Sochi is called the “capital of Russian tourism” for a reason. You can come here to enjoy a beach holiday, beautiful scenery. The warm season here is long, and even in winter it is not as cold as in the center of Russia. But there is not only a gentle sea, beautiful beaches, developed infrastructure and excellent hotels.
Evening Sochi
You will have the opportunity to admire the city, flooded with evening lights, to see it from the most unusual angles. Tourists will visit the central streets, look at the main sights. The guide will tell you about how Sochi looked before the Olympics, and you can appreciate how it has changed after it.
You will also be interested to know why filmmakers love this city so much, and what famous films were filmed here. The tour lasts about 3 hours, during this time even children will not get tired. You will go on a journey in the guide's car. You will drive along Kurortny Prospekt understudy, and, no doubt, you will be impressed by the brightly illuminated tunnels and junctions.
Before you will appear the temple of the Holy Prince Vladimir, the history of which will be told to you by a guide. You will also see the boarding house “Stavropol” – it has a very unusual architecture, and monuments to the Archangel Michael and Emperor Peter the Great. Of course, it is impossible not to visit the seaport, where there are always a lot of ships. And finally, you will climb the view tower “Wind Rose”, where you can take wonderful photos.
Through Gagra to Lake Ritsa
This trip will take about 9 hours, but the time will fly by. Not only Lake Ritsa is beautiful, the road leading to it is also beautiful. The guide will take you in his car and you will visit places where organized tourists who travel by bus usually do not bring. And, of course, wonderful photos will remain as a keepsake.
The guide will tell you about Abkhazia, along the roads of which you will pass. You will hear the history of this country, learn its best legends, pay tribute to the courage of the Abkhaz people. There will even be an opportunity to check how true some of the legends are. For example, they say that if you wash yourself with water from the Blue Lake, you can become younger and more beautiful, and in the waterfall “Girl's Tears” – the most delicious water in the world, besides, this waterfall grants wishes.
You will visit these places, scoop up unusual water. Also, a canyon awaits you, which is called the Stone Bag, in addition, you can visit the cottage of I.V. Stalin and Milk Falls. Of course, there will be stops during a long trip. For example, you will stop by for a bite to eat and try local dishes – khachapuri and hominy, smoked cheese and herbal tea. The guide will also show you where to buy quality wines, the best honey, tea and different types of cheeses.
All Sochi in 8 hours
A very eventful trip, so if you are going to travel with children, calculate their strength. First, the guide will take you to Krasnaya Polyana, on the way he will tell you a lot of interesting things about these places. You will see the Rosa Khutor resort – it is so beautiful that it is not inferior to the best European towns. You can walk along its streets, and if you want, you can also climb the mountainside with the help of a cable car and enjoy the view.
You will also see an unusual suspension bridge, you can experience swings, bungee rides and other attractions in the extreme amusement park. From the observation tower, located on Mount Akhun, a panorama of Greater Sochi opens. The guide will take you through the historical streets of the city, tell you how it was founded, how it grew and developed. You will visit the seaport and the Olympic Park, see the famous objects. A worthy end to the day will be the evening fountain show.
In the footsteps of the Old Man Hottabych
The program lasts only 2.5 hours, so it is perfect not only for young people, but also for tourists of advanced years, and for families with children. Once upon a time, some scenes of the film about the old man Hottabych were filmed in the Ordzhonikidze sanatorium. It was a real “palace for the people.” The guide will tell you about when it was built, about the architects and sculptors who became its creators. During the construction of the ensemble, it was necessary to take into account the climate of the area, the features of the soil, and the landscape.
You will take photos near the “Dancing Bacchantes” fountain and hear the story associated with it. You will also walk through the cedar grove, which is a regional monument. You will find out who had a rest in the Ordzhonikidze sanatorium. Miners and metallurgists, celebrities and ordinary people – the health resort was extremely popular in the era of the USSR. Now you can't go inside, but you can walk around the park as much as you like. The sea is nearby, and the scenery here is simply amazing.
