Martvili Monastery, Salkhino and an Ojaleshi Cellar

Martvili Monastery on its hill, the Dadiani family's Salkhino retreat and an Ojaleshi tasting, with a Megrelian lunch, in one day from Kutaisi.

• —Martvili's hilltop Dormition Monastery, one of the oldest working monasteries in Samegrelo, without the crowds of Gelati
• —A walk through the Balda (Martvili) Canyon, the Abasha River's turquoise gorge, with a boat section included when water levels allow
• —Salkhino, the Dadiani princely family's summer residence, set among its own Ojaleshi vineyards
• —A guided tasting of Ojaleshi, the semi-sweet red grape native to this one valley and rarely poured outside it
• —A home-style Megrelian lunch built around elarji (cornmeal and cheese) and spicy ajika
• —Private car and licensed guide, so the day moves at your pace rather than a bus timetable

• · Martvili Monastery requires shoulders and knees covered; women are generally expected to wear a headscarf, usually available at the entrance if you forget one
• · The canyon boardwalk has steps and uneven stone sections, manageable in normal footwear but not flip-flops
• · The boat section of the canyon can close in high water or heavily reduced water in winter, checked at booking
• · Roads to Martvili and Salkhino are mostly paved but narrow in places near the villages
• · Only passengers taste wine; the driver does not drink on duty
• · Bring cash in GEL for any small purchases at Salkhino or the canyon kiosks

Prices are per person for two travelling together, in euros; solo travellers and larger groups are quoted on request. Every departure is private and adjusted to you. Hotels, wineries and restaurants on our routes are verified by GTour.