Georgia – Abandoned Spa town and Aircraft (Full-day)

If you’re into exploring forgotten places or just curious about Georgia’s Soviet past, this full-day tour to Tskaltubo could be a fascinating choice. We’ve come across a lot of sightseeing options in Georgia, but this one really caught our attention because of its intriguing mix of urban exploration, history, and a touch of the unusual—the abandoned sanatoriums and even an aircraft.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to walk through massive, deserted sanatoriums that once welcomed high-ranking Soviet officials. Second, the visit to Stalin’s personal bathhouse, which adds a dash of Cold War intrigue. But, it’s not all perfect; the tour involves quite a bit of walking on uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes are a must. Still, if you’re intrigued by history, abandoned architecture, or just love a good story behind a site, this trip might be right up your alley.

This tour isn’t suited for everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or traveling with very young children might find it less accessible. Still, for anyone who’s up for some light adventure and a peek into a different era, it offers a unique, memorable experience. Let’s walk through what this tour involves, what you can expect, and whether it’s worth your time.

Key Points

• Abandoned Sanatoriums & Soviet Heritage: Explore grand, deserted buildings once used by the Soviet elite.
• Historical Context: Learn about Tskaltubo’s reputation as a healing resort and its decline.
• Haunting Atmosphere: Capture striking photos of decay and architecture.
• Unique Sights: Visit Stalin’s personal bathhouse and an abandoned aircraft.
• Guided Experience: Live English-speaking guide with a private group.
• Physical Requirements: Be prepared for walking on uneven surfaces and wear comfortable shoes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This full-day adventure begins in Tbilisi, where your guide will pick you up, making it easy to start your day without worrying about logistics. From there, it’s about a 2 to 3-hour drive to Tskaltubo, a small town that was once the jewel of Soviet health resorts. Today, it’s a ghost town of sorts—perfect for those who enjoy a mix of history and a touch of the eerie.

Once there, you’ll spend about three hours exploring the abandoned sanatoriums, the Central Bathhouse, and other derelict buildings. This part of the tour is where the urban exploration really begins. The buildings are massive and architecturally interesting, and the atmosphere is both eerily quiet and strangely beautiful.

The guide will walk you through the history behind the sanatoriums, highlighting how they once served as vacation spots for the Soviet elite, including high-ranking officials. You’ll get fascinating stories about the glory days and the decline after the Soviet Union fell apart. The Central Bathhouse is a highlight—both for its size and its well-preserved architecture, despite the decay.

A special highlight for many visitors is the visit to Stalin’s personal bathhouse, which adds a layer of historical intrigue. There’s also an unexpected stop at an abandoned aircraft, which makes this tour stand out from typical city or nature excursions. You’ll have ample opportunities for photography—both of the architecture and the landscape—so bring your camera.

After the exploration, you’ll have some free time to walk around, take photos, or just soak in the atmosphere. The return trip to Tbilisi wraps up the day, leaving you with plenty of stories to tell.

What Makes This Tour Worth Considering

Historical Fascination: If you’re a history buff or into Cold War relics, this trip offers a vivid glimpse of Georgia’s Soviet-era architecture and lifestyle. The stories behind the sanatoriums and the bathhouse are compelling, giving insight into a bygone era.

Photographic Opportunities: For those who love capturing atmospheric decay, the abandoned buildings and eerie corridors are prime spots. The overall vibe is surreal—an almost cinematic reminder of a different time.

Unique Sights: Not just a ghost town tour, this experience includes visits to Stalin’s bathhouse and an aircraft, making it a well-rounded exploration of abandoned relics.

Guided Convenience: With an English-speaking guide leading a private group, you get personalized attention, detailed explanations, and the chance to ask questions about the sites and history.

Considerations and Downsides

While this experience is compelling, it’s not without its limitations. The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces, often inside crumbling buildings—so sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential. If mobility is a concern, this might be a challenging outing.

