15 Best Day Trips from Kutaisi, Georgia (With Transport & Map) (original) (raw)

The ultimate list of the best day trips from Kutaisi, Georgia by a Kutaisi expat – including popular day tours and alternative excursions, complete with transport info.

With high mountains to the north and south, easy access to the Black Sea Coast in under 1.5 hours, and the country’s second-biggest wine region right on its doorstep, there are infinite opportunities to discover the many different sides of Georgia through Kutaisi.

A big part of my decision to move to Kutaisi from Tbilisi was the city’s strategic location. It is without a doubt the perfect base for exploring Georgia.

Beyond the typical Kutaisi day trips, there are lesser-visited corners where sublime hiking, Soviet-era relics, tea fields, natural hot springs, ancient forests and much, much more awaits you.

Here are my 15 top day trips from Kutaisi with transport details.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Quick reference

How to organise a day trip from Kutaisi

First, let me quickly run through the different transport options for getting around. This is a broad overview – in the next section, you’ll find detailed transport instructions for each of the day trips.

Public transport (marshrutka van or train)

Some of these Kutaisi side trips can be done independently using intercity marshrutka vans, and a few can be done by train. Using public transport requires you to be somewhat flexible with your schedule, but it is a very budget-friendly way to get around.

I have included detailed public transport directions for some of the destinations below. I always recommend you double-check times and fares in person before you travel, either at the bus/train station or at the Kutaisi Tourist Information Centre on Rustaveli Avenue.

→ Vans depart from Kutaisi Central Bus Station (see the exact location here). To get to the station from the centre, take bus #1 from the colonnades on the main square, opposite McDonalds (60 tetri) or book a taxi through Bolt (3-5 GEL).

Organised day tours from Kutaisi

Joining a small group or private tour with a local guide is a great option for harder-to-reach places, hiking trails, and historical areas that require some explanation.

Budget Georgia is far and away my favourite tour company in Kutaisi. Guides know Georgia inside out, and prices are very reasonable. They run tours throughout the year (including throughout winter) and are always adding creative new options to the program.

→ Mention Wander-Lush for 10% off any tour when you book direct on the Budget Georgia website or in person at the office in the centre of Kutaisi.

For hiking and more offbeat destinations, you might wish to hire a specialised guide. Another of my favourite outfits, Timothy’s Tours focuses on alternative destinations and adventurous outdoor adventures. Tell him I sent you!

If you need a guide for Tskaltubo or Chiatura, please get in touch and I can refer you to someone.

Private driver

If you don’t fancy joining a tour but you want the flexibility of having your own vehicle, GoTrip is a convenient and budget-friendly compromise.

Think of it as a long-distance Uber: The platform matches you with a professional driver and private vehicle, giving you complete freedom to plan your own one-way or return route.

You won’t have a guide as such, but in my experience, the driver will always be more than happy to give you tips and info along the way.

When you design an itinerary on GoTrip, you’re free to add as many stops as you desire. If the platform doesn’t recognise a location, just leave the address in the notes for your driver. They will wait for you while you do your sightseeing then drive you to the next location.

The price is set at the time of booking so there’s no need to negotiate, and you can make extra photo/food stops whenever you want without the fare going up.

→ Visit the GoTrip website to design your own Kutaisi day trip itinerary

First, here are the 5 most popular day trips with my tips to give each one a ‘local twist’.

1. Gelati & Motsameta Monasteries

A stone bridge leads to Motsameta Monastery outside Kutaisi.

Motsameta Monastery near Kutaisi.

Technically more of a half-day trip, an excursion to the twin monasteries north-east of Kutaisi features on most itineraries. Personally, I consider the monasteries a must-see.

One of Georgia’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Gelati Monastery was established in 1106 by King David the Builder and is one of the oldest and most important churches on this side of the country. Highlights include vivid frescoes painted in the 12th-17th centuries, and the remains of an ancient academy that once housed a scriptorium and a library.

Important: Gelati Monastery is closed for repairs from July 2-August 15, 2024.

Roughly 2 kilometres from Gelati, Motsameta Monastery has a modest interior by comparison – but its location is more impressive. The ‘Place of the Martyrs’ is located on a cliffside above the Tskaltsitela River, nestled in a blanket of trees. For a few weeks in autumn, the entire landscape turns fiery red.

