FROM THE CASPIAN TO THE CAUCASUS OCTOBER

Transcription

1 FROM THE CASPIAN TO THE CAUCASUS OCTOBER

2 ABOUT WHEEL & ANCHOR Wheel & Anchor is a community of 50+ Canadian travellers, those who value the occasional bottle of wine, the camaraderie of traveling with friends, and both about seeing the world and experiencing it. It s not just about where we go, but who goes with us along the way. CONTENTS 04. Map Day-by-day itinerary STORIES 08. Baku - The City of Winds 12. Kakheti - Adventure in the Georgia wine region 16. Tblisi - Incomparible rustic charm 23. Uplistsikhe - Sovereignty moulded of stone 2

3 WELCOME, TRAVELLER! TO THE START OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL I have a very personal philosophy about travel that is shared by most of my past guests and all my colleagues. If everyone is going in one direction, I prefer to go in the other. It s not to say that I intend to pass by the Eiffel Towers and Taj Mahals of the world - but the experience of a place, or the world as a whole, can simply not be judged by the biggest monuments. It s the back-alleys and hidden courtyards that reveal the true nature of a place. This tour to the oft-forgotten countries nestled between the Caspian Sea and the incredible Caucasus mountain range combines breathtaking scenery, thousands of years of culture and history and welcoming people. It is exactly this kind of itinerary which falls into our principles of being immersive, enriching and world-expanding. It is certainly not a mass-tourism destination and there is no Eiffel Tower here. It is a kind of hidden courtyard. we have probably all run into an Armenian person at home in Canada - a great many form part of our society. But what do we really know about them, their heritage, and homeland? I bet for most of you, myself included until recently, not very much. The more time I spent researching this area and meeting the people who are our partners in realizing this wonderful program, the greater my desire to travel there and taste these famed Georgian wines and see the fabled Mt. Aarat with my own eyes. We now have the opportunity to do just that. I m thrilled to have you as a new member of the Wheel & Anchor community, and I look forward to having you join me on this wonderful adventure from the Caspian to the Caucasus. I chose this program as one of our first because it is a region that is begging to be explored and learned about. For example, Gordon Dreger Founder 3

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6 FROM THE CASPIAN TO THE CAUCASUS 16 DAYS ACROSS AZERBAIJAN GEORGIA AND ARMENIA OCT 03 18, 2018 DAY 1 / OCT 03 DEPART CANADA Board our overnight flight to Baku, Azerbaijan. TRANSPORTATION: Lufthansa TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: LH 471 Toronto Frankfurt 625P 800A +1 LH 612 Frankfurt Baku 145P 820P DAY 2 / OCT 04 ARRIVAL IN BAKU Upon our arrival in Baku International Airport, a private transfer will take us to our hotel, near the centre of Baku. 6

