Group Size: 10 to 26 guests
Price: $9,995 per person double occupancy, $11,930 single occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Harvard exclusive
Trip Overview
The three countries of the South Caucasus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, interlock like puzzle pieces across the Caucasus range at the border of Europe and Asia. They share stunning mountain backdrops, sturdy stone architecture, and a legendary devotion to hospitality. The food and wine of Georgia, which claims to be the first area to cultivate the wine grape, rank among the world’s most underrated gastronomic pleasures. Azerbaijan was closely connected with pre-Islamic Persia; it is sometimes said that burning natural gas vents on its Absheron Peninsula inspired Zoroastrian fire rituals. Beautiful Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion, early in the 4th century. Get to know these small but strategic countries, talking with local people, hearing their songs and stories, and learning about their hopes for the future.
Schedule by Day
- Oct 17: Depart home city in the U.S
- Oct 18: Arrive Baku, Azerbaijan
- Oct 19: Baku
- Oct 20: Baku / Drive to Sheki
- Oct 21: Sheki
- Oct 22: Sheki / Drive to Signagi, Georgia via Kakheti Wine Region
- Oct 23: Signagi / Drive to Tbilisi
- Oct 24: Tbilisi
- Oct 25: Tbilisi / Day Trip to Tserovani & Gori
- Oct 26: Tbilisi / Day Trip to Mtskheta & Ananuri
- Oct 27: Tbilisi / Drive to Yerevan, Armenia
- Oct 28: Yerevan / Day Trip to Khor Virap, Garni, Geghard
- Oct 29: Yerevan
- Oct 30: Yerevan / Day Trip to Echmiadzin
- Oct 31: Depart Yerevan for home
Pricing
$9,995 per person double occupancy
$11,930 single occupancy
Accommodations
- Two nights at Hilton Baku or similar
- Two nights night at Sheki Saray Hotel or similar
- One night at Kabadoni Hotel or similar
- Four nights at Tbilisi Marriott or similar
- Four nights at the Alexander Hotel in Yerevan
What to Expect
This trip is active due to the substantial distances covered and the extensive walking and stair climbing required. The tour is not 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) over uneven terrain while keeping up with the group; and stand for extended periods of time during walking tours and museum visits. Availability of western toilets on the trip is unreliable when outside of major cities. Accommodations on this program are at five-star properties in the capitals, and a four-star hotel in one smaller town. Flexibility and willingness to accept local standards of service and amenities are essential to the enjoyment of this program.
