Dmanisi & Bolnisi Tour: Discover Georgia's Ancient Human Remains and Oldest Church
5.0
2 Ratings
Embark on a private full-day tour to Dmanisi and Bolnisi in Georgia. Explore the ancient human remains at Dmanisi Archeological Site and visit the oldest church in Georgia. Discover the history of early humans, German settlements, and early Christian architecture. Enjoy traditional cuisine and wine tasting along the way.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Dmanisi Sioni - You will visit Dmanisi Sioni built in the 6th century described as a “three-church” basilica that with an unusual design in which the nave is completely separated from the aisles and create almost three independent churches. Only the middle nave retains its original form. The church served as a burial ground to King Vakhtang III, Baratashvili and Orbeliani families.
  • Dmanisi Museum Reserve - You will visit Dmanisi Archeological Site to explore the place where 1.8 million years old hominin remains, the oldest outside Africa and the oldest in Europe, were discovered in 1991.
  • Bolnisi Museum - You will visit Bolnisi Museum to explore the exhibition that shows the history of the first hominins, emergence of agriculture, ancient metallurgy and Bronze Age cultures, early-Christian architecture, examples of the old Georgian inscriptions and stone, clay objects of medieval era. The last hall is dedicated to the history of the German population who immigrated to Georgia 200 years ago.
  • Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral - You will visit Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral built in 478–493 that is the oldest extant church building in Georgia. The cathedral is known for its inscriptions that are one of the oldest historical documents of the Georgian alphabet. The decoration of the building has Persian influence. The hunting depictions and sculpture are similar to Iranian 4th and 5th century art and architecture.
  • Tsughrughasheni Monastery - You will visit Tsughrughasheni Church that was built in 1212–1222 by King Lasha-Giorgi. The church resembles the other churches from the period but it is smaller with higher cupola. It is rich with ornaments.
What's Included
  • English-speaking guide for a personalized experience
  • Stay connected with onboard WiFi
  • Comfortable and private A/C transportation
  • Indulge in local flavors with a wine tasting
  • Enjoy a lunch included in your tour
  • Hassle-free entrance with all tickets included
  • Stay hydrated with complimentary bottled water
Additional Information

Explore Georgia’s deep history with a comprehensive all-day tour to Dmanisi and Bolnisi. This tour includes a visit to the Dmanisi Archeological Site, renowned for the ancient human skeletons Zezva and Mzia, which, at 1.8 million years old, are the most ancient human remains discovered in Europe. Marvel at Dmanisi Sioni cathedral, a monument of the 6th century, and Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral, the oldest church in Georgia built during 478–493. The itinerary also includes the Tsughrughasheni Church, an architectural wonder of the 13th century. Visitors will also have a chance to visit the Bolnisi Museum, which showcases exhibits on the first hominins, Bronze Age cultures, early-Christian architecture, and the German population’s immigration to Georgia 200 years ago. The journey includes a visit to the German settlement in Bolnisi (Katharinenfeld) and St. Peter and Paul Church located on Mount Elia. Guests will have an opportunity to enjoy a traditional lunch and taste the unique wines of the region. The tour is perfect for history buffs and those interested in early Christian architecture and German settlement history in Georgia. Total distance travelled is about 250 km (155 miles).

  • Please let us know if you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions. We will use the information to offer a lunch to you. Thank you.
  • Ladies need to wear head scarves and dresses in Georgian orthodox churches. Short trousers for men are also forbidden. Scarves and dresses can also be found near church entrances for men and women to enter churches.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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(2 Ratings)
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Johnre6685eu
Apr 23, 2022
Dmanisi&Bolnisi Tour - The best part was our extensive conversations with our guide, David, who is very knowledgeable in the history, culture, and archeology of Georgia. The monasteries and countryside were beautiful; great photo ops.
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Liakuna
Aug 19, 2020
First Europeans and Ancient Monasteries - I visited firsts Europeans Zezva and Mzia, 5th century Bolnisi church and church from 13th century. Tour to Dmanisi and Bolnisi included newly opened museum of Bolnisi with many artifacts. I enjoyed a lot. I recommend Tour to Dmanisi and Bolnisi. It is historical tour with many sited to explore. I plan to so another toue with Select Georgia. Great company. Thanks.
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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