If you’re visiting independently and you have enough time, it is possible to hike from Gelati to Motsameta, then hike all the way back down to Kutaisi via the railroad tracks.

→ For full details about the hike and visiting the monasteries, see my Complete Gelati Motsameta Visitors’ Guide (coming soon)

Insider tip

Start with a lavish Imeretian supra-style lunch at Agro Guesthouse Korena in Motsameta village. From there, you can walk to Gelati then continue down to Motsameta.

As you approach Kutaisi, make a detour to see the Red River and stone Tamada Bridge, then finish with a drink at Veranda and maybe a wander through the Jewish Cemetery in Sapichkhia, a hidden gem in Kutaisi.

Frescoes inside Gelati Monastery outside Kutaisi.

A carved door at Motsameta Monastery.

How to get to the monasteries from Kutaisi

There are marshrutka minivans that go to Gelati from Kutaisi centre, but the schedule is limited to 5 services per day. For ease, I recommend taking a taxi instead – it only costs 12 GEL when booked through Bolt.

If you don’t want to hike between the monasteries, you might be able to find a taxi at Gelati to take you to Motsameta, or you can try hitchhiking. Otherwise it is best to book a day tour.

Best day tour to the monasteries from Kutaisi

Budget Georgia’s three-hour trip to Gelati and Motsameta is a very convenient way to see both monasteries. There is very little signage, so it does help to have a guide here. The program also includes a stop at Bagrati Cathedral on the way back into town.

→ Book direct and mention Wander-Lush for 10% off

→ Check prices & availability here on Viator

2. Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon & Prometheus Cave

Martvili Canyon near Kutaisi, a green and blue landscape.

Martvili Canyon.

The canyons and caves of Imereti and Samegrelo are by far the most popular full-day trip from Kutaisi. The typical itinerary covers Prometheus Cave, Okatse Canyon and Martvili Canyon. In winter, tours usually swap out Okatse for Sataplia Nature Reserve. (Note that when there is heavy rain, the boat tours at Martvili and Prometheus don’t run.)

Of these, Martvili Canyon is the furthest from Kutaisi (around 70 minutes by road). It’s also my favourite of the three, with stunning mossy tree branches hanging over brilliant blue waters.

Okatse is much deeper and has a suspended walking bridge around the lip of the canyon. Prometheus Cave (it has nothing to do with the Greek legend, by the way!) is a massive cave system with a walking trail and an optional boat ride.

To be honest, this is not my favourite day trip – all these sites are very commercial, and tickets are expensive for what you get.

→ For more thoughts on this day trip, see my Guide to Visiting the Canyons and Caves Near Kutaisi

Insider tip

Visit Martvili Canyon, then explore some of the lesser-known canyons, waterfalls and pools where you can actually swim (see item #6 on this list below).

A cave formation at Sataplia Cave lit by purple and yellow lights.

Sataplia Cave.

How to get to the canyons & caves from Kutaisi

Without reliable public transport connections, it’s not possible to visit all these spots independently – so if you do opt for this excursion, you’ll need to join a tour or book a driver for the day.

Budget Georgia runs small group tours every day throughout the high season and once weekly during winter. The price includes transfers and a guide, but you’ll need to buy your own entrance tickets.

→ Book direct and mention Wander-Lush to get 10% off

→ Check prices & availability here on Viator

Alternatively, reserve a car and driver to visit the three sites independently. Martvili and Okatse are fine to explore unguided, while at Prometheus Cave, you will always be accompanied by one of their guides.

→ Book a private round-trip transfer from Kutaisi

3. Tskaltubo

A grand Tskaltubo sanatorium with pillars and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Tskaltubo.

Famous for its semi-abandoned sanatoriums and spas, Tskaltubo is a playground for urbexers and photographers. The town is a blast from Georgia’s Soviet past and a very unique place to spend a day. When people ask me what my favourite place in Georgia is, I usually answer with Tskaltubo!

Alongside the few dozen grand sanatoria and bathhouses, you’ll find other Soviet relics including photo booths, mosaics and bas-reliefs, and an abandoned post office. Some buildings have been repurposed as apartments, so take care when walking around. Furthermore, a lot of buildings are now undergoing renovation and might be closed off.

There is more to Tskaltubo than just the sanatoriums: Central Park is beautiful, especially in autumn, and I love coming here to eat lunch at the retro Magnolia. You can also visit Otia’s Ezo, a house museum-slash-winery-slash-brewery, or do a wine tasting inside White Cave.

→ For a shortlist of the best sanatoriums and the latest info about closures, see my Mega Tskaltubo Guide

Insider tip

For something really memorable, spend a night at Legends Resort, the only partially refurbished sanatorium (so far) in Tskaltubo.

→ Read my account of staying at Legends

The semi-abandoned Sanatorium Medea in Tskaltubo, urbexing day trip from Kutaisi.

One of my favourite sanatoriums in Tskaltubo.

How to get to Tskaltubo from Kutaisi

Marshrutka van connections are very frequent between Kutaisi and Tskaltubo. To get there, pick up a van from the end of the Red Bridge – drivers wait in the parking lot on the left-hand side. Get out when you reach the big park. When you’re ready to come back to Kutaisi, simply flag down a van travelling the opposite way or find a taxi driver outside the Tskaltubo Bazaar.

A taxi in either direction costs around 15 GEL when booked through Bolt.

Visiting Tskaltubo with a guide

If you are in need of a guide, please get in touch with me via email – there are several terrific guides based in Tskaltubo who I can recommend.

4. Chiatura, Katskhi Column & Mgvimevi Convent

A Soviet-era decoration inside the local museum in Chiatura, Georgia.

Chiatura.

The first time I visited Chiatura it was still a bit of a ‘hidden gem’ in Georgia. Well, not any more! The secret of Chiatura’s retro cable cars is well and truly out, and now people flock to the small mining town (well, relatively speaking) to see them.

In 2021, the famous Soviet-era cable cars – the ones I got to ride back in 2017 – were decommissioned and replaced with new ropeways. You can still see some of the old carriages and station buildings, but you can no longer ride on ‘Stalin’s rope roads’.

Despite this, Chiatura is still worth visiting in my opinion. There are some fabulous mosaics, Brutalist architecture, and other Soviet-vintage landmarks such as the Pioneers Palace.

On the way to Chiatura, which is located north-east of Kutaisi in Upper Imereti, you can visit Katskhi Pillar, the famous monastery atop a limestone stalactite. Another unique Orthodox site, Mgvimevi Convent is pressed into a cliffside just outside Chiatura.

→ For the latest details about visiting Chiatura and all the best things to see and do, see my Comprehensive Chiatura Guide

Insider tip

On your way to/from Chiatura, stop in Argveta to eat lunch at Lia Deida, a charming restaurant hidden away in a village house that serves incredible Imeretian fare. After Chiatura, continue to Sachkhere to see more mosaics and to visit Modinakhe Fortress.

Katskhi Pillar, a limestone column with a monastery perched on top.

Katskhi Pillar.

How to get to Chiatura from Kutaisi

Semi-frequent marshrutka vans depart from Kutaisi for Chiatura throughout the day, starting from around 8am. Alternatively, you can transit through Zestafoni.

If you want to visit Katskhi on the way, just jump out early (give the driver plenty of warning) then flag down another passing van when you’re ready to move on.

Old-school electro commuter trains connect Kutaisi and Chiatura, with two services a day at approximately 6am and 10am. Journey time is around 3 hours. Tickets can be purchased on board.

A more efficient option is to hire a car and driver for the day to take you around.

→ Book a private round-trip transfer to Chiatura

5. Vardzia, Rabati Fortress & Borjomi

A view of Vardzia Cave Town, with stone chambers cut from the rock face and green grass all around.

Vardzia Cave City.

Visiting Vardzia from Kutaisi involves a lot of driving – it is by far the longest day trip on this list. If you have your heart set on seeing the medieval cave town but you don’t have time to spend a night or two in the area, it makes just as much sense to travel to Vardzia from Kutaisi as it does from Tbilisi (travel time from either city is roughly the same).

Vardzia is one of Georgia’s most impressive landmarks. It takes at least 90 minutes to cover the cave complex on foot, following the marked path between different chambers, ancient apothecaries and wine cellars.

Nearby, Akhaltsikhe (Rabati) Fortress in the city of Akhaltsikhe is of a different ilk, but is equally impressive. Completely renovated a couple of years ago, its gilded mosque, gardens and fortifications are almost a Disneyland-like experience.

The historic spa town of Borjomi is an easy place to pause on the way back to Kutaisi. I personally think it deserves more time (as does Akhaltsikhe, for that matter) – but if a day is all you have, stop to walk through Central Park and sip the famous Borjomi mineral water direct from the Romanov-era spring.

Insider tip

In Akhaltsikhe, grab lunch at Old Bar – and be sure to order a couple of Meskhetian delicacies such as the local crispy khachapuri and apokhti khinkali, a small dumpling filled with dried meat and dressed with garlic. The village of Saro between Vardzia and Akhaltsikhe has a megalithic fortress and is an excellent place to do a short hike.

→ Find more things to do in this underrated region in my Meskheti Travel Guide

An aerial view of Akhaltsikhe Fotress at sunrise, with the golden-domed mosque in the foreground.

Akhaltsikhe Fortress.

10 alternative day trips from Kutaisi

If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track, there are plenty of other day trip possibilities around Imereti and Samegrelo. Here are 10 of my favourite alternative Kutaisi day trips.

6. The Abasha River

A waterfall surrounded by greenery with a picnic area set up under the trees on the Abasha River near Kutaisi.

The Abasha River.

This ‘alternative’ canyons and waterfalls day trip is my top choice for nature-lovers and anyone who wants to hike and swim without having to contend with ticket booths, turnstiles and crowds of tourists.

There are dozens of waterfalls and swimming holes up and down the Abasha River in Samegrelo, mostly around Martvili, Gachedili and Balda.

These include:

If you’re into hiking, there is a 16-kilometre trail to two more waterfalls, Toba and Oniore (the latter is the tallest waterfall in the South Caucasus) that departs from Balda village. Find a full guide to the hike here on Ecotour.

Martvili is a pleasant town with a magnificent monastery, a local museum, and a couple of great winery-restaurants. I highly recommend stopping for lunch at Oda Family Marani.

→ Find location pins and insider tips in my Guide to Visiting the Abasha River (coming soon)

How to get to the Abasha River from Kutaisi

It is ideal to have your own wheels for this area. Short of that, you can organise a transfer to Martvili using GoTrip. Remember to leave the names of the other spots you want to visit in the comments field when you book.

→ Book a private transfer here

7. Khvamli Mountain (Lechkhumi)

A round stone church near the peak of Mount Khvamli near Kutaisi in Georgia.

St George’s Church on Khvamli Mountain.

North of Kutaisi in Lechkhumi Region, Khvamli massif is a brilliant spot for a short, easy level day hike. A new paved road takes you most of the way up the mountain. From there, you need around 3 hours to complete the 4-kilometre circuit to the peak, where panoramic views of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus await.

If you want to make the walk even easier, you can simply venture to the plateau to visit the Church of St. George. The views from this point are also majestic, and throughout spring and summer you will find vibrant wildflowers all along the path.

The drive to the Khvamli trailhead from Kutaisi is very pleasant, with scenic lookout spots and waterfalls. The most impressive is definitely Rachkha Waterfall, which is taller and more powerful than just about any other cascade I have come across in Georgia.

→ Check out my Complete Guide to the Khvamli Mountain Hike

Two men hiking past limestone formations on Mount Khvamli near Kutaisi.

A man standing near a stone church and cross on a plateau overlooking the Caucasus mountains.

How to get to Khvamli from Kutaisi

This day trip is most conveniently done with your own car.

You don’t necessarily need a guide for the hike, but if you prefer to travel with someone who knows their way around, then I highly recommend contacting Timothy Merkel at Timothy’s Tours. Tim has a wealth of experience in Georgia (he once walked from Tbilisi to the Black Sea) and is an incredible resource. He offers hiking tours and offbeat cultural programs all around Georgia – but Lechkhumi Region is a particular passion of his.

Contact Timothy through his website – and tell him I sent you!

8. Vani Archaeological Museum & Dikhashkho sulfur geyser

A man swims in two mineral pools filled with light blue sulfur water in Vani, Georgia.

Vani Sulfur Pool.

Located south-west of Kutaisi, the award-winning Vani Archaeological Museum is one of the best museums in Georgia. I don’t know why more people don’t visit! It primarily displays gold artefacts and burial objects linked to the ancient Kingdom of Colchis and several different civilisations.

One of the highlights is the original Tamada ‘Toastmaster’ statue, which you can find replicated in Old Tbilisi. The modern museum building is erected atop one of the ancient burial grounds, so you’re essentially seeing things in situ.

Nearby, the Vani Sulfur Pool or Dikhashkho Sulfur Geyser is one of many natural hot springs in Georgia. It burst from the earth a century ago, creating perfectly round travertine pools (helped along with a little bit of concrete) that you can soak in.

→ For photos and tips, see my Quick Guide to the Vani Sulfur Spring

Tamada statue at the Vani Archaeological Museum.

Colchian gold artefacts on display at the Vani Archaeological Museum in Vani, Georgia.

How to get to Vani from Kutaisi

Marshrutka minivans to Vani depart from Kutaisi once an hour, starting from 7am. The museum is a 20-minute walk from the bus station in Vani (see the exact location here).

It’s possible to use the same van to get to the highway near the sulfur pool, but accessing the spring involves a long walk. A more efficient option is to book a GoTrip driver for the day.

→ Book a private round-trip transfer here

9. Nokalakevi Archaeological Museum & Jikha sulfur spring

View of stone ruins and walls at Nokalakevi Fortress from the upper citadel.

Nokalakevi Fortress.

Located west of Kutaisi in Jikha, Nokalakevi is a restored Byzantine fortress and open-air archaeological museum on the site of the former capital of Colchis. Kids in particular will enjoy visiting the castle – signage is limited, but there are a few interactive exhibits, and the entire grounds (including the old walls and lookout points) are essentially open to explore as you please.

The location on a crook in the Tekhuri River is phenomenally beautiful. Save for a small indoor exhibition and a church, the area is open and exposed – so I don’t recommend this one for hot, sunny days.

A short way further up the river, the Jikhia hot spring is a surreal sulfur formation that bulges from the riverbank like a cloud. The water that pours from the mini cascade is piping hot. After splashing yourself in the spring you can plunge into the cool waters of the shallow river – spa style!

→ My Nokalakevi Guide includes more visitor’s tips

Nokalakevi sulfur spring, a natural sulfur pool in the country of Georgia.

Nokalakevi Sulfur Geyser.

How to get to Nokalakevi from Kutaisi

By public transport, take a van to Senaki then find a taxi from there (the fortress is 20 minutes’ by car from Senaki). If you can find a driver who takes the road through Bandza to get to Senaki/Zugdidi, then you can go direct and jump out at the turn-off for Gakhomela.

Again, a GoTrip transfer will give you more flexibility. On the way back, you can stop in Bandza for the synagogue and/or in Khoni for lunch at Tsvenebi.

→ Book a private round-trip transfer here

10. The Mosaic Route

A woman sitting on an old theatre chair inside an abandoned house of culture in Imereti, Georgia.

Marani Culture House.

The ‘Mosaic Route’ is something I coined to describe the road between Kutaisi and Zugdidi. It features in my Georgia Road Trip Itinerary, and due to the sheer number of places to stop, it is best done with your own vehicle.

As the name suggests, this route is all about Soviet-era relics – mosaics primarily, but also culture houses, monuments and abandoned sanatoriums. This part of Georgia is rich with architecture from this period and is a true treat for anyone who loves urbexing and photography.

Highlights include:

It involves about 2.5 hours of driving all up, but you should give yourself plenty of time (ideally a full day) for all the various stops.

→ For a full description of this day trip, see my Guide to Driving the Mosaic Route in Western Georgia (coming soon)

11. Baghdati, Sairme & the Imereti Wine Route

An aerial view of Sairme resort, with a stream coursing past sanatorium hotels.

Sairme.

This day trip takes you due south of Kutaisi into the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus mountains. The landscape of mossy rocks and ambling mountain streams is incredibly beautiful – and again, very underrated.

Sairme is a mineral water resort where people come for balneological treatments. Some companies organise day trips here for ziplining, but I recommend coming for the mineral pools. There are both open-air and indoor pools to choose from.

On the way, stop in Baghdati village for the Vladimir Mayakovsky House Museum, which is dedicated to the Futurist artist who was born here, and for lunch at the lovely Cafe Glitsinia.

The Imereti Wine Route, a smaller alternative to the more-popular wine route through Kakheti, runs through Baghdati, so there is the opportunity to stop for a wine tour/tasting at one of the family vineyards. I recommend Minadze’s Marani Phersvi or Maximus Wine Cellar. See more options here in my Imereti Winery Guide. Bookings are essential.

