THE LOST PARADISE OF THE SOVIET RIVIERA

We offer bespoke Abkhazia Tours for private travel parties and lone wolves alike. As a traveller-oriented boutique operator, tailored trips and bespoke adventures are our bread and butter. Get in touch for more info on our customised journeys to Abkhazia! Our travel services to Abkhazia are offered in strict compliance with the Georgian Law on Occupied Territories.

Abkhazia

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Please note that the Inguri border crossing between Zugdidi and Gali remains the sole legal entry point to the territory of Abkhazia (Apkhazeti) according to the relevant Georgian Law On Occupied Territories. Entering the separatist region of Abkhazia (Apkhazeti) from the Russian Federation is considered a violation of Georgian sovereignty and we neither offer nor endorse such an option.

DAY 1 • Kutaisi

Our Georgian guide will meet you in the arrival hall of Kutaisi International Airport and take care of your transfer to our hotel of choice in downtown Kutaisi.
Once in Kutaisi, we will visit the Soviet architectural-monumental heritage and the traditional facets of the city, such as the extremely photogenic central bazaar.
We’ll then move on to the former Soviet resort town of Tskaltubo for the night.
Overnight in Tskaltubo.

Day 2 • Tskaltubo to Sukhumi

In the morning we’ll visit Tskaltubo’s architecturally grandiose Soviet Sanatoriums and meet the new dwellers inhabiting them: the internally displaced refugees (IDPs) who escaped the secessionist territory of Abkhazia (Apkhazeti) during the dark days of blood and war that followed the tragic disintegration of the Soviet Union.
After such a prelude, we’ll head for Zugdidi, the last Georgian town before Inguri, the contested border with the de jure unrecognised but de facto independent (or rather suzerain) Republic of Abkhazia.
Warning: the Inguri border crossing between Zugdidi and Gali remains the sole legal entry point to the territory of Abkhazia (Apkhazeti) according to Georgian Law. Entering the separatist region of Abkhazia (Apkhazeti) from the Russian Federation is considered a violation of Georgian sovereignty and we neither offer nor endorse such an option.
After completing border formalities, we'll drive to Tkvarcheli and Akarmara, eerily alluring semi-abandoned coal-mining Soviet towns lost in the green mountains of Eastern Abkhazia.
We'll then take a short tour around the ethnic Georgian town of Ochamchira before continuing our journey to Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia (Apkhazeti), where we’ll arrive in the early evening hours.
Overnight in Sukhumi.

DAY 3 • Sukhumi

Full morning devoted to central Sukhumi: Stalinist palaces, USSR-era promenades, war-torn buildings, botanical gardens, Soviet sanatoria, rickety piers and subtropical flavours.
After lunch we'll drive to the hills to visit the Space Monkeys Sanctuary, a very peculiar place that harbours the descendants of space-race-era primates.
In the afternoon we’ll then hit the city beach for some quality time to be spent sunbathing like a lazy post-Soviet seal while trying to spot the surprisingly common Black Sea dolphins.
Overnight in Sukhumi.

DAY 4 • ABKHAZ MOUNTAINS

We'll start early in the morning and head up north to the fresh air and the magical atmosphere of the Abkhaz Mountains.
We'll travel along a scenic road running parallel to the Bzipi River and before lunch we'll reach Ritsa, a deep-blue mountain lake surrounded by thick forests and subalpine meadows, where we will have the opportunity to visit Stalin's favourite lakeside dacha.
In the afternoon we’ll descend back to the coast and head for the Soviet resort town of Gagra for the night.
Overnight in Gagra.

DAY 5 • Soviet Riviera

Full day devoted to the (former) Soviet Riviera and the seaside towns of Gagra, Gaudata, Pitsunda, Novy Afon and Likhni.
Highlights of the day will include: brutalist-modernist Soviet resorts, Stalinist architectures, Soviet mosaics, Soviet bus stops, pristine pebble beaches, delicious seafood, melancholic marinas and picturesque monasteries.
In the late afternoon we’ll then return to Sukhumi for a last Abkhaz night out with the locals.
Overnight in Sukhumi.

DAY 6 • Farewell to the Caucasus

After sharing a last Abkhaz meal together, we'll take care of your transfer to either Kutaisi International Airport or Batumi International Airport.
For those wishing to take the train/bus to reach further destinations: transfer to the local train/bus station in Zugdidi.
End of the tour.

1690 €

INCLUSIONS
Double/twin-room accommodation (breakfast included), private road transport in Georgia including Abkhazia/Apkhazeti (car/minivan), all entrance fees, English-speaking guiding service, 24/7 on-site and remote assistance.

EXCLUSIONS
Single supplement, international flights, main meals (lunches and dinners), extra drinks, visa fees (if required), tips, travel insurance.

The designations employed and the presentation of the material on this website do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of our company concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
აფხაზეთის ავტონომიური რესპუბლიკის ტერიტორია საერთაშორისოდ აღიარებულია საქართველოს განუყოფელ ნაწილად.