Georgia: A Journey through Traditions. Tbilisi Akhaltsikhe Kutaisi Mestia Ushguli Tbilisi

Transcription

1 Georgia: A Journey through Traditions Tbilisi Akhaltsikhe Kutaisi Mestia Ushguli Tbilisi Led by Tasha Vorderstrasse May 21 June 5, 2019

2 Program Highlights Explore the archeological site of Dmanisi, where five 1.8-millionyear-old Homo erectus skulls were discovered. Visit UNESCO-listed Mtskheta, the capital of the early Georgian kingdom of Iberia, including 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, its interior decorated in murals, and 6th-century Jvari Monastery. Discover the cave-monastery of Vardzia, begun in the 12th century, with frescoes that represent the pinnacle of the Golden Age of Georgian painting. Browse the Museum of History and Ethnography, in the UNESCOlisted mountain region of Svaneti, to admire beautifully illuminated gospels, golden altar crosses, and icons of amazingly high quality, all from the 9th to 14th centuries. Visit the village of Ushguli, the highest continually inhabited village in Europe at an altitude of 7,218 feet. Tour Leader: Tasha Vorderstrasse Tasha Vorderstrasse is the University and Continuing Education Program Coordinator and Research Associate at the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. She received her PhD in Near Eastern Archaeology from the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations in Her work focuses on the material culture of the Near East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, and the relationships between these regions and China. She led Oriental Institute trips to Georgia and Armenia in 2014 and 2015.

3 Day-by-Day Itinerary May Depart USA Arrive Tbilisi, Georgia Depart the USA and arrive in Georgia s capital, Tbilisi, the next evening. Marriott Tbilisi Hotel (Meals in flight) May 23 Tbilisi Set off to explore Tbilisi, accompanied by a local archaeologist. Visit the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia for a look at some of the country s most significant archaeological finds, such as treasures from 3,000-year-old burial mounds of the Trialeti culture. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Georgian dancing. Marriott Tbilisi Hotel (B, L, D) May 24 Tbilisi Dmanisi Venture out to Bolnisi to admire what is probably the oldest church in Georgia. Visit the archeological site of Dmanisi, where the 1.8-million-year-old H. erectus skulls were discovered. Marriott Tbilisi Hotel (B, L) May 25 Tbilisi Spend the day in Tbilisi. The red-roofed Old Town, its houses sporting carved wooden balconies, sits beneath the 4th century Narikala Fortress. Check out the Georgian National Center of Manuscripts, which houses thousands of documents, including rare illuminated books and records from the personal archives of key historical figures. A local expert joins the group for lunch. Marriott Tbilisi Hotel (B, L) May Tbilisi David Gareja Mtskheta Gori Explore David Gareja cave monastery. The monks would heat the sandstone, then pour water on it to break off the cave walls in chunks,creating cells, refectories, storerooms and chapels, which they decorated with their distinctive pastel frescoes. Encounter UNESCO-listed Mtskheta, capital of the Georgian kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC until the 5th century AD. The Orthodox churches built during this period are considered among the finest in the country. After a tasting of Georgian wines in a local restaurant, continue to Stalin s hometown, Gori, to visit his house-museum. Marriott Tbilisi Hotel (2B, 2L, 1D) May Akhaltsikhe via Vardzia Kutaisi Depart for Akhaltsikhe via the cave-monastery of Vardzia. On the way, stop at the delightful Phoka nunnery, where the nuns produce many varieties of cheese, honey products, and chocolates. 12th-century King Giorgi III began digging the caves at Vardzia as a stronghold against the Turks, and his daughter, Queen Tamara, completed the complex, transforming it into a monastic center. Explore the newly renovated Rabati, or Old Town, of Akhaltsikhe, originally built in the 9th century. Here, survey the Samtskhe-Javakheti Museum, presenting archaeological, ethnographic, regional cultural, and paleontological exhibits.

4 For more information or to register, contact: Nathan Cox at MIR Corporation (877) / nathan@mircorp.com May (continued) Akhaltsikhe via Vardzia Kutaisi In Kutaisi, visit the State History and Archeology Museum, featuring a 7th-century BC fertility figurine, medieval weaponry, Georgian manuscripts and illuminated books, gold treasures, and archaeological discoveries. Discover UNESCO-listed 12th century Gelati Monastery, housing Georgia s first academy. Akhaltsikhe: Gino Hotel; Kutaisi: Best Western Hotel (3B, 3L, 2D) May 31 June 3 Mestia Ushguli Kutaisi Set out on a gorgeous mountain drive to Svaneti, a remote region of Georgia, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkably preserved medieval watchtowers. Browse the collections at Mestia s excellent Museum of History and Ethnography, as well as the Architectural Museum, with its examples of 12th century Svanetian architecture. Visit 9th-12th century churches on the way to Europe s highest continuously inhabited village, Ushguli, set at the foot of Georgia s highest peak, Mt. Shkhara. Choose from two different hikes in the beautiful surroundings, or explore the village on your own. Drive back to Kutaisi for dinner at a local restaurant. Mestia: Tetnuldi Hotel; Ushguli: Laert Kharkviani Guesthouse; Kutaisi: Best Western Hotel (4B, 4L, 4D) June 4 Kutaisi Tbilisi On the way back to Tbilisi, stop at the workshop of a local pottery master in Shrosha, to observe the making of the ubiquitous Georgian qvevris, the 200-to-900-gallon vessels used for 8,000 years in the fermenting and storing of Georgian wines. Back in Tbilisi, gather for a farewell dinner, raising toasts to the end of the journey and enjoying a concert of spine-tingling Georgian polyphonic music. Marriott Tbilisi Hotel (B, L, D) June 5 Depart Tbilisi The trip comes to an end this morning with transfers to the airport for international departures. (B, schedules permitting)

