TROPICAL COASTLINES
MOUNTAIN IDYLLS
RELENTLESS CHARM

Once known as the pearl of the Soviet Riviera, the internationally unrecognised Republic of Abkhazia is nowadays a charmingly melancholic shell of its former glory. Still recovering from the bloody conflict that led to its secession from Georgia in the early 90s, this gorgeous land of high peaks and pebble beaches represents a shamefully underrated travel destination that never fails to amaze its rare international guests.

Private Tours Only

In addition to our regular group departures to Georgia, we offer on-request escorted trips to Abkhazia, available exclusively on a private basis. Get in touch with us for more detailed information on our customised Abkhazia Tours!

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 appurtenant article of the Georgian Law On Occupied Territories. Entering Abkhazia (Apkhazeti) from the Russian Federation is considered a violation of Georgian sovereignty and we neither proffer nor endorse this itinerary option.

THE ROUTE

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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.

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 appurtenant article of the Georgian Law On Occupied Territories. Entering Abkhazia (Apkhazeti) from the Russian Federation is considered a violation of Georgian sovereignty and we neither proffer nor endorse this itinerary 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. 

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT ABKHAZIA

Splendid Soviet Architecture: Stalinist grandeur, experimental modernism and colourful mosaics.

Delicious local cuisine: hearty Caucasian meals and soul-burning homemade spirits.

Breathtaking natural sceneries: awe-inspiring mountainscapes, postcard-like coastlines and crystal-clear alpine lakes.

Welcoming locals: proud and gentle people of ancient traditions and heartwarming hospitality.

Bizarre sights: space monkeys, dictators’ dachas and abandoned mining towns.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ABKHAZIA

Late spring (May-June) and late summer (from mid-August to September) are ideal: comfortably warm days and slightly chilly nights. Festivities and celebrations worth travelling for include Victory Day (May 9) and Independence Day (September 30), both marked by grandiose parades and photogenic expressions of national pride.

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO ABKHAZIA?

Short answer: yes, definitely safe.
Long answer: while it is generally ok to walk on your own in Sukhumi after dusk, we recommend to stick to well-lit streets and avoid walking alone when nobody’s around. The districts bordering Georgia (especially the areas around Gali and Tkvarcheli) have a bad reputation for lawlessness and gang activity. This is only partially true, but you should be vigilant at all times when visiting these areas.

The territory of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia is internationally recognised as integral part of Georgia.

აფხაზეთის ავტონომიური რესპუბლიკის ტერიტორია საერთაშორისოდ აღიარებულია საქართველოს განუყოფელ ნაწილად.