exploratory trip
Paleontological Field Trip
Let's go look for ammonites and ancient mollusks that are 100–130 million years old
. Children ages 10 and up are welcome.
. Children ages 10 and up are welcome.
- What will you see?Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’re guaranteed to find Cretaceous-period fossils: ammonites, gastropods, brachiopods, sea urchins, belemnites, oysters, and—if you’re very lucky—the bones of real marine reptiles
- you'll learn a lot of new thingsabout how the local mountains were formed, why the ammonites went extinct, and how many years it takes for "the sea to turn to stone."
Our route runs through the area surrounding the villages of Gelati and Motzameta in the Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti.
This region is rich in fossils. In many places here, you can find outcrops of ancient limestone that bear the imprints of past life. We will explore some of the most iconic and fossil-rich sites.
This region is rich in fossils. In many places here, you can find outcrops of ancient limestone that bear the imprints of past life. We will explore some of the most iconic and fossil-rich sites.
Program
Departure
We’ll leave Batumi around 8 a.m., and we’ll enjoy some very scenic views along the way. We’ll stop along the route to stretch our legs. We’ll arrive at Gelati Monastery; on the way, there’s a chapel where you can admire the ancient frescoes.
During our walk, we’ll pass through a picturesque river gorge, which is especially beautiful at this time of year.
During our walk, we’ll pass through a picturesque river gorge, which is especially beautiful at this time of year.
Hiking
A short hike.
Distance: 7 km.
Elevation gain: 100 m.
There’s an interesting—and slightly dangerous—suspension bridge across the river; we won’t be crossing it, but you’ll be able to take photos on it.
At this point, you’ll need to wade across the river; it’s a short, safe crossing with water up to your knees or shallower. You’ll need footwear suitable for wading (Crocs, water shoes, non-slip sandals that can get wet, and the like).
We’ll be looking for fossils along the entire route, and toward the end of the hike, we’ll stop for lunch at a beautiful spot.
Distance: 7 km.
Elevation gain: 100 m.
There’s an interesting—and slightly dangerous—suspension bridge across the river; we won’t be crossing it, but you’ll be able to take photos on it.
At this point, you’ll need to wade across the river; it’s a short, safe crossing with water up to your knees or shallower. You’ll need footwear suitable for wading (Crocs, water shoes, non-slip sandals that can get wet, and the like).
We’ll be looking for fossils along the entire route, and toward the end of the hike, we’ll stop for lunch at a beautiful spot.
fossil hunting
About one-third of the way along the trail, you’ll come across outcrops of Cretaceous rock where you can find various fossils dating back 100–130 million years.
Your guide will tell you everything and show you how to look for fossils and what to look for. They’ll also be sure to explain what you’ve found and how it ended up in the rock.
Your guide will tell you everything and show you how to look for fossils and what to look for. They’ll also be sure to explain what you’ve found and how it ended up in the rock.
The Return
On our way back to the car, we'll enjoy some herbal tea and snacks.
After that, we'll head back to Batumi. We'll arrive in the city around 9–10 p.m.
After that, we'll head back to Batumi. We'll arrive in the city around 9–10 p.m.
Our itinerary has been carefully planned down to the last detail, but nature has its own way of things. Some parts of the route may be rearranged depending on the weather and other factors—so that each destination is revealed to us in the best possible light.
This flexibility allows us to make the trip even more comfortable and enriching!
This flexibility allows us to make the trip even more comfortable and enriching!
Terms and Conditions for Discounts
- A club discount is available to those who have already traveled with us and are subscribed to our Telegram channel
- A 20% discount on equipment from our rental service is available to tour participants who are subscribed to our Telegram channel
Price per person
190 gel
(For children* who have traveled with us before, the club discount is15%
; for children* of new customers, the discount is10%)
The price includes:
- comfortable transfer
- guide accompaniment along the route
- paleontological tour
- meals:
kishis, an amazing cupcake, and our signature herbal tea
*children up to and including age 16
; for children* of new customers, the discount is10%)
The price includes:
- comfortable transfer
- guide accompaniment along the route
- paleontological tour
- meals:
kishis, an amazing cupcake, and our signature herbal tea
*children up to and including age 16
Level 1 difficulty—what does that mean?
You can hike these trails even without any hiking experience, but you need to be in good physical shape. The trail isn't very long and doesn't involve a significant elevation gain.
There may be slippery sections of the trail on this route, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. There is also a short river crossing. For this reason, we accept children ages 10 and older.
We will be organizing similar field trips for younger children.
The scale is relative; use the distance and elevation gain as a guide.
There are usually about 12 people and a guide on our tours
We'll leave around 8 a.m. and get back home around 9 or 10 p.m.
If you live along the route, we'll drop you off along the way near your home. The final stop is the meeting point for the route.
After you book the tour, we’ll set up a chat group where we’ll go over all the details regarding fees, what to bring, and so on.
The most important things are the right footwear (sturdy, non-slip sneakers and shoes for wading) and clothing. We’ll tell you everything.
The most important things are the right footwear (sturdy, non-slip sneakers and shoes for wading) and clothing. We’ll tell you everything.
Our Guides
We're beads and seals :3
- KirillPaleontology Tour GuideA passionate amateur paleontologist and photographer. He loves and appreciates nature in all its diversity, especially plants and fish.
Why us?
- high qualityOver the past three years, more than 1,000 satisfied hikers have joined us on our trips.
We’re constantly growing and evolving.
We put our hearts into what we do 😁 - safetyWe follow safety procedures on our hikes.
We have careful drivers.
Our guides know what to do in difficult situations. - care and supportSomeone once wrote in a review: “They really take care of their kids,” and that’s absolutely true :3
On our tours, we accompany you the entire way, provide delicious meals, and answer any questions you may have.
If you’ve never been on a hike before, we’ll help you choose the right difficulty level, the right footwear, and so on. - convenienceFor each trip, we have a chat group where we help you get ready for the hike and make sure you pack everything you need. It’s a convenient way to stay in touch with everyone, share links, or post group photos.
We take your dietary needs into account.
You don’t need to worry about the route or travel time—we handle that for you.
We also prepare the gear for you, so you don’t need to reserve or pick it up separately. - You'll feel right at home with usWe travel in a comfortable, off-road-capable vehicle with climate control,
; we form small groups of like-minded people,
; we have a packed itinerary, but at the same time we find time to relax, listen to the silence, and spend time alone with ourselves and nature - lots of goodiesWe bring together like-minded people and kindred spirits.
We shoot awesome drone videos and take photos.
We serve delicious food.
We know the best angles and spots for amazing photos.
We’re pet-friendly.
And yes, we always have treats. - nature toursSome of the tours are led by the company’s founder, Alina, who is a biologist by training and a naturalist by calling.
Along the way, we constantly discuss and explore nature, identify species, and answer all sorts of questions that nature lovers might have: How do glaciers form? What kind of bird is that in the sky? Which constellations are above us right now?