Gagra, New Athos and Lake Ritsa. Discover the beauty and heritage of Abkhazia
The car tour will take 12 hours. You can take children with you if you decide that such a long journey will not be tiring for them. The program includes visiting the most beautiful and famous places in Abkhazia. You will visit the New Athos cave, as well as see the most beautiful monastery.
A picturesque gorge and a visit to the cell of St. Simon the Zealot await you. Also, excellent photos will be obtained near the Psyrtskhinskaya hydroelectric power station. The path to Lake Ritsa is waterfalls, mountains, a canyon – and finally, one of the most beautiful reservoirs on the planet. Along the way, you will stop several times for a bite to eat and taste the most delicious local dishes. The guide will tell you the history of Abkhazia and its legends, and you will fall in love with this amazing country forever.
The mysterious world of the Soviet sanatorium
This is an individual program designed for one or more people. For an hour and a half you will walk around the huge park of the sanatorium named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze. He is already 80 years old, once he was one of the symbols of the USSR – a luxurious palace for workers. Movies were filmed here, and an indescribable magical atmosphere is still preserved here.
Walking along the alleys, you will listen to the guide's story, admire the magnificent buildings. Learn the facts and legends associated with this place. Those who came here might think that they were in a real paradise. Rare plants grow here, the “Dancing Bacchantes” fountain makes a great impression. And, of course, the proximity of the Black Sea gives the landscape a special charm.
Solokhaul: history and traditions of tea growing
One of the most unusual and interesting excursions. This journey will be exciting even for those who have already traveled all around. The trip lasts about 7 hours, you can get on the road with your children, they will also get a lot of vivid impressions. The guide will bring you to Solokhaul village. On the way, you can take many beautiful photos, as the views are amazing. Mountain ranges, rivers, valleys and clouds illuminated by the rays of the sun.
You will visit a plantation and see how tea is harvested. Visit the Judas Koshman Museum, thanks to which tea plants began to be grown in these places. An amazing fact – several varieties of drink are prepared from the sheets of one bush. The guide will talk about professional terms, you will learn how to brew tea according to all the rules, and what sweets can be served with an invigorating drink.
Those who follow all the recommendations remain healthy for many years. You will also collect tea leaves yourself, mix them with herbs, and maybe with berries and fruits to your taste. Prepare a unique drink, and put part of the tea mixture in a beautiful box and take it with you – as a keepsake.
You will also learn that you can draw with tea, and even try to do it. Also, as part of the trip, you will visit the monastery of the Cross Hermitage, and taste the water from the source of the healer Panteleimon.
Jeep adventure around the city
A journey for the curious – those who want to see more than the rest. The trip lasts about 9 hours, but the time flies by. The beauty of nature and the fascinating story of the guide will appeal to both adults and children. You should not hit the road only for those who get motion sickness while driving off-road. The program can be slightly adjusted – if you want to see some sight in the vicinity, the guide will be happy to take you there.
You will definitely see the Eagle Rocks – many legends and legends are associated with this place. The picturesque Navalishchenskoe gorge makes a great impression. Canyons and waterfalls are also waiting for you – you can take great pictures. You will admire the Trinity-Georgievsky Monastery, bow to the shrine. Since the journey is long, the guide will offer to dine in one of the cafes.
You can choose where Russian dishes are served, or prefer another one with Abkhazian cuisine. The trip will end in the evening – you will climb to the platform located on Mount Akhun and see Sochi flooded with lights. The journey is completely safe, no long walks are expected, so people of any age can set off.
Into the mountains! Hike to the Eagle Rocks and Agur waterfalls
Please note that this is a hike. It lasts about 5 hours. You will need suitable clothing and footwear, it is also recommended to bring water with you. The program is very interesting, and another curious fact is that this route is the oldest, it is already a hundred years old. You will see beautiful corners of nature, and you will visit places where it is impossible to drive a car.
You will start your journey with a guide from the sanatorium “Matsesta”, hear a story about how the resort appeared, try mineral water. Then you will climb to the Eagle Rocks, admire the statue of Prometheus. Since the ascent will require some effort, you will cheer yourself up with a cup of aromatic tea, while the guide will tell poetic legends associated with the rocks.
Further you are waited by the river Agur and the valley surrounding it. Here you will see several waterfalls, you can take pictures next to them. And finally, you will walk along the path, which is already more than 100 years old – it was cut into the rock at the beginning of the last century. Swim in the lake if you wish.
This route will make you feel like real travelers discovering uncharted lands. It will be possible to make a detour, wrap up a snack in a cafe, but many tourists prefer to take food with them and have a picnic in the bosom of nature.
The ancient beauty of Abkhazia in a one-day autotour
The journey is long and takes all day. But you will fully get acquainted with Abkhazia, and, of course, fall in love with this wonderful country. First you will see Gagra – this resort makes a great impression, many architectural monuments of the 19th century have been preserved here. You are waiting for a walk along the embankment, a visit to the Seaside Park, sightseeing.
Then you will go to Lake Ritsa, and on the way you will see the Blue Lake, rivers and canyons, and will also stop for lunch. The pearl of Abkhazia is New Athos. People have lived in these parts since time immemorial, so there are remains of ancient settlements here. You will visit the famous monastery, you will see a waterfall, which is a creation of human hands. And, of course, the program includes a visit to the local caves – they are one of the largest in the world.
The route can be adjusted. For example, some tourists would like to go to Stalin's dacha, while another group would prefer to visit the cell where the Apostle Simon the Zealot lived. And the third will choose a tasting of Abkhaz cuisine and local wines. The choice is yours.
Path to the heights: the best panoramic views
Another trip, the program of which can be partly adjusted to the needs of a particular group. But first – to storm the heights. You will visit the famous Skypark – a paradise for extreme sportsmen. They will have a chance to cross the world's longest suspension bridge, try out the “bungee” – in a word, experience the thrill. Other travelers will simply enjoy the beautiful views. You can see how the Olympic venues, gorges, forests look from a height.
Tourists will also visit the ski jumping complex where the athletes competed during the Olympics. With the help of the cable car, travelers will climb one of the mountains and visit the waterfall park.
Then an observation deck awaits you, located at the highest point of the Galaxy Center. In addition, you can ride the monorail railway, visit the Narzan spring, try and buy honey, and dine in a restaurant.
Olympic Legacy
During this trip, which will last 8 hours, you will get acquainted with the Olympic facilities located in Sochi, and you will also see a lot of interesting things. First you will find a complex located by the sea. You will look at the ice palaces and the Fisht stadium, the guide will tell you about how they were built, what competitions were held here, remember the names of the winners, and give interesting facts.
Then you will proceed to the mountain cluster, and on the way you will see a picturesque canyon, a deep gorge, drink cold narzan, and you will pick it up directly from the source. You can stop by the cafe and taste Greek cuisine. Ski resorts are not only about visiting Olympic facilities – you can admire wonderful views, take a walk along the embankment, visit the Galaktika shopping and entertainment center. On its roof is one of the best observation decks in the area.
Hike to Bzerpi peak and sunset in the mountains
Children from the age of 12 and adults can go on this trip. The route is easy, but a certain physical form is still required. As well as suitable clothes and shoes. You will start your journey in the morning, and to the point where the hike will begin, you will climb with the help of a gondola road. You will see very beautiful places, and perhaps you will be able to watch the rare animals that live in these parts.
A pleasant end to the day will be tea drinking, during which you will admire the sunset in the mountains. Mountain ranges and the famous ski resorts of Krasnaya Polyana will appear before you. You can even see the Black Sea from here. The guide will tell you a lot of interesting historical facts, you will learn about the first inhabitants of these places who appeared here in time immemorial, and about the heroes of the wars that were fought here, and about how modern resorts appeared.
Often, tourists manage to watch the shy Caucasian chamois and even take a picture of it. If you do not get tired during the hike, the guide can show you other places of interest in the area.
Cycling in the mountains of Sochi
This route is intended for tourists aged 12 and over. And, of course, you need to know how to ride a bike. If you do not feel completely confident “in the saddle”, then you will not turn off the paved road. More experienced cyclists can also try their hand at the dirt road – this will allow you to see additional very interesting objects.
You will see the Maiden's Tears waterfall, you can take pictures of dolmens, gorges and valleys. Near the Dragon's Mouth waterfall, the guide will organize a picnic, and then you will walk to the ruins of an ancient temple and an ancient fortress. The guide will tell you the fascinating history of the Silk Road, and those who turn onto the “primer road” will be able to visit the cave inhabited by Neanderthals. Bicycles, helmets and backpacks can be rented and the journey will take approximately 6 hours.
Fall in love with Sochi in 2 hours
Of course, a person who is in love with him should tell about this beautiful city. During a two-hour walk around Sochi, you will see its main sights and learn a lot of new things. In books and booklets you will not read about what only the locals know. You will visit an old park where ladies in long dresses used to walk, see the Winter Theater, the seaport, taste mineral water from the spring and visit the art museum.
The guide will also show you modern streets, tell you unusual facts about the Vereshchaginsky Bridge, name those who are the pride of Sochi, as they have done a lot for the development of the city. The walk will not be tiring, as it does not involve ups and downs. If you come to these parts to relax, you can ask the guide questions – what is worth visiting, where is the best place to eat, what souvenirs to buy and the like.
A great journey through the “Russian Switzerland”
A long but comfortable journey will take the whole day. You will see ski resorts – modern, but stylized antique. They are reminiscent of charming European cities.
You will go up by cable car, you will be able to appreciate the taste of local mineral water, you will visit a large cultural center. And, of course, an interesting guide story awaits you.
On the way, you will have to look at the village of Moldovka – where the Bessarabians once settled, and make a stop at the Chvizhepse spring. After visiting the ski resorts, you will go to the cable car lift to admire the mountain scenery from above. In the center “My Russia” you can see the models of the most famous architectural structures of the country.
There are also master classes. You can learn how to weave products from a vine or make dishes from clay. Then you will visit the Olympic Park with its unique ice palaces and the Fisht Stadium, and the show of singing fountains will be the end of the trip. If tourists who are prone to extreme entertainment go on a trip, it will be possible to additionally visit the Skypark.
Myths and legends of the Black Sea coast
This program will interest everyone who loves history, literature, is fond of mythology. First, you will hear interesting facts about the city of Sochi itself, and then hit the road. The Agur Gorge and the statue of a beautiful girl who once fed and watered Prometheus are waiting for you. There is also a sculpture of an eagle that tormented the hero.
The guide will tell you about the flowering of the fern, the “Devil's Font”, you will approach the picturesque waterfalls and take pictures next to them. Next, you have to find out who the god Achin is and where he lived. You will visit the observation deck, admire the boxwood grove. And, finally, you will hear the legend about the beautiful Matsesta, go into the cave, the guide will tell you about underground waters and how the bathroom buildings were built. In the hot season, the route is adjusted due to the fact that some reservoirs dry up.
Beauty of the city and surroundings
The program is very intense, the journey lasts about 5 hours. The guide will tell you that Sochi is not only a resort and a place where the Olympic Games were held, but also just a very interesting city with a rich history. You will see its main streets and the sea station, admire the snow-white ships, find out where popular films were filmed.
Then you will go to Mount Akhun, and, having climbed the tower of the same name, you will see a charming panorama in front of you. The guide will show you the empty restaurant and the famous sanatorium named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze. And finally, you will walk around the legendary Olympic Park and see its facilities.
3 resorts of Krasnaya Polyana and the Olympic Park
A bus tour to which you will dedicate the whole day. But it’s better that way – take your time and enjoy the most beautiful places. First you will go to the famous ski resorts of Krasnaya Polyana, and on the way you will take beautiful photos in the canyon, climb to the observation deck, drink narzan directly from the source, and sit in a cafe, taste various varieties of honey and national dishes of the Caucasus.
Each of the ski resorts of Krasnaya Polyana is worthy of your attention – there are amazingly beautiful buildings surrounded by picturesque mountains. The guide will recommend that you take the cable car up to see the local scenery from a bird's eye view. And your journey will end on the coast, near the Olympic facilities. The guide will tell you about each of them. The finale will be a show of singing fountains.
