Dmanisi & Bolnisi Tour from Tbilisi with Museums, Oldest Church & Lunch
Description
Private full day tour to Dmanisi and Bolnisi includes visiting Dmanisi Archeological Site, where 1.8 million years old human skeletons Zezva and Mzia- the oldest human remains in Europe - were found, Dmanisi Sioni cathedral built in the 6th century, Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral that is the oldest church in Georgia built in 478–493 and Tsughrughasheni Church built in the 13th century. Tour includes visiting Bolnisi Museum that has exhibits about the history of the first hominins, Bronze Age cultures, early-Christian architecture and German population who immigrated to Georgia 200 years ago. Tour also includes visiting German settlement in Bolnisi (Katharinenfeld) and St. Peter and Paul Church on Mount Elia. Tour includes lunch to taste traditional local cuisine and wine tasting to try endemic wines of the region. Tour is suitable for people who are interested in history of humankind, history of Germans settlements in Georgia and early Christian architecture. Total drive 250 km (155 miles).
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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 The cathedral is known for its inscriptions that are one of the oldest historical documents of the Georgian alphabet.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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Reviews(4)
It was a very great experience to visit this place. You can see archeological remains and exact locations where the skeletons of the first humans, known as Zezva and Mzia , were discovered. It is a historical site and definitely worth visiting.
David is an exceptional guide- very well informed about historical and contemporary matters of Georgia. We truly appreciated his level of professionalism and deep knowledge. The experiences at Bolnisi Museum and the Dmanisi archaeological site were particularly awe-inspiring. Thanks David
Thanks a lot for your review. Your honest feedback means a lot for us. We really enjoyed organizing Dmanisi & Bolnisi Tour for you. Thanks again. Hope to see you again soon.
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.
Thanks a lot for your review. Your honest feedback means a lot for us. We enjoyed organizing Tour to Dmanisi&Bolnisi for you. Hope to see you again soon. Thanks again.
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.
Thanks a lot for your review. We are glad that you enjoyed the tour. Thank you.
