Georgia and ArmeniaCultural Discovery Tour

with Nuran Zorlu

Tatev Monastery

Bride, Sameba Cathedral, Tbilisi

Cultural Discovery andPhotography tour toGeorgia and Armeniawith prize winningphotographer Nuran Zorlu

12-27 October 2017USD 4350

You want to go away for a photography holiday, but you are not sure where to go. When you are away, you want to discover some of the oldest cultural artefacts in their breathtaking landscapes. You want to be part of the vibrant local life and experience fantastic local cuisine and gain local knowledge. Think no more, how about a two week trip with me to Armenia and Georgia.

These two countries are touristic hotspot destinations at the moment, with lots of tours heading to that region. I also have been to this region many times and together with my vast knowledge and experience; I have designed a unique cultural discovery tour. I am culturally connected to Armenia, as I am an Australian photographer with Armenian heritage who was born in Turkey and speaks fluent Armenian as well.

As a professional photographer, sociology, philosophy graduate and an amateur cook, I have had a chance to explore many touristic and non-touristic corners from these two equally beautiful countries. Please note that I am an ardent believer of cultural preservation and I also believe every culture is unique and needs to be respected in their own right.

Let’s have a look a little closer to these two nations from the Caucuses. Armenia and Georgia are the first two countries that accepted the Christian faith in the years 301 and 318 respectively. There are a large number of old churches and cathedrals on our route, with some of them dated back to 5th century CE. Against all of the odds, some of these monasteries survived all invasions and natural disasters.

Once upon a time, they were both part of the mighty Soviet Union. Although more than 25 years has passed since the flag of the hammer and sickle disappeared in this region, some of the remnants are still in embossed as part of their cultures.

Come and experience these two beautiful countries with its architectural marvels, delicious cuisines and breathtaking landscapes. You can explore daily living or see life off the beaten track. Also an opportunity to develop new photography skills or add to your existing knowledge with the NSW travel photographer of the year two years running. It will be a trip with memories that will be etched in your mind forever.

The Travel Program

12-27 October 2017

Day 1, Tbilisi 12 October 2017 (Thursday)

Day 2, Tbilisi 13 October 2017

Our two-week journey starts when we arrive at Tbilisi international airport. A 30 min ride will take us our hotel in the historical centre of the city. The first day will be dedicated to rest, but if we feel energised, enough we will view and photograph beautiful Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia from a higher vantage point. Narikala Castle is one quick cable car away and the night view from this spot is spectacular.

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, and she is one of the most cosmopolitan cities I have ever visited. Wondering in the old neighbourhood of Tbilisi is an absolute treat for photographers while exploring colourful buildings with old doors and windows, narrow alleyways, little rundown quarters and modern structures. The day will start after breakfast. After a short walk from our hotel, we will reach 13th C Metekhi Church, and then take a cable car to Narikala Castle. The view is amazing from up there both during the day or the evening. After the photo shoot, we start to walk down to explore the old town and its multicultural textures. There are a few interesting religious buildings to visit, stunning cathedrals both Georgian and Armenian, a synagogue and a mosque just to name a few, all within walking distance from each other. Later in the afternoon, we will be heading to a Georgian History Museum; the Treasury section is mind blowing. At night we will be having dinner at a local restaurant, offering local cuisine. Sameba , Tbilisi

Sion Cathedral , Tbilisi

Khertvisi Castle

Day 3, Akhalsikhe14 October 2017

Day 4, Gyumri15 October 2017

After an early breakfast, we will be on the way to Mtskheta and its historical content, 6th C Jvari church and magnificent 11th C Svetiskhoveli Cathedral. They are both in the Unesco world heritage inscriptions. These sites are the most sacred for the Georgian Orthodox Church. We are now on the way to southwestern Javakhi region, but there are two more sites before we arrive at our destination. The first stop will be another historically significant location, the museum of one of the 20th C most powerful and cruellest leaders, Joseph Stalin. And the second stop will be the first one of Georgia’s unbelievable cave cities, Uplistsikhe. The history of this place goes back 3000 years. Another 2.5-hour trip will take us to our next pitstop, Akhaltsikhe, a charming little town with a beautiful castle. Once upon a time this kingdom belonged to King Tamar of Georgia (the only female ruler who was ever called a king)

We will be on our way to Armenia this morning but there are two more beautiful must see sites that are on our route to Armenia. First, a little drive from Akhaltsikhe will take us to a 10th century Khertvisi castle and then one of the highlights of our trip, Vardzia, a cave town that stretches over half a kilometre along the Mtkvari river, another location that you have to see to believe.

Arriving at the Bavra border, our Georgian crew will be farewelled, and our Armenian friends greeted. An overnight stay in Gyumri will be followed. Gyumri is usually not in many touristic itineraries, however, is a lively city with positive vibes in the air. We will have a chance to see a glimpse of life and hidden treasures of Armenia’s second largest city.

Etchmiazine Cathedral

Day 5, Yerevan16 October 2017

Day 6, Yerevan17 October 2017

Today we will be on the road to Armenia’s vibrant capital Yerevan. There are a few very interesting places to visit on our way there, on this less visited path, we will pass sleepy villages and ancient churches to reach one of the highlights of our journey, the centre of Armenian Apostolic Church, Etchmiazine. The Etchmiazine Cathedral is considered as the first Christian Cathedral in the world. Etchmiazine is a Unesco heritage site alongside with two beautiful smaller 6th C churches Gayaneh and Hripsime. Another short drive will take us to the ruins of Zvartnosts, another Unesco-listed site with an amazing Mt Ararat backdrop. We finally arrive in Yerevan and in the late afternoon we will be in the Opera district getting ready for night photographs. We will end this day at one of the cities local restaurants tasting delicious local delicacies.

An early rise this morning to take sunrise photos from our bedroom balcony, ( The hotel I selected for our stay in Yerevan has an uninterrupted view of Mt Ararat) After breakfast, we will explore the capital and largest city in Armenia. I am especially looking forward to walking around the city’s old and new quarters. Yerevan is a city with lots of charm, museums, cafes and very friendly locals. You will see how local Armenians conduct their everyday life. In the afternoon we will farewell the daylight in the vibrant republic square.

St Gregory Cathedral Park

Yerevan Opera House

Day 7, Yerevan18 October 2017

After breakfast, we will be on the route to Azad Valley. This corner of Armenia is the most beautiful and probably the most visited site as well. The Azad Valley and her two amazing historical sites ( all part of the UNESCO World Heritage inscribed sites) will stay with you forever. The Geghard monastery is one of my top three destinations in Armenia. This 13th-century monastery is a unique complex structure. Some of its chambers are carved into the adjoining mountain. The next stop will be the Garni Temple. The only surviving Pagan temple not only in Armenia but the Caucuses as well. This day will give you lots of unprecedented photo opportunities, ranging from nature to architecture. After lunch, we will head back to Yerevan. You will have a free afternoon and evening at your leisure. You can either rest and enjoy the hotel facilities or take a 7-minute taxi drive to the main square and navigate the city on your own.

Geghard Monastery

Garni Pagan Temple

Father Michael

Day 8, Tatev19 October 2017

We will be up early for another unforgettable sunrise ( weather permitting) Khor Virap monastery with its Mt Ararat backdrop is arguably one of the most iconic photographic destinations in Armenia. Mt Ararat is the holy mountain to Armenians but lives in neighbouring Turkey. We will then be on our way to a village called Tatev in which we will be staying for a couple of nights. On our route to Tatev, we will visit Noravank( New Monastery) and Karahunj ( Armenian Stonehenge), as well as the very photogenic lower Caucuses. These destinations will provide us with many photographic opportunities. I love everything about this mountain village called Tatev, its fantastic monastery, village life and its friendly people. At night we will be staying in an authentic village guest house.

Day 9, Tatev20 October 2017

Day 10, Hermon21 October 2017

After breakfast, we will start to explore the Syunik region. A little drive from our village will take us to Khndzoresk, an abandoned cave village. To reach the village, we need to pass a 160-metre long suspension bridge. We will then travel back to Tatev village to walk around and explore the village life and its beautiful surroundings. In the late afternoon, we will go to a local kitchen to cook our authentic Armenian dinner.

Another early morning rise will take us down to the monastery grounds for more sunrise photos. This day will be an another unforgettable one. After breakfast, we will try to go to the old Ughtasar volcanic lake and its amazing petroglyphs. After lunch, we will reach Yeghnits village. Additional to majestic walnut trees this village houses two unique historical sites, the first being the open air Kzhorer church and secondly the recently discovered medieval Jewish Cemetery.

Tatev Village

Varoujan of Tatev, Our host in Tatev Village

Day 11, Dilijan22 October 2017

Day 12,Tbilisi23 October 2017

After breakfast, we will be on Armenia’s Silk Road, and on the way to Sevan Lake, we will pass old bridges, Selim caravansary, amazing landscapes of the lower caucuses and Noraduz cemetery. In the afternoon we will reach Sevanavank on the shores of the lake, another popular site both among locals and tourists. In the afternoon we will be in Dilijian’s forest. The season that we will be in, Autumn, will show us the incredible beauty of this region. The Haghartzine Monastery in this forest of autumn colours is breathtakingly stunning. If there is enough time, we will be in the Dilijan guest house, with my local friends to prepare another classic Armenian dish, the world famous Armenian dolma.

Today we are back on our way to Georgia. The trip from Dilijan to Georgian will show us more historical sites and landscapes that we can feast our eyes on. Firstly before breakfast, we will walk on the beautiful grounds of the colourful Dilijan and its old quarter. After breakfast, our destination is two stunning Armenian monasteries, both whom are part of the Unesco heritage sites, Haghpat and Sanahin. Although they both share similar architectural styles, I have to admit Sanahin is my favourite in Armenia. In the afternoon we will be visiting Akhtala church, the murals of this church are one of the best representations of Byzantine art outside the traditional borders of Byzantium. Another farewell at the Sadakhlo border and we will arrive in Tbilisi for a well deserved traditional dinner.

Hagarztine Monastery

Sanahin Monastery

Day 13, Kazbegi 24 October 2017

Day 14, Kazbegi 25 October 2017

Day 15, Tbilisi 26 October 2017

Day 16, Departure26 October 2017

On the way to Kazbegi, we will stop at Ananuri monastery, An old complex with a million dollar view. This church is located on the shores of a lake. The blue colour of the lake together with the autumn leaves and the church will make for a great photo. The next couple of days we will be staying in one of the most fabulous locations I have ever been in this region ( a room with a view is an understatement). I enjoyed my stay in this area so much that I decided to dedicate two nights to this stunning location, guaranteed the best view from your very own balcony. We will visit the holy trinity church today.

Another full day in a mountain paradise. The Caucuses has a few important peaks, Mt Kazbegi which is over 5000mt in height is one of them. We can take a photo of the mountain anytime we wish as our hotel has the best view of this majestic mountain. There will be trekking opportunities as well as visiting one of the small mountain villages or simply enjoying the facilities of the hotel, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit as there is an indoor heated pool with a mountain view.

After breakfast, we will back to the beautiful Tbilisi. I would love to show you the old alleys and some of the lesser known corners of this city. We will visit the Dry Bridge market and use funicular to view the city from a different angle.We will have a free time in the afternoon.At night we will have our farewell dinner with the company of local music and dancers.

Today will mark the end of the journey that would have created memories that you will never forget. Transfers will be taken place to the airport to reach your next destination.

View from the hotel room’s balcony

View from the hotel room’s balcony

Nuran ZorluAPP, M. Photog II

Nuran Zorlu is an Australian commercial and advertising photographer with over 20 years of industry experience; an award-winning photographer — on two occasions he has received the prestigious AIPP Travel Photographer of the Year (NSW) award and his photographs have been selected as finalists in the ‘Head On’ and Sydney Morning Herald’s ‘Shoot the Chef ’ competitions; a well-respected teacher of photography; and a highly regarded judge of Australian photography competitions.

