As the former capital of Georgia and the second-largest city, Kutaisi has a lot to offer tourists.

What to see in Kutaisi:

• Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery – Bagrati Cathedral is one of the largest and most cherished churches in the country. It was built in the 11th century and features beautiful frescos from the era. Gelati Monastery is nearby. It was built in 1106 and was the first educational institution in the country. Both are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Sataplia Nature Reserve – A trip to Kutaisi isn’t complete without a trip to Sataplia, on the slopes of an extinct volcano. This managed reserve is in the Tskaltubo municipality, about 10 km from Kutaisi. Dinosaur footprints found in the area are one of the main tourist attractions, along with impressive caves and views. The reserve is well maintained, with easily-accessible pedestrian tourist routes and brightly-lit caves. Prometheus Cave – Even more stunning than the Sataplia Nature Reserve is the Prometheus Cave. This cave takes about an hour to explore and features amazing stalagmites and stalactites, petrified waterfalls and even an underground lake on which boat tours are offered (weather permitting).
• Parliament building – If you would like to learn a little more about modern-day Georgia, plan a visit to the futuristic – and remarkably empty – parliament building. Tours are offered in which you can learn more about the country’s parliamentary system and why the building is not used as the permanent base of the legislature (by appointment only).

How to get to Kutaisi:

• train
• marshutka (minibus), bus. Bus and minibus tickets cost an average of 10 to 20 Gel.
• taxi. Taxi prices start from 100 GEL ex Tbilisi.