Crossroads of the Caucasus: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia 2021
Crossroads of the Caucasus: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia 2021 31 AUG – 21 SEP 2021 Code: 22129 Tour Leaders Davit Naskidashvili Physical Ratings With Georgian Archaeologist, Davit Naskidashvili, explore the fascinating history, art, architecture and unforgettable scenery of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Overview Travel with Georgian archaeologist, Davit Naskidashvili, on this cultural expedition through the Caucasus. Explore the intricate history and richly varied culture of the Caucasus. Learn how this region was a crossroads of invasion and trade by Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Turks and became a vital leg of the famed Silk Route. Journey through some of the world’s most magnificent landscapes, with verdant valleys framed by the great Caucasus Mountains and supreme Ararat. Discover the fascinating, at times eccentric, ultra modern architecture of Baku, including the Flame Towers, Carpet Museum and Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev Centre. Wonder at the richly decorated interior of the Khan’s Summer Palace, Sheki, with exquisite paintings inspired by late medieval Persia. Drive high into the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range to stay in a famous mountain lodge and visit Gergeti Trinity Church framed by high Caucasus peaks, and (optional) Dariali Gorge with a waterfall walk. Visit the Upper Svaneti region, a UNESCO World-heritage site, featuring exceptional mountain scenery with medieval-type villages and distinctive koshki (defensive stone towers). Appreciate the distinctiveness of Armenian religious culture; this was the first state formerly to adopt Christianity as its official religion. View the fascinating decoration of Georgia’s and Armenia’s stunningly located mountain monasteries, that fuses local, Islamic and Western motifs. Enjoy supreme quality Eastern fresco painting in Gelati Monastery (Kutaisi, Georgia) and in the Church of the Dormition (Vardzia, Georgia).
[Show full text]