Nuran’s travel photography has featured in many major exhibitions and publications; he has lectured on travel photography and history at the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney University, the Cezayir Cultural Centre in Istanbul and at the 2016 Tehran International Book-fair. His illustrated travel journal/ book, “Persia to Iran”, has been reviewed on ABC radio and also featured in a BBC World Service documentary. He conducts photography workshops in Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, China and Iran.

Born in Turkey to Armenian parents Nuran speaks fluent English, Turkish and Armenian. He earned a degree in philosophy and sociology at Istanbul University and has a great love for the region’s history. This unique perspective and knowledge, combined with his photographic skills, ensures his travel photography tours are more than just an opportunity to learn camera, framing and lighting techniques - they also provide you with an intimate understanding of the region and its people. An added bonus is his passion for food — he enjoys both eating and cooking it — and his knowledge of both the local dishes and best restaurants in each of the regions visited. You will definitely not go hungry as he introduces you to some of the best food the Caucasus has to offer.

Nuran Zorlu Cultural Discovery and Photography Tours aim not only give the participants an amazing cultural experience but the ability to polish up their photography skills. Nuran is very diverse commercial and advertising photographer as well as very sought after educator as well. Additional to his photography skills he also lectures in history and loves to cook. Therefore his tours attract not only photographers but people interested in other cultures.

For booking, you can directly contact Nuran Zorlu at nuran@nuranzorlu.com or on his mobile 0413 619 292.

This photo tour is limited to 8 people. A minimum of 4 people ( plus the local guides and Nuran himself).

PRICECultural Discovery TourGeorgia and Armenia

15 night /16 days12 -27 October 2017

Tour cost USD $4350Single Surcharge USD $4504-5 people Surcharge USD $450Deposit to secure a place USD $500

Final Payment by 15 July 2017

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The price includes all accommodation in double/twin rooms in comfortable hotels or guest house, All the breakfasts and dinners; there will be bottled water in comfortable A/C minibus and all the entry fees for specified museums and sites in the itinerary. Please note the itinerary can be changed depending on the circumstances such as weather, availability, etc. Tbilisi airport pick up and drop off on dedicated time is also included. 4WD to Sameba church in Kazbegi is also included.

The price excludes international flights in and out of Tbilisi, lunches, tips to the hotel porters, travel insurance and gratuities to local guides and drivers

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

• Deposits are refundable, up to 90 daysprior to the event• if you are cancelling more than 90 daysfrom the workshop date, we willrefund your deposit in full;• if the workshop is full, and we haveturned away other customers, andyou are cancelling within 90 days ofthe workshop date, we won’t refundyou unless your place is filled bysomeone else;• if after you cancel your booking theworkshop numbers fall below theminimum number required to run,and you are cancelling within 90days, we won’t refund you.

INSURANCE:

Nuran has public liability insurance,but no insurance for participants,their health, their equipmentor personal belongings and stronglyadvises you to obtain your own insurances

RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY

As a tour/workshop operator, Nuran Zorlu may organise, promote, and sell programsconsisting of services that it purchasesfrom various suppliers. Nuran Zorlu does not own or operate any of these sup-pliers and as such is not responsible for any negligent or wilful act or failure or omission of any supplier. By taking part in the tour/workshop, you agree that Nuran Zorlu shall not be liable for the above failings.and cannot accept responsibility forlosses or extra expenses caused by, butnot limited to, delay or changes in anytransportation services, weather, illness,injury, strike, quarantine or other causes.All such losses or expenses will be thesole responsibility of the participant.Nuran Zorlu reserves the right to cancel anyworkshop prior to commencement,whereupon paid funds will be refundedin full, but is not liable for any other trippreparation expenses such as, but not limitedto, air ticket penalties, visa fees andmedical treatments.Nuran Zorlu reserves the right to substituteaccommodations (if any) of similarcategory for those indicated and to makeany changes in the itinerary or transportwhere deemed necessary. Where weatherconditions or forces of nature restrict orprohibit workshop activities, it reservesthe right to alter the trip program andsubstitute alternative activities.

Like father like son,Haghpat village

Tbilisi at night

For More Information:E nuran@nuranzorlu.comW www.nuranzorlu.comM 0413 619 292