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

2014

20

14

TO BOOK A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

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

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.

“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

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

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

S AT U R DAY- S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 7- 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 UNESCO-listed 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 C TO B E R 1

Gobustan, Sheki

Before setting out for Sheki, make a stop in Gobustan, an important site of

F R I DAY- S U N DAY, O C TO B E R 3 - 5

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,

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 C TO 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)

SCHEDULE BY DAY

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)

T U E S DAY- F R I DAY, O C TO B E R 7-1 0

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)

S AT U R DAY, O C TO B E R 1 1

Depart Yerevan

Transfer to the airport for individual flights back to the US. (B)

DETAILS

GROUP SIZE: 12-30 GUESTS

PRICING: per person double occupancy

$8,995 / $10,690 (SINGLE)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Lecture program by HAA Study Leader, Peter Galbraith.

• 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.

TO BOOK A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

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 non-refundable 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: haatravels@harvard.edu.

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

WHAT TO EXPECT:

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.

Gori

Bolnisi

Tserovani

Dmanisi

YerevanEchmiadzin GeghardGarniKhor Virap

M A P A R E A

A Z E R B A I J A N

A R M E N I A

G E O R G I A

Baku

Tbilisi

Haghbat

Ananuri

Mtskheta Signagi

Gobustan

Sheki

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 02138

Or by FAX: 617.496.4011

Please call with any questions: 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806

I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRIP, BUT PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST

PROGRAM NAME START DATE

FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH

EMAIL ADDRESS

STREET ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE

HOME TELEPHONE WORK TELEPHONE

SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH

EMAIL ADDRESS

STREET ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE

HOME TELEPHONE WORK TELEPHONE

METHOD OF DEPOSIT

CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA

CARD NUMBER

EXPIRATION DATE 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE

NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD

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

2014 HAA TRIPS

LAND & RAIL:

HAWAIIAN STARS: WORLD-CLASS OBSER-VATORIES & NATURAL WONDERSJAN 15-23, 2014CHRISTINE PULLIAMWORLD OF THE MAYA: GUATEMALA, MEXICO, BELIZEJAN 26-FEB 5, 2014MARK VAN BAALENCARNEVALE TRADI-TIONS IN VENICEFEB 18-24, 2014LEO DAMROSCH & JOYCE VAN DYKESOUTH INDIA: TAMIL NADU, KAMATAKA, KERALAMAR 6-22, 2014SUGATA BOSEEXPLORING MYANMAR: LAND OF THE GOLDEN PAGODAMAR 10-23, 2014QATAR, OMAN & UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: A MIDDLE EASTERN EXPLORATIONMAR 13-24, 2014WILLIAM GRANARAGRAND SOUTH AFRICA WITH ROVOS RAILMAR 24-APR 5, 2014MAYA JASANOFFART & ARCHITECTURE OF BERLIN: AN INSIDER’S VIEWAPR 4-10, 2014TURKISH TREASURESAPR 25-MAY 9, 2014JOHN “JAY” ELLISONHIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA & TIBETMAY 17-28, 2014MARTIN K. WHYTEMOROCCAN DISCOVERYMAY 17-30, 2014THE ULTIMATE SILK ROAD JOURNEY: XIAN TO ISTANBULMAY 19-JUN 8, 2014INSIDE THE RUSSIAN SPACE PROGRAMMAY 22-30, 2014DAVID AGUILARMOZAMBIQUE: REBIRTH OF A COUNTRYJUN 3-16, 2014TALES OF WALES: ADVENTURES IN CELTIC LITERATUREJUN 4-14, 2014CATHERINE MCKENNAREMEMBERING THE GREAT WAR: BELGIUM, FRANCE, & GERMANYJUN 6-15, 2014SUE WEAVER SCHOPFENGLISH LANDSCAPES AND LITERATURE: THE TOWNS, VILLAGES AND GARDENS OF AUSTEN AND HARDYJUN 7-14, 2014MICHAEL WEISHANHIDDEN SECRETS OF MADAGASCARJUN 15-27, 2014ULTIMATE TANZANIA SAFARI: EXPLORING THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND JUN 21-JUL 5, 2014DANIEL LIEBERMAN

