Kutaisi: Tskaltubo Guided Tour with Drone Video and Photos

Exploring Tskaltubo: A Unique Georgian Experience with Mariami

If you’re visiting Kutaisi and craving a taste of Georgia’s lesser-known treasures, the Tskaltubo guided tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s abandoned grandeur. For around 3 hours, Mariami will take you through hidden corners of Tskaltubo, including the eerie, yet captivating, Hotel Medea, and you’ll leave with a drone video and professional photos to relive your adventure. The tour’s price is quite reasonable considering the intimate experience and the bonus media, making it a good value for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

What we particularly loved about this experience is the personal touch of a local guide who passionately shares stories behind Tskaltubo’s healing waters and abandoned buildings, adding depth to the sightseeing. Also, the drone footage offers a stunning aerial perspective that’s hard to get on your own—perfect for sharing with friends or keeping as a memory. One small caveat? The tour isn’t suited for wheelchair users, so it’s worth considering if mobility is a concern.

This tour suits adventurous souls who appreciate off-the-beaten-path history and enjoy authentic local insights. If you’re interested in Soviet-era architecture or just want an engaging way to explore Kutaisi’s surroundings, this guided walk should definitely be on your list.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Local guide Mariami shares personal stories about Tskaltubo’s legendary healing waters and its abandoned buildings.
• Unique Media: Drone footage and professional photos enhance the experience, giving you beautiful keepsakes.
• Short & Focused: At about 3 hours, this tour is perfect for a quick yet meaningful glimpse into Tskaltubo’s past.
• Convenience: Includes pick-up and drop-off from Kutaisi, removing the hassle of organizing your transportation.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.
• Value for Money: The combination of guided exploration and media makes this a good deal for those wanting more than just sightseeing.

Deep Dive into the Tskaltubo Tour Experience

What’s Included and What’s Not

For a modest fee, you get pick-up and drop-off in Kutaisi, which simplifies logistics—no need to rent a vehicle or navigate tricky public transport. The guide, Mariami, leads a small-group walk ensuring personalized attention and stories that bring Tskaltubo’s history alive. The highlight for many travelers is the 1-minute drone video and 10 professional photographs, which add a modern touch to your trip and give you high-quality images to remember the experience.

Meals and drinks aren’t included, so plan to bring water and perhaps a snack if you feel like staying a bit longer in the area afterward. The tour is in English, making it accessible for most international visitors, and, importantly, the flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind—cancellable up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.

Itinerary Breakdown

Start with a pick-up in Kutaisi, setting a relaxed tone for your adventure. Once in Tskaltubo, your guide Mariami will lead you on a 1.5-hour walk exploring the town’s lesser-known sights. The real draw here is Hotel Medea, a Soviet-era sanatorium that, despite being abandoned, retains a hauntingly beautiful architecture and a sense of history that’s almost poetic.

Many reviews highlight how Mariami’s storytelling makes the ruins come alive, sharing insights into the Soviet health tourism boom and how these structures once served as luxurious retreats. You might find yourself marveling at the faded grandeur of the hotel’s façade, imagining the bustling days of the Soviet health resorts.

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Exploring Hotel Medea and Other Hidden Gems

The abandoned Hotel Medea is the centerpiece of the tour, its architecture standing out amid the lush greenery. It’s an ideal spot for photography—though caution is advised, as the site is in ruins. Past visitors have appreciated the opportunity to see a slice of Georgia’s Soviet history firsthand and to hear stories that add context, making the visual experience more meaningful.

Beyond the hotel, your guide might point out other hidden corners and architectural remnants around Tskaltubo, giving you a feel for the town’s past vibrancy. The town’s famous healing waters are a recurring theme, with Mariami sharing stories about how Tskaltubo became a resort destination during Soviet times, attracting visitors seeking health treatments.

The Media Experience: Drone Video and Photos

One of the standout features is the drone footage—a quick 1-minute clip that captures the overall layout of the area, showing the abandoned sanatoriums from above. It’s a chance to get a bird’s-eye view of the town’s haunting beauty, something you won’t get on foot. The 10 professional photos are taken at scenic spots, perfect for sharing or creating a visual souvenir.

Multiple reviewers mention how these media extras significantly enhance the experience. As one said, “The drone video was a highlight, giving perspective to the place I couldn’t get otherwise.” This added technology makes the tour not just about sightseeing but about creating memorable images.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and curious explorers eager to see Georgia’s Soviet-era relics. It’s also ideal for travelers seeking a short, focused trip with a local guide who offers insights beyond the typical guidebook. The intimate group setting and personalized storytelling create a more engaging experience.

However, if you’re looking for a museum-quality, fully accessible experience, this tour might not be suitable due to its uneven terrain and limited accessibility options. It’s best suited for those with a sense of adventure and a curiosity about Georgia’s lesser-known stories.

Practical Tips for Your Tskaltubo Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces, especially around the ruins.
• Bring water and perhaps a light jacket, as parts of the tour are outdoors and can be windy.
• Arrive on time for your pick-up, and confirm your spot in advance—this ensures a smooth start.
• Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the drone footage and photographs.
• Be mindful of the site’s condition; avoid climbing on unstable structures for safety.

Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re after an authentic feeling of Georgia’s Soviet past, this tour offers a rare glimpse into abandoned sanatoriums and forgotten architecture. The guide’s local knowledge makes the stories compelling and helps you understand the cultural context behind what you’re seeing. The added drone footage and professional photos are a thoughtful bonus, turning your sightseeing into a keepsake.

The tour’s convenience—prompt pick-up and drop-off—saves you time and hassle, making it a practical choice for travelers with tight schedules or those who prefer not to navigate public transport. The small-group format ensures a relaxed atmosphere, where questions are encouraged, and stories flow naturally.

The Sum Up

This Tskaltubo guided tour provides a well-balanced mix of history, architecture, and modern media, making it an excellent choice for travelers interested in Georgia’s Soviet history or seeking a different kind of sightseeing experience. Mariami’s enthusiasm and storytelling bring the ruins to life, adding a human element to the haunting beauty of the abandoned sanatoriums.

The media extras—drone footage and professional photos—are the cherry on top, giving you memorable images to take home. It’s perfect for those who want an authentic, slightly adventurous experience that doesn’t require hours of travel or complex planning.

While not suited for wheelchair users or those seeking fully accessible options, it’s an ideal tour for curious explorers, history buffs, and anyone eager to see a different side of Georgia beyond the famous mountains and churches. For a taste of Soviet-era ghost towns with a modern twist, this tour delivers authentic stories, stunning visuals, and a personal guide dedicated to making your visit memorable.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including transportation, exploration, and media recording.

What is included in the price?
You get pick-up and drop-off from Kutaisi, a guided walk through Tskaltubo, a 1-minute drone video, and 10 professional photos.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from Kutaisi to Tskaltubo and back, with a convenient pick-up and drop-off.

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

Is this tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most, the uneven terrain and potential hazards around ruins mean it’s better suited for older children or teenagers.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain and site conditions.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, and a camera are recommended for capturing media and ensuring comfort during the outdoor walk.

What language is the tour?
The tour is conducted in English.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring your own if needed.

Who should consider this tour?
It’s great for history lovers, architecture buffs, and adventurous travelers eager to explore Georgia’s Soviet-era landmarks off the typical tourist trail.

You can check availability for your dates here: