BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB ... › - › media › Files › Join and Give...view remarkable Stone Age engravings in Azerbaijan. A private cruise on

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

Discovering the Caucasus: Armenia, Georgia & AzerbaijanWith C. Griffith Mann

Travel withThe Met B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

May 22–June 2, 2017

Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art,

Nestled between the Black and Caspian Seas, the former Soviet Republics of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan offer millennia of history and culture, with a rich legacy of art and architecture that is virtually unknown to Westerners. Next May, please join me for an extraordinary journey through the Southern Caucasus to discover the region’s many World Heritage Sites, enjoy world-renowned hospitality, and admire the stunning natural beauty of this mountainous area, known as the birthplace of wine.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in three cultures that few travelers experience—ancient lands influenced by both the West and the East, set in a majestic mountainous region embracing two continents. Together we will explore breathtaking monasteries in Armenia, encounter exceptional archaeological collections in Georgia, and view remarkable Stone Age engravings in Azerbaijan. A private cruise on the Caspian Sea and an exclusive wine tasting in the land where wine production dates back eight thousand years are but a few of the highlights of this exceptional journey.

As an expert in the sacred art of medieval Europe, I look forward to the chance to visit some of the oldest churches in the world and witness some of the earliest examples of human creativity—the Gobustan petroglyphs, created in that shadowy prehistoric time when art and religion were inextricably connected. Because we are planning an international loan exhibition on the arts of medieval Armenia for the fall of 2018, I have already had the opportunity to visit many of the Armenian sites on our itinerary. I look forward to revisiting familiar monuments and to exploring new territories and cultures with you.

I hope you will join me for this awe-inspiring experience.

Sincerely, C. Griffith Mann Michel David-Weill Curator in Charge Department of Medieval Art and The Cloisters

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

Trip Highlights—Admire ancient monasteries and cathedrals in the world’s oldest Christian nations

—Discover the excellent art and ecclesiastical treasures inside the Museum of Fine Artsin Tbilisi, Georgia

—Meet an Armenian duduk player and experience traditional polyphonic singing

—Explore Gobustan National Preserve, home to thousands of extraordinary petroglyphsfrom the Paleolithic Age

—Sample regional vintages in the land where wine was discovered —Wander the walled city of Baku, Azerbaijan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Traveling with you C. Griffith Mann

C. Griffith Mann is The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Michel David-Weill Curator in Charge of the Department of Medieval Art and The Cloisters. He is responsible for the medieval collections and curatorial staff in The Met’s main building, and directs the staff and operations of The Cloisters, the branch of the Museum dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. Dr. Mann received his BA in art history and history from Williams College, and his PhD in medieval art from The Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Mann has curated exhibitions on the medieval cult of relics, the art and archaeology of medieval Novgorod, and French manuscript illumination of the 13th century.

Discovering the Caucasus:Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan

Belt clasp, ca. A.D. 1st–2nd century, Transcaucasia, Bronze, Metalwork-Ornament, Rogers Fund, 1921, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (21.166.5)

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B


TURKEY

AZERBAIJAN

GEORGIA

ARMENIA

UplistsikheMtskheta

Bodbe

Geghard

Etchmiadzin

Sighnaghi

TURKEY

IRAN

RUSSIA

Stepantsminda

Gobustan National Reserve

Baku

Yerevan

TbilisiGori

CaspianSea

BlackSea

Photos clockwise from top right: Old Town, Baku, photo © tunart; stone steles with crosses (khachkars), Geghard; church tower in Sighnaghi © DavorLovincic; colorful Tbilisi; Roman temple at Garni; map of the Caucasus. Front cover photo: Gergeti Church, Stepantsminda. Back cover: Armenian Manuscript Bifolium. Illuminator Minas (?) (active in region of Vaspurakan (now eastern Turkey). 15th century. Armenian. Tempera and gold leaf on paper. Manuscripts and Illuminations. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Gift of Linda Barker and Lore Hilburg, in memory of their mother, Judith E. Hilburg, 2014. (2014.740)


B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

U.S. Departure Monday, May 22 Depart on an overnight flight to Armenia.

Yerevan, Armenia Tuesday, May 23 Arrive this evening in Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan, situated on the Razdan River, for check-in at the centrally located Marriott Hotel on Republic Square. D

YerevanWednesday, May 24 Begin the day at the National History Museum, where we will meet the director, and stop at the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Then a private concert of polyphonic singing and a visit to the studio of a duduk player (a wind instrument made from the wood of the apricot tree) will introduce us to this region’s rich musical heritage. Following free time for lunch, an optional excursion will be offered to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, with its dynamic collection of contemporary art and sculpture. Gather this evening for introductory remarks by Met curator Griffith Mann and our welcome dinner. B, D Yerevan/Etchmiadzin/ Geghard, ArmeniaThursday, May 25Today, discover some of Armenia’s marvellous medieval monasteries and cathedrals including the impressive ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral. Continue to Etchmiadzin, the patriarchate of the Armenian Church, and the nearby 7th-century Saint Hripsime Church, one of the oldest in the country. Visit the popular

pilgrimage site of Geghard Monastery. This medieval complex includes churches and chapels built beside and into the surrounding cliffs. See lavash (Armenian flatbread) being made for our lunch before we visit the temple at Garni, evidence of Roman occupation of the area, with its well-preserved mosaics. Return to Yerevan for a free evening. B, L

Yerevan/Tbilisi, GeorgiaFriday, May 26This morning admire views of Lake Sevan and the Dilijan National Park en route to see the early church and funerary monuments at Odzun. Continue to the dramatic Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 13th century this monastery, which includes a renowned library, was among the largest religious and educational centers in Armenia. In the afternoon cross the Georgian border to Tbilisi, one of the most ancient cities in the Caucasus and Georgia’s capital almost continuously since the 5th century. Accommodations and dinner are at the deluxe Tbilisi Marriott. B, L, D

TbilisiSaturday, May 27Spend the day exploring Tbilisi. See the Metekhi Church of the Virgin and tour the excellent collection of icons at the Museum of Fine Arts with a specialist before a walk in the Old Town. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure. In the afternoon, a visit to the Open-Air Museum of Ethnography, featuring houses and traditions from around the country, will be arranged, or opt to visit an enamel-making workshop and the Dry Bridge Flea and Arts Market. This evening feast on Georgian specialties, followed by a traditional performance. B, D

Tbilisi/Bodbe & Sighnaghi or Stepantsminda, GeorgiaSunday, May 28 Overlooking the Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains, the 9th-century Bodbe Monastery is dedicated to St. Nino, who converted the Georgians to Christianity in the 4th century. The working convent still draws many pilgrims to the saint’s tomb. Sample Georgian wines at lunch in the town of Sighnaghi. Its newly restored museum provides an overview of Georgian art, including the works of the country’s most famous 20th-century painter, Niko Pirosmani. Return to Tbilisi in the early evening. Alternatively, those who might enjoy light hiking in a spectacular mountain setting may take a day trip to the village of Stepantsminda. From here, view Holy Trinity Church, built in the 14th century at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, and beautiful Mount Kazbeg. B, L

Tbilisi/Mtskheta/ Uplistsikhe/Gori, GeorgiaMonday, May 29Today, visit Mtskheta, Georgia’s former capital and a spiritual center since the dawn of Christianity. Discover the 6th-century Dzhvari Cathedral, with its magnificent view over the town, and the impressive 11th-century Cathedral of Svetitskhoveli, one of the holiest sites in Georgia. Then continue to the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe, carved into a rocky plateau, where we will have lunch. Time permitting, stop in Gori, Joseph Stalin’s birthplace, and visit the Stalin Museum. Dinner is at leisure, perhaps to try one of Tbilisi’s fine restaurants. B, L

A duduk player

Cuba by Sea Aboard Variety Voyager February 11–18, 2017

Sailing the Panama Canal: Colón to Puntarenas Aboard Sea Cloud II February 20–March 3, 2017

Dutch & Flemish Landscapes: The Netherlands Aboard AmaPrima April 19–27, 2017

For details, please go to metmuseum.org/travel

More Travels with The Met

Discovering the Caucasus: Armenia, Georgia & AzerbaijanMay 22–June 2, 2017

Accommodations Hotel Room Preference One bed Two beds Single (at a supplement of $1,230)

I wish to share a room with

Form of Payment Check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad) Debit card Credit card

Name on debit/credit card

Debit/credit card number

3- or 4- digit security code Expiration date

Each participant must sign below. I/We have read, understand and agree to the Terms & Conditions at www.arrangementsabroad.com/terms and detailed in forthcoming program documents. I/We agree to full payment 120 days prior to departure.

Signature (required) Date

Signature (required) Date

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

To secure your reservation, please call Academic Arrangements Abroad at 844-TRVLMET (844-878-5638); or complete this form and return it with your deposit of $1,000 (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees), to be paid by debit card, credit card, wire transfer, or check payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.

Name(s) in full as on passport(s). Please print.

Address

City State Zip

Telephone (home) (business)

Fax Email

Discovering the Caucasus: May 22–June 2, 2017Reservation Form

For additional information, please call 844-TRVLMET (844-878-5638)

The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Arrangements Abroad. For complete details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at www.arrangementsabroad.com/terms.

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

Program Rate$8,995 per person double occupancy $1,230 single supplement

Rate Includes —Ten nights hotel accommodations, as per itinerary

— Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); choice of local beer, sodas, juice, bottled water, and coffee/tea with all meals;local wine at welcome and farewell dinners

— Airport/hotel group transfers for all participants on suggested flights

—Enrichment program of lectures and talks

—Economy-class flight from Tbilisi to Baku; visa for Azerbaijan

—Private cruise on the Caspian Sea

—Escorted sightseeing; entrance fees for all included visits

—Gratuities to local guides and drivers

—Taxes, service charges, and porterage

Not included in rate International airfare; passport fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than as noted in inclusions; personal items and expenses; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included.

Tbilisi/Baku, Azerbaijan Tuesday, May 30On a special tour of the Georgian History Museum, view the exquisite gold works in the Treasury and archaeological collections showing the country’s historical links with Greece and the Near East. We will also view the beautifully restored National Library. After a boxed lunch, fly to Baku on the Caspian Sea, and transfer to the elegant Four Seasons hotel in the Old City. B, L, D

BakuWednesday, May 31Drive to the Gobustan National Preserve in Central Azerbaijan to see fascinating rock art and the remains of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic Age. More than 6,000 ancient engravings depict subjects including animals, battles, dances, and the heavens. After lunch, return to Baku for a private cruise on the Caspian Sea followed by a visit to the Carpet Museum. B, L

BakuThursday, June 1 Explore Baku’s walled city, near the western end of the Asian trade routes, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. Tour Shirvanshah’s Palace, built after the country’s capital moved to Baku in the 14th century, and admire the glittering jewelry and fine copper work in the National Museum of History. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure to discover historic caravanserais and antique shops. Celebrate a fascinating trip at our farewell dinner. B, D

AccommodationsBaku/U.S. ReturnFriday, June 2Transfer to the airport early this morning for the return flights home. B

Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan

Tbilisi Marriott Hotel

The Four Seasons, Baku

Travel with The Metropolitan Museum of Art

BULK RATE

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

BURLINGTON, VT

PERMIT NO. 601


The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 Fifth AvenueNew York, NY 10028

metmuseum.org/travel

Discovering the Caucasus: Armenia, Georgia & AzerbaijanMay 22–June 2, 2017 B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

Documents

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB ... › - › media › Files › Join and Give...view remarkable Stone Age engravings in Azerbaijan. A private cruise on