What exactly will I see at the Dmanisi Archaeological Site?

You'll visit the excavation site where the skeletal remains of Zezva and Mzia—hominin fossils dated to 1.8 million years ago and the oldest known human remains found in Europe—were discovered. The site includes interpretive displays and the surrounding geological formations that preserve this crucial record of human prehistory.

Which church is the oldest in Georgia, and will I visit it?

Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral, built between 478–493 AD, is Georgia's oldest surviving church. Yes, it's a key stop on the tour. You'll also visit Dmanisi Sioni Cathedral (6th century) and Tsughrughasheni Church (13th century), offering a chronological span of early Georgian Christian architecture.

What is Katharinenfeld, and why is it included?

Katharinenfeld is a preserved German settlement in Bolnisi established about 200 years ago by German immigrants. It's included to illustrate Georgia's multicultural heritage. The Bolnisi Museum also features exhibits on this community's history, making it a unique cultural angle alongside the prehistoric and religious sites.

Is lunch included, and what type of food will I eat?

Yes, lunch is included and features traditional Georgian cuisine prepared with local ingredients and regional wine tasting, allowing you to sample endemic wines of the area. Specific dishes vary by operator; inform them of dietary restrictions when booking.

How much driving is involved, and is the tour physically demanding?

The tour covers 250 km (155 miles) round trip from Tbilisi, with approximately 3–4 hours of driving combined. The physical demand is moderate: you'll walk uneven terrain at the archaeological site and climb modest slopes at the cathedral sites. Comfortable shoes and reasonable fitness are recommended.

Is this tour private, and can I customize the itinerary?

Yes, it's a private tour, meaning it's tailored to your group and offers flexibility. You can discuss specific interests (e.g., deeper focus on archaeology or church architecture) and timing adjustments with your guide or the operator before the tour begins.

Private Tour to Dmanisi & Bolnisi from Tbilisi with Museums, Oldest Church & Lunch

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Best Seller

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Private Tour to Dmanisi & Bolnisi from Tbilisi with Museums, Oldest Church & Lunch

(5)

Tbilisi, Georgia

Cultural ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsBus & Minivan ToursSightseeing ToursEducational Tour

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About this activity

Explore Georgia's most significant archaeological and architectural heritage on this 10-hour private tour to Dmanisi and Bolnisi, two sites that fundamentally shaped European prehistory and early Christianity. Visit the excavation site where Zezva and Mzia—Europe's oldest known human remains at 1.8 million years old—were discovered, plus three ancient churches spanning from the 5th to 13th centuries, rounded out with regional wine and traditional Georgian cuisine.

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).

Highlights

✓Dmanisi Archaeological Site—where 1.8 million-year-old hominins Zezva and Mzia were unearthed
✓Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral (478–493 AD)—Georgia's oldest surviving church
✓Dmanisi Sioni Cathedral—6th-century fortress church with panoramic valley views
✓Bolnisi Museum—exhibits on early hominins, Bronze Age cultures, early Christian architecture, and German settlement history
✓Katharinenfeld German settlement—a preserved 19th-century immigrant community
✓Regional wine tasting and traditional Georgian lunch with local flavours

Insider tips

★The drive to Dmanisi and Bolnisi (250 km round trip) winds through rural southeastern Georgia; the landscape itself tells the story of human migration routes across the Caucasus.
★Bolnisi Museum's exhibits on German immigration (200 years ago) reveal a lesser-known chapter of Georgian history—ask your guide about the Katharinenfeld community's preservation.
★Visit in morning light for the best photography at Dmanisi Sioni Cathedral; the hilltop position offers dramatic backdrops and fewer crowds than midday.

Good to know

•Wear comfortable walking shoes—the archaeological site and cathedral grounds involve uneven terrain and modest climbing.
•Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and water; much of the tour is outdoors across open valleys with limited shade.
•Tour includes lunch and wine tasting; inform the operator of dietary restrictions in advance.
•Total distance is 250 km; allow for 3–4 hours of driving combined; the itinerary suits a moderate pace with frequent stops for exploration and photography.
•Private tour means flexible timing and personalized interpretation; confirm pickup location in Tbilisi when booking.

Who it's for

History and archaeology enthusiasts—especially those interested in human evolution and prehistoric EuropeCultural explorers fascinated by early Christian architecture and religious heritageTravelers researching diaspora and immigrant communities (German-Georgian heritage)Small groups and families seeking an educational, in-depth day trip from Tbilisi

Best time to visit

Visit April–May or September–October when temperatures are mild (15–22°C), wildflowers bloom in the valleys, and archaeological sites are comfortably accessible. Avoid winter (November–February) when roads may be challenging and daylight hours are shorter for a 10-hour tour.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Lena M.

May 2026

So nice this one, a fish taco from a tiny street stall was amazing and Wei the host explain everything good. Better than Cancun for sure, we go again!

Megan B.

Mar 2026

our host Elena was brilliant and a glass of the local red was the highlight. Went last tuesday so it wasnt too busy. Blew our kyoto one out of the water, and spot on for a couples day out, and rolled home properly stuffed. Would book again no question.

Rob G.

Mar 2026

Nadia our host very good, and the slow-cooked tagine we love it. Is much better than the food tour we do in Porto before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

Ruth V.

Jul 2025

our host Wei really knew their stuff and a fish taco from a tiny street stall was the highlight, and honestly better than the food tour we did in Paris last year, def recommend

Will J.

Feb 2025

Diego our host very good, and the slow-cooked tagine we love it. Is much better than the food tour we do in Cancun before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

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