Things to do in Imereti, the Georgian region on your next trip

Imereti is a Georgian area situated along the Rioni River’s middle and upper reaches. Discover UNESCO ‘s top locations, such as the Bagrati Cathedral & Gelati Monastery complex. In Prometheus Caves and Martvili Canyon fall in love with the Georgian nature. Drink at one of several vineyards across the Imereti area of Georgia ‘s ancient wine tradition and at the best restaurants in Kutaisi, taste traditional cuisine.

Overview of your trip to Imereti

For too many airlines now coming directly from European cities to Kutaisi airport instead of Tbilisi, beginning or finishing your Georgia tour in Kutaisi makes more sense. The airport is only a 20-minute drive from the town. You can easily spend a few days exploring Imereti Georgia Region’s history and nature, as well as traditional wine production and excellent Imeretian cuisine. Here is a list of things to do in Imereti.

Also read: Things You Should Know Before Visiting Georgia – The land of wonders

Things to do in Kutaisi, Imereti

After Tbilisi and Batumi, Kutaisi is the capital of the Imereti region and Georgia’s third-largest city. A historic city of Colchis nation in the 5th/6th century BC, was then the seat of the Kingdom of Georgia from 1008 to 1122. From the 15th century to 1810, city of the Kingdom of Imereti was incorporated into the Russian Empire. There are a limited number of things to do in Kutaisi town itself, but it is the perfect location to use as a base for exploring the Imereti region’s history and nature.

Also read: Things to See and Do in Tbilisi: Experience The Best of Tbilisi

Bagrati Cathedral (UNESCO), Kutaisi, Imereti

Bagrati Cathedral was originally built in the 11th century by King Bagrat III. It was repaired and rebuilt since the 1950s to represent the true glory of this medieval Georgian architectural marvel. The Bagrati Cathedral & Gelati Monastery Complex is classified as a single UNESCO venue. While the monastery of Gelati is well outside Kutaisi, the Cathedral of Bagrati overlooks the valley and the area. So it’s among the perfect things to do in Imereti where one views the sunset as well as the historic architecture.

Also read: Best Day Trips From Tbilisi To Explore The Georgian Countryside

Centraluri Bazari, Kutaisi, Imereti

Kutaisi Market stands for Kutaisi ‘s culinary heart. This large traditional market features independent vendors selling produce, spices, home-made wine, chacha (Georgian brandy), and a host of other products. In the non-touristy Kutaisi market, experience a taste of local everyday life. It is one of the top things to do in Imereti.

Kutaisi Botanical Garden, Kutaisi, Imereti

The Kutaisi botanical garden is to be located on the north side of the Rioni River. About 800 forms of grass, shrubs, and trees would be roamable. In 1969, the Botanical Garden officially opened in place of earlier gardens from the 1820s. It is one of the top things to do in Imereti for nature lovers.

Also read: Best Things To See In Batumi When On A Vacation in Georgia

Colchis fountain, Kutaisi, Imereti

The Colchis fountain/monument is located on square David Agmashenebeli and was completed in 2011. It is a monument to the Colchis kingdom, of which Kutaisi was once the capital. In Mythology, the region lives as the destination where Jason and the argonauts searched for the Golden Fleece. The fountain has around 30 sculptures, each reflecting an expanded version of ancient archaeological artefacts found in the Imereti region. It is one of the top things to do in Imereti for the History buffs.

Kutaisi Historical Museum, Kutaisi, Imereti

The Kutaisi Historical Museum holds Imereti archaeological objects from ancient biblical texts. If you want to know more about the Kingdom of Colchis and Imereti’s ethnography you will find a lot of details here.

Also read: These Museums in Tbilisi are a Must Visit in your next trip to Georgia

Day Trips From Kutaisi, Imereti

A short drive from the city is one of the best things to do in Kutaisi. A few are a bit further away. So having some day trips from Kutaisi will allow you to visit multiple attractions every day with ease.

With inconsistent road quality (and driving standard), plus the draw to stop at an Imeretian Vineyard, hiring a driver/guide for a Kutaisi tour is always easier than renting a car. Not to mention, if you find English spoken at any attraction or vineyard it is hit and missed. But a nearby Georgian guide really is going to boost your overall experience.

Gelati Monastery Complex (UNESCO), Imereti

King David IV established The Gelati Monastery Complex in 1106. The exterior of the buildings is barely similar to other orthodox buildings from that period. The real draw is the incredibly well-preserved frescoes inside, as well as the monastery ‘s scenic backdrop. Complex of the Gelati Monastery is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Prometheus Caves, Imereti

Visit the most impressive cave-system in Georgia. Only in 1984 were caves of Prometheus discovered. Within it you can discover stalagmites, stalactites, petrified waterfalls, cave pearls and even an underwater river that now provides fast boat trips. With all the colourful lighting it’s a little touristy but it’s certainly Instagramable.

Also read: Most Instagrammable Spots In Tbilisi To Wow Your Instagram followers

Explore the Vineyards of Baghdati

Georgia harbours more than 500 native grape varieties. This is now renowned as the birthplace of wine, with the world’s first signs of winemaking-going back to 6,000 BC. The Imereti area is renowned for its white wines such as Tsolikouri, Tsitska, Krakhuna and others. Otskhanuri Sapere and Ojaleshi are popular red grapes. Around the village of Baghdati, about a 30-minute drive from Kutaisi, there are many wine groves to visit. The rolling hills sit at the edge of the valley becoming eventually mountains as you go further south.

Baia’s winery

Baia’s winery is one of Georgia’s few vineyards owned by businesswomen. Their goal is to concentrate on organic development (pending certification) and to play with the conventional method of producing innovative modern designs. Besides making a wide selection of natural wines, they also offer the opportunity for guests to learn about traditional winemaking – still doing nearly the same as it was 8,000 years ago. Plus, on their terrace, fantastic homemade food is made overlooking the vineyards and hills.

Also read: Best Dishes Of Georgia That One Should Not Miss Out!

Galoz Sopramadze Winery

It is located right in the heart of Village Baghdati. A small home winery with a back wine room, and a wide selection of bottled homemade wines can be spotted and is certainly a unique place to visit in Gerogia if you love wine tasting.

Zurab Ghvaladze Winery

Zurab, in fact, is the grandfather of Baia. Unlike Baia, who is keen to experiment, Zurab focuses on consistently producing wines that exemplify the region, following proven methods. White wine is produced mainly of grapes Tsolikouri and Tsitska.

Also read: Guria: The Best Things to See and Do in the Georgian region

Plan your trip with Pickyourtrail

Cities such as Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi are any traveller’s primary destination, to feel the true Georgian spirit. There are a lot of things to do in Imereti. If you are looking for an expert guide for your next trip, Pickyourtrail is the one-stop-shop for customized trips, with a personal touch built to help you get an enjoyable travel experience. Log on to www.pickyourtrail.com for more information or leave a Whatsapp inquiry for more options. Have a look at some of the tour packages and book your dream vacation today!