Kutaisi: From Royal Palace, Dam and an Occupied Territory

Begin your journey in Kutaisi and head to the Dadiani Palace Museum in Zugdidi. Step inside the former residence of the Dadiani rulers and explore its historic rooms and collections while hearing fascinating stories about the royal family, their connections with Europe, and the extraordinary history of Samegrelo. The palace complex dates mainly from the 19th century and houses thousands of historical and cultural artifacts, including the famous Napoleon Bonaparte death mask. After exploring the palace, continue towards one of Georgia’s most impressive engineering landmarks — Enguri Dam. Rising dramatically above the Enguri River, the dam is a remarkable feat of Soviet-era engineering and one of the defining landmarks of the region. At the viewpoint, enjoy an incredible perspective over the enormous structure and surrounding mountains. Visit the art gallery located inside the dam complex, with admission included in the tour price. For those looking for an extra thrill, the viewpoint also offers the opportunity to experience one of Georgia’s highest zip lines. Continue towards Rukhi Fortress. Built in 1647 by Levan II Dadiani, Rukhi Fortress was an important defensive stronghold of western Georgia. Today, its elevated position provides a remarkable view across the surrounding landscape and towards the Enguri area. From here, visit one of the places in Georgia where the consequences of the country’s modern conflicts are particularly visible. Rukhi is located very close to the administrative boundary of the occupied Abkhazia region, giving you a rare opportunity to understand the geography of the situation and see how close the divided territories are. Your guide will explain the historical background, the current situation, and the significance of the area while you take in the landscape and capture unforgettable photographs. After this extraordinary journey through royal history, monumental engineering, and modern Georgian reality, begin your return journey to Kutaisi.

What to bring:
Comfortable shoes
Camera
Weather-appropriate clothing

Know before you go:
The tour involves walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Weather can vary, so dress appropriately.
Photography is allowed, so bring a camera.