Bolnisi and Dmanisi — the Oldest Church and the First Europeans

Bolnisi and Dmanisi combine Georgia's oldest dated church with the oldest human fossils found outside Africa, a full day into Kvemo Kartli.

• —Bolnisi Sioni, built around 478-493 AD, carries the earliest dated inscription in the Georgian alphabet
• —Dmanisi's archaeological site produced 1.8-million-year-old hominin skulls, among the earliest evidence of humans outside Africa
• —A medieval Georgian fortress town sits directly above the excavation, layering history on history
• —Bolnisi's German colonial streets, laid out by Swabian settlers in the 1810s as Katharinenfeld, add a different architectural register
• —A growing local wine scene around Bolnisi gives a reason to stop for lunch rather than just pass through
• —Private car and driver for the day, no fixed group schedule

• · Dmanisi museum opening days and season are checked at booking; some winter months see reduced hours
• · Comfortable walking shoes recommended for the fortress ruins and uneven ground at the excavation site
• · Roads to Bolnisi and Dmanisi are paved but narrow in places; the final stretch to Dmanisi has some unlit curves
• · Bring a light jacket even in warmer months, as the Dmanisi plateau is exposed and can be windy
• · This is a full day with two separate sites roughly an hour apart; it suits travellers comfortable with 4-5 hours total driving
• · Modest dress is appropriate for entering Bolnisi Sioni, as it remains an active church

Prices are per person for two travelling together, in euros; solo travellers and larger groups are quoted on request. Every departure is private and adjusted to you. Hotels, wineries and restaurants on our routes are verified by GTour.