Urbex tour – Abandoned sanatoriums and Aircraft

Exploring the Abandoned Sanatoriums and Aircraft in Tskaltubo: A Unique Urbex Experience

Imagine wandering through the silent, crumbling halls of grand Soviet-era sanatoriums, the echoes of a bygone era whispering from every corner. That’s exactly what this Urbex tour in Tskaltubo offers—an intriguing journey into Georgia’s Soviet past via a carefully guided exploration of abandoned buildings and even an aircraft. It’s a one-day adventure that combines history, architecture, and a hint of mystery, perfect for those curious about the stories behind forgotten relics.

What makes this experience stand out? We love how the tour balances historical insight with the thrill of urban exploration, all while providing practical tips from seasoned explorers. However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves walking through uneven surfaces, which might not be suitable for everyone. Still, if you’re interested in offbeat, authentic adventures that reveal stories often hidden from travelers, this tour will suit you well.

This tour suits travelers with a sense of adventure, a love for history, and those eager to explore beyond the usual sights. It’s ideal for explorers comfortable with walking and standing in somewhat rugged conditions. If you’re looking for an experience that combines history, architecture, and a touch of the eerie, this tour promises a memorable day.

Key Points

• Historical Exploration: Discover the once-glamorous Soviet sanatoriums and learn about their significance in Georgia’s past.
• Unique Settings: Walk through abandoned buildings like Stalin’s personal bathhouse and the Central Bathhouse.
• Authentic Urbex: Gain tips from a professional urban explorer, ensuring you capture great photos and respect the sites.
• Comfortable Transportation: Enjoy convenient round-trip transportation from Tbilisi, making it easy to focus on exploring.
• Limited Group Size: Private tours mean personalized attention and a more immersive experience.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

The Full Experience: What to Expect on the Tour

Starting from Tbilisi, the tour kicks off with a pickup, typically arranged from your accommodation or a central location. The journey to Tskaltubo is smooth and comfortable, giving you plenty of time to get excited about the adventure ahead. Once you arrive, the guide—who is fluent in English—begins a detailed walk-through of the history of the sanatoriums, providing context that transforms the visual experience into a compelling story.

The Sanatoriums: A Walk Through Time

Your main focus will be the abandoned sanatoriums, which once attracted the Soviet elite for their mineral springs and luxurious treatments. Now, these grand buildings are relics of a different era. We loved how the guide shared insights into their history—these were not mere buildings but symbols of Soviet grandeur and health tourism. You’ll stroll through the halls where high-ranking officials, including possibly Stalin himself, once roamed. The Central Bathhouse and Stalin’s personal bathhouse are the highlights, showcasing impressive Soviet architecture in decay.

Expect to spend around three hours exploring these sites, with plenty of opportunities to take photos and appreciate the architecture in its current state of decay. Photography is encouraged, and the guide offers tips on capturing the haunting beauty of the abandoned structures.

Exploring Abandoned Aircraft

One of the tour’s more unique features is the exploration of abandoned aircraft. Though details are limited, it’s clear that this adds an extra layer of adventure to the day. Seeing these relics from a past era adds an atmospheric and slightly surreal element, perfect for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Practical Details and Comfort

The tour is designed to be accessible, but there’s a focus on walking and standing on uneven surfaces. We recommend comfortable shoes and warm clothing, especially since some of the structures are exposed and weather conditions can vary. The guide provides water, coffee, and snacks, which is a thoughtful touch, helping you stay energized during the exploration.

The Return Journey

After three hours of exploration, the group boards the transport back to Tbilisi, where the day concludes. Many reviewers, like Amandine, have described the experience as “incredible,” emphasizing how much they enjoyed the mix of history and adventure.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Absolutely, especially if you’re interested in urban exploration, Soviet history, or architecture. The guide, Tinatin Goguadze, is praised for her knowledge and professionalism, making the experience educational as well as exciting. The small group format ensures you get personalized attention and can ask plenty of questions.

Pricing is worth considering; when you compare the cost of transportation, guided insights, and the opportunity to explore sites often closed off to the public, the value is clear. This isn’t just a photo opportunity but a chance to walk through the echoes of Georgia’s Soviet past in a respectful and well-organized manner.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for explorers, history enthusiasts, and photographers looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure. It’s not ideal for children under 12, those with mobility issues, or anyone with respiratory problems, given the nature of the sites and walking conditions. It’s also a private group, which means a more intimate atmosphere and flexibility in exploring.

If you’re comfortable with uneven walking surfaces and are eager to see something different from the typical Georgian sights, this tour offers a compelling blend of history, architecture, and adventure. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Georgia’s past in a tangible, visually striking way.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from Tbilisi to Tskaltubo and back is included, making logistics straightforward and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about one day, with a typical sightseeing window of around three hours in Tskaltubo.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, as there will be walking on uneven surfaces. Warm clothing is recommended, especially outside of summer.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely, photography is encouraged. The guide even offers tips to help you capture the haunting beauty of the sites.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but water, coffee, and snacks are provided during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally not suitable for children under 12 due to walking conditions and the nature of the sites.

What about accessibility?
People with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, or respiratory issues might find this tour challenging due to uneven surfaces and site conditions.

Final Thoughts

This Urbex tour in Tskaltubo offers a genuinely different perspective on Georgia—one rooted in history, architecture, and adventure. It’s a compelling choice for those curious about the Soviet era and looking to explore sites off the standard tourist trail. The experience not only satisfies a sense of curiosity but also provides stunning photographic opportunities and insightful storytelling from knowledgeable guides.

Whether you’re a seasoned urban explorer or someone simply eager to see a different side of Georgia, this tour balances intrigue, education, and fun in a way that few other excursions can match. Just remember to pack comfortable shoes, keep an open mind, and prepare for a day full of stories hidden in abandoned walls.