Georgia and ArmeniaCultural Discovery Tour

with Nuran Zorlu

18th May to 2nd June 2018www.nuranzorlu.com

Geghard Monastery

Tatev Monastery, Syunik

Cultural Discovery and Photography tour toGeorgia and Armenia

with prize winning photographer Nuran Zorlu18th May to 2nd June 2018

18th May to 2nd June 2018USD 4550

It’s time for you to take a photography holi-day but you have no idea where to go. You know that you want to discover some different places; see some of the oldest cultural artefacts and breathtaking landscapes; you want to be part of the vibrant local life and experience the local cuisine.

Why not take a two week trip with Nuran Zorlu, AIPP NSW Travel Photographer of the Year (2015, 2016) to Armenia and Georgia. As a professional photographer, a sociology and philosophy graduate and an amateur cook, Nuran has had the chance to explore many corners of both these beautiful countries, in-cluding those not featured on tour brochures.

Nuran Zorlu Cultural Discovery and Photog-raphy Tours aim to not only give participants an amazing cultural experience but also an opportunity to improve their photography skills. Apart from being a skilled photog-rapher, Nuran is a sought after educator as well — he also lectures in the region’s history. Therefore his tours attract a diverse group of participants — not only photographers but people interested in other cultures.

Nuran has been to this region many times previously — well before they became the tourist hot spots they are today — and with his vast local knowledge and experience has designed a unique cultural discovery tour. He is culturally connected to Armenia and, whilst being an Australian, has Armenian heritage (he speaks fluent Armenian) and was born in Turkey.

Armenia and Georgia were the first coun-tries to accept the Christian faith and, con-sequently, both contain many old churches and cathedrals, with some dating back to the 5th century CE. At one point both countries were part of the mighty Soviet Union, but although more than 25 years have passed since the flag of the hammer and sickle disappeared in this region some of the remnants remain.

Come with Nuran to experience these two beautiful countries with their architectural marvels, delicious cuisines and breathtaking landscapes. See places not generally visited by tourists. Develop new photography skills and add to your existing knowledge with one of Australia’s pre-eminent travel photographers. It is sure to be a trip with memories that will be etched in your mind forever.

Trip Notes

18th May to 2nd June 2018

Day1 , Tbilisi18 May 2018 (Friday)

Day2 , Dilijan (B-D)19 May 2018

Our two-week journey starts on arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, a 30 min ride from our hotel in the historical centre of the city. The first day will be spent acclimatising and resting but for those feeling energised we will use it as an opportunity to wander the streets — and take photographs — of beautiful Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.

Today we head to Armenia. Following breakfast, we depart for Sadakhlo — only 90 minutes away on the Armenian border — where we will be visiting Akhtala church, recognised for its murals which are regarded as one of the best representations of Byzantine art outside the traditional borders of Byzantium. Following Akhtala, we tour two UNESCO heritage sites — Sanahin, my favourite monastery in Armenia, and Haghpat monastery. In the afternoon we head for Dilijan, a town with lots of charm, and where we will help our local friends cook dinner for us — the world famous Armenian Dolma

Sameba Cathedral, Tbilisi

Hagharzine Monastery, Dilijan

In the forest near Dilijan is a stunning and very photogenic monastery, the Haghartzine Monastery, and where this morning we will take photos before heading to the shores of the largest lake in Armenia. The drive is very picturesque and will give us a chance to stop a couple of times in order that we can enjoy the greenest region in Armenia. Afterwards we will spend time at Sevan Lake with its twin churches and different shades of blue and where, hopefully, we will witness a stunning sunset.

We will be up early today so we can welcome the sun on the shores of Lake Sevan. After breakfast, we will journey along Armenia’s Silk Road passing old bridges, Selim caravansary, amazing landscapes of the lower Caucasus Mountains and Noraduz cemetery. After lunch it’s on to Yeghnits, a village housing two unique historical sites — the first being the open air Kzhorer church, the other being the recently discovered medieval Jewish Cemetery. Late afternoon finds us in our overnight stop — Jermuk, famous for its hot springs.

Day3 , Sevan (B-D)20 May 2018

Day4 , Jermuk (B-D)21 May 2018

Armenian Silk Road

Noraduz Cemetery

Today, if road conditions are suitable, we will attempt to travel to the old Ughtasar volcanic lake and its amazing petroglyphs. We will visit Armenia’s largest waterfall —Shagi — and Armenia’s version of Stonehenge — Karahunj — both of which are on the way to Tatev where we will staying for two nights in an authentic village guest house. I love everything about this mountain village — its monastery, simple village life and people.

It will be an early wake up call so we can hopefully witness sunrise from the grounds of Tatev monasteries before we partake of a traditional Armenian village breakfast. Afterwards will explore the Syunik region. A short drive from Tatev is Khndzoresk, an abandoned cave village, only accessible via a 160-metre long suspension bridge. In the afternoon we return to Tatev so we can walk around and explore this wonderful village and its beautiful surroundings. That evening we will feast on an authentic Armenian dinner.

Day5 , Tatev (B-D)22 May 2018

Day6 , Tatev (B-L)23 May 2018

On the way to Tatev

View from Tatev Village

Pastor Sahak Rev Michael

Yerevan is our ultimate destination today but en route we visit Noravank monastery and Khor Virap monastery with its background of Mt Ararat — arguably one of the most iconic photographic destinations in Armenia. Despite being physically located in Turkey, Mt Ararat is the holy mountain to Armenians. We arrive in Yerevan in the late afternoon so we can be in the Opera district in time to make some wonderful for night photographs. Today will conclude with us eating delicious local delicacies at one of the cities restaurants.

Again we are up early so we are able to take sunrise photos from our hotel which has uninterrupted views of Mt Ararat. After breakfast we explore the capital of — and largest city in — Armenia. Yerevan is a city with much charm, many museums, cafes and its people are very friendly. I always look forward to walking around the city’s old and new quarters where you see how local Armenia

Azad Valley — arguably the most beautiful and, probably, most visited site in Armenia — is today’s destination and it offers us many unprecedented photo opportunities ranging from nature to architecture. The valley is home to two amazing UNESCO World Heritage historical sites — the Geghard monastery is one of my top three destinations in Armenia with its 13th-century monastery being a uniquely complex structure as some of its chambers are carved into the adjoining mountain; the Garni Temple is the only surviving Pagan temple not only in Armenia but in the Caucuses as well. After lunch, it’s time to head back to Yerevan where we have a free afternoon and evening to explore the town at our leisure.

Day7 , Yerevan (B-D)24 May 2018

Day8 , Yerevan (B-D)25 May 2018

Day9 , Yerevan (B-L)26 May 2018

Cascade Open Museum, Yerevan

Opera House, Yerevan

Zvartnots Catheral and Mt Ararat

On this less visited path, we pass sleepy villages and ancient churches eventually reaching one of the highlights of our journey — the centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Etchmiazine with its Cathedral considered to be the first Christian Cathedral in the world. Etchmiazine is another Unesco heritage site and sits alongside two beautiful smaller 6th Century churches — Gayaneh and Hripsime. But first, we visit the ruins of Zvartnosts, another Unesco-listed site with Mt Ararat as its backdrop. Later we reach our last stop in Armenia,Gyumri. This town is not usually found on many tourist itineraries, but it is a lively city providing us the chance to see a glimpse of life in — and the hidden treasures of — Armenia’s second largest city.

This morning we visit Gyumri’s old town and then it’s only a short drive to the Bavra border where we say farewell to our Armenian crew and hello to the Georgian team. A short drive from the border is the 10th-century Khertvisi castle and after a short stop to explore we move on to one of the highlights of our trip — Vardzia, a cave town stretching for over half a kilometre along the Mtkvari river. The cave complex once consisted of around 3000 caves and was regarded as one of the best examples of Georgia’s Renaissance. Tonight we stay at Akhaltsikhe, a charming town with a beautiful castle. Once upon a time this kingdom belonged to King Tamar of Georgia, the only female ruler ever to be called a king.

Day10, Gyumri (B-D)27 May 2018

Day11 , Akhaltsikhe (B-D)28 May 2018

Eichmiazine Cathedral

Today we drive to Gori but our first stop will be another historically significant location — the museum of one of the 20th Century’s most powerful and cruellest leaders, Joseph Stalin. We visit Uplistsikhe Cave Town, where the Great Silk Road once passed. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even an antique theatre. From Uplistsikhe we take Georgia’s military highway stopping at Ananuri fortress (17th century), overlooking the Zhinvali reservoir, eventually arriving at Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), one of the most fabulous locations in this region, and our home for the next two days.

In the morning we are driven in 4 WD vehicles through beautiful valleys and woodland until reaching Gergeti Trinity Church located at a height of 2170m. Weather permitting, we may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047m). Afterwards we continue to Dariali Gorge where we lunch with a local family, take part in the cooking of Khinkali, a Georgian dumpling made of twisted knobs of dough and stuffed with meat and spices, and witness how Georgian cheese is made. Then it’s a drive on a narrow road that takes us deeper into the mountains, through the spectacular Sno Valley and to the village of Juta (2165m), an exotic but small village with its preserved ancient way of life. Surrounded by the gorgeous mountains, Juta is completely cut off from the whole country during the winter months and promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.

Day12 , Stepantsminda (B-D) ( long day) 29 May 2018

Day13 , Stepantsminda (B-L) 30 May 2018

Sameba Church, Kazbegi

Mt Kazbegi and Stepantsminda villageActual view from our hotel room

Our initial destination is the 3000 year old ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, Jvari — we visit its 6th century church and also Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), where the Robe of Christ is buried. And then it is back to Tbilisi where we spend the night, arriving in time to eat dinner at a local restaurant.

