Imereti region, with its administrative centre Kutaisi, is one of the most beautiful parts of Georgia. Imereti is located in the Kolkheti lowlands between the southern Caucasus and the Adjara-Imereti ranges. Its history dates back to ancient times;
3500 years ago there was the strong Colchi Kingdom with an antique culture, education, political and military system. Colchi (nowadays West Georgia) was the land of the legendary Golden Fleece – this was the land where Jason and the Argonauts arrived in search of the Golden Fleece. The expedition of ancient Greeks in search of the Golden Fleece provided much valuable data on Georgian tribes, their culture, science, art and medicine. Archeological excavations have confirmed the existence of mythical Colchi and exposed many valuable things such as stunning gold jewelry, agricultural tools and weapons. They are displayed in a special archeological museum in Vani.
There are more than nine hundred historical monuments in the Imereti region, more than four hundred natural monuments. The Imereti region is known for its remarkable location extending from the humid subtropics, alpine meadows and numerous health spas to a large number of mineral water springs. Among its historical monuments are Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral, which have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Imeretian people are famous of their fabulous hospitality, which like friendship is one of the codes by which they live. They usually treat their guests to homemade wine and very delicious food which differs from the other Georgian regions by its variety. Visitors enjoy a traditional table (supra) ceremony of feasting and drinking wine, which includes eloquent toastmasters displaying great respect to guests and an incomparable sense of festivity and merriment.