Tskhaltubo Old Soviet Spa Tour
Description
Join us on this historical tour of Tskhaltubo which was once one of those spa resorts on the so-called Soviet Riviera. Tskaltubo became an important spa-resort during the Soviet times. Eventually, there were 19 sanatoriums and pensions, nine baths, a resort park and the Scientific Institute of Balneology and Physiotherapy.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Tskhaltubo was one of those spa resorts on the so-called Soviet Riviera. Eventually, construction on its 18 sanatoriums began in the 1920s, and by the 1980s, trains drove in daily from Moscow. Since the 18th century, several foreign researchers gave word of the healing properties of the Tskaltubo springs. Meanwhile, in 1920 the territory of Tskaltubo became state property, and it acquired the function of balneology resort. Balneotherapy is the treatment of disease and medical conditions by bathing in mineral-enriched water. In 1953, Tskaltubo became an important spa-resort during the Soviet times. Tskaltubo mineral water cures both diseases from the limbs, peripheral nervous system and skin. It also cures cardiac and vascular diseases. The water emerges at a comfortable temperature for bathing, in fact it is directly transferred from the springs to the baths, without cooling or heating.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(12)
We were lucky enough to be the only ones to have booked the tour that day, being able to practically enjoy a private tour. Akaki was a very knowledgeable and helpful Guide, and with great respect for the places we visited and the people who still reside there. The places we saw are really beautiful and interesting, and it was absolutely worth it.
I cannot recommend this tour more, if you want to learn about the abandoned sanatoriums and their histories. For me it is important to know the context of what I am looking at. This tour did not disappoint! Akaki is a great tour guide! He picked me up from my hotel very punctually. He is warm and friendly and very easy to talk to. His knowledge is extensive! You will learn a lot. He takes you to several sanatoriums that are all very different in look and former purpose. Without a guide, I wouldn’t have found this all myself. He is also very mindful or guest safety in the buildings and bonus - he knows exactly which angles you can get the best photos from! This tour is a must if you stay in Kutaisi!
I was supposed to have a private tour starting at 1 pm. At 1:15, the guide sent me a text changing the time to 2 pm and telling me there are four other people on the tour. Normally, I wouldn't mind being in a group, but I'm a travel writer and have found private tours to be more productive for me. He went on to tell me that it could not have been a private tour at the price I was paying. I told him that the Viator site listed the tour at 1 pm and listed the price I had paid for a private tour. By now, I'd been standing in the hot sun waiting for him for 20+ minutes, and I told him to cancel my tour. He promptly did so.
Poor communication. Changed time without notice. Changed tour from private to group. Complained about tour price. I had booked the tour for today at 1 p.m. I emailed the tour compay last evening to find out where the meeting location would be. I didn’t hear anything. At about 1:15 p.m. today, I emailed again. Finally, at 12:40, he responded and told me where to meet. I rushed to get there and was there about 12:50. At 1:08, he sent me a message letting me know there would be four more people on the tour. I responded that I was at the meeting place waiting. He then responded that the tour was at 2, not 1, and that he had forgotten to let me know because he’d been at work overnight and had just gotten out of bed. He also said that it was not a private tour, and that he couldn’t charge just 31 euros for one person. I told him that that’s the price that’s on the Viator site, and there was no minimum listed. I’d specifically booked it as a private tour, because I’m a travel writer and often need to ask questions that other tour clients might no be interested. It also often offers opportunities for customization. So he messed up the time, complained about the tour cost, and booked four more people on a private tour that was supposed to be just for me. No way I was going to spend 3.5 hours with him.
Very interesting tour of Tskhaltubo. Highly recommended. Alone, you never get the insights you get here. Since abandoned buildings aren't exactly the safest places, it's good to have a local guide with you. Would book this tour again at any time.
The tour was informative and the sanatoriums visited were interesting. We were well looked after by our guide Akaki.
This tour is simply amazing! The guide is so knowledgeable, the abandoned buildings were very interesting and the views stunning. It was a lovely sunny afternoon, listening to the history of each sanatorium. We highly recommend. It has been one of the highlights of our five week trip to Georgia.
One of a kind experience with great guidance and information provided by Akaki who knew all the Soviet history and much more. I would not hesitate to all travellers to go this tour. You will get a real slice of this recent history plus some amazing photo shots
One of the best tours we’ve ever been to. Akaki is a fantastic local guide with a great knowledge of Soviet Era and history overall. Also, you can feel the individual approach to the tour: Akaki helps with the best photo spots. This tour would be interesting not only for people from post Soviet countries, but also for Europeans who loves The Last of Us and The Walking Dead. Kudos for Akaki!
As promised, this tour takes you around the now defunct sanatorium&spa complexes of the Soviet era. The host is engaging and well prepared.
