YPT Tours to Abkhazia
In brighter times, the sunny and tropical region of Abkhazia was called the jewel in the crown of the USSR. Our Abkhazia tours follow that legacy and will give you jaw dropping mountains rolling into the sparkling waters of the Black Sea and palm tree lined streets with grand Tsarist era buildings running into lush tropical gardens. The region is truly beautiful and was the destination of choice for the Soviet elite, including Josef Stalin himself.
In the aftermath of the collapse of the USSR, Abkhazia refused to be incorporated into the newly formed republic of Georgia which resulted in a blood soaked ethnic conflict which saw thousands slaughtered in brutal urban warfare and ethnic cleansing. Georgia suffered a bitter defeat and withdrew from the region which rapidly descended into anarchy.
Today, Abkhazia remains unstable but survives on cash flow from Russia and a steady flow of Russian tourists seeking a cheap Black Sea vacation. The breakaway republic remains a fascinating time warp back to the Soviet Union. This is a place where Lenin still stands and the local zoo proudly shows off the apparent descendants of the monkeys the Soviets sent into space decades ago. Despite the trauma of war, the locals are mostly warm, friendly and hospitable and welcome guests with open arms.
Group tours to Abkhazia
Currently, YPT offers one yearly group tour to Abkhazia, starting and ending in Sochi. The 6-day tour is packed full of adventures, including a visit to Joseph Stalin’s dacha, explore forgotten ghost towns which thrived during the Soviet era and interact with the local community in this less frequented part of the world.
Abkhazia Independence Day Tour – September 26th-October 1st, 2024 – $1695
You can also visit Abkhazia alongside Moscow, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Stavropol Krai, Karachay-Cherkessia, Adygea & Krasnodar Krai and South Ossetia on our epic road-trip in the Caucasus!
Ultimate Chechnya and Caucasus Unrecognised Countries Tour – September 9th – October 1st 2024 – $7595
Independent Tours to Abkhazia
Abkhazia and the Caucuses have always been a favourite for YPT, not only for their complex history with links to the Byzantine Empire, Ottomans and Imperial Russia, but also how the collapse of the Soviet Union has caused its current geopolitics.
Abkhazians are proud of their cultural identity which is perfect to experience on independent and bespoke Abkhazia tours. Prices depend on the number of people and what level of accommodation you desire, but YPT can arrange everything you need for perfect independent Abkhazia tours.
Example of an Abkhazia Itinerary (6 days)
Day 1 – Sochi (Russia)
- Arrive at your own leisure into Sochi. The largest resort city in Russia is well connected with Moscow, Dubai, Istanbul and the Caucuses. Self-transfer to our centrally located hotel.
- Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 12:30pm to discuss the tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
- We’ll begin our tour of Sochi. The largest resort city in Russia has hosted the Winter Olympics in 2004 and FIFA World Cup in 2008, which saw major growth and development. Despite this, Sochi still boats many historic Soviet monuments, architecture and mosaics. We’ll spend the afternoon discovering them.
- We’ll head out for dinner in the city, and for those inclined, a few refreshments at a local establishment.
- Overnight stay in Sochi.
Day 2– Sochi – Adler – Gagra (Abkhazia) – Pitsunda
- Early morning start with breakfast before we check out.
- Our morning begins at 8:30am. We’ll meet our local guide for an introduction on Abkhazia and a remainder of the guidelines we must follow during our time in the partially recognised Republic of Abkhazia.
- We’ll head towards Adler, a microdistrict which serves as border town between Russia and Abkhazia. It also hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics.
- Once we reach the border, we’ll disembark our vehicle for passport control, before we head into Abkhazia. Your guides will assist you with border formalities.
Afternoon
- Lunch at Gagra. During the imperial and soviet eras, this was a popular spa retreat due to its subtropical climate.
- Gagra has beautiful architecture, but we’ll turn our focus towards visiting abandoned derelict Soviet era buildings. Gagra experienced fiacre fighting during the war which ultimately led to the expulsion and genocide of Georgians in the region.