Soon, the road through Sairme to Abastumani – another resort town with an observatory and ties to the Romanovs – will be refurbished, making it possible to visit Abastumani from Kutaisi in a day.

→ See my Travel Tips for Sairme and Baghdati for more

Clay qvevri on a dek overlooking a sea of grape vines in the Imereti wine region in Georgia.

Baia’s Wine near Kutaisi.

How to get to Baghdati & Sairme from Kutaisi

In the absence of frequent marshrutka connections to Sairme, the best option is to go with a private car. If you want to partake in a wine tasting, it’s best to organise a driver for the day via GoTrip.

→ Book a private round-trip transfer here

12. Zestafoni

A Soviet-era mosaic depicting Poisidon inside an indoor swimming pool in Zestafoni, Georgia.

Zestafoni.

Another one for my fellow mosaic fiends! The industrial city of Zestafoni (just east of Kutaisi) is known for its incredible ferroalloy plant and a slew of mosaics (including this indoor pool mosaic, which is quite possibly my all-time favourite).

Much like Rustavi or Gurjaani near Tbilisi, Zestafoni was purpose-built for workers – so almost everything you see here dates to the Soviet period.

Zestafoni is also home to one of my favourite bazaris in all of Georgia. The massive (modern) undercover market has amazing light and is very photogenic. I also recommend visiting the railway station, taking a walk in the park, and touring the small local museum which explains the history of the metalworks.

→ See my Full Guide to Zestafoni for a map and more things to do

How to get to Zestafoni from Kutaisi

Vans depart from Kutaisi every hour starting from 7am. Alternatively, you can book a taxi through Bolt for around 50 GEL. Zestafoni is quite compact so there is no need to go by car.

13. Tskhrajvari, Shaori Lake & Nikortsminda Cathedral (Racha)

Gold and silver crosses mounted at the peak of Tskhrajvari in Georgia.

Tskhrajvari.

One of Georgia’s most underrated mountain regions, Racha is easily accessible from Kutaisi. This day trip is perfect for a breath of fresh air in summer or a chance to see resplendent foliage in autumn.

Racha offers a good mix of hiking and scenery, cultural sights, and regional cuisine and wine. For this reason, I consider it one of the most well-rounded excursions on this list.

First stop is Tskhrajvari (‘Nine Crosses’), a scenic viewpoint near the Nakerala Pass. After a short but intense hike to the top of the rock you will be rewarded with some of the best views in Western Georgia. The road to Tskhradjvari takes you right past Gelati and Motsameta monasteries, so you can add them in here if you wish.

Make a stop at the picturesque Shaori Lake for a picnic, then continue to Nikortsminda Cathedral. Shortlisted by UNESCO, it has incredible frescoes and stone carvings.

A little further up the road, Ambrolauri is the main town in Racha. Book a Khvanchkara wine tasting (my top choice is (Margveladze Wine Cellar in Dzirageuli) accompanied by local delicacies including cured ham and shkmeruli garlic chicken, visit the Love Waterfall, or pull up a beach chair on the pebbly shore of the Rioni at Bungalow Changes.

If you have time, Oni is another 45 minutes further up the road and is one of the loveliest towns in the region, with an incredible synagogue and a Local Lore Museum.

→ For more ideas, see my Guide to Visiting Racha Region

An old car parked on the roadside in Racha, with the Greater Caucasus mountains in the distance.

Racha.

How to get to Racha from Kutaisi

Racha is quite spread out, so you will get a lot more out of this day trip if you travel by car. If you don’t have your own, GoTrip will suffice.

→ Book a private round-trip transfer here

Best organised tour to Racha from Kutaisi

Between May and October, Budget Georgia offers a modified version of this day trip, which includes the Tskhrajvari hike, Shaori Lake and Nikortsminda, plus another short hike in neighbouring Lechkhumi Region to the Sairme Pillars.

→ Book direct and mention Wander-Lush to get 10% off

14. Ajameti Managed Reserve

Oak trees and mossy undergrowth inside Ajameti Managed Reserve, a small national park near Kutaisi.

A yellow mushroom sprouting from a tree branch inside Ajameti National Park in Georgia.

