Imereti Georgia

Okatse Canyon is one of the most spectacular and impressive natural landmarks in Georgia. Located not far from Kutaisi, it is considered a must-see destination in Imereti. The deep gorge, covered with dense forest, amazes with its scale, length, and dramatic elevation changes.

The canyon’s highlight is its suspended panoramic walkway, built along the cliffside at a significant height. Walking along it creates a sensation of floating above the gorge and offers breathtaking perspectives. The route ends at a viewing platform overlooking the narrowest and deepest sections of the canyon.

Nearby is Kinchkha Waterfall, one of the tallest cascading waterfalls in Georgia, especially powerful and impressive in spring and after rainfall.

Things to do:

• Walk along the suspended panoramic trails 
• Scenic photo sessions 
• Light hiking 
• Visit Kinchkha Waterfall 

Okatse Canyon is suitable for both active travelers and visitors without special physical training.

Martvili Canyon offers a more intimate and romantic atmosphere. Its narrow gorge, vertical moss-covered cliffs, and crystal-clear emerald water create the feeling of a hidden tropical oasis.

The canyon is especially famous for its boat rides, a slow glide through the gorge allows visitors to fully absorb the silence and natural harmony. In addition to the water route, there are walking paths and small waterfalls along the canyon.

Martvili Canyon is perfect for:

• Relaxed walks
• Couples and family trips
• Photo tours
• Traveling with children

The route is easy and well-equipped, making it one of the most accessible natural attractions in the region. We recommend visiting the Canyon in the morning to avoid crowds in the high season.

Prometheus Cave is one of the largest and most impressive show caves not only in Georgia, but in Europe. Located near the spa town of Tskaltubo, it is a vast underground complex of halls, tunnels, lakes, and rivers.

Inside the cave, visitors can see:

• Massive stalactites and stalagmites 
• Underground lakes 
• Unique rock formations 
• Artistic lighting that enhances the natural relief 

The guided route takes about one hour and follows well-equipped pathways. During the warm season, part of the visit concludes with a boat ride along an underground river, making the experience especially memorable.

The cave is open year-round and is ideal for family visits.

Tskaltubo is a unique spa town in Imereti, famous for its natural radon mineral springs. During the Soviet era, it was one of the most prestigious balneological resorts, attracting visitors from across the USSR.

Today, Tskaltubo captivates guests with its distinctive atmosphere:

• Monumental resort architecture 
• Abandoned sanatoriums 
• Spacious parks and alleys 
• A sense of time frozen in place 

The town is popular for atmospheric walks, photo sessions, and a slow exploration of 20th-century architectural heritage. Visiting Tskaltubo pairs perfectly with a trip to Prometheus Cave, located nearby.

Things to do in Tskaltubo:

• Walk through former sanatorium complexes 
• Visit parks and green areas 
• Architectural and photo tours 
• Learn about the region’s spa culture history 

Where to stay

For a comfortable stay in Tskaltubo, Tskaltubo Plaza Hotel is an excellent choice.

Location: In the heart of the spa zone, close to parks and historic sanatoriums.
Comfort: Modern rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and easy access to major attractions.
Ideal for: Family trips, romantic getaways, and a convenient base for visiting Prometheus Cave and the surrounding area.

Tip: Plan your visit to Tskaltubo for the morning or daytime to combine walks through the sanatoriums, a cave visit, and park relaxation. In the evening, unwind at Tskaltubo Plaza Hotel with dinner and local wines.

Chiatura is one of the most distinctive and character-filled towns in Georgia. It is not a resort or a traditional tourist center, but a place with raw energy, industrial aesthetics, and rare authenticity.
The town is carved into steep cliffs: homes, mines, and roads cling to the slopes of deep gorges, creating a dramatic and unforgettable landscape.

Chiatura is known as a center of manganese mining, the city’s life has revolved around the mines for decades. Its working-class spirit, rugged beauty, and absence of tourist gloss reveal a very real and unfiltered side of Georgia.

Cable Cars: A Symbol of Chiatura

The city’s most iconic feature is its network of Soviet-era cable cars, originally built to connect districts across the gorges. Many of them are still used as public transport today.

A cable car ride is more than transportation, it’s a full experience:

• Panoramic views over the town and valley 
• A sense of traveling back in time 
• A rare example of living industrial heritage 

For many visitors, the cable cars are the most memorable part of Chiatura.

Atmosphere & Impressions

Chiatura attracts:

• Photographers and filmmakers 
• Travelers seeking non-touristy routes 
• Those interested in industrial architecture and history 

Highlights include:

• The contrast between harsh architecture and green slopes 
• Elevated views over the city 
• Miners’ neighborhoods and everyday local life 

Things to do in Chiatura:

• Ride the cable cars 
• Scenic walks and photo tours 
• Explore industrial sites 
• Observe local life and rhythm 

Where to stay

Hotel Chiatureli is the main and most convenient accommodation option in the city, perfect for private wine tastings lovers & travelers who want to stay overnight and explore Chiatura at an unhurried pace.