7 DAY 3 / OCT 05 BAKU ABSHERON BAKU (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) We shall have breakfast at our hotel, before we depart for our visit to the Martyr s Avenue, located on the higher slopes of the city s west-end. This is the best place for viewing the city and the Bay of Baku, and for a beautiful photo shoot. We will then proceed to the Old Town- Icheri Sheher, which is also a fortress. The heart of the historic city is Ichari Shahar (the Inner City, or Old Town). The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited parts in the region and indeed in the Middle East. Archaeological digs have revealed Bronze Age burial chambers, dating Baku to over 1,500 years old. This is the most popular area of the city, a maze of alleys, dead ends and caravanserais sometimes called the Acropolis of Baku. We re going to see carpet shops and cafes and shouldn t miss a stop into a tea café to sample hot lavash bread as it is pulled straight from the clay oven, the first item that we ll see after crossing the entrance door. Next our guide will take us to visit Shirvanshah s palace that was built between 1761 and 1762, which is surprisingly small for what its name implies. Here in the Old Town, we re going to visit the Maiden Tower and climb to the top for a wonderful panoramic view of the historic neighborhood. Our guide will then take us to the Baku Fire Temple, known locally as the Atashgah. This is a castle-like Hindu temple and monastery complex in Surakhani near Baku. The complex is now a museum and is no longer used as a place of worship. Local legend associates the temple at Surakhany with the fire temples of Zoroastrianism, but this is presumably based on a misunderstanding of the term Atashgah, which in Azerbaijani is literally any fireplace, but in Zoroastrianism is synonymous with Middle Persian Atashdan, the technical term for the altar-like repository for a sacred wood-fire. Later we will visit Burning Mountain - one of the oldest and most attractive sights on Absheron Peninsula is at Yanardagh in the Mehemmedi settlement. Its name translates literally as burning mountain. This is not just a fancy word: it is really burning! The hillsides are engulfed in fire, day and night. YanarDag is a natural gas fire which causes the continuous blaze that burns day and night on this hillside. We will have lunch at a local Azberbaijani restaurant. Our tour will culminate with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center. The Heydar Aliyev Center is a 619,000-squarefoot (57,500 sqm) building complex in Baku, Azerbaijan noted for its distinctive architecture and flowing, curved style that eschews sharp angles. Designed by the Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, the center is named for Heydar Aliyev, the leader of Soviet-era Azerbaijan from 1969 to 1982, and president of Azerbaijan from October 1993 to October The Center houses a conference hall (auditorium), a gallery hall and a museum. The project is intended to play an integral role in the intellectual life of the city. Located close to the city center, the site plays a pivotal role in the redevelopment of Baku. We shall have some time at leisure at the end of the day before having dinner at a local restaurant. 7

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9 BAKU - THE CITY OF WINDS An impeccable fusion of the architectural wonders of Paris and Dubai, the port city of Baku, is located on the western seaside of the Caspian Sea, along the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula and adjacent to the oil-rich fields of the Bay of Baku. Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan. Divided into twelve administrative districts and 48 townships, Baku is also Azerbaijan s largest city. The name Baku was derived from the city s ancient Persian name Bad-kube. The word bad means wind and kube is derived from the verb kubidan, meaning to pound, earning it the nickname Wind-pounded city or the City of Winds. Naturally bequeathed with a breathtaking presence, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Baku is strategically located right smack on the divide between the continents of Europe and Asia. Culture, architecture, and traditions within this industrial, political, scientific and cultural capital of Azerbaijan are a seamless assimilation of East and West. As Baku is fronted by a naturally curved bay, the best stretch of Milli Park s wide pedestrian promenade, the Denizkenarı Bulvar covers a decent expanse of this Bayfront, where tourists and locals alike jog, cycle, walk their dog or rollerblade. Milli Park is composed of a plethora of shops and sights like; Park Bulvar mall, the Baku Eye Ferris wheel, and the modern Caspian Waterfront building inspired by the sails of the Sydney Opera House. There is also the Dövlet Bayragı Meydanı (National Flag Square), one the largest flags and flagpoles in the world adjacent the massive Eurovision 2012 Crystal Hall. At the heart of Baku is the walled Old City (Içeri Seher), a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshah s Palace is located. The Shirvanshah s Palace is where a delicious feast can be enjoyed, while serenaded by local musicians playing traditional Azeri music. The feast will be a one-of-a-kind experience that can be followed by a ride on the funicular to see the state-of-the-art Flame Towers, each of the towers house offices, residences, a hotel. Daeüstü Park, where you can get the best view of the city is a terrific place to catch the sunset. The seaside plaza near the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum is the best place to watch the exciting night-time lighting of the Flame Towers. It is also the best place in Baku to ogle the greens and opal blues of the Caspian Sea, which for many first-timers tempers the harsh impressiveness of the desert bordering Baku on the other side. Baku is a destination that has lots of places just waiting to be explored. The city is a sight indeed to behold with its seamless blend of European and Asian architecture spiced with a subtle hint of Soviet influence where diversity, affordability, and friendly people prosper. 9

10 DAY 4 / OCT 06 BAKU - SHEMAKHI - GABALA - SHEKI ligature on the facade of the Friday Mosque, stating the year 126 according to the Islamic calendar as the establishment year. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) The first order of the day will be breakfast at our hotel, after which we will drive to Shemakha, for a long time the capital and trade Centre for western Azerbaijan and now a small town. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its existence. It is famous for its traditional Shamakhi Dancers, and also for the Soumak rugs, which inherited its name. In its history eleven major earthquakes have rocked Shamakhi, but through multiple reconstructions it has maintained its role as the economic and administrative capital of Shirvan and as one of the key towns on the Silk Road. The only building to have survived eight of the eleven earthquakes is the landmark Juma Mosque of Shamakhi, built in the 10th century. The Juma Mosque, is a very large and attractive building. The construction date of the mosque relies on the research of a geological commission coming from Tbilisi, which was led by Prince Shahgulu Qajar. This date was defined with Arabic Next destination will be Yeddi Gumbez Seven Tombs, where only three of these desecrated octagonal royal tombs are reasonably complete. Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleum is a cemetery located 1.5 km south of Shamakhi where the three surviving mausoleums from Yeddi Gumbaz group are located. Other mausoleums of the group are partly destroyed and have lost their cupola or walls. The mausoleum dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. This architectural monument was built for a family of Mustafa Khan the last khan of Shamakhi. The name of the architect Ustad Taghi is also known due to a ligature on the mausoleum. The monument belongs to Shirvan-Absheron architectural school. The most ancient of them is dated 1810, attested by a ligature carved on the mausoleum. This mausoleum is eight-edged, with nichied external edges covered in arch shaped half-cupolas. Before leaving Gabala we will visit the Nidj Alban Temple in Gabala, then we will depart to Sheki where we will visit Yukhari Caravanserai an architectural monument. The setting here is stunning, lying in forested hills with views of the Caucasus. We will then press on to visit the largest Sheki s History Museum, and inspect the artifacts from several periods, but more well-known for the pieces relating to silk manufacturing and trade. Sheki Khan s Palace is our next stop with its magnificent frescos (one of them is famous for being 24 meters long) and exquisite stained glass work. It was constructed in 1762 without a single nail and is one of the most marvelous monuments of its epoch. The Kish Albanian church will provide the final enchantment before we will return back to Sheki. We will eat lunch and dinner at local restaurants, and we ll probably walk to it from Sheki Saray Hotel, which will be our hotel during our stay. 10

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12 DAY 5 / OCT 07 SHEKI KAKHETI, GEORGIA GREMI NELKARISI KVARELI (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) In anticipation of a full day ahead a breakfast at our hotel will be a smart foresight. After breakfast our guide will take us for a drive to the Georgian border to undergo custom formalities. Everything will be done by 11:00am and then it will be the time our guide will meet us for a drive towards Kakheti Region. At Kakheti a visit to the Khareba Winery is in order, where a village corner is famous for serving sumptuous lunches hitched to a compulsory wine tasting. Here we ll witness how the Georgian bread is baked, learn how to prepare the famous Georgian pork barbecue Mtsvadi and participate in Churchkhela, a traditional Georgian sweet snack made of walnuts and grape juice making process. While still replete we will then drive to the Gremi architectural complex of 16th-17th cc., founded by the King of Kakheti Levan. The present complex used to be a citadel and consists of a tower, king s chambers, defensive walls and a center-domed Archangel s church built of square bricks. Nekresi Monastery is where we re headed to after lunch. Several churches and other monastic buildings comprise the complex of the monastery. The oldest building is the small basilica from the 4th Century, and is one of the oldest remaining churches in Georgia today. The large basilica from the 7th century is an example of a so-called Three church basilica. In the 8th Century a new church with the dome was built in Nekresi. There is also a two-storey Bishops palace in the complex. The palace dates from the 8th-9th Century. The tower was built in the 16th century, and from its highest point we will have the best view of the largest Zoroastrian Temple in Georgia. We will then wrap up our day with a dinner at our hotel, the Royal Batoni. 12