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and one of the most cosmopolitan cities I have ever visited. Wandering in the old neighbourhood of Tbilisi is an absolute treat for photographers — colourful buildings with old doors and windows, narrow alleyways, little rundown quarters and modern structures. A short walk from our hotel, we visit the 13th century Metekhi Church before taking a cable car to Narikala Castle, with its amazing views, and afterwards explore the old town where there are some interesting religious buildings, stunning cathedrals — both Georgian and Armenian — a synagogue and a mosque all within walking distance; later in the afternoon it is time to visit Georgian History Museum. Tonight it’s our farewell dinner, our last chance to taste the local cuisine and time to say our goodbyes

Day14 , Tbilisi (B-D)31 May 2018

Day15 , Tbilisi (B-D)1 June 2018

Day16, Departure (B) 2 June 2018

Nuran ZorluAPP, M.Photog II

Nuran Zorlu is an Australian commercialand advertising photographer with over20 years of industry experience; an awardwinning photographer — on two occasions he has received the prestigious AIPPTravel Photographer of the Year (NSW)award and his photographs have beenselected as finalists in the ‘Head On’ andSydney Morning Herald’s ‘Shoot the Chef ’competitions; a well-respected teacher ofphotography; and a highly regarded judgeof Australian photography competitions.Nuran’s travel photography has featured inmany major exhibitions and publications;he has lectured on travel photographyand history at the Art Gallery of NSW,Sydney University, the Cezayir CulturalCentre in Istanbul and at the 2016 TehranInternational Book-fair. His illustratedtravel journal/ book, “Persia to Iran”,has been reviewed on ABC radio andalso featured in a BBC World Servicedocumentary. He conducts photographyworkshops in Armenia, Georgia, Turkey,China and Iran.

Born in Turkey to Armenian parentsNuran speaks fluent English, Turkishand Armenian. He earned a degree inphilosophy and sociology at IstanbulUniversity and has a great love for theregion’s history. This unique perspectiveand knowledge, combined with hisphotographic skills, ensures his travelphotography tours are more than just anopportunity to learn camera, framing andlighting techniques - they also provideyou with an intimate understanding of theregion and its people. An added bonus is hispassion for food — he enjoys both eatingand cooking it — and his knowledge of boththe local dishes and best restaurants in eachof the regions visited. You will definitely notgo hungry as he introduces you to some ofthe best food the Caucasus has to offer.

To book, contact Nuran Zorlu at nuran@nuranzorlu.com or on 0413 619 292.

This tour is limited to 8 people so will fill up quickly.

PRICE

Cultural Discovery Tour — Georgia and Armenia

15 night /16 days (18 May -1 June 2018)

Tour cost USD $4550Single Surcharge USD $4504-5 people Surcharge USD $550Deposit required to secure a place USD $500

Final Payment must be made by 15 Feb 2018

The price includes all accommodation in double/twin rooms in comfortable hotels or guest houses. All breakfasts and all mentioned meals are included.There will be bottled water in comfortable A/C minibuses and all the entry fees for specified museums and sites in the itinerary will be covered. 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 included. 4WD to Sameba church in Kazbegi is also included. The price excludes international flights in and out from Tbilisi, tips to the hotel porters, travel insurance and gratuities to local guides and drivers.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

- Deposits are refundable, up to 90 days prior to the event;- If you are cancelling more than 90 days from the tour date, we will refund your deposit in full;- If the workshop is full, and we have turned away other customers, and you are cancelling within 90 days of the tour date, we won’t refund you unless your place is filled by someone else;

INSURANCE

Nuran Zorlu has public liability insurance but no insurance for participants, their health, their equipment or personal belongings. We strongly advice you to obtain your own travel insurance.

RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY

As a tour/workshop operator, Nuran Zorlu may organize, promote and sell programs consisting of services that it purchases from various suppliers. Nuran Zorlu does not own or operate any of these suppliers and such is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure or omission of any suppliers. By taking part in the tour/workshop, you agree that Nuran Zorlu shall not be liable for above failings and cannot accept responsibility for losses or extra expenses caused by, but not limited to, delay or changes in any transporta-tion services, weather, illness, injury, strike, quarantine and other causes. All such losses or expenses will be the sole responsibility of the participant. Nuran Zorlu reserves the right to cancel any tout/workshop prior to commence-ment, where upon paid funds will be refunded in full, but is not liable for any other trip preparation expenses such as, but not limited to, air ticket penalties, visa fees and medical treatments. Nuran Zorlu reserve the rights to substitute accommodations (if any) of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary. Where weather conditions or force of nature restrict or prohibit work-shop activities, it reserves the right to alter the trip program and substitute alternative activi-ties. Naturally Nuran Zorlu will assist tour participants to the best of his ability I order to facilate mitigating any unforeseen circum-stances.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

For More Information:E nuran@nuranzorlu.comW www.nuranzorlu.comM +61(0) 413619292 nuranzorlu