Tskaltubo and Chiatura: 2-days urbex tour

This 2-day private tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Georgia’s Soviet-era history, architecture, and industrial relics. Priced at $266.67 per person, it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, comfortable private transportation, and visits to iconic sites such as Chiatura’s cableways, Tskaltubo sanatoriums, and the Stalin Museum in Gori. With a rating of 5.0 based on a single glowing review, the experience stands out for its well-organized pacing and insightful commentary.

Ideal for history buffs, urban explorers, and those curious about Georgia’s Soviet past, this tour balances sightseeing with culture. It spans two days, allowing ample time to wander through abandoned sanatoriums, observe Soviet architecture, and learn about Georgia’s unique industrial development. A key strength lies in its small-group, private setting, which ensures a personalized experience, though some stops involve walking through uneven terrain or exploring abandoned sites.

Key Points

• Two-day private tour focusing on Georgia’s Soviet history, architecture, and industrial sites
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with comfortable private transport
• Visits Chiatura’s cableways, Tskaltubo sanatoriums, and the Stalin Museum in Gori
• Focus on urban exploration and architecture, with free time in Kutaisi
• Tour is suitable for most travelers but involves walking through abandoned sites and uneven terrain
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour starts

Exploring Georgia’s Soviet Heritage in a Private Vehicle

This tour offers the convenience of hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to relax and focus on the sights. Traveling in a private vehicle allows for a flexible itinerary and a more intimate experience, especially when exploring the steep valleys and gorges of Chiatura or the abandoned sanatoriums of Tskaltubo. The entire journey is designed to give a comprehensive look at Georgia’s Soviet-era development, architecture, and leisure culture.

The two-day itinerary balances sightseeing with downtime, including a comfortable overnight stay at a local guesthouse in Tskaltubo. This allows visitors to experience the town’s ghostly sanatoriums after the daytime crowds and appreciate the quiet ambiance of this former spa resort.

Visiting the Chronicles of Georgia and the Stalin Museum

The tour begins with a visit to the Chronicles of Georgia, a less-visited but highly impressive site near the Tbilisi Sea. It offers spectacular views and a chance to understand Georgia’s history beyond the urban environment. Then, the Stalin Museum in Gori provides insights into the life of Joseph Stalin, with the site having remained largely unchanged since its opening in 1957. It offers a Soviet lens on Georgia’s past, with exhibits that recount Stalin’s early life and political career.

While the admission fee for the Stalin Museum is not included, the guided experience highlights how the museum preserves and presents Georgia’s Soviet history, making this stop a key element of the tour’s educational focus.

The Unique Cableways of Chiatura

One of the most distinctive features of this tour is Chiatura’s aging cable cars, a highlights of Georgia’s mining history. Originally installed to serve manganese miners navigating steep valleys and gorges, many of these dangle cable cars still operate despite their lack of maintenance. The hour-long stop allows visitors to see this industrial relic firsthand and walk around the town, observing local markets, abandoned houses, and Soviet architecture.

This stop offers a rare opportunity to witness urban exploration in an environment that feels almost untouched by time, making it a true urban exploration experience.

Discovering Tskaltubo’s Abandoned Sanatoriums

Tskaltubo’s former sanatoriums are among the tour’s most compelling sites. Known in Soviet Georgia as a popular spa resort, the town’s natural springs and limestone springs once drew visitors for health treatments. Today, the abandoned sanatoriums are overrun with vines and weeds, with pillared hallways and bathing rooms that evoke a ghostly atmosphere.

The two-hour stop includes walking through these deserted buildings, climbing into the abandoned sanatoriums, and admiring the natural springs. Despite their decay, the sanatoriums tell a story of Soviet leisure culture and industrial decline. The free admission makes this a highlight for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.

Tskaltubo’s Radon Baths and Park Walks

On the second day, visitors have four hours to explore Tskaltubo’s thermal springs and radon baths. The visit includes opportunities to walk in the park and climb into abandoned sanatoriums, immersing in the eerie beauty of the overgrown complexes. This part of the tour emphasizes feeling the atmosphere of the town’s Soviet heyday and understanding its significance as a spa destination.

The free access to the bath and park areas provides a relaxed setting to take photos, reflect on the history, and appreciate the peaceful yet haunting ambiance of Tskaltubo.

Kutaisi Market and Old Town Walk

The tour includes a short stop at Kutaisi Market, where visitors can buy local goods and sample the flavors of Georgia’s regional produce. It’s a good chance to snap photos and see local life up close. Following this, a 30-minute walk around Kutaisi’s old town offers scenic views and a taste of Georgia’s historical architecture.

This stop provides a casual, local experience before heading to the Car Factory Railway Station, where another vintage cable car ride awaits. It’s a fun way to see Kutaisi’s industrial past and enjoy more urban exploration.

Final Day: Kutaisi to Tbilisi and Optional Extensions

The tour concludes with a lunch in Kutaisi before heading back to Tbilisi. Guests who prefer can be dropped off at Kutaisi airport if they have a flight. This flexibility makes it convenient for those on a schedule or with specific travel plans.

The one-hour walk around Kutaisi’s old town offers a relaxed end to the tour, filling in more details of the city’s historic streets, churches, and public squares.

The Experience Provider and Booking Details

Operated by Friendly.ge: Transfers & Tours in Georgia, this private tour guarantees small-group intimacy and personalized attention. The departure time is at 8:00 am, making it suitable for those who prefer to start early. The tour is designed to be accessible to most travelers, though some stops involve walking through uneven terrain or exploring abandoned structures.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start ensures flexibility, and the mobile ticket format makes booking straightforward.

Tapping into Georgia’s Soviet Industrial Roots

This tour stands out for its focus on urban exploration of Soviet-era architecture, abandoned sanatoriums, and industrial relics like the cableways of Chiatura. It offers a rare look into Georgia’s industrial past and leisure culture outside of the typical tourist routes. The multi-site experience, combined with the personalized transport and guide, makes it a rich and manageable way to understand this complex period.

While some sites involve walking through decaying buildings or rough terrain, the overall pacing and organization keep the experience engaging and accessible. Visitors with an interest in urban exploration, Soviet history, or industrial architecture will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should be prepared for walking through uneven terrain and exploring abandoned sanatoriums.

Does the tour include meals?
Lunch is included during the second day at a local restaurant, but dinner is not included in the package.

Are there any additional costs?
The admission to the Stalin Museum is not included, and expenses like souvenirs or additional entrance fees are extra.

What should I bring for the sanatorium exploration?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a sense of adventure are recommended for exploring the abandoned buildings and sites.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, there’s some flexibility, but the outlined stops are core to the experience.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred date, especially since the tour operates as a private activity with limited availability.

This 2-day urbex tour offers a compelling peek into Georgia’s Soviet-era architecture, industrial history, and urban exploration. Its carefully curated stops, from Chiatura’s cableways to Tskaltubo’s abandoned sanatoriums, make it ideal for those eager to see Georgia beyond its famous landscapes.