By Plane
International Flights from Europe are available at Kutaisi International Airport, located 14 km (8.7 mi) west of Kutaisi.
By Bus
The minibusses run regularly to Imereti from Tbilisi: “Sadguri Square” Bus Station; “Didube” Bus Station (4, Karaleti str); “Gldani”/ “Sviri” Bus Station (10, Vasadze str, near Akhmeteli metro station).
Taxi can be hired from the city as well.
By Train
Trains travel to/from Tbilisi Central Railway Station (2, Station Square).
The region of Imereti belonged to the ancient Colchis kingdom. This is the legendary place where Argonauts traveled to find the Golden Fleece.
Archaeological digs have revealed the remains of a massively wealthy and thriving Hellenistic culture. Bronze and gold statues of incredible crafts, jewelry, and glassware confirm Imereti being a place of highly sophisticated culture during the Bronze Age.
Some of Imereti’s cultural and historical monuments date back to the Neolithic (late Stone Age) era. Modern architectural accomplishments can also be found as well.
10-12th centuries are highlighted as a renaissance period in Imereti. Lots of Georgian architecture masterpieces were created During this period, including the Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery Complex – both UNESCO world heritage sites.
Nature
- Okatse Canyon
- Kinchkha Waterfall
- Gabzaruli Lake
- Sataplia
- Prometheus Cave
- Navenakhevi Cave
- Lomina
- Khani Waterfall
- Qvasakdara
- Mukhura Waterfall
Cultural monuments
- Van Archaeological Museum
- Gelati Monastery
- Bagrati Cathedral
- Ubisi Monastery
- Motsameta Monastery
- The Katskhi Pillar
- Katskhi Monastery
- Cave Monastery
- Vartsikhe
- Geguti Palace
Resorts
- The Resort Sairme
- Tskaltubo
- Nunisi
- Sulori
- The Resort Zekari
- Kvereti
- Zvare
- Amaghleba
- The Resort Kursebi
- Kveda Simoneti
In late antiquity and early Middle Ages, the ancient western Georgian kingdom of Egrisi existed on the territory of Imereti.
The king of Imereti declared Christianity as an official religion of Egrisi in 523 AD.
The region went through lots of invaders battles since then.
Nowadays, it’s the essential region of Georgia, offering unique treasures.
Celebrations
Imereti celebrates various public holidays, such as Zekaroba, Ortsipoba (same as Motsametoba), Bosloba, Sachkherloba, Chiaturoba, etc. Bosloba.
Singing is an integral part of Imereti. The folklore songs of this region are known worldwide.
The locals are popular with their aesthetics and sobriety, which can be seen in their homestead traditional clothing.
The tradition of homestead planning was passed down from generation to generation. The region houses stand in the center of the yard, tiled and decorated with carved balconies facing the sun.
Gastronomy
Imeretian cuisine presents creative improvisation that incorporates various flavors, aromas, fresh vegetables, and a diversity of spiced walnut sauces. Basic recipes of classic Imeretian cuisine such as satsivi, mchadi, salads, or khachapuri have been refined over the centuries under renowned Georgian hospitality influences.
Products of the Region
Due to its unique climate, Imereti is one of the most important Georgian regions for producing wine: Tsolikauri, Tsitska, Krakhuna, Otskhanuri Sapere, Adanasuri, etc.
Imereti is located in the eastern part of western Georgia. It is divided into two parts: Upper and Lower Imereti.
It is bordered by Likha Range, Tskhenistskali River, Caucasus Mountains. Well-defined natural boundaries give the region geographical isolation. All landscape zones can be found on Imereti territory – starting from humid subtropics, ending with alpine meadows. Mild, warm winters and hot summers are typical to Imereti.
This region is rich in inland waters; The main transit rivers are Rioni and Tskhenistskali. The Imereti Plain is the eastern part of the Kolkheti Plain and is located in a humid, subtropical sea climate.
The average annual air temperature is 11-15 ℃. The middle and highland zone is characterized by long winter and cool summer climates.
Aside from the capital Kutaisi, significant towns and regional centers include Samtredia, Chiatura (manganese production center), Tkibuli (coal mining center), Zestafoni (known for metals production), Vani, Khoni, and Sachkhere.
Traditionally, Imereti is an agricultural region known for its mulberries and grapes.
After the reopening of Kutaisi International Airport, tourism has been playing a significant role in Imereti’s economy. Along with other regions of Georgia, Imereti has started welcoming more international travelers from Europe.