Marvelous gorge of the river Khosta
This walk is suitable, first of all, for adult travelers who want to relax in peace. The itinerary can be adjusted depending on the time you want to spend in the mountains. On average, you can count on 2-5 hours. You will visit the Navalishchensky Gorge, feed the fish, breathe in the cleanest air, taste delicious dishes of Caucasian cuisine. The Khosta River looks very picturesque, there are a lot of fish here, you can see ducks, and badgers in the forest.
You will also take a walk through the boxwood grove on your own, inhaling its unique aroma. The guide will tell you a lot of interesting things, take you to a cafe where you will have a snack. You can also visit the bath if you wish. The peculiarity of this route is that it is suitable for both active tourists and those who do not like to walk a lot and just want to spend time in nature.
Hotel Escape: Trekking to Waterfalls and Canyons
During this journey, you will walk about 15 km, so evaluate your strength, prepare comfortable clothes and shoes. You will set off on your way to the waterfalls on the Azhek River. The guide will take you along the protected paths of the Colchis forest. Dinosaurs roamed here millions of years ago. Today you can see a curious raccoon or even a wary roe deer. 4 waterfalls are waiting for you, including one that is very rarely visited by tourists – not everyone knows about it.
You can swim, cross a mountain river on a makeshift bridge, and appreciate the local mineral water. The guide will tell you about the flora and fauna of these places, tell beautiful legends, list sights in the vicinity. If you wish, you can additionally visit more distant waterfalls. As a memento of this walking tour, you will have many amazingly beautiful pictures.
The beauty and legends of the nearby mountains
Suitable for everyone – adults and children, single travelers and a large company. You will get acquainted with the surroundings of Sochi and see the most beautiful natural corners. Take pictures of lakes and waterfalls, learn a lot about the traditions of the local people, get acquainted with amazing legends. The Agur Gorge and the “Devil's Font” are waiting for you, hiding many secrets.
You might be able to watch rockfalls. You will forever remember the rock to which the hero Prometheus was chained. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Caucasus Range. The guide will take you to the observation deck located on Mount Akhun. Those who wish will be able to climb on the Ferris wheel – literally to the very clouds.
Krasnaya Polyana: Legacy of the Olympics
A very interesting route, during which you will see not only the Olympic complexes, but also the most beautiful corners of nature. Visit the cave where the Neanderthals once lived. You will listen to the noise of the Mzymta River, take a picture of the canyon and the suspension bridge. In the gorge of Akh-tsu, unusual layers of limestone will attract attention, and then you will drink narzan from the source.
In Krasnaya Polyana you will taste honey and chacha, have lunch, and then climb the mountainside in a gondola or cable car chair. Next, Rosa Khutor is waiting for you – a resort, like two drops of water similar to a European one, and the Galaxy Center with its magnificent observation deck. Here you can buy unusual souvenirs.
The route will end with a visit to the Olympic Park.
Rosa Khutor – the heart of Krasnaya Polyana
Would you like to see a resort that is not inferior to those in Switzerland? You have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Rosa Khutor village. People have lived in these places since time immemorial, but this settlement itself was built for the Olympics. Small towns in Europe are taken as a model.
You will walk along the embankment, admire the river, hear a story about how the village was built, and learn interesting facts related to the Olympics. Take the cable car up to a great height. From here, from the slope of the mountain, an amazing panorama opens up. You will also taste healing narzan, and if you wish, you can collect it in a container to treat your friends.
Trekking tour of the Psakho canyons
Going on this journey, you will feel complete unity with nature. The route is suitable for everyone except small children. You will see the places where the Colchis forest grows, walk along the bottom of the Wet Canyon, admire the most beautiful subtropical vegetation. There are many flowers and vines, boxwood is adjacent to moss. Small waterfalls are very picturesque.
Then you will visit the Dry Canyon – there are sections with narrow passages – even the light does not break through here. Bats live in the Kolokolnaya cave, which you will visit, and it will be pleasant to swim in the backwaters of the Kudepsta River. All the necessary equipment for the route is provided for rent.
Going to rest in Sochi, do not limit yourself to acquaintance directly with the city. The surroundings of the resort are amazingly beautiful. And experienced guides who are in love with their region will be happy to introduce you to them.