Treasures of the Trans-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 backdrops, powerful stone architecture and a strong code of hospitality. Georgia's renowned winemaking traditions, Azerbaijan's exotic Persian influence, 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 medieval Old Town. Traveling overland, visit Sheki, a 14th century Persian architectural preserve and one of the oldest towns in Azerbaijan.
Days 5-6: 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.
Days 7-9: Mtskheta, Ananuri, Gudari, Gori, UplisTsikhe, Tbilisi
Journey along the Georgian Military Highway to the alpine village of Gudari, 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. Take a day trip to the shores of Lake Sevan, and visit Noravank, where the view of Mt. Ararat is superb. Explore the pagan temple of Garni, the monastery of Geghard, carved from solid rock, and the cathedral at Echmiadzin, dating back to 303 AD. Visits to surrounding villages and a performance of traditional Armenian folk music enhance our understanding of this tiny nation’s people.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
15 Days |
| Departures: |
2 |
| Dates: |
May 4-18 |
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September 14-28 |
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| Land Tour Cost: |
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| 6-16 travelers |
$6,395 |
| Single Supplement |
$1,595 |
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| No Hidden Costs! |
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MIR Signature Features
- 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"
- Marvel at the vast collection of manuscripts at Yerevan's Matenadaran Museum
- Feel the faith of centuries in the Geghard monastery
Map - Click to Enlarge
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| Days 1-2: |
Baku |
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| Day 3: |
drive to Sheki |
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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: |
Gori |
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| Day 9: |
return to Tbilisi via Gori, Uplis Tsikhe |
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| Day 10: |
drive to Yerevan |
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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 |
Gurjaani, renowned for its white wine |
| Tbilisi |
Narikala Fortress, Mother Georgia Monument, Anchiskhati Basilica, Sioni Cathedral with the Cross of St. Nino, Metekhi Church of the Virgin, Rustaveli Avenue and Old Town, History Museum and Georgian Treasury |
| 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 |
View of Mount Ararat, 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 |
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, Hagartsin Monastery |
Suggested Extensions
Combine this tour with Journey Through Central Asia: The Five 'Stans. Contact us for more details.
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