One-day excursion to Dmanisi "A Million Years Before"

Today our journey takes us to Kvemo-Kartli in the Dmanisi municipality, specifically to the village of Patar Dmanisi. There, the Dmanisi Archaeological Museum-Reserve is located. It features a medieval fortress, archaeological layers from the late Bronze Age, and a monument from the early Paleolithic era. The world learned about Dmanisi when archaeologists discovered fragments of a human dating back 1.8 million years. This Dmanisi individual was the first European, the Georgian Man.

But in Patar Dmanisi, there's more than just excavations! Dmanisi was one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. It served as a caravan route to the Near East. The city flourished in trade and craftsmanship, with a bustling marketplace, winemaking, oil and fabric production, and the creation of glazed ceramics. Its peak occurred during the 12th and 13th centuries. However, due to constant plundering by invaders starting from the late 14th century, Dmanisi declined and eventually became a deserted city by the 18th century.

Furthermore, we'll visit the 6th-century Dmanisi Sioni, which features a unique adorned vestibule with intricate stone carvings and inscriptions from the 13th century, as well as the remains of the grand Dmanisi fortress.

Excursion itinerary:

• Kvishi Fortress: The first fortress at this site was presumably built in the 6th century. At the time, Kvishi was the center of the entire Kvishi Valley. However, as Dmanisi, the capital of the Dmanisi Emirate, expanded, Kvishi lost its status as the main stronghold in the region. From the fortress, breathtaking views of the entire valley unfold.
• Dmanisi Archaeological Museum: We'll delve millions of years into the history of human settlements in Europe. 1.8 million years ago, this area was covered in tropical landscapes, inhabited by enormous ostriches, saber-toothed tigers, and cave wolves. The first Homo, Zezva, and Mzia lived here side by side, like in Paradise.
• Dmanisi Citadel: It comprises the ruins of an ancient city-fortress located 10 km from the village of Dmanisi. The ancient city existed at the confluence of the Moshavani and Mashavera rivers and covered an area of approximately 25 hectares. Its construction dates back to the 6th-15th centuries, but evidence shows human presence here as early as 3000 BCE. The complete city was likely built in the 7th century.
• Dmanisi Sioni: A three-nave basilica with an adjoining narthex adorned with intricate stone carvings. Following the medieval Georgian tradition of naming churches after specific locations in the Holy Land, the cathedral in Dmanisi is named after Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
• Bolnisi Winery: It would be almost criminal to visit this region without tasting the wines of Zida-Kartli. Whether it's due to the microclimate or the influence of long-standing German settlers, the wines from this region have a unique taste.
• Bolnisi Museum: The museum presents a collection of artifacts from the city of Dmanisi, as well as everyday objects used by ancient people from the Neolithic settlements of Arukhlo and Sakdrisi. These exhibits provide a detailed insight into Georgia's early history. Of particular interest is the history of the German population that migrated to Georgia from southern Germany two centuries ago.
• Chapala Fortress: Located atop a large rocky hill in an open field, Chapala Fortress is first mentioned in written sources in a document from 1664. According to the document, King Vakhtang V granted the fortress to Elizbar Sologashvili. In 1749, the fortress was acquired by Tavad Dmitry Orbeliani. The Upper Fortress and an enclosed courtyard with remnants of various structures have survived to this day.

Early departure from Tbilisi. If desired, a picnic by the lake, a visit to a winemaker, or a tasting of fresh fish from Pantiani Lake can be arranged (please specify options when booking the excursion).

Difficulty level: Easy. 220 km by car, 6 km on foot - almost all attractions are within reach by transportation, and the walking routes are not challenging.

❗️Required equipment:

• Backpack
• Comfortable, non-slip footwear
• Raincoat
• Warm sweater
• Buff/cap
• Comfortable sportswear
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal hygiene items
• Individual first aid kit

❗️Water: According to your needs, but no less than 1 liter.
❗️Do not weigh down your backpack with unnecessary items, calculate the required amount of water and clothing correctly.

❗️Tour rules:

1. The tour is led by a guide (or guides).
2. During the tour, all participants obey the leader's instructions to ensure maximum safety, organization, and equal comfort for everyone.
3. It is prohibited to arrive at the meeting point in a state of alcohol intoxication. Participants may be excluded at the discretion of the guide.
4. Drinking alcoholic beverages in the car is not allowed during the journey.
5. The use of headphones is not allowed during walks.
6. Do not litter.
7. Do not pick flowers.
8. Animals are not allowed.
9. To avoid conflict situations during the hike, we avoid discussing topics such as a) politics, b) religion, c) football.
10. In case of force majeure situations, the guide reserves the right to change the course of the tour.

❗️The excursion program provided is a promotional outline. Due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, certain elements of the program may be substituted with equivalent alternatives. 
❗️The average cost of the excursion is indicated for two people. The final price will be determined based on your specific requirements regarding hotel standards, restaurants, and group size. A detailed tour itinerary and list of services will be sent to you via email after registration on the website or upon request. 
❗️If you have allergies to specific plants, animals, food products, or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.