- Lake Ritsa. The beautiful lake is surrounded by mountain forest. It’s a perfect place to take a swim. Hidden deep within the forest is Joseph Stalin’s dacha which was used in the summer, and that we will visit.
- We’ll continue to Pitsunda, a resort town which was frequented by Khrushchev and senior officials of the Communist Party. We’ll make rest stops along the way.
- On arrival, we’ll check into our hotels and freshen up before heading out for dinner.
- Overnight stay in Pitsunda.
Day 3 – Pitsunda – Sukhumi
- Breakfast at the hotel before we check out.
- Walking tour of Pitsunda, a popular destination during the Soviet era. Unfortunately, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, many resorts and buildings fell into disrepair. You’ll have the opportunity to explore some earie abandoned resorts. A perfect morning for Urbex lovers!
Afternoon
- We’ll continue to Sukhumi. Along the scenic journey, we’ll stop at a local village for lunch. It’s also a great place to purchase homemade wine and interact with the local community.
- New Athos Cave, often referred to as “Bottomless Pit”. This cave was explored in 1961. Due to its natural beauty and sheer size, it became a tourist attraction in the Soviet era featuring its own underground railway.
- Next, we’ll go for a hike up to Iverian Mountain and visit Anakopia Fortress. The strategic location was used by Leon I of Abkhazia against Islamist expansion. Nowadays the fortress is a popular place due to its impressive views.
- We’ll continue to Sukhumi, stopping along the scenic journey for rest stops and photo opportunities.
- On arrival to the capital of Abkhazia, we’ll check in to our hotel before heading out for dinner and drinks.
- Overnight stay in Sukhumi.
Day 4– Sukhumi – Tkvarcheli – Sukhumi
- Leisurely morning start with breakfast at the hotel.
- We’ll head to the former coal capital, Tkvarcheli. The ghost town thrived during the Soviet era, however many inhabitants fled during the war and only a population of 35 remains.
- You’ll have the morning to explore abandoned apartments, factories and official buildings. A genuine tour highlight and a perfect opportunity to get eerie pictures.
Afternoon
- We’ll stop at a small café and grab some coffee and a light lunch.
- We continue to explore the region and visit more ghost towns. If we’re lucky, we’ll meet the very few residents and learn about the tragic events which took place here.
- We’ll take the scenic route back to Sukhumi taking rest stops along the way.
- On arrival, we’ll have some time to relax and freshen up before heading out for dinner and drinks.
- Overnight stay in Sukhumi.
Day 5 – Sukhumi
- Early morning start with breakfast at the hotel.
- Walking tour of Sukhumi, discovering the less frequented parts of the capital and learning about the lives of the local residents.
Afternoon
- Lunch in Freedom Square. It’s also a great opportunity to interact with the friendly locals.
- Once we’re ready, we’ll explore Sukhumi, visiting important sites along our walking tour. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs including flags, pins and Soviet relics.
- We’ll head back to the centre to catch the concert and see war re-enactments. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the celebrations at your own pace and capture awesome pictures.
- For dinner, we’ll head to the restaurant for traditional Abkhazian food and a few drinks to celebrate our final night together.
- Overnight stay in Sukhumi.
Day 6 – Sukhumi – Sochi (Russia)
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- We’ll depart Sukhumi and journey back to Sochi. Your guides will assist with Abkhazian and Russian border formalities.
- Once we arrive to Sochi, the tour concludes. YPT can arrange additional nights in Sochi and are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights or trains. Alternatively continue onward to South Ossetia.
Bespoke tours to Abkhazia
As part of our travel packages in the Caucasus, we can offer bespoke and independent tours to Abkhazia. These can be done as full Abkhazia tours or be combined with other countries.
For more information on the following programs, simply get in touch.
Moscow to Abkhazia by train
We are able to create a bespoke tour throughout the year to Abkhazia, starting from Moscow. You can discover and explore the Russian capital with an expert guide then board the train to Sochi where you’ll be picked up and transferred to Abkhazia.
Victory Day tour
Although we cover group tours for the National Day celebrations in Abkhazia, we only take small private groups exclusively for the Victory Day celebrations in Sukhumi.
