Tskaltubo & Chiatura: 2-Day Abandoned Places Tour

Absolutely. While the standard itinerary begins and ends in Kutaisi, we can easily arrange a private transfer from Tbilisi to Tskaltubo or back. This is a great option for travelers based in the capital who want to experience abandoned places in Georgia without needing to plan extra logistics. Just mention your preferred start or end point in the inquiry form, and we’ll customize the urbex tour from Tbilisi to fit your route.

You can join this tour year-round, but each season offers a different charm. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) are especially beautiful, with blooming or colorful landscapes adding contrast to the abandoned Soviet architecture. Summer can be hot in some locations like Chiatura, while rainy days in late autumn or early spring can actually create a moody atmosphere, ideal for urbex photography in Georgia.

If you’re looking for cheaper flights to Georgia, consider traveling in the off-season (November to March), when prices drop and crowds disappear. No matter the month, we’ll make sure the itinerary and lighting conditions work for your goals, just let us know your preferences

Of course! This is one of the best photography tours in Georgia for those interested in abandoned places and Soviet architecture. We’ve hosted many photographers on private trips, and the itinerary can be tailored for slower pacing, specific lighting conditions, or more time at certain locations. It’s a great choice for urbex photography lovers.

For a deeper experience, check out our 3-day and 5-day urbex tours that explore more sites across different regions of Georgia. And to see the stories and visuals behind these locations, check out our articles on Tskaltubo’s abandoned sanatoriums and a day trip to Chiatura.

Note: In Tskaltubo, many iconic buildings like Medea, Metalurgi, and Iveria sanatoriums have been sold or fenced off due to redevelopment. Our team keeps track of access conditions and does everything possible to include the most photogenic and legally accessible spots, but access may vary depending on the situation on the ground.

The tour indeed includes a stop at the Katskhi Pillar, and you can walk right up to the base of this incredible 40-meter limestone monolith. While visitors cannot climb to the top or enter the church (it’s only accessible to monks), the view from below is just as striking. You’ll get a close look at one of Georgia’s most iconic and mysterious landmarks, a must-see for those interested in offbeat sites and spiritual places in Georgia.

Access to Tskaltubo’s abandoned sanatoriums changes frequently. Many buildings, including iconic sites like Medea, Metalurgi, and Iveria, have been privatized, and several are now fenced, under construction, or guarded. So while we try to include all of the locations, we can’t guarantee access to every site. Our guides are experienced in the area and will do their best to show you as many abandoned buildings as possible. In some cases, small entry fees or negotiations with guards may allow access, but others may be off-limits at the time of your visit.

Certainly! We’re happy to tailor your private urbex tour in Georgia to fit your preferences. You can adjust starting or ending points (like starting from Tbilisi instead of Kutaisi), extend the route, or slow the pace for photography. It’s also possible to enhance the experience with wellness options in Tskaltubo, such as massage treatments or access to private pools in the historic Soviet bathhouse.

We can arrange accommodation upgrades, including overnight stays in the former military sanatorium – Legends Spa Resort, and even add extra nights if you’d like more time to explore. Or to exclude overnight stay in Tskaltubo at all, if you prefer to arrange it yourself. Just share your ideas in the inquiry form, and we’ll create a fully custom urbex itinerary for your adventure.