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15 KAKHETI ADVENTURE IN THE GEORGIAN WINE REGION A tour in Georgia is a great way to explore the picturesque and fertile vineyards of Kakheti. Kakheti which is well-known in the region as a legendary birthplace of viticulture and winemaking borders the summits of the Great Caucasus range from the north Alazani Valley. The naturally rich land, abundant burning sunlight and the hard work the Georgians have put into their vineyard cultivation over the years has resulted in about 500 vine varieties in Georgia. The Georgian wine embodies the lifestyle, culture, and history of Georgia. As the foundation to the mystery of longevity, Georgian wine symbolizes Georgian friendship, hospitality, and tolerance. Kakheti as the oldest wine region in the Caucasus region is also the most extensively significant wine region in Georgia; historically, quality and output wise. The Kakheti wineries romance with winemaking has spanned thousands of years. It again made its mark in the winemaking history in June 2013, when Kakheti s wines were the first wines to cross the Russian border when the ban on Georgian wine imports was lifted. The famous Georgian hymn Thou Art a Vineyard, which was written by Demetrius I in the 12th Century during his hiatus at the David Gareja monastery in southern Kakheti, narrates the romantic history of Georgian winemaking. A tribute to the region s fertility, the hymn steadfastly remains an important Georgian heritage. Kakheti s climate is comparable to that of southern France, in terms of average annual rainfall and heat index. The quality of the region s soils, discovered in 6000 BC shaped the terroir trademark for Caucasian viticulture. That period was Caucasus almost perfect terroir millennia before the label terroir was formally conferred. Even with Kakheti s rich historical background as a Georgian province, Kakheti still is not a recognized modern day official administrative province. In viticulture terms, the several sub-regions, and even a number of microregions that make up Kakheti today are still unofficial Kakheti districts and townships. The Kakheti wineries remain steadfastly loyal to their traditional way of producing wine with a kvevri, a giant clay vat buried underground in qvevri cellars. This process of winemaking is viewed as a legacy by new breeds of artisanal winemakers. Incredibly, almost all wineries have kvevris in different stages of fermentation of up to a hundred years old. The kvevri winemaking process was added by UNESCO to their List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in This recognition is now used by new breeds of artisanal winemakers in promoting the region s unique trademark. The ruby red Otskhanuri Sapere and the smoky Rkatsiteli Tsarapi are the qvevri-aged varietals that wine regions, such as Kakheti in the east and Imereti in the west are well known for. The winemakers of Kakheti have remained faithful to the legacies of their influences, while being fully recipient of innovation in their wine making methods. As the region s developer of about 500 grape varieties they have achieved the recognition they are enjoying today because over the years they have not been negligent of novelty, while keeping deeply rooted to their tradition. 15

