Parks
DENDRARIUM.
This subtropical park was founded in 1892 by Sergey Khudenkov the pablisher from St. Petersburg.
The park contains more than a thousand species of trees brought from all four continents. Some of the more exotic types are a candy tree, a fig tree, an iron tree, a soapberry tree, a strawberry tree, a sakma and a Magonia Billa. The upper park is laid out in formal style and is centred around the residence of the founder, an Italianate villa which is undergoing long-term restoration. From the villa a series of avenues radiate, each flanked by a different type of tree. There are classical pavilions and fountains.
The lower park is reached by an underpass and is designed in the ‘English’ style – that is to say much more freely – with lakes and a stream on which ducks and swans glide idly by. However, this ‘Englishness’ is offset by the sculptures which are most definitely Russian, large, muscular and uncompromising.
RIVIERA.
The Riviera Park was founded in 1898 by a hereditary honorary citizen of Moscow Vasily Khludov. It is a popular park with many cafes and entertainments.
Address: 1, Egorova str., Sochi
BOX TREE GROVE
Box tree and Yew Grove is part of the Caucasian National reserve. It covers 300 hectares (750 acres) and located 20 km from Sochi centre. The road to the grove runs along the right bank of the river Khosta. The valley deepens further upstream. When you enter the park you come to the primeval forest. The cool air is redolent with the misty smell of fallen leaves. The crowns form a solid green mass, obstructing the sunshine. Light green tufts of moss hang down from gnarled branches. The ancient beauty of the place is truly enchanting.
The box tree (Buxus sempervirens) is an evergreen tree with small leaves. It lives 500 to 600 years.
Yew trees grow slowly but are long-lived. Some of the giant yew trees in the grove are more than 700 years old.
Another attraction here is an ancient fortress ruin of unknown origin. The grove is also the home of many animals and birds. Visitors leave the box-tree grove deeply impressed by its imitable sanctuary of relict trees the only one of its kind in the world.
Waterfalls
AGURA
The River Agura rises in The Alek Mountains Range (1.000 meters above sea level). In the Agurskoye Gorge the river drops 30 meters (100 feet) in two cascades to form the Agura Waterfalls. The starting point of this walking tour is 10 miles from the city center.
The path begins at the point where a wide forest clearing comes closest to the road. Rising on both sides of the path are giant trees: beech, sycamore and linden. On the left, the river Agura runs through the deep gorge. After 35-40 minute walk you arrive to the first waterfall where the gorge becomes so narrow that the two giant rocks look as if they were split by the strim The water tumbles down the stones and then falls into a small oval lake, about 12 meters (39 feet) deep. If you decide to walk further, the path will lead you to the second waterfall, about 500 meters from the first. The third waterfall, only 6 meters (19.5 feet) high, is squeezed in deep and narrow gorge.
MATSESTA
Roman colonists who lived in Dioscuria, the city which stood on the shores of Sukhumi bay, called the path to Matsesta "the path of the lucky springs". In 1902 Dr Podgurskiy started the development of the spa facilities at the Matsesta sulphur springs, which gained Sochi immense popularity because of the spa’s curative powers.
Matsesta spa now offers unique procedures as well as the most modern and effective equipment and methods. The springs belong to the group of hydrogen-sulphide water. The waters are recommended for rheumatic heart diseases, polyarthritis, neuralgia etc.
On this tour you can visit the big spa complex and see the rock caves which formerly gave rise to the stream.
Tours
KRASNAYA POLYANA
This Tour involves a 2 hour drive (42 miles) in either direction. Some of the journey is on a very winding road. We recommend bringing a light jacket, as it may be cool in the mountains. This tour provides an exciting opportunity for an exploration into the Caucasus Mountains. This small mountain resort lies at an altitude of about 2,000 feet and is surrounded by mountains and alpine meadows. In recent years it has been developed into a ski resort, favored by Russia's President (see Skiing page). The spectacular road to the resort follows the Mzymta River, passing through a steep gorge beyond the village of Monastyrka.
Once you arrive at Krasnaya Polyana you are free to explore this scenic resort at your own pace. For the more adventurous, take to the mountain air by having a ride on the ski lift to the summit (2,000 meters).
Krasnaya Polyana is also a starting point for some hiking trips to the mountains.
TEA PLANTATIONS
This tour enables the visitor to view a fully working tea plantation and sample the delights of Russian tea.You will travel for 30 minutes west along the Black Sea coastline and high up into the hills of Dagomys. Situated 13 miles from Sochi, Dagomys is Russia's tea capital and also a favoured holiday resort. Along the journey, you will enjoy stunning views of greater Sochi, the sea and the mountains from a viewpoint on the slopes of Mount Armyanka. Upon arrival at the Dagomys plantation you will visit a small yet interesting museum of Russian samovars. Then you will continue your journey toward the Tea Chalet. You will be invited to sample tea grown at the plantations along with homemade pies and other culinary delights. The highlight of the trip is a short presentation of Russian folklore performed by a local dance company. The journey back to Sochi will be along the same route.
