JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH CAUCASUS: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA AND ARMENIA

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1 JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH CAUCASUS: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA AND ARMENIA With Peter W. Galbraith, First US Ambassador to Croatia and Senior Diplomatic Fellow at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation September 27 October 11, 2014

2 Journey through the South Caucasus: An In-Depth Look at Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia September 27-October 11, NIGHTS / 15 DAYS GROUP SIZE: In depth introduction to the region appreciation of its past (quite different country to country) and challenges of its future. - D. Kruger, Exeter, NY Past traveler TRAVERSE THE THREE CULTURALLY DIVERSE Caucasus countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, next-door neighbors on a mountainous strip of land between the Caspian and the Black Seas. Discover the bold designs of Azerbaijan s carpets and trace its relationship with an underground treasure of oil and gas that dates back to the time of Zarathustra. In exuberant Georgia, savor the country s deep red wines and fine foods and explore UNESCO-listed Mtskheta, capital of the ancient Georgian kingdom of Iberia, beginning in the 3rd century BC. In Armenia, the world s first Christian country, visit powerful little stone churches from the 1st millennium and admire the country s oldest art form, the sculpted stone khachkar crosses that dot the green hillsides. TO BOOK A TRIP CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

3 STUDY LEADER PETER W. GALBRAITH AB 73, KSG 78, served as the first US Ambassador to Croatia and has held senior positions in the US Government and the United Nations. Galbraith was actively involved in the Croatia and Bosnia peace processes. During the Bosnian war years, he was responsible for U.S. humanitarian programs in the former Yugoslavia and for U.S. relations with the UNPROFOR mission headquartered in Zagreb. Galbraith s diplomatic interventions facilitated the flow of humanitarian assistance to Bosnia and secured the 1993 release of more than 5,000 prisoners of war held in inhumane conditions by Bosnian Croat forces. He was co-mediator and principal architect of the 1995 Erdut Agreement that ended the war in Croatia by providing for peaceful reintegration of Serb-held Eastern Slavonia into Croatia. Currently, Glabraith is the Senior Diplomatic Fellow at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation where his work focuses on Iraq, the greater Middle East, and conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction, specifically in the Balkans, Indonesia, Iraq, India/Pakistan, and Southeast Asia. Specific lecture times and titles will be set closer to departure. FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

4 SCHEDULE BY DAY SATURDAY-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER Depart USA/Arrive Baku (Azerbaijan) MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Baku Take a walk through Baku s UNESCOlisted Old City, the best place to get a sense of its history. Lunch with a guest from a local NGO and visit the State Museum of Azerbaijani Carpets, displaying the vivid colors and bold designs of Azeri, Caucasian and Iranian carpets. Stop at the Nobel Oil Club for a tour of the Nobel Brothers Museum/Villa Petrolea and an introduction to the oil industry in Azerbaijan. Here enjoy a private reception attended by representatives from the U.S. Embassy. Hilton Baku (B, L, D) TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1 Gobustan, Sheki Before setting out for Sheki, make a stop in Gobustan, an important site of ancient petroglyphs added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in Visit the town of Shemakha, the former capital of the once powerful Shirvan Khanate. Continue to Sheki, said to have been founded some 2,700 years ago. Embark on a walking tour of the town, exploring the local crafts market, where old-fashioned manufacturing is alive and well, and stop in at a local bakery to sample baklava or halvah. Sheki Saray Hotel (2B, 2L, 2D) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 Signagi, Gurjaani, Tbilisi (Georgia) Drive to the Georgian border and through the Kakheti region, Georgia s wine country. Make a stop in Gurjaani, a town renowned for its white wine. Experience a traditional Georgian Table lunch here, enjoying the wonderful local food and drink and learning more about Georgian culinary traditions. Tbilisi Marriott Hotel (B, L) FRIDAY-MONDAY OCTOBER 3-6 Tbilisi with day trips Explore beautiful Tbilisi, including the 4th century Narikala Fortress, the Mother Georgia monument, the city s oldest church, Anchiskhati Basilica, Sioni Cathedral and the 19th century caravanserai. Drive out of town to Mtskheta, the UNESCO-listed capital of the early kingdom of Iberia. Continue to the Ananuri fortress complex, built by the 17th century dukes of the Aragvi Valley in one of Georgia s most beautiful places. Explore the archeological site of Dmanisi, where the discovery of four 1.7 million-year-old H. erectus skulls have made the site crucial to the study of human evolution. Also visit Sakdrisi, which shows evidence of human gold mining from the 3rd century BC. On the way to Gori, Stalin s home town, stop in the temporary refugee village Tserovani, where thousands of displaced individuals live in small, FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

5 DETAILS GROUP SIZE: GUESTS PRICING: per person double occupancy $8,995 / $10,690 (SINGLE) HIGHLIGHTS Lecture program by HAA Study Leader, Peter Galbraith. private cottages. Visit the nearby cave town of Uplistsikhe, where people may have populated the naturally occurring caves before 1000 BC. Tbilisi Marriott Hotel (3B, 3L, 2D) TUESDAY-FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7-10 Haghbat, Yerevan (Armenia) with day trips Visit UNESCO-listed Haghbat, an introduction to Armenia s rich and ancient spiritual history. Enjoy lunch in a private home before arriving in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, older even than Rome. Tour the Matenadaran, one of the world s oldest book depositories and visit the Yerevan Brandy Factory, sampling some of the wares at the tasting bar. Explore Echmiadzin, a UNESCO site and the spiritual center of Armenia. Admire the Monastery of Khor Virap, with fantastic views of Mt. Ararat, and enjoy a private a cappella concert at pagan Garni Temple. Visit the UNESCO-listed 12th century cave monastery of Geghard, carved into the side of a mountain, and one of the most fascinating monuments in Armenia. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner. Marriott Yerevan Hotel (4B, 4L, 3D) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 Depart Yerevan Transfer to the airport for individual flights back to the US. (B) Enjoy a special evening performance of Azerbaijani mugham, a musical fusion of Persian and Turkic traditions honored as a World Cultural Masterpiece by UNESCO. Experience an authentic Georgian Table, a traditional celebration of food and wine. Attend a briefing by a U.S. Embassy representative over lunch or dinner. Meet with a member of the Georgian archaeological team working at the site of ancient gold mines at Sakdrisi. Explore Echmiadzin, the UNESCO site known as the spiritual center of Armenia and meet with one of the religious leaders. Enjoy a private concert of sacred music at the Garni Temple.

6 GEORGIA Gori Tserovani Dmanisi Bolnisi Ananuri Mtskheta Tbilisi Signagi ARMENIA Echmiadzin Khor Virap Haghbat Yerevan Geghard Garni Sheki AZERBAIJAN Gobustan Baku WHAT TO EXPECT: MAP AREA This trip is moderately active due to the substantial distances covered and the extensive walking and stair climbing required. To fully enjoy this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least a mile a day; flexibility and a willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are highly recommended as well. In true expedition style, some delays or changes in the itinerary are likely. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: GENERAL INFORMATION TOUR COST INCLUSIONS Lectures by Harvard study leader; accommodations and meals as listed in the detailed itinerary; private coach for all touring and transportation per the itinerary; group arrival and departure transfers if arriving / departing on the start / end dates; all sightseeing and excursions including entrance fees per itinerary; local English speaking guides; special cultural features as stated in itinerary; services of a tour manager throughout the program; special Welcome & Farewell receptions; bottled / purified water with meals; beverages, local beer and wine with lunches/dinners; all gratuities including to tour manager, local guides, drivers; baggage handling at the hotels and train station where available; $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance. TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS International airfare between the U.S. and the start and ending cities; air taxes or fuel surcharges; pre- or post-tour services; independent travel arrangements, visa or passport fees; medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance; evacuation costs; food or beverages not included in group meals; items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcohol, telephone expense, excess baggage fees, photo/video expenses inside museums (where allowed); other items not expressly listed as included. RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT To reserve a space on any HAA program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at or or fill out and mail or fax the registration form found in the back of this brochure. Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. Payment terms will be sent to you with your reservation confirmation from our partner company. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. If cancellation is received 91 or more days before tour start, the cost of cancellation is the nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 per person. If cancellation is received days before tour start, the cost of cancellation is 50% of land tour cost paid or due. If cancellation is received 60 days or less before tour start, there is no refund. ITINERARY CHANGES Itineraries contained in this brochure are available at the time of printing and HAA and the Tour Operator reserve the right to change a program or accommodations as conditions warrant. RESPONSIBILITY Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of liability and rights of HAA and the tour operator. The statement of responsibility is available at south-caucasus If you are not able to access the Internet, please call HAA Travels at or DISCLAIMER Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. Harvard Alumni Association is not responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained in this catalog is subject to change without notice. QUESTIONS Please call the Travel Program at the Harvard Association at or , haatravels@harvard.edu. TOUR OPERATOR: MIR CORPORATION CST # WST # MIR Corporation, all rights reserved Photos Michel Behar, Devin Connolly, Caucasus Travel, Peter Guttman, Martin Klimenta, Nino Murvanidze, MIR Corporation TO BOOK A TRIP CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