16 DAY 6 / OCT 08 KVARELI SIGHNAGHI BODBE TIBAANI TBILISI (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) An exploration of the fortified town of Sighnaghi, famous for its wine and carpet making culture is the next activity after our breakfast at our hotel in Kvareli. The breathtaking views of Kizikhi area and unusual Charm of Sighnaghi Royal Town will be what our eyes will be feasting on this time. Which will be highlighted later by a walk in the narrow streets of the town under the shadow of wooden balconies richly decorated with the lace of carved ornaments on our way to the Bodbe Nunnery (9thc), the place where St. Nino, the 4th.c female evangelist of Georgians is buried. Then we will drive towards Tibaani village, where we can visit vineyards that still practice the old Georgian wine-making method with the use of kvevri. There we can enjoy both lunch and wine tasting at a local restaurant. We shall then complete a blissful and heady day with a dinner at a local restaurant, when we arrive in Tbilisi. TBILISI INCOMPARABLE RUSTIC CHARM Georgia was the former Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, which despite converting into a new form of government after seceding from the Soviet Union, is still much of its old Soviet Republic self. Tbilisi is Georgia s capital and largest city. Most first impressions of Tbilisi is that of an old-world city, a novel destination for worldweary travellers with its unique culture, dialect, and alphabet. It has little surprises just waiting in every nook and cranny for anyone to stumble upon in delight after they ve forged the irregular and windy paths, leading to the treasure tucked on the next blind curve. Tbilisi means warm and alludes to the hot springs sustaining the city s sulphur baths. Tbilisi is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it an enticing target of Mongols Khazars, Turks and Arabs invasions. Today Tbilisi is great for quiet, charming and exceptionally easy on the pocket vacations. Tbilisi is a Hodge-podge of everything. Many see its unique charm as one of the best, most alluring in the world. The quaint Soviet-era street names, the wines sold in upcycled bottles and the electricity still going out at certain times, often are the quirks of Tbilisi that visitors easily recall. Around the Armenian Norashen Church a little surprise is tucked away in an unnamed courtyard slightly stifled by a profusion of pomegranates. The surprise is a bohemian artist studio where well-fed stray cats loll around in various stage of disarray. The eccentric artists frequenting the studio have a habit of inviting tourists over for a round of chacha, a potent homebrewed wine which they won t let anybody refuse. Besides the obnoxious chacha, there is Tbilisi s bread, baked by slapping the dough against the scorching hot sides of a circular oven. Within the fin de siècle neighborhood of Sololaki the Café Linville can be found, where tables are half shrouded by vines crawling along wrought iron balconies and where anybody who s in the mood for tango milongas can dance under colorful decorative Victorian parasols. Crossing the Dry Bridge, you can then find yourself bargaining with bearded merchants in the flea market for trinkets to bring home as gifts or mementos. East meets the West description is not always fitting for all cities distinctively left with cultural marks of foreign invasions. Tbilisi s with its motley of disparities represented by the rug festooned balconies, bearded Georgian men, Orthodox priests, ladies with kerchief covered heads and tourists jostling for their place on the narrow cobblestone streets in the old town centre, the East meets West is but just a commonsensical development. The city s real character is far more intricate and heady. The vista of the ancient fortress floating proudly over the old town marks a colorful horizon, spiced by the snow capped Caucasus and seasoned by the smoky Soviet tower blocks. Nothing can beat the We re still watching you, tagline of a restaurant named KGB in highlighting the reality that Georgia is now a free country. 16

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18 DAY 7 / OCT 09 TBILISI (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) At Tbilisi the sights scheduled for us to visit will make a Tbilisi tour novel and a valuable immersion into the Christianity background of Georgia, for Tbilisi with its array of ancient churches is emblematic of the progression of Christianity in Georgia. First on the list of sights to go to will be Metekhi Church of Assumption (13th c.) built by King Demetre II, it rests on the summit of a Georgian hill overlooking one side of Tbilisi, and is a good example of cross-domed Georgian Orthodox churches. Leisurely progressing along, we will visit the Georgian Synagogue - a Jewish prayer house built from 1895 to 1903 next. Then a visit to the Sioni Cathedral (6th-19th cc.), the seat of the ruling Catholicos-Patriarchs and is commonly referred to as the Tbilisi Sioni following an old Georgian custom of naming churches after places in the Holy Land. Completing our Christianity immersion in Tbilisi will be a visit to Anchiskhati Basilica (6th c.) the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi. We will then head over to the Narikhala Fortress - the main citadel of the city where we can enjoy the wonderful views of Tbilisi, which will be a refreshing break after the churches. The Sulphur Baths - high in sulphurs and other minerals, with a constant temperature of 38C to 40C, the waters have long been used as a therapeutic aid for a range of ailments shouldn t be missed. A quick dip in the Sulphur Baths will be a welcomed treat after days of walking and climbing. After the short hiatus at the Sulphur Baths we will take a short walk along Rustaveli Avenue - the central avenue in Tbilisi named after the medieval Georgian poet, Shota Rustaveli, which will be a practical way to get back to the mundane but exotic reality of Tbilisi s city life. A leisurely stroll along the avenue will be a good introduction to the wonders of the treasures in the National Museum of Georgia, where the permanent exhibition The Archaeological Treasury is on display. 18

19 DAY 8 / OCT 10 TBILISI ANANURI KAZBEGI (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) A drive along Georgian Military Highway and a visit to the Ananuri Architectural complex-former residence of the Dukes of Aragvi region after eating breakfast at our hotel, will be our first destination for the day. The complex features churches and towers dating back to the XVI-XVII cc. and is enthrallingly overlooking Jinvali reservoir. There will have a 4 wheel drive ride to the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church located at an elevation of 2170 m under Mt. Kazbegi. We shall overnight at the Wonderful Rooms Hotel in Kazbegi with magnificent views of the mountains. Then we will advance on to an exploration of the Khevi province, which is the capital of Georgia, and is well-known for its severe nature and numerous architectural monuments and archaeological sites. A great launching point for our drive to Kazbegi a small town with the views of Mt. Kazbek - the seventh highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains. Mt. Kazbek is associated with the myth of Prometheus, according to the legend he was chained to the mountain in punishment for having stolen fire from the gods and having given it to mortals. 19

20 DAY 9 / OCT 11 KAZBEGI GORI UPLISTSIKHE KUTAISI (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Again we will eat breakfast at our hotel, before heading out again to continue with our tour. After breakfast we will drive to the centre of the Shida Kartli region - Gori, known as the birthplace of the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Visit Stalin s Museum in Gori, where we will view the house where Stalin was born and his personal railway carriage which is on display at the museum. We will head over to Uplistsikhe ( Fortress of God ) - a residual rock-hewn town dating back to the 2nd Millennium BC. Uplistsikhe is located on the left bank of Mtkvari River and is notable for the unique combination of various styles of rock-cut cultures and the coexistence of pagan and Christian architecture it exhibits. Uplistsikhe is also famed for another unique attraction. These are the ancient wine presses carved in stone, that can be found there. Then we will continue to Kutaisi the ancient Kingdom of Colchis and the second largest city of modern Georgia. Our hotel for our Kutaisi stay will be the Kutaisi Hotel. 20

21 DAY 10 / OCT 12 KUTAISI BORJOMI AKHLATSIKHE (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) First we will visit Bagrati Cathedral, the 11th century cathedral, built during the reign of King Bagrat III and known as the symbol of united Georgia. The Cathedral was officially rebuilt on September 16, Afterwards we will go to the Gelati Monastery, which was ordered built in 106 ace by the famous king of Georgia, Davit the Builder. Gelati Complex includes an academy and remained for a long time one of the main cultural and enlightening centers in Georgia. The Gelati Monastery has preserved a great number of manuscripts dating back to the 12th c. and is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will then proceed to explore Borjomi, the town famous for its mineral water industry. we ll take an enjoyable walk in Borjomi Park, and refresh with a bottle of the famous Borjomi mineral water. After which we will then take a drive towards Akhaltsikhe, before settling in at our hotel, the Hotel Gino Wellness Rabati. 21

22 DAY 11 / OCT 13 AKHALTSIKHE RABATH VARDZIA KHERTVISI AKHALTSIKHE (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) To start the day on the right tune, we will explore Samtskhe - Javakheti region first. The region is named after two of the original Georgian tribes - the Meskh and Javakhs and is considered as the cradle of Georgian culture. Samtskhe - Javakheti region is a collection of arid and stoneterraced landscapes, green valleys littered with centuries old fortresses, and enjoys a cool climate. Its cool water springs are healthy in addition to its impressive landscapes. Then we will take a compulsory visit of the Rabati castle, developed under the influence of different cultures, and exhibits this influence with a Church, a Mosque, a Minaret and a Synagogue within its castle walls. 12th-13th cc. during the reign of Giorgi III and Queen Tamar. The complex became a well-fortified monastery, and plays a significant role in the political, cultural, educational and spiritual life of Georgia. Then we will head back to Akhaltsikhe but first we will make a stop at Khertvisi Fortress. The fortress already existed in the 10th c, although there is an evidence of earlier construction work. From the eastern wall two tunnels lead down to the river, one served as a water supply route, the other for communication. So as not to upset our schedule and the flow of our high spirits we shall continue our trip with a visit to Vardzia Cave Complex, which was founded in the 22

23 UPLISTSIKHE SOVEREIGNTY MOULDED OF STONE An hour away from the Georgian capital Tbilisi is the ancient rock cave city of Uplistsikhe. The cave city was an ancient urban settlement dating back to pre- Christian Georgia. Astonishingly littered with remains of kvevris, gigantic clay jars buried underground used for making wine, the cave city substantiates Georgia s claim to the moniker cradle of wine. Uplistsikhe, translated as Lord s fortress is believed to have originated from the word Uplos, the name of a legendary local tribal leader, who first built the fortress in pagan times. According to the legend, he built the city to demonstrate the might of his power. The legend of the fortress tells of tales about the slaves that built the city with half iron and half gold axes. And about how hard work would wear out the iron on a slave s ax, and the gold that s left will be his gift, a provision to start life over after gaining freedom. as the 1st and 2nd millennium B.C. History suggests that Uplistsikhe was the main cultural, religious, and political center of the Hellenistic and Antique periods until it was invaded by the Mongols in the 13th century. Archaeological excavations on the site have mined extraordinary Bronze Age artifacts and also ones from the late Middle Ages, and are now housed in the National Art Museum of Georgia. The cave city is comprised of diverse architecture, detailing the custom of the periods spanned by its construction. The kvevri remains found on the site apparently were church offerings in honour of every child born in the city. The St. George s Byzantine-style basilica that was built directly on the rock, without any foundation can be traced to the 9th century. It marked the era of the start of Christianity in Georgia and is still fully functioning today having survived many earthquakes. most of them. The remaining caves are still in their original state. Visits to the cave city entail strolling along the marvelous halls, cobblestone streets, squares, and through gates and secret tunnels, and the air there still throbs the rhythm of Georgia s glorious past. Uplistsikhe is hewn on the rocky massif of the left bank of the river Mtkvari, 15 km east of the town of Gori. The fortress is a legend talked about in chronicles from earliest times. It can trace its history as far back The cave city as the hub of civilization in the ancient times was comprised of 700 fully functioning caves. Only 150 caves are left functional after earthquakes and the crumbling of the rock structure damaged 23

24 DAY 12 / OCT 14 AKHALTSIKHE MTSKHETA TBILISI (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, our guide will schedule and arrange a drive to Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia, located at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. There we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari, the 6th century cross-shaped monastery built on the top of a cliff, overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, where St. Nino, a female evangelist, erected a large wooden cross on the site of the pagan temple and Svetitskhoveli, the fortified cathedral dating from the 11th century. Svetitskhoveli is a sacred place where the Robe of Christ is buried. DAY 13 / OCT 15 TBILISI SADAKHLO HAGHPAT, ARMENIA DILIJAN (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) We will have a morning at leisure. Then we will head out to the Sadakhlo Border, to pass on to the Lori region for the sightseeing scheduled at Haghpat Monastery, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then we ll continue to Dilijan, where we will stay at Paradise Hotel Dilijan. We will overnight at the Rooms Hotel Tbilisi. 24

25 DAY 14 / OCT 16 DILIJAN SEVAN YEREVAN (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) We enjoy breakfast before departing for our visit to Haghartsin Monastery, we should have eaten breakfast already at the hotel. The Haghartsin Monastery, a 13thcentury monastery is located just a few kilometres from the town of Dilijan in the Tavush Province of Armenia. It was built between the 10th and 14th centuries (in the 12th under Khachatur of Taron); much of it under the patronage of the Bagratuni Dynasty. After getting our fill of information about monasteries at Haghartsin, a tour of the City of Dilijan particularly the Sharambeyan Street is scheduled next. Here, we can see their unique process of woodcarving and purchase wooden khachkars, boxes, amulets and other craft work to keep as mementos or to give as gift.. Gegharkunik Province, at the altitude of 1,900m above sea level. We will be given ample time to take a relaxed walk around the Lake, to enjoy the scenery, and take a 20-minute walk to the top of Akhtamar Trail to enjoy the best photographic views of the lake, and to explore romantic Sevanavank Monastery. Capping off our day, we will then drive to Yerevan, directly to our hotel, the Tufenkan Historic Yerevan Hotel. Then we ll head to Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, The Pearl, The Emerald of Armenia. Lake Sevan is situated in the central part of the Republic of Armenia, inside the 25