Since the sanatoriums are abandoned, safety is something to keep in mind. The guide will advise on what’s safe to explore, but visitors should still keep their wits about them. Also, there’s no mention of access for wheelchair users or those with respiratory issues, so check your personal comfort levels if you have health concerns.

Another point is that this tour is strictly a full-day commitment, which could be a long day if you prefer shorter excursions. It’s also priced as a private experience, so it costs a bit more than group tours. However, many reviews highlight the value of having a dedicated guide and the ability to explore at your own pace.

The Itinerary in Detail

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Pickup & Journey

The day kicks off with pickup from your accommodation in Tbilisi, making the start hassle-free. The drive to Tskaltubo takes a couple of hours, giving you time to relax and get excited about what’s ahead.

Exploring Tskaltubo’s Sanatoriums

Once in Tskaltubo, your guide will lead you through the abandoned sanatoriums—large, impressive buildings that once catered to the health needs of Soviet officials and their families. Many of these structures remain remarkably intact despite the years of neglect. The architecture is evocative of the Soviet ambition for grandeur, with ornate facades and vast hallways.

The Central Bathhouse & Stalin’s Bath

One of the key sights here is the Central Bathhouse, which is an iconic remnant of Tskaltubo’s heyday. Its size and the decay make for striking photos. You’ll also visit Stalin’s personal bathhouse, which adds historical depth—imagine the stories these walls could tell.

Abandoned Aircraft

Adding an element of surprise, the tour includes a visit to an abandoned aircraft. This is less about the plane itself and more about the surreal, almost sci-fi feeling of seeing a relic of modern aviation left to rust in this eerie landscape.

Free Time & Photo Opportunities

You’ll have a bit of free time to walk around, take photos, and absorb the atmosphere. The guide will be happy to share insights and help you capture the perfect shot.

Return to Tbilisi

After a full morning and early afternoon of exploration, you’ll head back to Tbilisi, with your mind filled with images of Soviet architecture, decay, and stories from the past.

Value for the Cost

Given the inclusion of transportation, a private guide, and the opportunity to access sites that are usually off-limits, this tour provides a compelling package. The price reflects the personalized experience and the unique sights—something you’re unlikely to find on a self-guided visit or a large group tour.

It’s especially valuable if you’re into urban exploration, Soviet history, or just want a day of unusual sightseeing. The fact that visitors mention it as “one of the best experiences in Georgia” underlines its appeal.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for history enthusiasts, urban explorers, and those interested in Cold War relics. It’s also great if you enjoy photography and want to capture atmospheric decay and architecture. It’s not suitable if you have mobility issues or are looking for a more relaxed, less physically demanding experience.

Travelers who appreciate guided trips with tailored insights and don’t mind a full day on the road will get the most out of this adventure. It’s an authentic peek into Georgia’s Soviet past, wrapped in a slightly mysterious, abandoned package.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 are not recommended, mainly due to uneven surfaces and potentially unsafe ruins.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, and a camera for photos. Be prepared for walking on uneven ground.

Are photos allowed during the tour?
Yes, photography is encouraged. It’s a great chance to capture the haunting, decayed beauty of the sites.

How long is the drive from Tbilisi?
The drive to Tskaltubo is about 2 to 3 hours each way, so expect a full day of travel and exploration.

Is the tour private or group-based?
It’s a private experience, which means more flexibility and personalized attention from your guide.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, the guided tour, and private group arrangements are included. You pay later, so you can reserve with flexibility.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to uneven surfaces and ruins.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
While not specified, the tour is available year-round. Morning departures can help you avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a compelling mix of history, adventure, and photography, wrapped in the unique atmosphere of Georgia’s abandoned sanatoriums. While it requires a bit of walking and a sense of curiosity, the rewards are visually stunning and culturally enlightening. If you enjoy exploring places that tell stories of the past, and don’t mind a day on your feet, this is a memorable way to spend a day.

It’s most suited for those who appreciate a guided experience and are eager to see something out of the ordinary—an intriguing piece of Georgia’s Soviet-era history that’s been left behind. For a mix of eerie beauty and storytelling, this tour delivers in spades.

You can check availability for your dates here: