Treasures of the Trans-Caucasus
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"We wouldn't hesitate to recommend MIR. You did a great job. The accommodations were all excellent as was our MIR Tour Manager."
Shelia Simkin
Glenview, IL
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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, where we explore 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. Here our accommodations are in a restored caravanserai, one of five Silk Road inns the city once was home to.
Days 5-7: Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Ananuri, Gudari
Crossing the Georgian border, trace the ancient Silk Road on its way from the sea. Georgia's location has placed it at the crossroads of East and West, and influences of eastern civilizations can still be found. In Tbilisi, view a windfall of eastern artifacts at the State Museum. Journey along the Georgian Military Highway to the alpine village of Gudari, seated in the shadow of the dramatic Caucasus Mountains. Pause at UNESCO-listed Mtskheta, capital of the kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC until the 5th century AD. Explore the 17th century Ananuri fortress complex above the blue expanse of Zhinvali Reservoir.
Days 8-9: Gori, UplisTsikhe, Tbilisi
Visit Gori, Stalin's hometown, and explore the fascinating cave town of UplisTsikhe, carved into the hillside nearby. Back in Tbilisi 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. The bounty of nature has fostered a uniquely Georgian character, rich in the table traditions of food and wine.
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 in 2008: |
3 |
| Dates: |
May 6-20 |
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September 16-30 |
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September 30-October 14 |
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| Land Tour Cost |
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| 5-16 travelers |
$5,695 |
| Single Supplement |
$1,295 |
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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
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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: |
drive to Tbilisi |
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| Day 6: |
Tbilisi |
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| Day 7: |
Tbilisi, drive to Mtskheta, Ananuri, Gudari |
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| Day 8: |
return to Tbilisi via Gori, Uplis Tsikhe |
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| Day 9: |
Tbilisi |
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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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Suggested Extensions
Combine this tour with Journey Through Central Asia: The Five 'Stans.
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