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

Discover Tskaltubo’s Abandoned Soviet Sanatoriums and Aircraft in Georgia

The full-day tour of Tskaltubo offers a fascinating look into Georgia’s Soviet past through abandoned sanatoriums and an aircraft exploration. Starting from Tbilisi, this journey takes you into the haunting and architecturally stunning remains of a once-famous resort town. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide, and the experience is tailored for private groups, making it more intimate and personalized.

At just one day long, the tour manages to pack in three hours of exploration in Tskaltubo, giving ample time to capture photos, walk through deserted halls, and appreciate the eerie beauty of decay. It’s ideal for those interested in urban exploration (urbex), history, and Soviet-era architecture. The tour’s highlight is discovering Stalin’s personal bathhouse, alongside abandoned buildings and even an aircraft, offering a truly unique adventure.

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Key Points

• Full-day private tour from Tbilisi focused on abandoned sanatoriums and an aircraft
• Explore the Central Bathhouse and Stalin’s personal bathhouse
• Visit the abandoned sanatoriums, once luxurious Soviet resorts
• Discover an abandoned aircraft, adding an industrial edge to the experience
• Guided in English, with flexible pickup options in Tbilisi
• Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing for walking on uneven surfaces

The Historic Sanatoriums of Tskaltubo

This tour centers on Tskaltubo, a town historically famous for its healing mineral springs and large sanatoriums during the Soviet era. These grand sanatoriums are now abandoned, yet their architecture remains striking, offering a thrilling environment for urbex explorers. Visitors walk through halls where Soviet officials and high-ranking individuals once sought relaxation, creating a sense of being transported back in time.

The Central Bathhouse is one of the standout sites, with its vast structure and decay creating a haunting atmosphere. Alongside it, Stalin’s personal bathhouse provides a glimpse into the high-profile visits that once took place within these walls. The deserted buildings are untouched by modern renovation, preserving their dilapidated beauty, perfect for those who appreciate industrial decay and architectural history.

Exploring the Abandoned sanatoriums

The tour includes guided visits lasting about three hours, during which you can freely walk through these large, deserted buildings. These sanatoriums once hosted thousands of visitors from across the Soviet Union, and today they offer a unique glimpse into the past. The uneven surfaces and large derelict structures mean that comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Photography is allowed, so travelers should bring a camera to capture the haunting interiors and architectural details of these abandoned spaces. Respect for the site is encouraged, and visitors are asked not to remove artifacts or graffiti, helping preserve the site’s integrity.

The Story of the Central Bathhouse and Stalin’s Personal Bath

Among the most prominent remains is the Central Bathhouse, a massive structure that once served as the heart of the resort. Its expansive halls and columns evoke a sense of grandeur even in decay. Plus, Stalin’s personal bathhouse is particularly notable, offering insight into the visitations of Georgia’s most famous leader and the luxurious lifestyle once associated with these facilities.

These sites are significant because they reflect the prestige and extravagance enjoyed by Soviet elites, making their abandonment all the more striking. The architecture and historical context offer a vivid look into the Soviet-era wellness culture.

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The Abandoned Aircraft: An Unexpected Highlight

Adding an industrial twist, the tour includes the exploration of an abandoned aircraft. This unexpected feature enhances the urban exploration experience, providing a raw, industrial backdrop to the otherwise architectural and historical sites. The aircraft remains untouched and offers a visually compelling contrast with the decayed sanatoriums.

The aircraft site is accessible during the guided tour, adding an element of adventure and curiosity for enthusiasts interested in industrial decay or military remnants.

Logistics: From Tbilisi to Tskaltubo and Back

The tour departs from Tbilisi, with pickup arrangements typically available anywhere in the city. The transport is included, making the journey to Tskaltubo seamless. The full-day itinerary encompasses breaks, photo stops, and time for exploration and sightseeing in the town.

Once in Tskaltubo, participants enjoy a guided walk through the sanatoriums and the other key sites, with free time allocated for personal photos or additional exploration. At the end of the day, the group is brought back to Tbilisi.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and exploring large, derelict buildings, which require comfortable shoes and warm clothing. The tour is not suitable for children under 12, individuals with mobility impairments, or those with respiratory issues. Wheelchair users may face limitations due to the terrain.

Travelers should prepare for moderate walking and be mindful of the potential hazards associated with exploring abandoned sites.

The Guide and Tour Experience

Led by Tinatin Goguadze, the guide offers clear explanations in English and ensures a personalized experience through private group arrangements. The focus is on maintaining respect for the sites while providing insightful commentary about their history and architecture. The small group size allows for a more relaxed and engaging visit.

Many participants find this tour incredible, with 4.9 out of 5 stars based on a single review, praising the experience as “one of the best in Georgia.”

Comparing this Tour to Other Georgian Urbex Adventures

While this tour centers specifically on abandoned sanatoriums and an aircraft in Tskaltubo, similar experiences include Cave tours or visits to other ghost towns in Georgia such as Chiatura or Chiatura’s abandoned mines. These options often include caves, canyons, and industrial ruins, but this tour’s focus on Soviet-era architecture and the aircraft makes it uniquely suited for fans of urban exploration or historical sites.

Final Thoughts: A Must for History and Urbex Enthusiasts

This full-day guided tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Tskaltubo’s abandoned sanatoriums and aircraft, emphasizing architectural decay, history, and Soviet nostalgia. The inclusion of Stalin’s bathhouse and the aircraft provides extra layers of interest, making it stand out among Georgia’s urbex experiences.

While the terrain and site conditions require comfortable shoes and caution, the unique photographic opportunities and historical insights make this tour well worth considering for those eager to see Georgia’s urban decay and Soviet relics. This tour resonates most with history buffs, urban explorers, and adventure seekers looking for a one-of-a-kind day outside Tbilisi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup in Tbilisi and transportation to and from Tskaltubo.

How long is the exploration of the sanatoriums?
The guided exploration lasts about three hours in Tskaltubo.

What should I wear for this tour?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces and warm clothing suitable for outdoor exploration.

Can I take photographs during the tour?
Absolutely, photography is allowed and encouraged during the exploration.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it is not recommended for children under 12 years or individuals with mobility or respiratory issues.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, mainly due to the physical nature of the walk and site conditions.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is bookable with flexible payment options, and full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

How many people are in a private group?
The tour is designed for private groups, offering a more intimate experience.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
The abandoned sanatoriums, including Stalin’s bathhouse and the aircraft, are the key attractions.

Can I expect a knowledgeable guide?
Yes, Tinatin Goguadze leads the tour, providing informative commentary in English.

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