Located on the southern outskirts of the city, Ajameti Managed Reserve is one of the closest national parks to Kutaisi. It is a pocket of old-growth forest where you can find majestic oak trees, wild mushrooms, and all sorts of goodies. I enjoy hiking in this area in summer – it is almost completely shaded and flat. Just remember to bring your bug spray!

Several trails of different lengths start from the park administration building, located here. There are no maps available, but the trails are well-posted. I recommend downloading Wikiloc as a back-up. Rangers are on hand to answer any questions.

After the hike, take a taxi to the nearby Chateau Vartsikhe, a wine estate and hotel with a pool and incredible mountain views. The restaurant is open to walk-ins. If you are self-driving, note that you have to access the property via this road (the other road is unpaved and has a stream running across it – we learned that the hard way!).

How to get to Ajameti from Kutaisi

A Bolt taxi to the park administration office costs less than 20 GEL. Bolt is not available in Vartsikhe, so to get to the winery or back to Kutaisi, you will need to use the Maxim app or find a local street taxi.

15. Renegade Tea Estate (Gumati)

A woman holding a woven basket walks through a tea field outside Kutaisi in Georgia.

Renegade Tea Estate.

Drive north of Kutaisi, and you will encounter tea plantations in a matter of minutes. If you’re curious to learn more about Georgia’s tea culture, I highly recommend an immersive tea tour at Renegade Estate.

Renegade is an Estonian-run project that has seen several abandoned Soviet-era tea fields around Kutaisi rehabilitated. I especially recommend visiting the Gumati Plantation in spring when the ‘first flush’ tea is being picked and conditions are not too warm.

The team offers tours twice a week, and the program includes a hands-on look at the plantations and the processing equipment plus a tea tasting. This side trip is perfect for families – and children up to 15 years old can come along for free.

For more information and to make a booking, visit the Renegade website.

How to get to Renegade Tea Estate from Kutaisi

Take a Bolt taxi (~10 GEL). Renegade can assist you with getting back to the city by taxi or marshrutka.

Where to stay in Kutaisi

If it’s your first time visiting Kutaisi, I highly recommend choosing a hotel that’s located in the city centre. See this neighbourhood guide for detailed recommendations, or check out my top Kutaisi accommodation picks below.

A suite at Communal Kutaisi, a beautiful boutique hotel in Kutaisi, Georgia.

Communal Kutaisi.

TOP CHOICE: Communal Hotel (⭐ 9.7). Launching in autumn 2023, the latest offering from The Communal Company (also of Communal Telavi and Tbilisi) is Kutaisi’s premier boutique hotel. Rooms are cosy and perfectly decorated, and the property has an outdoor pool and onsite restaurant-bar, Doli.

Bunk beds and common spaces at Black Tomato, a popular hostel in Kutaisi, Georgia.

Black Tomato Kutaisi. Photos courtesy of the property.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY: Black Tomato (⭐ 9.2). This popular hostel in historic Sapichkhia offers both dorms and private doubles with ensuites. The terrace garden is lovely, and the onsite Georgian-Jewish restaurant serves a delicious breakfast plus meals throughout the day.

Baby blue facade of the Hotel Newport, a boutique hotel in Kutaisi located inside the old courthouse.

Hotel Newport.

MID-RANGE: Newport Hotel (⭐ 9.1). Located on the cusp of Kutaisi’s historic Jewish Quarter, behind the Colchis Fountain, this hotel is located inside the former Kutaisi Courthouse. Rooms are comfortable, the service is friendly, and the onsite bar-restaurant is excellent.

Modern hotel room at Hotel 1887 in Kutaisi.

Hotel 1887. Photo courtesy of the property.

MID-RANGE: Hotel 1887 (⭐ 9.2). This historic 19th-century house is a 10-minute walk from the Colchis Fountain. Rooms pair original wooden panelling and parquet floors with minimal, Scandi-style furnishings. There is a garden, and some rooms have private balconies.

Hotel Grand Opera Kutaisi, a moody hotel room near the Rioni River and White Bridge.

Hotel Grand Opera. Photo courtesy of the property.

UP-SCALE: Hotel Grand Opera (⭐ 8.7). Situated in the heart of Kutaisi centre, this hotel has a magnificent rooftop bar overlooking the Opera Theatre. Expect well-appointed rooms and a generous breakfast from this hotel with a location that’s impossible to beat.

Essential reading for Kutaisi

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