Kutaisi: Tskaltubo Guided Tour with Drone Video and Photos

If you’re looking for a way to experience Georgia’s lesser-known treasures, this guided tour of Tskaltubo from Kutaisi deserves your attention. It offers a chance to stroll through the hauntingly beautiful remains of Soviet-era sanatoriums, learn about the town’s famed healing waters, and enjoy some memorable photos and videos to take home.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the knowledgeable local guide, Mariami, brings the history and stories of Tskaltubo to life—making the experience both educational and engaging. Second, the drone footage and professional photos provide a fantastic souvenir of your visit, capturing the grandeur of the abandoned architecture and scenic surroundings from a unique perspective.

A possible consideration? The tour is about 3 hours long, which is a good chunk of time but might feel rushed if you’re particularly interested in exploring every detail. Also, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so accessibility could be limited for some travelers.

This tour is perfectly suited for curious travelers eager to explore off-the-beaten-path sites, history buffs, or anyone interested in Georgia’s Soviet-era architecture. If you enjoy small-group experiences and want professional photos to remember your trip, this tour hits many marks.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling from a passionate local guide makes history come alive.
• Abandoned architecture of the Hotel Medea offers a haunting glimpse into the Soviet past.
• The drone video and professional photos provide a memorable visual record of your visit.
• The tour includes convenient transportation with pick-up and drop-off in Kutaisi, saving hassle.
• It’s a 3-hour experience—a perfect snapshot for travelers with limited time.
• While not suitable for wheelchair users, it’s accessible for most able-bodied travelers who enjoy walking and exploring.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What This Tour Offers

We haven’t taken this tour ourselves, but based on detailed descriptions and reviews, it sounds like a chance to see Georgia’s forgotten beauty and get insider knowledge from a passionate local guide. Tskaltubo’s reputation as a health resort has waned, but its crumbling sanatoriums and historic architecture tell a fascinating story of a bygone era.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are the guided storytelling—which helps you understand the significance of each site—and the aerial drone footage, offering dramatic views of the abandoned hotel and surrounding landscape. The inclusion of professional photos makes it easy to share your adventure later.

One thing to keep in mind: this tour is a short, focused trip, so if you’re craving a deep dive into Georgia’s entire history, you might want to supplement with additional exploring. Still, for those seeking an engaging snapshot of Tskaltubo’s mysterious charm, this tour offers a compelling package. It’s best suited for travelers who like a mix of history, photography, and scenic views — especially those who appreciate authentic, less-touristy experiences.

What to Expect During Your Tour

This tour kicks off with a pick-up in Kutaisi, making it convenient for travelers staying in or passing through the city. Once you’re on the bus or van, the short drive to Tskaltubo sets the tone for a relaxed exploration.

The main highlight is a guided walk through the town’s hidden gems, with a focus on the abandoned Hotel Medea. This Soviet-era sanatorium is a striking sight—its architecture still impressive despite years of neglect. The guide shares stories about its history, purpose, and the era it represents, allowing you to picture its former grandeur and imagining the crowds that once flocked here for health cures.

As you wander the grounds, the drone camera captures sweeping shots of the hotel and surrounding landscape. Later, you’ll receive a one-minute drone video—a dynamic record of your visit from the sky. In addition, you’ll get 10 professional photos of your experience, perfect for sharing on social media or keeping as souvenirs.

The guide also discusses the healing waters of Tskaltubo, renowned for their supposed therapeutic properties. While the tour doesn’t include a soak, understanding the water’s significance adds depth to the experience.

The entire walk lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you a good amount of time to explore the key sights without feeling rushed. Afterward, you’ll be driven back to Kutaisi, with time to reflect on the haunting beauty and stories of Tskaltubo.

The Details: Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Pickup in Kutaisi

A stress-free start: the tour begins with a pick-up that saves you the hassle of organizing transport. Depending on your hotel location, the pickup is quick and efficient.

More Great Tours Nearby

Stop 2: Tskaltubo Guided Tour

Your guide, Mariami, is well-versed and passionate, providing insightful commentary that elevates the experience beyond just seeing abandoned buildings. She shares stories about Tskaltubo’s heyday as a health resort, and how it fell into disrepair after the Soviet era.

The highlight is the Hotel Medea, a former sanatorium that’s now a striking ruin. Its architecture is fascinating—large, concrete structures with Art Deco influences, and sprawling corridors frozen in time. You’ll learn about how this place was built for healing, and how it became a symbol of Georgia’s Soviet history.

Drone Video and Photos

The drone captures the scale and eerie beauty of the abandoned hotel, giving a perspective you can’t get from the ground. The one-minute video is quick but impactful, perfect for sharing on social media or just recalling the experience.

The professional photos include shots of you and the architecture, ensuring you leave with high-quality memories. Reviewers note the photos are well-composed and truly capture the essence of the site.

Post-Visit: Return to Kutaisi

After exploring, you’ll be gently driven back to your accommodation, concluding a well-paced, enriching trip. The small group setting ensures personalized attention and more space for questions.

The Value of This Experience

While the price might seem modest, the value lies in the expert guidance, professional photography, and the memorable drone footage. You’re not just walking around ruins; you’re gaining context, stories, and visual memorabilia that elevate the experience beyond a simple sightseeing walk.

This tour is not about rushing through sites; it’s about understanding the story behind Tskaltubo’s decay and beauty, and capturing it from many angles. For travelers keen on authentic stories and unique photos, this provides excellent bang for your buck.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts curious about Georgia’s Soviet past, photographers wanting dramatic shots of abandoned architecture, and those seeking a less touristy experience. If you enjoy hearing stories from passionate locals and appreciate well-composed visuals, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s particularly appealing for small groups, which foster a more intimate and personalized experience. However, if you require wheelchair access or have mobility issues, you might find the tour challenging, as it involves walking through uneven terrain and some stairs.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour

This guided Tskaltubo tour offers a rare peek into Georgia’s Soviet-era sanatoriums and abandoned architecture, paired with the novelty of drone footage and professional photos. It’s a great fit for travelers who want a curated experience that combines history, photography, and scenic views.

Given the short duration and focus on the highlights, it’s perfect for those with limited time in Kutaisi seeking a meaningful, visually impressive excursion. It’s also a fantastic option for anyone interested in off-the-beaten-path destinations that tell a story of change over the decades.

This tour balances insightful storytelling with photo opportunities and scenic views, making it a memorable and worthwhile addition to your Georgian adventure.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 3 hours, including pickup, exploration, and return.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, it includes pickup and drop-off in Kutaisi, making logistics simple and hassle-free.

What is included in the package?
You get a guided walk, a 1-minute drone video, and 10 professional photos of your experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The description doesn’t specify, but given the walking involved and uneven terrain, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers.

Can I get the photos and videos after the tour?
Yes, you will receive both the drone footage and professional photos after the tour.

Is there a minimum group size?
The experience is described as a small-group tour, but specific minimums are not specified.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and water are recommended. Dress appropriately for walking and outdoor exploration.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and accessibility limitations.

In sum, this tour provides a well-rounded, visually compelling, and locally guided journey into Tskaltubo’s forgotten grandeur. It’s ideal for travelers eager for authentic insights, memorable photos, and a taste of Georgia’s Soviet legacy—without the crowds or fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: