DESCRIPTION:

The millennium-long route of the Silk Road began in China and continued to Europe, passing through countries such as Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Experience the vibrant cities, arts, monuments, and natural wonders along these ancient trade routes, where many historic buildings, caravanserais, ports, and cities still stand. Yet the ongoing legacy of this remarkable network remains visible today in the many distinct and interconnected cultures, languages, customs, arts, and religions that developed in these three nations wedged between the Black and Caspian seas and at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Experience stunning mountain landscapes, ancient history, and the modern wave of change washing over the diverse cultures of the Trans-Caucasus. Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan each shares a border with the other two, yet they could hardly be more different. Three unrelated languages are spoken here, and two different religions hold sway. Each succeeding valley seems to have its own traditional songs, dances, and style of dress. But the Muslim people of Azerbaijan and the Christians of Armenia and Georgia all have robust pagan roots, a love of life, and strong cultures of hospitality, home, and hearth.

In Azerbaijan, with its rich Zoroastrian history, witness ancient petroglyphs, wander the narrow, winding streets of the Old Quarter and colorful bazaars of Baku, visit a carpet museum, and tour the archaeological excavations of Sheki, which date back as far as 3,000 BCE. Stay in a former caravanserai dating back to Silk Road times, then journey overland to Georgia.

Enjoy Georgia’s famed food and wine, tour fortresses, historic churches, and monasteries cut into cliffs, and visit Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, once the hunting reserve of Czar Alexander II’s nephew, Mikhail. Enjoy a wine tasting at the estate of a 19th century prince and undertake some light hiking in a protected area that was once the hunting reserve of Czar Alexander II’s nephew, Mikhail. Explore the cave town of Vardzia, the “cradle of Georgian culture,” where 3,000 caves, with frescoes still intact, were carved at 10,200 feet above sea level. In these mountains and valleys of the Trans-Caucasus discover newly established national parks, the noble art of viticulture, winemaking, and the first country in history to declare Christianity as its state religion.

Journey to Armenia via the Lori region, home to one of the largest wilderness preserves in the Trans-Caucasus, sprinkled with remote mountain monasteries. Tour Echmiadzin, founded in 117 AD, the religious center of Armenia and an important place of pilgrimage for Christian Armenians from the world over; enjoy a concert of sacred music at the pagan Temple of Garni, carved into the side of a mountain. See the treasures of the 5th century Matenadaran Institute, one of the world’s oldest book depositories. Wander Erbuni Fortress, built in 782 BCE and home to a far-reaching kingdom that arose concurrent with Athens, Sparta, Babylon, and Egypt. Finally, it is important that we visit the Memorial and Museum of Genocide.

CONSIDER:

There are a couple of relatively long drives.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Please inquire.