2014
2014
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
Journey through the South Caucasus:
An In-Depth Look at Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia
September 27-October 11, 2014 • 14 NIGHTS / 15 DAYS • GROUP SIZE: 12-30
“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
country’s deep red wines and
CULTURALLY DIVERSE
fine foods and explore
Caucasus countries of
UNESCO-listed Mtskheta,
Azerbaijan, Georgia and
capital of the ancient Georgian
Armenia, next-door neighbors
kingdom of Iberia, beginning
on a mountainous strip of land
in the 3rd century BC. In
between the Caspian and the
Armenia, the world’s first
Black Seas. Discover the bold
Christian country, visit
designs of Azerbaijan’s
powerful little stone churches
carpets and trace its
from the 1st millennium and
relationship with an
admire the country’s oldest
underground treasure of oil
art form, the sculpted stone
and gas that dates back to the
khachkar crosses that dot the
time of Zarathustra. In
green hillsides.
exuberant Georgia, savor the
TO BOOK A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
ST UDY L EADER
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
SC HE DUL E BY DAY
S AT U R DAY- S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 27- 2 8
Depart USA/Arrive Baku
(Azerbaijan)
M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9
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)
T U E S DAY-W E D N E S DAY,
S E P T E M B E R 3 0 - O CTO B E R 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 2007.
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)
T H U R S DAY, O CTO B E R 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)
FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
F R I DAY- M O N DAY O CTO B E R 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,
D E TA I LS
GROUP SIZE: 12-30 GUESTS
PRICING:
per person double occupancy
$8,995 / $10,690 (SINGLE)
H I G H LI G H TS
• 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)
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)
T U E S DAY- F R I DAY, O CTO B E R 7-1 0
Haghbat, Yerevan (Armenia)
with day trips
S AT U R DAY, O CTO B E R 1 1
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
Transfer to the airport for individual
flights back to the US. (B)
Depart Yerevan
• 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.
GEORGIA
Gori
Tserovani
Dmanisi
Bolnisi
ARMENIA
Ananuri
Mtskheta
Signagi
Tbilisi
Haghbat
Sheki
Baku
Yerevan
Echmiadzin
Geghard
Khor Virap Garni
AZERBAIJAN
Gobustan
WHAT TO EXPECT:
M A P
A R E A
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
800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806 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 90-61 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
http://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/
south-caucasus-2014. If you are not able to
access the Internet, please call HAA Travels
at 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806.
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
800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806, email:
[email protected].
TOUR OPERATOR: MIR CORPORATION
CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932.
©2013 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 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
2014 HAA TRIPS
LAND & RAIL:
HAWAIIAN STARS:
WORLD-CLASS OBSERVATORIES & NATURAL
WONDERS
JAN 15-23, 2014
CHRISTINE PULLIAM
WORLD OF THE MAYA:
GUATEMALA, MEXICO,
BELIZE
JAN 26-FEB 5, 2014
MARK VAN BAALEN
CARNEVALE TRADITIONS 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 & LANDSCAPE 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 ANTARCTICA 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 & SOUTHEASTERN 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 GREENLAND: 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 MADAGASCAR 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
R EG I ST RAT IO N FO R M
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 02138
Or by FAX: 617.496.4011
Please call with any questions: 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806
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CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL.
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