Treasures of the South Caucasus
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"MIR tours are really great and your emphasis on meeting the people in the countries visited makes MIR very special and I am looking forward to my next trip with your company."
J. Mitchell
San Diego, CA
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Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan share stunning mountain back- drops, powerful stone architecture and a strong code of hospitality. Georgia's renowned winemaking traditions, Azerbaijan's Zoroastrian and Islamic background, and Armenia's multitude of ancient churches
combine to make this distinctive journey more than the sum of its parts.
Days 1-4: Baku, Sheki
The journey begins in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan and black gold boomtown, exploring the narrow stone streets of the charming medieval Old Town. Traveling overland, visit Sheki, a 14th century architectural preserve and one of the oldest towns in Azerbaijan.
Days 5-7: Signagi, Tbilisi
Crossing the Georgian border, trace the ancient Silk Road on its way from the sea, stopping to explore the fortress town of Signagi. Enjoy a traditional "Georgian Table," laden with fine examples of the country's rich culinary and winemaking legacy. Georgia is where the wine grape was first cultivated and the flowers and fruits of the Mediterranean flourish. In Tbilisi, view a windfall of eastern artifacts at the State Museum of Fine Arts. Take a day trip to the fascinating David Gareja monastery complex.
Days8-9: Mtskheta, Ananuri, Kazbegi, Gudauri, Gori, Uplistsikhe, Tbilisi
Journey along the Georgian Military Highway to the alpine villages of Kazbegi and Gudauri, seated in the shadow of the Caucasus Mountains. Pause at UNESCO- listed Mtskheta, capital of the kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC until the 5th century AD. Visit Gori, Stalin's hometown, and explore the fascinating cave town of Uplistsikhe.
Days 10-15: Yerevan, Echmiadzin, Khor Virap, Garni, Geghard, Lake Sevan
Next is Armenia, the first kingdom to formally adopt Christianity. Stop at UNESCO-listed Haghbat Monastery, take a day trip to the shores of Lake Sevan, and visit Khor Virap, where the view of Mt. Ararat is superb. Browse among some of the oldest books in the world at the 5th century Matenadaran Museum in Yerevan. Explore the monastery of Geghard, carved from solid rock, and the impressive cathedral at Echmiadzin, dating back to 303 AD.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
15 Days |
| Departures: |
3 |
| Dates: |
April 29-May 13, 2012 |
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September 9-23, 2012 |
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September 23-October 7, 2012 |
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| Land Tour Cost: |
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| 6-16 travelers |
$6,895 |
| Single Supplement |
$1,650 |
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| No Hidden Costs! |
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MIR Signature Experiences
- Retrace the ancient Silk Road from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the foothills
of the Caucasus Mountains
- Relish the winemaking and culinary traditions of Georgia at an authentic "Georgian
Table"
- Relish the winemaking traditions of Georgia during an authentic “Georgian Table”
- Attend a private concert in the house museum of a Georgian painter
Map - Click to Enlarge
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| Days 1-2: |
Baku |
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| Day 3: |
Drive to Sheki via Shemakha |
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| Day 4: |
Sheki |
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| Day 5: |
Signagi, drive to Tibilisi |
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| Day 6: |
Tbilisi |
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| Day 7: |
Drive to Mtskheta, Ananuri, Gudari |
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| Day 8: |
Gudauri, Uplistsikhe, Gori, Tbilisi |
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| Day 9: |
Tbilisi with day trip to David Gareja |
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| Day 10: |
Tbilisi, Yerevan via Haghbat |
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| Days 11-15: |
Yerevan and day trips to Echmiadzin, Khor Virap, Garni, Geghard, Ashtarak, Lake Sevan |
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| Baku |
“Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower” (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Icheri Shere, State Museum of Azerbaijani Carpets and Applied Folk Art, Fountain Square |
| Gobustan |
"Rock Art Cultural Landscape" (UNESCO World Heritage Site) |
| Shemakha |
Djuma Mosque, the oldest mosque in the Caucasus |
| Sheki |
Sheki Caravansarai, Kish Village |
| Kakheti Region |
Royal town of Signagi, Gurjaani Villiage, renowned for its white wine |
| Tbilisi |
Views of Narikala Fortress and Mother Georgia Monument, Anchiskhati Basilica, Sioni Cathedral with the Cross of St. Nino, Metekhi Church of the Virgin, Rustaveli Avenue and Old Town |
| Mtskheta |
"Historical Monuments of Mtskheta" (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Jvari Church |
| Ananuri |
Ananuri fortress complex, Zhinvali Reservoir |
| Uplistsikhe |
Cave town |
| Gori |
Birthplace of Joseph Stalin, Stalin House Museum |
| David Gareja |
Twelve Cave Monasteries |
| Yerevan |
Historical Museum, Armenian National Gallery, Genocide Memorial, Matenadaran Museum, Vernisage Art Park |
| Haghbat Monastery |
“Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin” (UNESCO World Heritage Site) |
| Echmiadzin |
"Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots" (UNESCO World Heritage Site) |
| Khor Virap |
View of Mount Ararat, Monastery of Khor Virap |
| Garni |
Temple of Garni |
| Geghard |
"Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley" (UNESCO World Heritage Site) |
| Ashtarak |
Mount Aragats, villages of Ashtarak |
| Sevan Region |
Lake Sevan at an altitude of 5,900 feet, Dilijan Village, Goshavank Monastery |
Suggested Extensions
Combine this tour with Journey Through Central Asia: The Five 'Stans. Contact us for more details.
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