Tskaltubo and Chiatura: 2-days urbex tour

Discover Georgia’s Soviet Era with a 2-Day Urban Exploration Tour

This 2-day private tour offers a fascinating peek into Georgia’s Soviet history, taking you from Tbilisi to Chiatura, Tskaltubo, and Gori. For $266.67 per person, you’ll enjoy the comfort of private transportation, hotel pick-up, and visits to some of the most intriguing remnants of the Soviet period—think abandoned sanatoriums, old cable cars, and the Stalin Museum. It’s a trip that combines history, architecture, and a touch of adventure, all wrapped in a manageable two-day package.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is how it balances historical insight with the thrill of urbex—urban exploration—that’s both accessible and authentic. Visiting Chiatura’s cable cars and Tskaltubo’s deserted sanatoriums reveals a different side of Georgia, one often hidden or forgotten. Plus, the tour’s small-group or private format means you can take your time and ask questions, making it a personal experience.

One thing to consider is that some sites, like the sanatoriums or abandoned houses, are quite overgrown and may feel a bit eerie or run-down—so this isn’t a polished sightseeing tour but rather a glimpse into the past. It’s best suited for those who enjoy exploring offbeat places and are comfortable with a bit of wear and tear.

This tour is perfect if you’re interested in Soviet architecture, history buffs, or travelers craving a more underground, less touristy experience. It’s a unique way to understand Georgia’s recent past while enjoying some striking landscapes and intriguing urban relics.

Key Points

• Comfortable private transportation makes travel between sites easy and stress-free.
• The tour offers a rare look into Soviet-era architecture and urban exploration in Georgia.
• Visitors will learn about Georgia’s history through museums and abandoned sanatoriums.
• The local guesthouse stay provides a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.
• The tour is well-paced, balancing sightseeing with free time.
• It’s ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and offbeat travel experiences.

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Georgian Soviet Tour

A Clear and Well-Organized Itinerary

This tour’s design balances history, culture, and adventure in a way that appeals to a wide range of travelers. Starting in Tbilisi, the tour hits some lesser-known but visually striking sites, then heads west to explore Chiatura’s legendary cable cars, and finally, the abandoned sanatoriums of Tskaltubo. On the second day, the journey continues with a walk through Kutaisi, another city steeped in stories of the past, before returning to Tbilisi or heading to Kutaisi airport.

Day 1: From Tbilisi to Chiatura & Tskaltubo

The tour begins with a hassle-free hotel pick-up at 8:00 am, allowing you to start your exploration comfortably. The first stop is Chronicles of Georgia, a somewhat hidden spot near the Tbilisi Sea. You’ll get sweeping views of the surrounding area while learning about Georgia’s history. This site isn’t crowded, which makes it ideal for taking in the scenery and snapping some photos.

Next, the tour visits the Stalin Museum in Gori. While this museum might not be everyone’s cup of tea—since it presents a heavily censored Soviet perspective—it’s an authentic site that illuminates Georgia’s complicated relationship with its past. The museum’s exhibits and relics offer a tangible sense of the era, and understanding Stalin’s hometown provides context for the following explorations.

Then, the adventure turns to Chiatura, a town built among steep gorges and valleys, originally designed around manganese mining. Here, you’ll experience the famous cableways—a network of dangling, sometimes precarious, cars that were once vital for workers. Despite their age and lack of modern maintenance, these cable cars are still in use today, adding a palpable sense of history and risk.

Walking around Chiatura, you’ll see abandoned houses, Soviet architecture, and a lively market. Lunch is served in a Soviet-style restaurant, giving you a taste of the local atmosphere. This part of the tour transports you into a time capsule, where decay and resilience coexist.

Finally, the day ends in Tskaltubo, home to abandoned sanatoriums and natural springs. Once a premier Soviet spa destination, these hotels now lie empty, vines creeping through crumbling hallways. The area’s natural springs, emanating from limestone beneath the ground, hint at the health benefits that once drew visitors here.

Day 2: Delving Deeper into Tskaltubo & Kutaisi

The second day emphasizes Tskaltubo’s abandoned sanatoriums and natural springs, giving you time to explore the eerie, overgrown facilities. You can walk through the parks, visit the radon baths, and imagine how the Soviet elite once flocked here for relaxation. The atmosphere is quiet but compelling—certainly a highlight for urban explorers.

After this, the tour moves to Kutaisi Market, where you can sample local goods or simply soak in the lively street scene. It offers a taste of everyday Georgian life beyond the tourist trail.

A short ride takes you to the Car Factory Railway Station, where you might enjoy riding the old cable car again or just marvel at the vintage machinery. It’s another reminder of Georgia’s Soviet industrial past.

Finally, a walk through Kutaisi’s old town provides a more traditional Georgian setting, complete with cafes and historic buildings. You’ll have time for lunch before heading back to Tbilisi or to Kutaisi airport, depending on your plans.

Transportation, Timing, and Personal Comfort

Having a private vehicle means you’re not rushed or stuck with a large group—this is a personalized experience. The timing, with a 8:00 am start, allows for a full day of sightseeing without feeling hurried. The price includes parking fees and hotel transfers, making it straightforward and transparent.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer called the experience “Incredible,” praising the well-planned and paced tour. They especially appreciated the insights into USSR history and architecture, which added depth to their visit. The small-group or private format means you can customize your experience, ask questions, and take your time at each site.

Practicalities and Considerations

Since the sanatoriums and buildings are overgrown and abandoned, be prepared for uneven surfaces and possibly some overgrown pathways. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Also, note that lunch and dinner are not included, so you may want to budget for meals or snacks.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideally suited for history enthusiasts, urbex lovers, and architecture fans looking for something beyond typical sightseeing. If you’re curious about Soviet structures and Georgia’s recent past, this experience offers a unique perspective. It’s also a good fit if you prefer private, flexible arrangements and enjoy exploring places that are a little gritty or off the beaten path.

Travelers who love stories of resilience, decay, and history in a real-world setting will find plenty to enjoy. It’s not a glossy tour but one rooted in authentic, raw relics of a bygone era.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While most of the sites are accessible, some areas like the cable cars and abandoned sanatoriums involve uneven terrain. Children should be supervised, and travelers should be comfortable walking on potentially rough surfaces.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there is a designated lunch in a Soviet-style restaurant. You should budget for additional meals or snacks during the day.

What is the transportation like?
You’ll travel in private transportation, which makes the journey comfortable and flexible. The vehicle is included in the price, along with parking fees.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, it can be tailored to your interests and pace. Feel free to ask your guide questions or spend more time at sites that fascinate you.

How much walking is involved?
Expect some walking around town and exploring sanatoriums. Shoes should be comfortable, as some sites are overgrown or uneven.

Is there a lot of free time?
The tour is well-paced with structured visits, but there is some free time, especially in Kutaisi, for exploring markets or relaxing.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
The tour runs based on your booking; weather conditions and personal preferences will influence your experience, but spring and fall tend to be ideal for outdoor exploration.

This 2-day tour offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Georgia’s Soviet past, perfect for travelers craving authentic, offbeat experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover, or urban explorer, you’ll leave with stories and sights few other visitors get to see—an unusual journey into a fascinating chapter of Georgia’s history.