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Gelati Monastery

Gelati Monastery: Our most recommended tours and activities

Kutaisi, Prometheus Cave and Wine Tour

1. Kutaisi, Prometheus Cave and Wine Tour

Tour starts with a visit of Bagrati Cathedral offering panoramic view of the city. Discover the unforgettable beauty of Prometheus Cave and feel like a hero of a mysterious adventure when riding a boat across the underground lake. For a wine testing we will head to our Family Winery - Nikoladze WineHouse , located 30 minutes drive from Kutaisi. We will test 2 (or 3) white, 1 red wine, 2 kind of Chacha (local vodka): one refined, and another pure as distilled from grapes. We will introduce winemaking technology, process of wine fermentation and different tools used in producing the Saint drink of Georgians. As a snack, could be offered different kind of cheese with a Georgian bread or homemade khachapuri.

Imereti: Bagrati, Gelati, & Motsameta Monastery Guided Tour

2. Imereti: Bagrati, Gelati, & Motsameta Monastery Guided Tour

You will explore the royal 11th-century Bagrati cathedral on Ukmerioni Hill in Kutaisi, learn about its history & enjoy panoramic views of the city; visit the Unesco-protected Gelati monastery complex, with its medieval Academy building & enjoy wall paintings & mosaics from the 12th century. Gelati was an important scientific center since the Middle Ages, and it is important today, as most of the Georgian royalty is buried there. You will continue to the Motsameta monastery, another important spot for Georgian religion. Enjoy beautiful views of the Tskaltsitela River from the Monastery garden and listen to the miraculous history of two saint brothers from the 8th century. After tour, you will come back to Kutaisi.

Prometheus-Sataplia caves, Gelati, Bagrati Cathedrals

3. Prometheus-Sataplia caves, Gelati, Bagrati Cathedrals

Experience a different part of Georgia, westward to the Imereti region. See the city of Kutaisi's landmarks like the Bagrati Cathedral or White Bridge. Visit the city's surrounding attractions such as the Gelati Monastery and the Sataplia Nature Reserve. Travel westward towards the Black Sea and feel as the climate changes from dry to more humid. On your way to Kutaisi, take a break and then also visit the Gelati Monastery. Explore the 12th-century structure with its academy buildings and the main cathedral. Learn about the monastery's history and its relation to Georgia's golden age. See the burial place of King David IV, known for building the monastery, uniting the country, and moving the capital from Kutaisi to Tbilisi. After spending time at the monastery, set off to the Sataplia Nature Reserve. The reserve is located at a high altitude and hosts leafy forests with fossilized dinosaur footprints dating more than 1300 million years ago. Have the chance to explore the reserve's caves and learn about their associations with bees. Once home to many wild bee species, only one survives in the mountains of the reserve. Check out traces of the hives of these bees. From the reserve arrive in Kutaisi and tour its landmarks. Stop at the Bagrati Cathedral, dating back to the 11th-century, and enjoy the view from its hilltop location. Learn about its historic defensive fortress walls and the damage and reconstruction it has undergone. During your time in Kutaisi have time to eat lunch at your own expense and afterward visit the White Bridge and dropoff to hotel

From Batumi to Kutaisi - Bagrati, Gelati, Motsameta Churches

4. From Batumi to Kutaisi - Bagrati, Gelati, Motsameta Churches

Uncover the sights of Kutaisi, one of the oldest city's in the world on this guided tour from Batumi. Learn about this cultural and educational center. Nowadays, Kutaisi is the third largest town in Georgia and one of the popular tourist's destination. Visit the Bagrati Cathedral, a medieval cathedral built in the 11th century. This is UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic symbol of Kutaisi. Venture to a 12th century medieval monastic complex founded by King David IV of Georgia at the Gelati Monastery, another UNESCO site. Explore the one of the most important monuments of Georgian culture, the Motsameta Monastery. During the invasion of Georgia by the Arab ruler Marwan in the 8th century, 2 nobles of Argveti where tortured and threw their bodies into the Tskaltsitela River.

Kutaisi Prometheus and Sataplia Full Day Tour

5. Kutaisi Prometheus and Sataplia Full Day Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel at 07:30 AM and will arrive in Kutaisi at 10:00 AM. First, you will stop at the Gelati Monastery, built by the most powerful Georgian King David the Builder. Marvel at this architectural masterpiece from the Middle Ages. Visit the grave of the king and learn about his last will left for generations. Hear legends and stories about heroes defending their homeland, before venturing to your next stop. After, travel to Motsameta Monastery, which offers awe-inspiring views of the river and the surrounding countryside. It is named after the brothers Davit and Konstantin Mkheidze, tortured by Arabs for defending Christianity.  Next, visit the Bagrati Cathedral which will show you its own story and an impressive panoramic view of the city. Final  discover the unforgettable beauty of Prometheus Cave and feel like a hero of a mysterious adventure when riding a boat across the underground lake. There is also the opportunity for some hiking at the end, for the more resistant and curious, through Sataplia forest reserve with a cave and prehistoric dinosaur footprints. You will be dropped back at your hotel at 09:00 till 10:00 PM. 

KUTAISI: City Tour, Historical Churches, Plus Tskaltubo

6. KUTAISI: City Tour, Historical Churches, Plus Tskaltubo

Your tour begins in the heart of Kutaisi's historic center. As you embark on a walking tour, you'll be captivated by 19th-century architecture, stroll along the central boulevard, and admire the city's historical buildings and bridges. Explore the vibrant green market and uncover the city's hidden gems. Visit ancient churches ( Gelati, Motsameta, Bagrati ) some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, steeped in fascinating history and offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Kutaisi's rich heritage and culture. To conclude the tour, we'll head to the renowned city resort of Tskaltubo. Explore the abandoned sanatoriums and pay a visit to the famous Spring Number 6, built specifically for Stalin. Then, embark on an unforgettable 1.5 km journey through untouched nature as you explore the breathtaking Prometheus Cave. This tour promises both historical intrigue and the beauty of Georgia's natural wonders.

Other Sightseeing Options in Gelati Monastery

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What people are saying about Gelati Monastery

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 25 reviews

A most interesting, thought-provoking, and above all enjoyable tour of the historic Georgian city of Kutaisi. Monstaries, caves, ruins, parks, museums...a lot to take in. Best of all, you are guided by a very friendly and knowledgeable Kutaisi native who will make sure this will be a day to remember.

Georgi è stato un’ottimo autista e una buona guida. Sempre prodigo di spiegazioni e sempre con il sorriso.