7 2014 HAA TRIPS LAND & RAIL: HAWAIIAN STARS: WORLD-CLASS OBSER- VATORIES & NATURAL WONDERS JAN 15-23, 2014 CHRISTINE PULLIAM WORLD OF THE MAYA: GUATEMALA, MEXICO, BELIZE JAN 26-FEB 5, 2014 MARK VAN BAALEN CARNEVALE TRADI- TIONS IN VENICE FEB 18-24, 2014 LEO DAMROSCH & JOYCE VAN DYKE SOUTH INDIA: TAMIL NADU, KAMATAKA, KERALA MAR 6-22, 2014 SUGATA BOSE EXPLORING MYANMAR: LAND OF THE GOLDEN PAGODA MAR 10-23, 2014 QATAR, OMAN & UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: A MIDDLE EASTERN EXPLORATION MAR 13-24, 2014 WILLIAM GRANARA GRAND SOUTH AFRICA WITH ROVOS RAIL MAR 24-APR 5, 2014 MAYA JASANOFF ART & ARCHITECTURE OF BERLIN: AN INSIDER S VIEW APR 4-10, 2014 TURKISH TREASURES APR 25-MAY 9, 2014 JOHN JAY ELLISON HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA & TIBET MAY 17-28, 2014 MARTIN K. WHYTE MOROCCAN DISCOVERY MAY 17-30, 2014 SUSAN MILLER THE ULTIMATE SILK ROAD JOURNEY: XIAN TO ISTANBUL MAY 19-JUN 8, 2014 INSIDE THE RUSSIAN SPACE PROGRAM MAY 22-30, 2014 DAVID AGUILAR MOZAMBIQUE: REBIRTH OF A COUNTRY JUN 3-16, 2014 TALES OF WALES: ADVENTURES IN CELTIC LITERATURE JUN 4-14, 2014 CATHERINE MCKENNA REMEMBERING THE GREAT WAR: BELGIUM, FRANCE, & GERMANY JUN 6-15, 2014 SUE WEAVER SCHOPF ENGLISH LANDSCAPES AND LITERATURE: THE TOWNS, VILLAGES AND GARDENS OF AUSTEN AND HARDY JUN 7-14, 2014 MICHAEL WEISHAN HIDDEN SECRETS OF MADAGASCAR JUN 15-27, 2014 ULTIMATE TANZANIA SAFARI: EXPLORING THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND JUN 21-JUL 5, 2014 DANIEL LIEBERMAN SANTA FE: ART & LAND- SCAPE IN THE CITY OF ENCHANTMENT JUL 23-27, 2014 JOHN STEWART HIDDEN DOLCE VITA: TUSCANY & UMBRIA SEP 10-18, 2014 LADAKH TO BHUTAN SEP 13-27, 2014 IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. JAMES: CAMINO DE SANTIAGO SEP 26-OCT 8, 2014 MARY GAYLORD JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH CAUCASUS: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA, & ARMENIA SEP 27-OCT 11, 2014 PETER GALBRAITH SPAIN & PORTUGAL: PARADORES & POUSADAS SEP 27-OCT 11, 2014 CRUISES: EXPEDITION TO ANT- ARCTICA ON L AUSTRAL JAN 31-FEB 13, 2014 DAVID AGUILAR TAHITI AND FRENCH POLYNESIA ON PAUL GAUGUIN FEB 20-MAR 2, 2014 JAMES SIMPSON CRUISING THE RIO DE LA PLATA & SOUTH- EASTERN BRAZIL: BUENOS AIRES TO RIO DE JANEIRO ON SEA EXPLORER MAR 11 24, 2014 DIANA SORENSEN JAPAN: LAND OF THE RISING SUN ON CALEDONIAN SKY MAY 7-20, 2014 HELEN HARDACRE IN THE WAKE OF VIKINGS: COPENHAGEN TO REYKJAVIK ON SEA EXPLORER MAY 23-JUN 4, 2014 STEPHEN MITCHELL CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF THE BLACK SEA ON VARIETY VOYAGER MAY 27-JUN 9, 2014 R. NICHOLAS BURNS MACHU PICCHU TO THE GALAPAGOS ON CORAL II MAY 27-JUN 10, 2014 JEFFREY QUILTER THE BALTIC S AMBER COAST ON SEA CLOUD II JUN 28-JUL 9, 