Haunting songs of love and loss played on traditional instruments are the theme of Local Life & Landscapes of Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan. You can make the trip through the South Caucasus with Seattle-based MIR Corporation, with more than three decades of experience organizing journeys in Europe and Asia. The 21-day tour begins in the Azerbaijan capital of Baku with time to explore the winding stone streets in the medieval Old Town. In Shemakha, participants will visit the studio of a working copper master, enjoy a family meal in Lahij and wander through the 14^th-century architectural wonders of Sheki.

Other highlights include getting to know the Kakheti wine country of Georgia with a tour of Pheasant’s Tears Winery, participation in a celebration taking place in the tiny stone village of Dartlo in the Caucasus Mountains, perusing the exhibits at Georgia’s National Museum (ancient skulls!) and watching a ceramicist create qvevri — earthenware vessels ranging in size, 200–900 gallons, used to ferment and store Georgian wines. There’s plenty more in store, including sampling cheese made by nuns at the Phoka Nunnery in St. Nino, watching a metalsmith work iron by hand and touring the many historic sites in Armenia’s capital city. Along the way, be charmed by local dishes and family meals and absorb the fascinating culture through music like that of the duduk, a traditional Armenian reed instrument. Tour dates are July 29–Aug. 18. Prices begin at $7,995 per person.