Arabs killed the Georgian princes for refusing to convert to Islam.

After that, we return to Kutaisi and enjoy the delicious cuisine of Western Georgia and black wine in one of the cozy restaurants (only in Georgia is rich red wine so called). Among Georgians, the cuisine of Western Georgia is considered the most delicious, namely, from Imereti the best cheeses, spices and sweets in Georgia.

The next stage will begin with the ascent to the Bagrat Temple (Temple of the Dormition of the Mother of God), built in 1003 during the reign of Bagrat III. This majestic in its size and proportions, the cathedral towers over Kutaisi, it can be seen from anywhere in the city; it offers wonderful views of the city and the Rioni River. Bagrat Temple is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Next, we get acquainted with the Prometheus Cave (or Kumistavi Cave) - a natural karst cave with an underground river and a lake. The underground kingdom causes admiration and admiration for the skill of the great architect - Nature. Immersion in this fabulous curiosity makes you believe in miracles. You will have a unique opportunity to take a boat tour of the underground lake.

Communication with amazing nature will last in the Sataplia reserve. The reserve is located on Mount Sataplia, which means the place where there is honey; in ancient times it was a refuge of wild bees. In the reserve you can visit the karst cave, enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna of the relict Colchis forest, inspect the preserved traces of dinosaurs and from the glass balcony of the observation deck see the panorama of Kutaisi in the splendor of the surrounding nature.

Upon returning to Kutaisi, the parliamentary capital, we will take a stroll near the Parliament building of Georgia, which is highly recommended for fans of modern architecture. If you wish, you can get inside the building, but you must register for the tour in advance.

The evening will be dedicated to the art of Georgian chefs and in a series of toasts we will raise glasses and for the masterpieces of Georgian medieval culture and natural resources of Imereti, which will remain in your heart for a long time.

Cost of tour: $ 60 for a group of no more than six people

Start of tour from Kutaisi

The tour price does not include tickets to paid facilities