Martvili Canyon & Prometheus Cave Day Trip from Tbilisi
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Overview
This shared full-day trip takes you from Tbilisi into western Georgia to see two of the country's finest natural sights: Martvili Canyon, where emerald water runs between moss-covered rock walls, and Prometheus Cave, an underground world of stalactites, rivers and coloured lights. An English-speaking guide travels with the group, and the scenic drive through Imereti and Samegrelo is part of the day. It suits nature lovers, families with older children and anyone who wants the west of Georgia without arranging transport.
Highlights
- Boat ride through the emerald-green Martvili Canyon, weather permitting
- Waterfalls and moss-covered rock walls in the Samegrelo region
- Prometheus Cave (Kumistavi) with stalactites, petrified waterfalls and coloured lighting
- The legend of Amirani and Prometheus, told by your guide
- Comfortable transport and an English-speaking guide for the whole day
- Luggage space of up to 20 kg per person, useful if you finish in Kutaisi
Full Description
Martvili Canyon in Samegrelo
Martvili Canyon lies on the Abasha River and is one of the most photographed natural sights in western Georgia. The Dadiani princes who ruled this region are said to have bathed here, and today visitors walk a path above the gorge, then glide through it in a small boat between moss-covered walls and waterfalls. The water is a deep emerald green, which is why a Martvili Canyon tour is so popular.
If you wonder how to get to Martvili Canyon from Tbilisi, the drive is about four hours each way, so a day trip with a driver and guide is the easiest option. Is Martvili Canyon worth visiting? For the colour of the water alone, yes. Boat rides depend on the weather, and the entrance ticket is paid on site. The best time to visit is late spring to early autumn.
Prometheus Cave (Kumistavi Cave) near Tskaltubo
Prometheus Cave, also called Kumistavi Cave, is one of the largest caves in Georgia and opened to visitors in the early 2010s. A lit walkway of roughly a kilometre leads through great chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, an underground river and a cave lake, all shown in changing shades of orange, pink and blue. The name comes from the Greek Titan, known in Georgian tradition as Amirani, chained to a Caucasus mountain.
On a Prometheus Cave tour you should allow about an hour inside, and the air is cool all year, so bring a light layer. Prometheus Cave tickets are bought at the entrance, and opening hours change by season. Because the cave is close to Kutaisi, it combines naturally with the canyon in a single day trip from Tbilisi.
The road across Georgia from Tbilisi to Kutaisi
The journey west is part of the experience. From Tbilisi the road crosses the Likhi range that separates eastern and western Georgia and enters the greener, wetter landscape of Imereti, with vineyards, orchards and small towns along the way. Our guide talks about the history and culture of the regions you pass, and there is time to rest on the road.
This is a long day of about 13 hours, so a Kutaisi day trip from Tbilisi works best when you are comfortable with time in a vehicle. The tour can finish in Kutaisi or at Kutaisi airport in the early evening if you are travelling on, or return to Tbilisi late at night. Check your booking confirmation for the plan that applies.
Itinerary
- Meet in TbilisiMeet your guide at the giant bicycle monument on First Republic Square and board the vehicle for the drive west.
- Drive to western GeorgiaAbout four hours by road with a rest stop, while the guide introduces the regions you pass.
- Martvili CanyonWalk the path above the gorge and take the boat ride between waterfalls and mossy walls, with time for photos.
- Prometheus CaveWalk the lit chambers of the cave for about an hour and hear the legend of Amirani.
- FinishDrop-off in Kutaisi or at the airport in the early evening, or return to Tbilisi late at night, depending on your plan.
What's included
- Live English-speaking guide
- Round-trip transport from Tbilisi
- Visit to Martvili Canyon
- Visit to Prometheus Cave
Not included
- Entry ticket to Martvili Canyon (paid on site)
- Entry ticket to Prometheus Cave (paid on site)
- Hotel pickup
- Food and drinks
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Nature and wildlife lovers
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 13 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- Pregnant women
- Travellers who cannot manage uneven paths and steps or a very long day by road
Meeting point
The tour starts at the giant bicycle monument on First Republic Square in central Tbilisi. Hotel pickup is not included in this option, so please arrive about ten minutes before departure. The start time for your date is shown in the booking panel and repeated in your confirmation.
Important information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rain gear, as boat trips may not run in heavy rain.
- Swimwear and a towel are worth packing in summer, along with a light layer for the cool cave.
- Entrance tickets for Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave are not part of the booking and are paid on site.
- Food and drinks are not included; you will have chances to buy meals and snacks on the way.
- Check the weather in Kutaisi before you travel, and dress for the conditions.
- This is a long day, so bring water, snacks and something to keep you comfortable on the road.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and the number of travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, so you can check it before you reserve.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The tour starts at First Republic Square in central Tbilisi, and you make your own way there.
How long is the Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave tour?
About 13 hours in total, including roughly four hours of driving in each direction when you return to Tbilisi.
Are the entrance tickets included?
No. Tickets for Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave are paid on site. The tour price covers the guide, the transport and luggage space.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome if they can cope with a long day in a vehicle and some walking on uneven paths. Wheelchair users and pregnant women are not advised to join.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes, rain gear, swimwear and a towel in summer, water and snacks. Dress for the weather, as the tour runs in changing conditions.
Can I finish the tour in Kutaisi?
The plan allows the group to finish in Kutaisi or at Kutaisi airport in the early evening, or to return to Tbilisi late at night. Your luggage space is up to 20 kg per person.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, if the booking panel shows the date as available. Because the tour leaves early, last-minute dates fill quickly, so book as soon as you know your plans.
What is the difference between the options?
This page offers one shared day trip with transport and a guide. Entrance tickets, meals and drinks are extra and paid on site.
What happens if it rains at Martvili Canyon?
Boat rides may be cancelled in bad weather, but the cave stays open because it is indoors. Your guide will adjust the day where possible.
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