Stalin's Dacha & Sochi Highlights

Duration: 4 hours

Tour Code: soc-001

Explore the highlights of the Black Sea coast during this tour of Sochi, and a visit to a Dacha which was once the former summer residence of Joseph Stalin.

Depart the pier and make the short drive to the Park Hotel, where you will commence your walking tour along the upper part of the seafront. Making your way up to the very center of Sochi, the Theatre Square, you'll see the magnificent Winter Theater building.

Re-joining your coach, your tour continues to the renowned Matsesta Spa. This is one of Sochi's oldest and most popular sulfur-springs spas and is housed in a palatial building. The word Matsesta literally means "fire water" and was named by the ancient Adygs. The waters here are said to contain over 27 minerals, including sulfur, iodine and bromine, and are considered to be therapeutic in the treatment of several medical conditions. During your visit, time is provided to stroll around and take photos.

Next, you'll travel up into the lush green hills that overlook the pebble-strewn beaches of Sochi. Here, nestled amongst towering California pine trees, you will find the imposing three story villa that was once Joseph Stalin's secret dacha. The subdued, grey-green color of its imposing facade was intentional, serving to camouflage it from prying eyes, unfriendly visitors or possible artillery attacks from the sea. Built in 1937, this stately residence with it's shaded verandahs is now open to the public and serves as a remarkable and historic hotel for well-connected visitors to Sochi. The villa remains nearly as it was in Stalin's time, with most of its original fixtures still in place. There is even a life-sized wax image of Stalin to be found here, seated at his table before a silver ink pot that was presented to him by Mao Zedong.

At the conclusion of your visit, you will re-board your coach and transfer back to the pier.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 2-hours of moderate walking/standing and includes some uneven surfaces. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned only to participate to the extent of their personal stamina and ability and may make arrangements with the guide to not participate in some of the walking portions of the tour at the Masetsa Spa and Stalin's Dacha. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please bear in mind that guides, though knowledgeable and the best available, may not be as skilled as those found in the larger tourist centers of the Mediterranean, or other parts of Europe. The order of the sites viewed or visited may vary.