2014 TIMOTHY COLTON HIDDEN GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEA ON VARIETY VOYAGER JUL 23-AUG 1, 2014 HARVEY COX & NINA TUMARKIN ICELAND TO GREEN- LAND: VOYAGE TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE ON L AUSTRAL AUG 2-14, 2014 JAMES MCCARTHY BELL ITALIA ON VARIETY VOYAGER SEP 16-26, 2014 RICHARD THOMAS ISLANDS & RIVIERAS OF FRANCE, SPAIN, & ITALY ON TERE MOANA SEP 19-27, 2014 SUSAN SULEIMAN BEYOND RAPA NUI: EASTER ISLAND ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY SEP 29-OCT 17, 2014 VOYAGE TO MADAGAS- CAR ON ISLAND SKY NOV 28-DEC 16, 2014 RIVERS & LAKES: INDIA S HOLY RIVER GANGES ON BENGAL GANGA JAN 1-17, 2014 DIANA ECK AMAZON RIVER EXPEDITION JAN 17-26, 2014 ZARIN MACHANDA THE ELBE RIVER: PRAGUE TO BERLIN ON SWISS RUBY APR 29-MAY 10, 2014 PORTUGAL & SPAIN: THE ENCHANTING DOURO RIVER ON AMA VIDA MAY 5-14, 2014 MARY GAYLORD WATERWAYS OF RUSSIA: MOSCOW TO ST. PETERSBURG ON VOLGA DREAM JUL 16-26, 2014 JULIE BUCKLER TOWN & COUNTRY LIFE: PARIS TO PROVENCE ON AMADEUS SYMPHONY SEP 8-16, 2014 ROBERT DARNTON SYMPHONY ON THE BLUE DANUBE: A CLASSICAL MUSIC CRUISE ON AMADEUS SYMPHONY SEP 12-26, 2014 FAMILY ADVENTURES & SPRING BREAK: SPRING BREAK GREECE FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNI MAR 14-22, 2014 GREGORY NAGY SPRING BREAK GHANA FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNI MAR 14-23, 2014 CARLA D. MARTIN SCOTLAND: A FAMILY EXPLORATION JUN 25-JUL 6, 2014 WILLIAM GILLIES VOYAGE TO THE LANDS OF GODS & HEROES ON CORINTHIAN JUL 3-14, 2014 JONATHAN WALTON GALAPAGOS FAMILY ADVENTURE ON SANTA CRUZ JUL 7-15, 2014 SCOTT EDWARDS BAJA FAMILY ADVENTURE DEC 26, 2014-JAN 1, 2015 REGISTRATION FORM To register, fill out this form and return to HAA Travels with your deposit of $1,000 per person. please note that for some programs an additional deposit may be requested after you book. Please return this form by mail to: HAA Travels, Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th floor, Cambridge, MA Or by FAX: Please call with any questions: or I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRIP, BUT PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST PROGRAM NAME FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE METHOD OF DEPOSIT START DATE DATE OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE DATE OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL. SIGNATURE SIGNATURE ACCOMMODATIONS CATEGORY PREFERENCE DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM SHARE A ROOM WITH: ROOMMATE

8 HARVARD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 124 MOUNT AUBURN STREET, 6TH FLOOR CAMBRIDGE, MA BOOK YOUR NEXT JOURNEY WITH THE HAA TODAY! CALL OR VISIT US AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL