Kutaisi: Tskaltubo Abandoned Soviet-Era Spas Tour

If you’re interested in a visit that combines history, architecture, and a touch of adventure, the Tskaltubo abandoned sanatoriums tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Georgia’s Soviet past. This 4-hour guided excursion from Kutaisi takes you through crumbling hotels, bathhouses, and iconic landmarks that once welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. It’s ideal for urban explorers, history buffs, or anyone curious about what happens when a glamorous retreat falls into disrepair.

What makes this tour especially appealing are the stories you’ll hear from knowledgeable guides and the chance to walk through buildings frozen in time — all before these sites are sold to private investors. The experience balances history with a sense of adventure, and you’ll love the stunning contrasts of decay and nature overtaking old structures. One possible drawback? Navigating through uneven floors and debris requires careful footing, so it’s not suitable for everyone. Still, if you’re comfortable with a bit of walking and rough terrain, this tour offers authentic insight into Georgia’s Soviet-era health resort boom.

This tour fits travelers with a love for history, architecture, or unique photo opportunities. If you’re up for exploring a place where time has stood still, and you don’t mind a little adventure, this trip will be well worth your while.

Key Points

• Authentic Exploration: Walk through abandoned sanatoriums and bathhouses in their original state, capturing the eerie beauty of Soviet architecture.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides share insights about the history and significance of Tskaltubo’s heyday and decline.
• Photographic Opportunities: Stunning visuals of crumbling buildings, fountains, and sculptures perfect for photography enthusiasts.
• Safety & Preparation: Be aware of uneven surfaces, broken glass, and crumbling concrete; wear sturdy shoes and stay cautious.
• Historical Significance: Learn about the waters of Tskaltubo, famously called the “waters of immortality,” and their role in the town’s rise.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 7) ensure a personalized experience, which is especially appreciated in such delicate environments.

Starting from Kutaisi, the tour takes you into the heart of Tskaltubo’s ghostly sanatoriums, where decay and history collide. The transfer is included, making logistics straightforward—you’ll hop into a vehicle and be whisked away to the site of this once-bustling health resort complex.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Sanatorium Medea

Your first stop is the Sanatorium Medea, built between 1954 and 1962, a shining example of Soviet architecture with its majestic colonnade. We loved the way the building’s grandeur still shows, despite years of neglect. The guide will point out the original interiors from the 60s, which preserve a sense of the luxury that once existed.

You’ll have opportunities for photos at the iconic colonnade and walk through hotel rooms and patios adorned with fountains and sculptures. The sense of stepping back in time is palpable, and many visitors comment on the eerie beauty of this place. As one reviewer noted, “Great information provided. Flexibility and friendliness. Lovely tour!”

Sanatorium Metallurgist

Next, we explore the Sanatorium Metallurgist, renowned for its dramatic entrance featuring a massive chandelier and intricate metalworks. Walking through its corridors, you’ll see the old theater hall and grand restaurant spaces, all slowly succumbing to nature. The guide points out architectural details that reveal the opulence of the Soviet health retreat era.

Travelers often mention how the walk through these spaces feels like walking through a forgotten city. According to reviews, “The old buildings have an unusual beauty and a sense of mystery about them.” This stop truly highlights the grandeur of the past while offering plenty of chances for atmospheric photographs.

Spring N6 and Bathhouses

A highlight is the visit to Spring N6, one of the few functioning bathhouses left. Interestingly, this bathhouse was specially built for Stalin’s visit, adding a layer of historical intrigue. Here, you can witness the waters that once drew countless visitors seeking health and vitality. Before ending the tour, you’ll explore an abandoned bathhouse nearby—a perfect example of Soviet-era leisure facilities now overtaken by nature.

This part of the tour offers a tangible connection to the Soviet obsession with health and longevity, often described as “waters of immortality.” The experience is both enlightening and slightly surreal, especially when you realize how these buildings are on the brink of sale, possibly marking the last chance to visit in their original state.

Practical Aspects

The entire experience lasts about four hours, including transportation from and back to Kutaisi. The tour operates with a small group cap (up to 7), ensuring a personalized, unrushed experience. The cost covers transportation, the guided exploration, and visits to the key sites, making it excellent value considering the richness of the experience.

You should come prepared with comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces, a camera for capturing the decay and beauty, and water for hydration. Since access involves walking through crumbling structures, safety is paramount; guides advise caution and adherence to rules like “Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.”

This tour is a real treasure for those interested in Soviet architecture, Georgia’s history, or urban exploration. Even with all the decay, the buildings tell stories of a period when health, leisure, and luxury were intertwined in the Soviet imagination. The contrast of opulence and abandonment makes for compelling visuals, perfect for photography lovers or anyone who appreciates history with a bit of grit.

The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to bring the sites alive. As one review shared, “Eva was an amazing guide, going above and beyond to show us as much as possible,” highlighting the personal touch that elevates this experience.

In terms of value, the tour’s price reflects its depth, guided nature, transportation, and small-group intimacy. It’s an efficient way to experience a unique slice of Georgia’s past without the hassle of independent exploration, especially since access to some buildings might be limited or unsafe to navigate alone.

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy history, architecture, or adventure. If you’re curious about the Soviet era and like the idea of exploring a decaying landscape that’s rich with stories, this tour fits the bill. It’s also highly recommended for photography enthusiasts, given the striking visuals of crumbling buildings and overgrown landscapes.

However, this trip isn’t suited for everyone. Those with mobility issues or pregnant women might find the uneven terrain challenging. Children under 12 may not appreciate or safely navigate the environment. But if you’re up for a physically gentle but mentally stimulating walk through a ghostly, historic site, this tour will be a highlight of your trip.

The Kutaisi Tskaltubo Abandoned Soviet-Era Spas Tour offers a rare look at a place where time has stood still. It combines fascinating architecture, stories of Soviet health resorts, and the haunting beauty of decay, making it a compelling choice for adventure-minded travelers and history enthusiasts alike. Guided by experts, you’ll leave with a better understanding of Georgia’s complex past and some unforgettable images of crumbling grandeur.

For those who love uncovering stories etched into abandoned buildings, this tour delivers in spades. It’s an ideal mix of education, exploration, and atmospheric photography, all within a manageable four-hour window. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, making it feel more like an intriguing outing with friends than a typical tourist bus.

If you’re interested in exploring Georgia beyond its well-trodden sites, this journey into Tskaltubo’s ghostly sanatoriums is well worth the effort. The chance to see these relics before they’re sold and transformed offers a unique, almost once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the remnants of a Soviet health craze in all its faded glory.

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation from Kutaisi to Tskaltubo and back is included, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, guided exploration, and visits to key sites.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for uneven surfaces, a camera to capture the scenery, and water for hydration are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 12 years old, due to walking on uneven, potentially hazardous surfaces.

Are the buildings safe to explore?
While guided, some buildings have broken glass, crumbling concrete, and debris. Walk carefully and follow your guide’s instructions.

What kind of guide will I have?
You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable, friendly guide who shares insights into the history and architecture of the sanatoriums and bathhouses.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

This detailed look at the Tskaltubo sanatoriums tour highlights its value for those intrigued by history, architecture, or the thrill of exploring forgotten places. It’s a rare opportunity to step back into the Soviet era and witness Georgia’s unique blend of decay and beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: