Abkhazia Independence Day Tour

Saturday 26th September – 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.
• For those on our Caucasus Unrecognised Countries Tour we’ll arrive into Sochi by train.
• 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.

Sunday 27th September – Sochi – Adler – Gagra (Abkhazia) – Pitsunda

Morning

• 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.

Monday 28th September – Pitsunda – Sukhumi

Morning

• 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.

Tuesday 29th September – Sukhumi – Tkvarcheli – Sukhumi

Morning

• 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.

Wednesday 30th September – Sukhumi – Abkhazia Independence Day

Morning

• Early morning start with breakfast at the hotel before we experience Abkhazia Independence Day in full.
• We’ll head towards the Memorial Complex to see the president of Abkhazia and important dignitaries and veterans lay flowers for the victims of the war. This will be followed by a ceremony with the Armed Forces of Abkhazia. Veterans and family members will pay their respects before the military parade. You’ll also see Russian Federation soldiers of the 7th Military Base joining the parade.

Afternoon

• Lunch will be at the many food stalls in Freedom Square. It’s also a great opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and veterans.
• 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.
• We’ll watch the evening fireworks before heading to the hotel. For those wishing to enjoy the nightlife in the capital, your guide can recommend a few places.
• Overnight stay in Sukhumi.

Thursday 1st October – 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 at 1:30pm, the tour concludes. YPT can arrange additional nights in Sochi and are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights or trains.