Kutaisi & Tskaltubo: Day Trip from Batumi with Soviet Sanatoriums

Summary

Western Georgia’s old streets, market life and silent Soviet ruins

You’ll taste homemade sweets at Kutaisi’s lively bazaar, climb up to Bagrati Cathedral for sweeping views, then explore Tskaltubo’s haunting Soviet sanatoriums with a local guide who brings each place to life. Expect laughter with vendors, quiet moments in abandoned halls, and glimpses of Georgia both old and new — all in one day.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a slice of churchkhela before I realize we’re even inside Kutaisi’s Green Bazaar. The place smells like tarragon and sweet bread, and there’s this constant background hum — vendors calling out, people haggling, the slap of fish on ice. Our guide, Irakli, knows everyone; he pauses to chat with a woman selling walnuts and she grins at us like we’re old friends. I try to say “madloba” right and she laughs — probably not even close. We buy some cheese that tastes sharp and grassy, nothing like what I get back home.

Bagrati Cathedral sits up on a hill above Kutaisi. The walk up is steeper than it looks (or maybe that’s just me), but when you reach the top there’s this hush — just wind in the grass and the odd bell echoing off stone. Irakli points out where invaders once broke through the walls; he seems proud but also a little sad about it. The view over the city is wide open, all red roofs and green hills. I still think about that light slanting through the old windows.

Later we drive to Tskaltubo, which feels like stepping into someone else’s memory. The sanatoriums are half-swallowed by vines; marble stairs going nowhere, tiles cracked underfoot. It’s quiet except for birds and our footsteps crunching glass. There’s graffiti everywhere but also faded mosaics — you can almost picture people in swimsuits here decades ago, laughing or maybe complaining about the water temperature. We don’t talk much inside, just sort of wander around taking photos and trying not to disturb whatever ghosts are left.

The ride back is sleepy — sun flickering through trees, everyone kind of lost in their own thoughts. Someone opens a window and you can smell cut grass mixed with something metallic from the old buildings behind us. I didn’t expect to feel so much in one day; it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kutaisi and Tskaltubo ruins

• Visit Bagrati Cathedral
• See Colchis Fountain
• Walk Kutaisi Central Bazaar
• Drive to Tskaltubo
• Explore abandoned sanatoriums

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Batumi to Kutaisi & Tskaltubo take?

The full tour duration includes transportation time between Batumi, Kutaisi, and Tskaltubo — plan for a full-day adventure.

Is hotel pickup included for this Kutaisi & Tskaltubo tour?

The tour includes private transportation; pickup details can be arranged at booking.

Are entrance fees covered during the day trip?

Yes, all entry fees and taxes are included in your tour price.

What will I see at Tskaltubo's Soviet sanatoriums?

You’ll explore abandoned spa buildings with marble halls, overgrown courtyards, mosaics and unique photo opportunities.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to provided info.

Can infants join this day trip?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transportation.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed according to tour policy.

Will there be time to explore Kutaisi Central Bazaar?

You’ll have time to stroll through the Green Bazaar and sample local products as part of the itinerary.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transport from Batumi with all entry fees covered along the way; you’ll travel between Kutaisi’s historic sites and Tskaltubo’s abandoned sanatoriums with a local guide who knows every shortcut — plus plenty of stops for snacks or photos whenever you want before heading back in comfort.