Concrete Giants Tour

Exploring Tbilisi’s Soviet Heritage in Style

If you’re visiting Tbilisi and curious about its recent history and Soviet era architecture, the Concrete Giants Tour offers a compelling way to see the city from a different perspective. For about $53.47 per person, this 3 to 4-hour guided journey takes you out of the bustling city center into the neighborhoods where the Soviet influence still lingers in the form of monumental buildings and distinctive architecture. What makes this tour stand out is the chance to ride around in a vintage Soviet car, specifically a brightly colored Lada, which adds an authentic—if slightly quirky—touch to the experience.

Two things we particularly love about this tour: first, the in-depth insights from knowledgeable guides who share stories not just about the buildings but about Georgia’s complex history. Second, the unique ride in a classic Soviet vehicle that turns a simple sightseeing trip into an engaging adventure. The tour also includes a lunch stop, giving you a chance to taste Georgian cuisine along the way.

One thing to consider: the tour is designed for a maximum of 20 travelers, making it a more intimate experience, but crowds or busier times might require booking well in advance—on average, travelers book this about 48 days ahead. This tour suits history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone interested in Georgia’s recent past, especially those who appreciate guided storytelling combined with a fun, nostalgic ride.

Key Points

• Unique Transportation: Travel in a vintage Soviet Lada for an authentic feel.
• In-Depth Stories: Guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about Georgia’s recent history and Soviet architecture.
• Scenic Stops: Visit iconic monuments like the Chronicles of Georgia.
• Lunch Included: Enjoy Georgian cuisine during the tour.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Max 20 travelers for a personal experience.

An Authentic Peek into Georgia’s Soviet Past

The Concrete Giants Tour is more than just a sightseeing trip. It’s an exploration of how Georgia’s recent history and architecture tell stories of resilience, influence, and identity. Starting at Rose Revolution Square, your journey begins with a vibrant hub reminding you of Georgia’s recent political transformations. From there, your guide—often a local with a deep knowledge of the city’s stories—will lead you into neighborhoods where Soviet-era structures still dominate the landscape.

What sets this tour apart is the transportation. Riding in a colorful, 45-year-old Lada, you’ll feel like a time traveler, cruising past massive concrete buildings and monuments that many travelers might overlook. The highlight is a visit to the Chronicles of Georgia, a 1975-1985 monument demonstrating Soviet monumental architecture. The inclusion of admission makes this stop educational and visually striking, giving you a sense of the scale and style of Soviet artistic expression.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Start at Rose Revolution Square: This modern square is a lively start point, but your guide will quickly lead you to the outskirts of Tbilisi, where you’ll see the massive concrete structures that symbolize the Soviet era. Expect lively commentary about how these buildings functioned during Soviet times and how they’ve been repurposed or preserved today.

Chronicles of Georgia: This prominent monument from the late 20th century is a key highlight. It’s a striking piece of architecture from 1975-1985, and your guide will explain its significance in the context of Georgian identity and Soviet influence. Visitors consistently praise this stop for its visual impact and the storytelling that brings it to life.

Other Soviet architecture: The tour includes stops at various buildings and monuments, each with their own stories—some embodying the brutalism of Soviet design, others reflecting cultural or political symbolism. Reviewers mention that guides share fascinating tales about the life in Soviet Georgia, from everyday living conditions to larger political narratives.

Lunch Break: During the tour, you’ll enjoy a local Georgian meal, which is included. This is a welcome chance to discuss what you’ve seen and get some authentic flavors of Georgia, often praised as delicious and hearty.

Authentic Stories from Guides

Many travelers note that their guide, David, was a highlight of the experience. His knowledgeable storytelling and friendly demeanor made history accessible and engaging. One reviewer mentioned that David is an excellent storyteller, capturing Georgia’s “rich and colorful past” and helping visitors see their surroundings in a new light. The guides’ patience in answering questions is also frequently praised.

Why Ride in a Soviet Car?

The Lada ride is the signature feature of this tour, transforming a standard city tour into an adventure. The vintage vehicle sometimes draws curious looks from passersby, and it adds a layer of fun—you’re not just observing history but experiencing it firsthand as you cruise through the streets. Reviewers rave about how the car ride makes the tour memorable, with some mentioning that they felt like part of a living museum.

You’ll love the way the guide’s stories intertwine with the sights you see from inside the car, turning what could be a dry architectural tour into a lively, immersive experience. The nostalgic feel of riding in a Lada also sparks conversations with fellow travelers and locals alike.

The Value of This Experience

At roughly $53.47, the tour provides a solid value for the depth of storytelling, the unique transportation, and the inclusion of lunch and entry tickets. Compared to larger, more generic city tours, this smaller, themed experience offers a more personalized look at Tbilisi’s Soviet past, making it a worthwhile choice for those with a keen interest in history and architecture.

The length—around 3 to 4 hours—means you get plenty of time to absorb the sights without feeling rushed. Plus, the small group size (max 20 travelers) ensures that guides can answer questions and tailor the experience slightly to your interests.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, or anyone intrigued by Georgia’s Soviet past. It’s also a good fit if you enjoy quirky transportation experiences and authentic storytelling. If you prefer large groups or quick photo stops, this tour might feel a bit intimate or slow-paced, but most reviews suggest that the personalized guidance and engaging stories more than compensate.

Travelers who love small group tours with local guides will find this particularly rewarding. And if you appreciate a mix of education and fun, especially with a touch of nostalgia, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Concrete Giants Tour offers a rare glimpse into Georgia’s recent history through the lens of Soviet architecture and storytelling. The combination of a vintage Soviet car, expert guides, and insightful stops makes it a standout experience in Tbilisi. Whether you’re a history lover or simply curious about Georgia’s past, this tour makes the story accessible and engaging.

It’s especially suited for those who enjoy authentic, small-group experiences and are open to blending education with a healthy dose of nostalgia. The inclusion of lunch and entry tickets enhances the value, making it more than just a sightseeing trip but a real culture.

Overall, if you want to see a different side of Tbilisi—one that reveals the massive concrete structures and stories of resilience—this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s memorable, informative, and offers a genuinely authentic experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult, and it’s best suited for those interested in history and architecture.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a professional guide, driver/guide, transport in a private vehicle, lunch, snacks, and admission to stops like the Chronicles of Georgia.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
It’s recommended to book about 48 days in advance, but you might find last-minute availability depending on the season. Confirm your booking at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and sitting in a vehicle. The tour runs rain or shine, so an umbrella or raincoat might be wise.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available; just advise at booking.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 3 to 4 hours of sightseeing, including stops and lunch.

What makes the vehicle special?
The vintage Lada is over 45 years old, making the ride an authentic Soviet experience—both fun and nostalgic.

Is transportation private or shared?
The tour uses a private vehicle with a small group, ensuring personalized attention and a comfortable ride.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Rose Revolution Square and returns there at the end of the journey.

What if I want to learn more after the tour?
Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on further sites or museums related to Georgia’s Soviet history.

In the end, the Concrete Giants Tour is more than a sightseeing trip; it’s a fun, educational adventure into a lesser-known side of Tbilisi that reveals a city shaped by its Stalinist past. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, this experience offers plenty of memorable moments, stories, and photos—a perfect way to deepen your understanding of Georgia’s complex story.