STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

MARY AZCUENAGA, ’67, ARMENIA, AND AZERBAIJAN, 2012

LAND OF RICHES

May 5 to 14, 2018 A land of ancient history and 21st-century strategic importance, Georgia is a country of superlatives. Besides its 8,000-year-old winemaking legacy, its own distinctive alphabet and being the locale of the earliest hominid bones ever unearthed in Europe, Georgia also boasts a modern government receptive to western investment. Stanford Professor Stephen Krasner and local experts will enlighten us on the country’s challenging history and political development, its layers of architectural style, and its impressive contributions to the felds of archaeology, art, music, literature and faith. During meals, enjoy the fruits of Georgia’s time-honored winemaking processes and such dining traditions that have added its warmth, laughter and pleasure to life there for millennia. Join us!

BRETT S. THOMPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY FRESCO OF ST. GEORGE Highlights ATTEND a “farm-to- LEARN about the JOIN a local architect table” fair at a -area evolution of Georgian for a walking tour of winery and talk with grow- politics on visits to the ’s Old Town and view ers about Georgia’s natural Stalin Museum in Gori and the city’s numerous art food and wine movement. the Occupation Museum nouveau-style buildings and President’s Palace on a coach tour. in Tbilisi. COVER: SIGNAGI

KAKHETI REGION Faculty Leader STEPHEN D. KRASNER is the Graham H. Stuart Professor of International Relations and a senior fellow at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and the Hoover Institution. He was senior associate dean for the social sciences and deputy director at the Freeman Spogli Institute from 2008 to 2013. Among his government positions, he has served as director of the Policy Planning staff at the U.S. Department of State and was the director for Governance and Development at the National Security Council. Professor Krasner’s research and writings have dealt primarily with the political determinants of international economic relations, American foreign policy, sovereignty and state building. During our program, Professor Krasner will talk about the challenges of achieving democracy or at least better governance in the “Steve Krasner Caucasus and the objectives of Putin’s Russia in creating frozen conflicts in Georgia and elsewhere. provided a very — Graham H. Stuart Professor of International Relations, since 1991, and chair, 1984–1991, thoughtful overview department of political science — Senior associate dean, social sciences, School of Humanities and Sciences, 2010–2013 to the history and — Senior fellow, since 1991; deputy director, 2008–2013; and director, Center for Democracy, Development, and was always available the Rule of Law, 2002–2004—all Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies — Senior fellow, Hoover Institution, since 2008 to further the con- — Director, Policy Planning, U.S. Department of State, February 2005–April 2007 versation on the — Director, Governance and Development, National Security Council, 2002 bus or at meals.” — Member, board of directors, U.S. Institute of Peace, 2003–2004 and since 2008 — BA, history, 1963, Cornell University CAROL MACCORKLE, — MIA, international affairs, 1967, Columbia University ISRAEL, 2016 — PhD, political science, 1972, Harvard University

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?georgia2018 OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093 RUSSIA

Kutaisi G EORGIA Wine Region Gori Tbilisi Signagi Vardzia

TURKEY ARMENIA

TUESDAY, MAY 8 exhibit commemorates the TBILISI nearly 900,000 who Itinerary Today, stop at a textile art studio were killed or deported during founded 20 years ago by five the Soviet occupation from SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, Georgian women and meet with 1921 to 1991. By special ar- MAY 5 & 6 its founders and resident art- rangement, tour the Presidential U.S. / TBILISI, ists. At the Terrace Hotel, meet Palace, where we meet with GEORGIA with members of the “Women one of the Georgia president’s Board overnight flights to for Tomorrow” organization for advisors (schedule permitting). Georgia, arriving in Tbilisi on roundtable discussions before Dinner tonight features a special Sunday evening and checking lunch. This afternoon visit the guest speaker from the local in to our hotel. Georgia’s central Georgian Arts and Culture business community. TBILISI lowlands have long been an im- Center, a local NGO founded by MARRIOTT (B,L,D) portant link between East and women and dedicated to foster- West, and Tbilisi has retained ing and promoting Georgian THURSDAY, MAY 10 the multiethnic atmosphere that arts and culture, and view its TBILISI / DMANISI / King David the Builder fostered collection of high-quality crafts. TBILISI back in the 1100s after defeat- Visit a private dacha (summer This morning, visit a remarkable ing the Muslim states. TBILISI cabin) outside Tbilisi before archaeological site in the medi- MARRIOTT heading back to Tbilisi for din- eval town of Dmanisi, where Silk ner and a jazz performance at Road caravans used to pass MONDAY, MAY 7 a local restaurant. TBILISI MARRIOTT through in ancient times. During TBILISI (B,L,D) the Middle Ages, townspeople Begin today riding a funicular up dug their cellars and storage the wooded slope of Mtatsmin- WEDNESDAY, MAY 9 pits through layers of earth da plateau for wonderful views TBILISI / GORI / containing strange-looking of Tbilisi and lunch. Descend TBILISI bones and stone tools that in and join a local architect for a Travel today to the city of Gori, the 20th century were found to walking tour of the Old Town, where Joseph Stalin was born belong to some of the earliest followed by a coach tour of the in 1879. Visit the Stalin House hominids ever found outside of city’s modern neighborhoods Museum to view the family’s Africa. The discovery here of to view the art nouveau-style original wooden hut and Stalin’s four 1.7 million-year-old homo architecture found there. Join private railway car. Stop for erectus skulls has made the fellow travelers this evening at lunch at a private organic winery Dmanisi site crucial to the study a welcome reception. TBILISI before returning to Tbilisi to visit of human evolution. After lunch MARRIOTT (B,L,D) the Museum of Soviet Occupa- in Tbilisi, tour the Shalva Ami- tion. The museum’s permanent ranashvili Museum of Fine Arts, RUSSIA Optional Post-trip Extension Kakheti G EORGIA MAY 14 TO 18 Wine (4 ADDITIONAL DAYS) AKHALTSIKHE VILLAGE BATUMI Region Spend an additional four days traveling Gori west across Georgia from Tbilisi to the Telavi lovely Black Sea resort city of Batumi, Tbilisi stopping along the way at the Phoka Akhaltsikhe Nunnery of St. Nino, the ancient cut- Batumi rock town of Vardzia with its frescoed Signagi caves, the recently restored Rabati Vardzia Castle in the Old Town of Akhaltsikhe, Dmanisi and the World Heritage-designated cathedral and monastery in the storied merchant town of Kutaisi. TURKEY ARMENIA Additional details will be sent to confirmed travelers. RABATI CASTLE

which displays thousands of beeswax-lined clay jugs, called SUNDAY, MAY 13 pieces of Georgian art, includ- qvevri, that have been used for SIGNAGI / TBILISI ing paintings, gold pieces dat- winemaking in this region for Today visit Bodbe Nunnery ing from the 3rd century B.C.E., more than 6,000 years. After where St. Nino is said to have medieval icons and cloisonné lunch, visit the estate of Alex- died and been buried after enamel pieces. This evening ander in nearby living as a hermit in the Bodbe attend a private reception at before checking in Gorge. Here, we’ll learn about the Elene Akhvlediani House to our hotel in Signagi. HOTEL Georgia’s Orthodox Church Museum. TBILISI MARRIOTT (B,L,D) KABADONI (B,L,D) and Georgia’s polyphonic vocal music. Having developed inde- FRIDAY, MAY 11 SATURDAY, MAY 12 pendently of Western European TBILISI / TELAVI / SIGNAGI / TIBAANI / rules of harmony, Georgian SIGNAGI SIGNAGI vocal music has been passed Today, depart Tbilisi for the This morning view Signagi’s down by ear for hundreds of Kakheti wine region, the famous wooden balconies, years. Its tuning system, based country’s most important wine- richly carved with lacey orna- on fifths rather than octaves, growing area. Georgia and this mentation, and its impressive gives its choral music a rich, yet region are the locus of a move- defensive wall and towers, built slightly discordant, sound (to ment to return to the natural in the 18th century. Later, drive western ears, at least!). Return winemaking methods of the to the Pheasant’s Tears Winery to Tbilisi and spend the after- past and to develop its nouvelle outside the village of Tibaani noon at the Dry Bridge Market, cuisine around local, seasonal to tour the winery’s vineyards where vendors sell everything and organic ingredients. After a and wine cellars and sample its from tchotchkes and carpets to stroll through the Chateau Mere wines. Return to our hotel this car parts and tools. Bid farewell vineyards, continue to Telavi, afternoon to relax or explore to fellow travelers at a reception the administrative and cultural the town independently before and dinner this evening. TBILISI center of Kakheti, where we heading back to the winery to MARRIOTT (B,L,D) visit the only well-preserved learn more about the “farm-to- palace in Georgia, the 17th- table” movement. Meet with MONDAY, MAY 14 century castle of Herekle II, and farmers at a small, winery-host- TBILISI / U.S. stop at the Alaverdi Cathedral, ed agricultural fair and take part After breakfast transfer to the one of the tallest churches in hands-on bread making and airport for flights back to the in Georgia, and the Alaverdi barbequing demonstrations, U.S. (B) Monastery Complex. At the helping to prepare the dinner monastery, sample natural we’ll enjoy later this evening at wines the Alaverdi monks the winery. HOTEL KABADONI (B,L,D) make by aging them in huge TRADITIONAL GEORGIAN TABLE

fied as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption Trip Information and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet DATES May 5 to 14, 2018 (10 days) access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services SIZE 36 participants (single accommodations AIR ARRANGEMENTS limited—please call for availability) You are responsible for booking and purchasing airfare to the start location of the program and COST* from the end location of the program. These air $6,795 per person, double occupancy purchases are NOT included in the program cost. $7,795 per person, single occupancy Information on recommended flight itineraries *Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers will be sent by our designated agent. add $300 per person WHAT TO EXPECT INCLUDED While this program is designed to be the most 8 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations comfortable possible for travel in this region, this 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners, includ- is an adventuresome tour as the overall tourism ing beer and wine Welcome and farewell infrastructure is still developing. This itinerary receptions Gratuities to guides, drivers for features a significant amount of touring on foot. all group activities All tours and excursions Some attractions are accessible only via steep as described in the itinerary Transfers and staircases with tall uneven steps, some without baggage handling on program arrival and de- handrails. Walking city tours are often over parture days Minimal medical, accident and cobblestone. Visiting the archaeological site of evacuation insurance Educational program Dmanisi, among other sites, calls for walking over with lecture series and pre-departure materials, grass, gravel and/or dirt. To reap the full rewards including recommended reading list, a selected of this adventure, travelers must be able to walk book, map and travel information Services unaided at least a few miles a day, keeping up with of our professional tour manager to assist you fellow travelers. Flexibility, a sense of humor, and a throughout the program willingness to accept local standards of amenities NOT INCLUDED and services are essential components to the International and U.S. domestic airfare enjoyment of this trip. We welcome travelers 15 Passport and visa fees Immunization costs years of age and older on this program. Meals and beverages other than those speci- TBILISI

Terms & Conditions welcome materials. The product to delay or changes in air or other Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000-per-person deposit is offered includes special benefits services, sickness, weather, strike, required to hold your space. An if you purchase your policy within war, quarantine, force majeure or additional $200-per-person deposit is 14 days of written confirmation of other causes beyond our control. required to hold space for the optional your participation on the trip. All such losses or expenses will post-trip extension. Sign up online at have to be borne by the passenger Eligibility alumni.stanford.edu/trip?georgia2018 as tour rates provide arrangements We encourage membership in the only for the time stated. We reserve or call the Travel/Study office at (650) Stanford Alumni Association as the the right to make such alterations 725-1093. Final payment is due 120 program cost for nonmembers is to this published itinerary as may days prior to departure. As a condition $300 more than the members’ price. be deemed necessary. The right is of participation, all confirmed partici- A person traveling as a guest paid reserved to cancel any program prior pants are required to sign a Release for by a current member will not to departure in which case the entire of Liability. be charged the nonmember fee. payment will be refunded without For more information or to purchase further obligation on our part. The Cancellations & Refunds Deposits and any payments are a membership, visit alumni.stanford/ right is also reserved to decline to refundable, less a $500-per-person goto/membership or call (650) accept or retain any person as a cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to 725-0692. member of the program. No refund departure. After that date, refunds can will be made for an unused portion Responsibility be made only if the program is sold of any tour unless arrangements The Stanford Alumni Association, are made in sufficient time to avoid out and your place(s) can be resold, Stanford University and our operators penalties. Baggage is carried at the in which case a $1,000-per-person act only as agents for the passenger owner’s risk entirely. The airlines cancellation fee will apply. with respect to transportation and concerned are not to be held exercise every care possible in doing Insurance responsible for any act, omission or Stanford Travel/Study provides so. However, we can assume no event during the time that passengers all travelers who are U.S. or liability for injury, damage, loss, are not onboard their plane or Canadian citizens with minimal accident, delay or irregularity in conveyance. Neither the Stanford connection with the service of any medical, accident and evacuation Alumni Association, Stanford automobile, motor coach, launch coverage under our group-travel University nor our operators accept or any other conveyance used in insurance policy. Our group policy liability for any carrier’s cancellation carrying out this program or for the is intended to provide minimal penalty incurred by the purchase of acts or defaults of any company or levels of protection while you are a nonrefundable ticket in connection person engaged in conveying the with the tour. Program price is based traveling on this program. You may passenger or in carrying out the on rates in effect in June 2017 and is choose to subscribe to optional trip- arrangements of the program. We subject to change without notice to cancellation and baggage insurance. cannot accept any responsibility for reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, Information offering such insurance losses or additional expenses due tariffs or fuel charges. will be provided to travelers with their

© COPYRIGHT 2017 STANFORD ALUMNI TELEPHONE (650) 725-1093 ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. EMAIL [email protected] PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 PAPER IN THE U.S. STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY was awell-executed,“This well-rounded, thoroughly enjoyable, drink-from-a-water-hose MARY AZCUENAGA, ’67, ARMENIA, GEORGIA AND AZERBAIJAN, 2012 AZERBAIJAN, AND GEORGIA ’67, ARMENIA, AZCUENAGA, MARY educational experience.” BODBE NUNNERY Stanford Travel/Study Nonprofit Org. Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center U.S. Postage 326 Galvez Street PAID Stanford, CA 94305-6105 Stanford Alumni (650) 725-1093 Association

LAND OF RICHES

May 5 to 14, 2018 STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY