The Land of the Golden Fleece & The Sorceress Medea
Imereti
I step into the humid, lush forests of Imereti, where the Rioni River thunders through white limestone canyons. This is the mythical Kingdom of Colchis, where Jason and the Argonauts once sought the Golden Fleece, and where medicine and magic were born from the hands of Princess Medea.
Prometheus & Sataplia
Caves
Kutaisi
Center
6,552 km²
Area
487,000
Population
Famous
Cuisine
Written byBBGeorgiaTravel Team•Updated 2026-01-20
Expert-reviewed content
Wine Regions Comparison
Compare Georgia's premier wine destinations
| Region | Wineries | Grape Types | Wine Style | Best For | From Tbilisi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kakheti | 600+ | 525 endemic | Qvevri (UNESCO) | Complete wine immersion | 1.5-2 hrs |
| Imereti Current | 40+ boutique | Tsitska, Tsolikouri | Lighter qvevri | Caves + sparkling wine | 3.5 hrs |
| Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti | 20+ family | Alexandrouli, Mujuretuli | Natural semi-sweet | Rare Khvanchkara wine | 4.5 hrs |
About This Region
Imereti is the vibrant, green heart of Western Georgia. Here, the humid air is thick with the scent of boxwood and honeysuckle, and time seems to move in cycles of ancient myths. The capital, Kutaisi—one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities—was the center of the Colchis civilzation 3,000 years ago. It is a land of white stones, deep caves, and legendary abundance. According to Greek myth, it was here that Medea, the sorceress and daughter of King Aeetes, helped Jason steal the Golden Fleece, a story that likely grew from the actual Svanetian practice of catching gold flakes in sheep fleeces Georgia.Travel: Country of the Golden Fleece.
The region's landscape is a masterclass in karst geology. Descend into the Prometheus Cave to witness 1.4km of illuminated stalactites, or stand atop the Katskhi Pillar, a 40-meter limestone monolith where a lone monk lives in a tiny cell atop the sky . In the 12th century, King David the Builder founded the Gelati Academy, hailed as the 'New Athens' or 'Second Athos' of its time, where the greatest minds of the era studied science and philosophy. To visit Imereti is to taste the sun in a slice of Imeretian Khachapuri and to feel the weight of a thousand years of Colchian gold.
What Makes It Special
The Myth of Argonauts: Kutaisi (ancient Aia) is the setting for Jason's trial by King Aeetes to win the Golden Fleece.
Medea's Apothecary: The term 'Medicine' is often traced back to Medea of Colchis, a master of herbal healing and chemistry.
The 'New Athens': Gelati was a world-renowned center of Neoplatonism in the 12th century UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Gelati Monastery.
Dinosaur Footprints: Sataplia Reserve preserves 120-million-year-old tracks of both herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs.
Karst Wonders: Home to some of the deepest and most beautiful cave systems in Eurasia, including Prometheus Cave.
The White City: Kutaisi's architecture is defined by local white limestone, giving the city a bright, luminous presence.
Top Attractions
1
Gelati Monastery & Academy
I walk the stone halls of this 12th-century monastic complex founded by King David the Builder. Once the intellectual center of the Caucasus, its main cathedral boasts one of the most valuable mosaics in the region—2.5 million tesserae depicting the Virgin and Child in gold and azure UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Gelati Monastery World Monuments Fund: Gelati Monastery Conservation .
2
Prometheus Cave
I descend 80 meters underground into a 1.4km labyrinth of karst formations. The cave features 22 halls including the 'Hall of Love' and a 380-meter underground river that I navigate by boat, surrounded by illuminated stalactites and petrified waterfalls National Parks of Georgia: Prometheus Cave .
3
Katskhi Pillar
I gaze up at this solitary 40-meter limestone monolith, atop which sits a tiny church dedicated to Maximus the Confessor. For 20 years, a local monk lived here in isolation closer to God, reviving the ancient stylite tradition of the Desert Fathers CNN Travel: The Monk Who Lives on a Rock .
4
Bagrati Cathedral
I stand on Ukimerioni Hill at the site of the 11th-century cathedral that symbolized the unification of Georgia. Its massive turquoise dome dominates the Kutaisi skyline, and its grounds offer the definitive panoramic sunset view over the Rioni River Georgia.Travel: Bagrati Cathedral.
5
Vani Archaeological Museum
I explore the ancient temple city of Vani, dating back to the 8th century BC. The museum showcases exquisite Colchian gold jewelry and bronze lamps found in 24 excavated sanctuaries, offering physical proof of the 'Golden Fleece' legend's wealth Vani Archaeological Museum Official Site .
6
Okatse Canyon
I brave the 'hanging trail,' a steel walkway suspended 140 meters above the Okatse River gorge. The path stretches for 700 meters along the cliff edge, offering adrenaline-inducing views of the unspoiled Dadiani forests National Parks of Georgia: Okatse Canyon.
7
Sataplia Nature Reserve
I step back into the Cretaceous period, walking alongside 120-million-year-old footprints of both herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs. The reserve also features a glass-bottomed observation deck perched 800 meters above the city National Parks of Georgia: Sataplia Managed Reserve.
8
Motsameta Monastery
I cross the railway tracks to find this small monastery perched dramatically on a cliff edge, encircled by a loop of the Tskaltsitela ('Red Water') River. It houses the relics of brothers David and Constantine, and legend says crawling under their tomb grants a wish Georgia.Travel: Motsameta Monastery.
9
Tskaltubo Spa Resort
I explore a surreal landscape of Soviet grandeur and decay, wandering through abandoned sanatoriums like 'Iveria' and 'Meshakhte'. Once a vacation hub for the Moscow elite with direct trains from the capital, these neoclassical palaces now stand as atmospheric ruins reclaimed by nature My Wanderlust: Guide to Abandoned Sanatoriums of Tskaltubo.
10
Ubisa Monastery
I stop at this small basilica on the way to the Rikoti Pass to witness the unique 14th-century frescoes by Damiane. They are considered some of the most expressive examples of the 'Paleologan Renaissance' style in Georgia Atinati Cultural Foundation: Ubisa Monastery Frescoes.
11
Kinchkha Waterfall
I hike through lush trails to reach this spectacular triple-stage cascade, one of Georgia's tallest waterfalls plunging approximately 70 meters dramatically from chalkstone slopes into a pristine gorge Georgia.Travel: Kinchkha Waterfall.
12
Chiatura Cable Cars
I soar above the manganese mining valleys on modern ropeways, marveling at the engineering legacy of Soviet-era transport systems that once connected the steep cliffs of this industrial town, known as the 'Cable Car City' Journal of Nomads: Chiatura Travel Guide.
13
Sairme Mineral Springs Resort
I relax amid forested mountains at this balneological retreat, sipping healing mineral waters from natural springs and indulging in thermal baths, a peaceful wellness escape connected to ancient therapeutic traditions Georgia.Travel: Sairme Resort.
14
Mgvimevi Monastery
I ascend a narrow cliffside path to this 13th-century cave-carved complex, where a two-nave basilica and frescoes blend seamlessly with natural rock, offering serene spiritual views over the Qvirila River valley Wikipedia: Mghvimevi Monastery.
Must-Experience Activities
Take the vintage soviet-era cable car from Tskaltubo or Kutaisi for a nostalgic ride over the landscape.
Boat through the underground river in Prometheus Cave to see the formations from the water.
Eat circular 'Imeruli Khachapuri'—the softest of all Georgian cheese breads.
Shop at Kutaisi's 'Green Bazaar' for unique spices and local Imeretian saffron.
Soak in the therapeutic radon waters at Tskaltubo's historic springs for a revitalizing wellness ritual.
Hike the marked trails to Kinchkha Waterfall for a refreshing dip in natural pools beneath cascading falls.
Ride the modern ropeways in Chiatura for breathtaking aerial views of the mining valleys and town.
Nature & Adventure
- Hike to the Kinchkha waterfall, one of the tallest in Georgia, falling into a white limestone canyon.
- Walk among the dinosaur footprints in Sataplia and explore its glass-bottomed viewpoint over Kutaisi.
- Swim in the radical health-restoring waters of Tskaltubo, once a favorite spa resort of Joseph Stalin.
- Trek the suspended walkways of Okatse Canyon for thrilling heights and emerald gorge vistas.
- Explore the forested trails around Sairme Resort to discover multiple mineral springs and scenic overlooks.
- Canoe or raft along the Rioni River, navigating gentle currents through lush riparian landscapes.
- Visit the glass-bottomed platform in Sataplia for panoramic views while standing above the city.
Cultural Experiences
- Light a candle at Motsameta Monastery, dramatically perched on a loop of the Ckalcitela River.
- See the 'White Bridge' in Kutaisi and its iconic statue of a boy holding two hats, a nod to a local film legend.
- Climb the stairs of the Katskhi Pillar—though only monks can ascend, the view from the base is awe-inspiring.
- Explore Mgvimevi Monastery's rock-hewn chambers and ancient frescoes in a dramatic cave setting.
- Tour the Vani Archaeological Museum to handle replicas of Colchian gold and learn about ancient myths.
- Visit Ubisa Monastery to admire the expressive Paleologan-style frescoes from the 14th century.
- Wander Kutaisi's Green Bazaar for authentic local spices, cheeses, and interactions with vendors.
Gastronomy
- Eat the famous kebabs at 'Bikentia's Sakababe' in Kutaisi, a cult spot serving only one dish since Soviet times—spicy beef kababi with beer or lemonade.
- Taste 'Imeretian Cheese' fresh from the vat, the base ingredient for the region's famous khachapuri.
- Try 'Ekala Pkhali', a unique appetizer made from wild smilax vines, walnuts, and spices.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
May-June for the roaring waterfalls and lush greenery; September-October for pleasant temperatures.
From Tbilisi
3 to 4 hours by car or modern train. Kutaisi also has its own International Airport (Wizz Air hub).
Recommended Duration
2 days for Kutaisi and its outskirts; 3-4 days to include the canyons and caves.
Accommodation
Stay in charming guesthouses in Kutaisi Old Town or boutique spa resorts in Tskaltubo.
Transportation
Marshrutkas are reliable, but private taxis are very affordable for day trips to caves and canyons.
Budget
$25–$60 per day; Imereti is significantly cheaper than Tbilisi.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Imereti is May-June when waterfalls are at their most powerful and the landscape is lush green, or September-October for pleasant temperatures ideal for hiking Okatse Canyon and exploring caves.
Kutaisi is 3-4 hours from Tbilisi by car or modern train. You can also fly directly to Kutaisi International Airport, which serves as a Wizz Air hub with connections across Europe.
Absolutely! Prometheus Cave is one of Europe's most spectacular show caves, featuring 22 explored halls with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers. You can even take a boat ride through the illuminated chambers.
According to Greek mythology, Jason and the Argonauts sailed to Colchis (ancient Imereti) to retrieve the Golden Fleece. The legend may have roots in the ancient Georgian practice of using sheepskins to pan for gold in rivers—a technique that left gold dust clinging to the fleece.
Imereti is the birthplace of Imeretian Khachapuri—the classic Georgian cheese bread made with salty Imeretian cheese. Other specialties include Ekala Pkhali (wild smilax with walnuts) and the legendary kebabs at Bikentia's Sakababe in Kutaisi.
While only monks can climb the 40-meter Katskhi Pillar itself, tourists can visit the site, climb to the viewing platform at the base, and tour the monastery complex below. The sight of the chapel atop the rock column is awe-inspiring.
Yes, Okatse Canyon has a well-maintained 780-meter suspended walkway with railings that hugs the cliff face. The trail is suitable for most fitness levels, though those with fear of heights should be prepared for the dramatic 140-meter drops below.
Tskaltubo was a major Soviet spa resort famous for its naturally warm radon springs. Today, the grand sanatoriums stand partially abandoned, creating a hauntingly beautiful example of Soviet 'Stalinist Empire' architecture that attracts photographers and urban explorers worldwide.
Have more questions about Imereti? Contact our local experts for personalized advice
Photo Gallery
Gelati Monastery nestled in lush green forests, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece
Breathtaking interior frescoes of Gelati Monastery showcasing 12th-century Georgian art
Aerial view of Bagrati Cathedral dominating the Kutaisi skyline with Caucasus mountains behind
The iconic Katskhi Pillar rising 40 meters from the forest floor, home to a solitary monk
Soviet-era vintage cable car crossing the mining valleys of Chiatura
The famous White Bridge of Kutaisi spanning the thundering Rioni River