Urbex Tours
Abkhazia had thriving cities and towns during the Soviet era, many of which were abandoned during the war. These forgotten and frozen sites are perfect for Urbex tours.
Nature-focused Abkhazia tours
Abkhazia’s nature is incredibly underrated. Its beautiful rural villages, with pristine rivers and lakes make it an ideal place for hiking, cycling, kayaking and camping. It makes a perfect retreat for those enjoy the peaceful outdoors.
Historic Abkhazia tours
The ancient history of the region is perfect for those seeking to discover elements from the Byzantine Empire, Kingdom of Abkhazia, Ottoman domination and Russian Empire. Our bespoke itinerary can cater for your needs to visit many sites.
Soviet architecture and monuments Tour
Abkhazia is an open-air museum with Soviet relics found throughout the region. Our bespoke independent tours are specially designed to discover these pieces of art which are unfortunately disappearing.
Gastronomy tours in Abkhazia
Abkhazia culturally live of the land they live on, so it’s not uncommon to see self-sufficient household and villages, producing some of the most delicious food and wine. We’ll take you on tour to experience Abkhazia’s gastronomy.
Abkhazia to South Ossetia tours
We are able to include both unrecognised countries from the Caucuses. Your bespoke tour can start in either Abkhazia or South Ossetia, with entry and exit from Sochi or Vladikavkaz in Russia. For those wishing to include Transnistria, this can be also arranged. Please get in touch for more details.
Filming in Abkhazia
Through our media arm Pioneer Media, we can make arrangements for productions, journalists, or others to film within Abkhazia from big-budget to guerrilla productions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVEL TO ABKAZIA
Do I need a visa to visit Abkhazia?
Yes, Abkhazia entry requirements for foreign tourists can be a lengthy and difficult process. We are able to secure your permits to enter Abkhazia. All you need to do is provide us with your passport details. This process must be done 6 weeks prior to departure.
Do I need a visa for Russia if I want to book Abkhazia tours?
Yes, as you must enter the Russian Federation before entering Abkhazia, you’ll need a Russian visa. We will provide you with a letter of invitation (LOI) for you to obtain a double entry visa.
Is it safe to travel in Abkhazia?
Abkhazia is a very safe country. Like in any other city, avoid displaying your passport, large sums of cash and valuables. Always be cautious of your belongings in bars and busy areas.
What is the best time to visit Abkhazia?
May to September is the best period to visit Abkhazia, as it means that the roads to the mountains will be open and the weather will be warm enough to enjoy a swim in the Black Sea. On the 30th of September is Abkhazia independence day which features a Soviet military parade, a patriotic concert in the evening and celebrations go on deep into the night.
Can I get vegetarian and vegan food in Abkhazia?
Abkhazia offers a wide range of dishes which can cater for vegetarians and vegan. Although in rural areas, options are limited.
Can I visit Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transnistria together?
You can visit all three post-Soviet separatist states. We can create bespoke independent tours starting from South Ossetia to Abkhazia then take a flight from Sochi to Chisinau where you can explore Transnistria.
How do I get to Abkhazia?
The only way to enter Abkhazia is by overland border crossing from Russia. Therefore your Abkhazia tours can start from Sochi or Moscow.
Can I visit Abkhazia from Georgia?
Georgia does not recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and the border remains closed for to the unrecognized states. However, we run tours to Abkhazia which can start from either Moscow or Sochi. Get in touch to find out more.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Abkhazia?
We do strongly recommend that travellers to all our destinations have travel insurance. Accidents or medical conditions can happen anywhere and it’s best to be prepared. A proper travel insurance should include coverage for (medical) evacuation/repatriation costs by helicopter, plane or ship.
You should always do your own research about insurance, but we at YPT use IATI. Using our referral link below will give you a 5% discount off their usual price: https://www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en/?r=23612524710385
Why travel with Young Pioneer Tours on Abkhazia tours?
We are currently the only international tour company offering Russia and Abkhazia tours. We’ve been running tours to Abkhazia for many years and continue to do so, as we believe in travel and transparency.
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