Gelati, Prometheus, Sanatoriums and Wine tour
Description
Discover the highlights of western Georgia on a diverse day trip combining culture, nature, history, and wine. Start at Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 12th-century mosaics, frescoes, and spiritual atmosphere overlooking the Rioni Valley. Continue to Prometheus Cave, an impressive underground world of illuminated stalactites, stalagmites, and vast halls shaped over millions of years. Next, explore the haunting beauty of the Tskaltubo Abandoned Sanatoriums—monumental Soviet-era buildings that tell stories of a forgotten past and create a unique, cinematic setting. End the day at Nikoladze Winery, where natural wine is made in traditional qvevri buried in the ground. Taste authentic Imeretian wines, learn about ancient Georgian winemaking traditions, and enjoy warm family hospitality. Gelati Monastery is temporarily closed for conservation works. We visit Mostameta Monastery instead.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Gelati Monastery, Residence of Greatest King of Georgia David the Builder.
Prometheus Cave
Experience a breathtaking atmosphere in Tskaltubo, the once-famous Soviet Spa Resort. Visit abandoned Sanatoriums hidden in the huge park; wonder in the labyrinth of long corridors; look at the sky through the columns and dome of Magnificant Sytuctures, occupied by wild vegetation.
For wine tasting we will head to Family Winery - Nikoladze WineHouse , located 30 minutes away from Kutaisi. We will taste 4 kinds of wine and 2 kinds of Chacha (local vodka).
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Gelati Monastery is closed for conservation works. Open to visitors on Sundays. On other days we will visit Motsameta Monastery.
Reviews(11)
Very polite and knowledgeable guide. Tour allowed us to see most of the Kutaisi surroundings. Unfortunately Gelati cathedral is under construction and you can't see much there.
Really cool tour! Gelati was closed and Giorgi kindly bring us to a nearer monastery with awesome views. As we are not wine lovers, we offered us to visit a route for hiking and really cool too! I recommend this tour as a good plan to do near Kutaisi
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re happy you enjoyed the experience It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you again in Kutaisi.
Amazing tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and flexible with the different things we saw. His knowledge and stories about Gelati helped us to understand the true grandeur of the place in spite of the construction. The winery was simply amazing. Honoring the family tradition of his forefathers, our guide educated us in the ancient ways of wine-making in Georgia. And the wine superb!
Thank you for visiting our winery! We’re glad you enjoyed the qvevri wines and learning about our traditions. Sharing our family story and natural winemaking philosophy means a lot to us.
Giorgi, our tour guide was very informative as we explored the monastery, Prometheus cave and the extremely cool Medea sanitorium. And the wine tasting at his family winery was a great ending to a perfect excursion.
Thanks for the Review. We are happy to host you again in Kutaisi
Excellent tour, very good guide ,we showed so many important places. I recommend this tour for all ages.
Giorgi was a great guide, very informative and helpful. A great mix of sights and experiences, especially Tskaltubo, Gelati, and Sataplia.
Very professional company . Tour was very interesting especially the abandoned Soviet spa’s and bath houses . The caves were also very pretty and interesting . Highly recommended tour
Amazing city with such a rich history and culture. You will be super excited if you are a photo enthusiast like me. So much to capture..
I booked the tour because it included some sites I wanted to visit, and I was especially looking forward to viewing the dilapidated Soviet sanatoriums. The sanatoriums did not disappoint, and it was absolutely breathtaking to walk in them. The other stations were also mostly pretty interesting, just that the Sataplia Nature Reserve seemed to be directed more at kids. The guide contacted me before the tour via WhatsApp. During the tour, he was very knowledgeable, and he helped me to get a better understanding of the Georgian mindset.
Great knowledgable friendly guide, lots to see and do, followed the schedule and added a few more hidden gems, spots in the tour, very flexible also to accommodate personal preferences