Chiatura adds depth, character, and a completely different visual and emotional dimension to any Imereti itinerary.

Kutaisi is one of the oldest cities in Europe and the key hub of the Imereti region. With a history spanning millennia, it is linked to the myth of the Golden Fleece and the Argonauts, while remaining a warm, lively city with a relaxed Western Georgian rhythm.

Kutaisi often serves as a base for regional travel, with easy access to canyons, caves, Tskaltubo, and Chiatura.

Historical Heritage

Kutaisi was once the capital of the ancient Kingdoms of Colchis and Imereti and plays a vital role in Georgian statehood and spiritual history.

Key landmarks:

• Bagrati Cathedral – a symbol of a united Georgia 
• Gelati Monastery (UNESCO) – a major spiritual and educational center of medieval Georgia 
• Motsameta Monastery – beautifully set above a river gorge, atmospheric and less touristy 

City Atmosphere

Kutaisi is known for:

• Cozy old-town streets 
• Hidden courtyard balconies 
• The White Bridge and Rioni River embankment 
• Cafés and restaurants serving local cuisine 

The city is not overcrowded with tourists, preserving a genuine sense of everyday life.

Imereti is not only rich in natural and cultural attractions but also boasts a strong gastronomic tradition. The cuisine is simple, honest, and deeply local: ingredients are fresh, dishes are hearty, and flavors are soft and comforting. Imeretian cuisine invites you to explore the region through food.

Must-Try Dishes

• Imeruli Khachapuri – a classic cheese-filled flatbread, softer and more delicate than the Adjarian version, with a rich buttery flavor. 
• Chkmeruli – juicy chicken in a garlic cream sauce, perfect with a glass of white wine. 
• Imeruli Kveli – local Imeretian cheeses used in many traditional dishes and snacks.

Cuisine: Georgian
This cozy restaurant-bar in central Kutaisi is known for its unique interior, lively evening music, and warm atmosphere. The menu combines Georgian and European cuisine, from classic khachapuri and salads to meat dishes and modern interpretations, along with a wide selection of drinks and house wines. Visitors note that it’s perfect for an evening out after exploring the city, enjoying local cuisine with wine or cocktails.

Highlights:

• Lively musical atmosphere, especially in the evenings 
• Georgian and European dishes

Cuisine: Georgian
Located in the heart of Kutaisi, Gala Restaurant is one of the city’s most popular dining spots. It combines traditional Georgian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere and attentive service. The interior draws inspiration from the region’s cultural heritage, and the menu offers both classic dishes and Imeretian specialties made from fresh local ingredients. Ideal for lunch or dinner after exploring the historic center.
Highlights:

• Traditional Georgian dishes with refined presentation 
• Wide selection of local wines 
• Central location 
• Consistently high quality and popularity among locals and visitors

Cuisine: Georgian, family-style
Lia Deida offers an authentic Georgian family hospitality experience. Guests can enjoy homemade dishes prepared from traditional recipes and experience the flavors of rural Georgia. Perfect for those combining countryside walks with a genuine gastronomic experience.

Highlights:

• Homemade dishes from fresh ingredients;
• Warm, family-friendly atmosphere;
• Excellent value for quality.

Imereti also has its own winemaking traditions, though the region is less known than Kakheti. Local producers focus on red and white wines from native grape varieties, offering soft, fruity flavors that pair beautifully with regional cuisine.

White Wines:

• Ojaleshi – sometimes made as a white variant, light, fruity, and slightly sweet.
• Tsolikouri – one of the most popular local whites; light, fresh, fruity; pairs perfectly with khachapuri and chicken dishes. 
• Kachichi– a rare white variety, small-batch natural wines. 

Red Wines:

• Mujuretuli – traditional red, rich and harmonious, often used for homemade wines. 

Wine Features:

• Produced in oak barrels and traditional qvevri (clay vessels), preserving ancient techniques 
• Soft, approachable wines with fruity and nutty notes 
• Ideal with khachapuri, chkmeruli, lobio, and local cheeses 

In small villages, family wineries still make natural, unfiltered wines—an authentic Georgian experience.

Imereti is an ideal region for tailor-made and personalized journeys. We seamlessly combine natural attractions, towns, gastronomy, and comfortable accommodations to create itineraries without rush.

You can explore Imereti:

• As a 1–2 day immersive mini-trip 
• As part of a larger Western Georgia itinerary 
• Through themed tours: nature, photography, industrial tourism, or gastronomy 

Contact Premium Georgia, and we will design a unique Imereti journey perfectly suited to your interests and travel style.