26 DAY 15 / OCT 17 YEREVAN (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) After a leisurely breakfast we begin the day with a walking tour of Yerevan, to explore various layers of its history medieval shrines hidden behind imposing Sovietstyle façades, narrow streets of the old center with sunlight playing on its pink walls, Republic Square, Cascade Opera House and the ambitious project of independent Armenia North Avenue. Then we shall continue with a trip to the History Museum, which is responsible for providing tourists an excellent introduction to the history of the city, and an ideal place to start our exploration of Yerevan, new and old. signed piece they create representations of a rare combination of Old World craftsmanship and the modern aesthetics of today s most discerning clientele. The Megerians designs are all copyrighted to ensure each an individuality. Megerians production has spread and established in several countries, including Armenia, Egypt, Romania, Afghanistan, Pakistan and China. In addition to its 5th Avenue location in New York City, the company has showrooms in Italy, France, Switzerland and Germany. We will then go for an excursion to Ararat Brandy factory, for a sample of Armenia s most famous spirit. DAY 16 / OCT 18 DEPART YEREVAN (Breakfast) A boxed breakfast will be provided by the hotel for our early morning transfer to Yerevan International Airport for our flight home. A visit to the Megerian Carpet, one of the largest companies in the world, representing Armenian handmade rugs and carpets is next in line. The Megerian company was founded in 1917, in New York, USA. Having existed for four generations, the Megerians unparalleled skill in the creation of rugs and tapestries of uncompromising artistry and workmanship is still strong. With each TRANSPORTATION: Austrian Airlines TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: OS 642 Yerevan Vienna 4:25am 6:10am OS 71 Vienna Toronto 10:35am 2:10pm 26

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28 TOUR PRICING CAD$6,660 per person based on double occupancy CAD$8,120 per person based on single occupancy (A limited number of single rooms are available) Program Inclusions Roundtrip economy class airfare and air taxes Toronto to Baku and returning Yerevan to Toronto on Lufthansa/Austrian Airlines (Add-on airfares from other cities are available upon request) 14 nights accommodation at 4* hotels Meals as per itinerary with water and coffee/tea included Tours and transfers with entrance fees as per itinerary Service of professional English speaking local guides throughout Wine tastings and culinary masterclass as per itinerary 2 bottles of water per person per day All gratuities EXCLUSIONS Meals and beverages other than as specified Optional travel, health, accident or other insurance which is strongly recommended and available by contacting your member services representative AIR CREDIT If you wish to arrange your own international air tickets, a credit of CAD$1,600 per person will be deducted from the above tour price. Complimentary private transfers to the hotel for members arriving on their own arrangements provided the arrival date is the same as in the main program. Of course you are welcome to arrive earlier and depart later. DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT Upon booking: CAD$1,000 per person Final payment: July 03, 2018 All prices are quoted in Canadian Dollars. We do our utmost to ensure that the prices shall remain valid, but fluctuations may occur in consideration of the regulations set out in our booking terms & conditions as regulated by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). CANCELLATION PENALTY Between time of booking & July 02, 2018: CAD$1,000 per person Between July 03, 2018 & date of departure: 100% of total cost If you book airfare separate from the dates and times outlined in this program, changes or cancellation will be subject to the airline s cancellation policies applicable to such tickets. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date Please contact member services for premium economy, or business class upgrade costs Travel medical and cancellation insurance is strongly recommended and can be quoted by your member services representative 28

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30 WHEELANDANCHOR.CA +1 (416) ext. 250 All tours are sold through New Sky Travel, 2900 Warden Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M1W 2S8 TICO Reg. No Bookings are subject to our standard terms & conditions which are available from member services upon request and which will be provided automatically upon booking. 30