SANTA FE: ART & LAND-SCAPE IN THE CITY OF ENCHANTMENTJUL 23-27, 2014JOHN STEWARTHIDDEN DOLCE VITA: TUSCANY & UMBRIASEP 10-18, 2014LADAKH TO BHUTANSEP 13-27, 2014IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. JAMES: CAMINO DE SANTIAGOSEP 26-OCT 8, 2014MARY GAYLORDJOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH CAUCASUS: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA, & ARMENIASEP 27-OCT 11, 2014PETER GALBRAITHSPAIN & PORTUGAL: PARADORES & POUSADASSEP 27-OCT 11, 2014

CRUISES:

PANAMA CANAL CEN-TENNIAL: COSTA RICA, PANAMA & A CANAL CROSSING JAN 19-31, 2014EXPEDITION TO ANT-ARCTICA ON L’AUSTRALJAN 31-FEB 13, 2014DAVID AGUILARTAHITI AND FRENCH POLYNESIA ON PAUL GAUGUINFEB 20-MAR 2, 2014JAMES SIMPSONCRUISING THE RIO DE LA PLATA & SOUTH-EASTERN BRAZIL: BUENOS AIRES TO RIO DE JANEIRO ON SEA EXPLORERMAR 11 – 24, 2014DIANA SORENSENJAPAN: LAND OF THE RISING SUN ON CALEDONIAN SKYMAY 7-20, 2014HELEN HARDACREIN THE WAKE OF VIKINGS: COPENHAGEN TO REYKJAVIK ON SEA EXPLORERMAY 23-JUN 4, 2014STEPHEN MITCHELLCIRCUMNAVIGATION OF THE BLACK SEA ON VARIETY VOYAGERMAY 27-JUN 9, 2014R. NICHOLAS BURNSMACHU PICCHU TO THE GALAPAGOS ON CORAL IIMAY 27-JUN 10, 2014JEFFREY QUILTERTHE BALTIC’S AMBER COAST ON SEA CLOUD IIJUN 28-JUL 9, 2014TIMOTHY COLTONHIDDEN GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEA ON VARIETY VOYAGERJUL 23-AUG 1, 2014HARVEY COX & NINA TUMARKINICELAND TO GREEN-LAND: VOYAGE TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE ON L’AUSTRALAUG 2-14, 2014JAMES MCCARTHY

BELL ‘ITALIA ON VARIETY VOYAGERSEP 16-26, 2014RICHARD THOMASISLANDS & RIVIERAS OF FRANCE, SPAIN, & ITALY ON TERE MOANASEP 19-27, 2014SUSAN SULEIMANBEYOND RAPA NUI: EASTER ISLAND ON CLIPPER ODYSSEYSEP 29-OCT 17, 2014VOYAGE TO MADAGAS-CAR ON ISLAND SKYNOV 28-DEC 16, 2014

RIVERS & LAKES:

INDIA’S HOLY RIVER GANGES ON BENGAL GANGAJAN 1- 17, 2014DIANA ECKAMAZON RIVER EXPEDITIONJAN 17-26, 2014ZARIN MACHANDATHE ELBE RIVER: PRAGUE TO BERLIN ON SWISS RUBYAPR 29-MAY 10, 2014PORTUGAL & SPAIN: THE ENCHANTING DOURO RIVER ON AMA VIDAMAY 5-14, 2014MARY GAYLORDWATERWAYS OF RUSSIA: MOSCOW TO ST. PETERSBURG ON VOLGA DREAMJUL 16-26, 2014JULIE BUCKLERTOWN & COUNTRY LIFE: PARIS TO PROVENCE ON AMADEUS SYMPHONYSEP 8-16, 2014SYMPHONY ON THE BLUE DANUBE: A CLASSICAL MUSIC CRUISE ON AMADEUS SYMPHONYSEP 12-26, 2014

FAMILY ADVENTURES & SPRING BREAK:

FAMILY TANZANIA SAFARIDEC 27, 2013-JAN 7, 2014BRIAN FARRELLSPRING BREAK GREECE FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNIMAR 14-22, 2014GREGORY NAGYSPRING BREAK GHANA FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNIMAR 14-23, 2014CARLA D. MARTINSCOTLAND: A FAMILY EXPLORATIONJUN 25-JUL 6, 2014VOYAGE TO THE LANDS OF GODS & HEROES ON CORINTHIANJUL 3-14, 2014JONATHAN WALTONGALAPAGOS FAMILY ADVENTURE ON SANTA CRUZJUL 7-15, 2014SCOTT EDWARDSBAJA FAMILY ADVENTUREDEC 26, 2014-JAN 1, 2015

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