5 Land Program Rate: $6,895 (per person based on double occupancy) Single Supplement: $1,125 Included: All accommodation, hotel taxes Meals per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) Arrival/departure transfers for passengers arriving/departing on scheduled start/ end days All overland transportation per itinerary by private vehicle Special cultural events and extensive sightseeing, including entrance fees Englishspeaking Tour Manager throughout the itinerary Welcome and farewell dinners Baggage handling at the hotels Gratuities to the Tour Manager, local guides and drivers Comprehensive pre-departure packet Not Included: International round-trip airfare to/from Tbilisi. Our tour operator, MIR Corporation, can assist with reservations Travel insurance Meals not specified as included in the itinerary Personal items such as telephone calls, laundry, excess baggage fees Air Arrangements: Program rates do not include international airfare to/from Tbilisi. Because of the global nature of our members and patrons, there is no group flight for this program. Information on a recommended flight itinerary will be sent by our tour operator upon confirmation. What to Expect: This trip is moderately active due to the substantial distances covered and the extensive walking and stair climbing required; parts of the tour will not always be wheelchair accessible. To reap the full rewards of this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least two miles a day (with or without the assistance of a cane) and stand for an extended period of time during walking tours and museum visits. Flexibility and a willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are highly recommended, as delays or changes in the itinerary are possible. Reservations and Payments: Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Corporation-Trust) or credit card information to our tour operator, MIR Corporation, to the address on the reservation form. The balance for all land and air costs is due by March 22, 2019, 60 days prior to departure. Payment of balance due is by check or bank transfer only. Cancellations and Refunds: All cancellations must be made in writing to MIR Corporation and the following cancellation charges will apply: Cancellations received 61 or more days before departure, deposits paid or due in full of $500 per person; those received 31 days to 60 days before departure, 50% of land tour cost per person; those received 30 days or fewer before departure, no refund. Refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the full tour for any reason at all. UC Oriental Institute and our tour operator, MIR Corporation, reserve the right, without penalty, to withdraw the tour announced (i.e., cancel a tour). MIR Corporation reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a participant on a tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from a tour at any time at his/her own expense, when such action is determined by tour staff to be in the best interest of the health, safety, or general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant, and subject only to the requirement that the recoverable cost of unused services and accommodations be refunded, if any. Note: Neither UC Oriental Institute nor MIR Corporation accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket in connection with this tour. It is recommended that you not purchase international flights until instructed by MIR Corporation. Single Travelers: We make every effort to match single travelers who request a roommate. However, shared accommodations cannot be guaranteed and a single supplement rate will apply. Insurance: MIR Corporation can assist with medical/evacuation and trip cancellation/interruption insurance for U.S. residents only. Responsibility: A detailed statement of limitations and exclusions of liability of UC Oriental Institute and MIR Corporation for loss of property, injury, illness or death will be provided to passengers upon enrollment and is available to prospective travelers upon request. A signed release of liability/ assumption of risk agreement is required for trip participation. MIR Corporation: CST # WST # MIR Corporation, all rights reserved. Photos: Jeremy Woodhouse, MIR Corporation

6 Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Corporation-Trust) or credit card information to MIR Corporation, 85 S Washington St. Suite 210, Seattle, WA The balance for all land and air costs is due by March 22, 2019, 60 days prior to departure. Payment of the balance due is by check or bank transfer only. Space is limited. Reservations will be processed in order of receipt, subject to availability. The enclosed non-refundable deposit of $ ($500 per person) to hold place(s). Enclosed check, payable to MIR Corporation-Trust Visa Mastercard American Express Discover Credit card number Exp date CVC Billing Address (if different from mailing address) Signature of cardholder Full name #1 (as listed in passport) Date of birth Full name #2 (as listed in passport) Date of birth Mailing address (no PO boxes please) City State/Province Zip Country Phone (Home) (Work/Cell) Please indicate your preference: I am traveling alone and prefer a single room wherever available at the single supplement rate ($1,125). I will share accommodations with I would like to share with a Non-smoker Smoker (shares are not guaranteed) International airfare is not included in the tour price. Information on the recommended flight itinerary will be sent by our tour operator upon confirmation. Please send me a recommended air itinerary and fare estimate between my home city of and Tbilisi in: Business class Premium economy class Economy class For more info, contact MIR Corporation by phone (877) or nathan@mircorp.com.