Two-Day Itinerary for City Experiences in Kutaissi

  • Day 1: Bagrati Cathedral
    10 minutes drive (2.0 km) from Kutaissi city centre

    Bagrati Cathedral, built-in 1003 AD, is an iconic landmark of Kutaissi. The cathedral towers over the city and provides stunning views of the landscape. Visitors can take a guided tour of the interior and exterior of the cathedral, marvel at its architecture, and learn about its history.

  • Day 1: Georgian National Science Academy Museum
    7 minutes drive (1.2 km) from Bagrati Cathedral

    The Georgian National Science Academy Museum is a must-visit place for science enthusiasts. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the progress and development of science in Georgia. Visitors can interact with interactive displays, watch Science movies, and learn about the contributions of Georgian scientists in the field of research.

  • Day 2: Gelati Monastery
    20 minutes drive (7.6 km) from Kutaissi city centre

    Gelati Monastery, considered a masterpiece of the Georgian Golden Age, was founded in the 12th century. The UNESCO World Heritage site includes the church, bell tower, and various other structures. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about frescoes and mosaics, Greek and Georgian inscriptions, and the tombs of Georgian royalty.

  • Day 2: Sataplia Cave and Nature Reserve
    15 minutes drive (6.1 km) from Gelati Monastery

    Sataplia Cave and Nature Reserve is a treat for nature lovers as it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the cave and see dinosaur footprints, stalactites, and stalagmites. The nature reserve offers hiking trails, where visitors can spot wildlife, amazing plants, and rare birds.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Bagrati Cathedral (1 hour, free)
  • Georgian National Science Academy Museum (1 hour, 5 GEL)
  • Gelati Monastery (1.5 hour, 5 GEL)
  • Sataplia Cave and Nature Reserve (2 hours, 15 GEL)
  • Total Estimated Costs = 25 GEL ($7.73)

Transportation

Public transportation is not very reliable in Kutaissi; hence, it's advisable to hire a taxi or rent a car. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced, and renting a car will give you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. The estimated cost of hiring a taxi is 20 GEL ($6.18), and the rental car would cost around 100 GEL ($30.91) per day, depending on your choice of vehicle.

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can visit Prometheus Cave, which is a 20-minute drive from Sataplia Cave. If you have less time, skip the Georgian National Science Academy Museum and head straight to Gelati Monastery.

Airports

The main airport in Kutaissi is the David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport (KUT), located about 20 km from the city center. The airport serves several international destinations, including Moscow, Istanbul, and Dortmund.

0