Georgia and ArmeniaCultural Discovery and Photography Tour

with Nuran Zorlu and Richard Bennett

Main Tour 18th May to 2nd June 2018

Extension2nd to 8th June 2018

for more information www.nuranzorlu.com

Geghard Monastery

Tatev Monastery, Syunik

Cultural Discovery and Photography tour toGeorgia and Armeniawith prize winning photographersRichard Bennett and Nuran Zorlu

18th May to 2nd June 2018 USD 5500 2nd to 9th June 2018 USD 1850

18th May to 2nd June 2018

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, and Richard Bennett to Armenia and Georgia. Richard and Nuran both professional photographers and ardently explore the world around them .A sociology and philosophy graduate and an amateur cook, Nuran has had the chance to explore many corners of both these beautiful countries, including those not featured on tour brochures. Richard has publish 12 books and one of the highly respected photographer in Australia. Recentlythey traveled together to Iran.

This Cultural Discovery and Photography Tours aim to not only give participants an amazing cultural experience but also an op-portunity to improve their photography skills. Apart from being a skilled photographer, Nu-ran 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 and Richard 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 two of Australia’s pre-eminent travel photographers. It is sure to be a trip with memories that will be etched in your mind forever.

Nuran is Turkish born Armenian and Australian. He has a charming way with people and effortlessly communicates across cultures with his mastery of the Armenian and Turkish languages.

He also speaks a little Farsi, the language of the friendly Iranians. And his fourth language Australian, is well… not too bad either!

Nuran’s love of history and the culture of his ancestors combined with his infectious enthusiasm enables him to share his intimate knowledge on his cultural tours.

His organisational skills on the ground ensure stress free travel and always provide a fascinating insight into the places and people which are so close to his heart.

RICHARD BENNETT

Armenian Silk Road

Trip Notes18th 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

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

Hagharzine Monastery, Dilijan

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

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

Day8 , Yerevan (B-D)25 May 2018

Day7 , Yerevan (B-D)24 May 2018

View from Tatev Village

Village life, Tatev Rev Michael

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.

Day9 , Yerevan (B-L)26 May 2018

Cascade Open Museum, Yerevan

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

Opera House, Yerevan

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

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 or get ready to explore Svaneti (B) 2 June 2018

Svaneti ExtensionThere are some amazing corners in both Georgia and Armenia, one of them is little of to beaten trek. Svaneti is a remote mountains region in Northwest of Georgia. An extraordinary and surreal land with towers, snow-capped mountains with proud Svans, one of the ethnic components of Georgian mosaic. Believe me this region is photographers paradise, unlike anywhere I have seen. I went there during autumn, can’t wait to be there in summer time. Additional to 3 days in this region we will also stay in Kutaisi, on the way in and out to Svaneti. I have to admit this city won my heart. Old houses, quaint little restaurants and my favourite Georgian Church, Gelati Monastery just enough to spend at least two days there.

Day1, Kutaisi2 June 2018

Day5 , Kutaisi7 June 2018Day6 , Tbilisi8 June 2018Day7, Departure9 June 2018

Days 2,3,4 Mestia3,4,5 June 2018

Very photogenic Kutaisi

Bagratid Cathedral, Kutaisi

The best church in Georgia, Gelati

Stunning towers of Ushgali, Svaneti

Nuran ZorluAPP-L, 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.

Richard BennettAPP-L, M.Photog IV, Hon.FAIPP, FAIPP

Richard Bennett has turned his love of wilderness, travel and adventure into a long and successful career. Although he lives and works in Tasmania, whose wild beauty captivated him as a boy and inspired him to build his work life around it, Richard has travelled the world. In 1969, after three seasons of mountaineering in New Zealand, Richard was selected as a member of Australia’s first Andean Expedition. The expedition’s achievements included 13 First Ascents. Richard’s archives include black and whites of an empty Machu Picchu, before it was a tourist attraction, and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. His photographic adventures since have included China’s Jade Dragon Mountains, Africa, Asia, Europe and most recently Iran. Richard and his wife Sue have walked the Camino, and spent lots of time exploring the rivers and canals of France. Richard also takes photographic walking tours in Tasmania’s pristine South West Wilderness, an area so remote that it can only be reached on foot, by air or by sea.

Richard Bennett is one of yachting’s pre-emi-nent living photographers, published in Paris Match, Vanity Fair, GEO, Life Magazine and literally every sailing publication including American Sail, Yachting World UK and Clas-sic Boat UK. His work featured in the inter-national best-selling book Fatal Storm. An iconic photograph of a yacht leaping upwards at 28 knots in a 60-knot gale in the 1990 Mel-bourne-Hobart, earned him the title as ‘the man who shot Wild Thing’. Selling in over 46 countries, it became one of the most success-ful yacht images ever taken.

Bennett has won Australian Press Photographer of the Year for the Best Sports Photograph, has been a guest exhibitor-with the world’s largest diorama-at the International Photography Hall of Fame in the USA. He has also won the Ilford Award for the highest scoring print at the AIPP National Print Awards. In 2003 he was awarded a Centenary Medal for his promotion of Tasmania through his photography. His work was presented by the Maritime Museum of Tasmania to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh on a Royal Visit. Richard has published 12 books, ranging from the wildly successful Ocean Classics to the Bruny Island Cookbook, which was also a best seller. His latest book, From Cape to Cape, recently won a Silver Award at the Australian Professional Photography Awards, and was a finalist in the Momento Pro AIPP Book of the Year.

In 2006, Richard was awarded the Photo Imaging Council of Australia’s highest award, the Gold Tripod, for his long and outstanding contribution to the Australian Photography Industry. He is a past National President, a Master of Photography IV, an Honorary Fellow and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography. He is a past chairman of the Australian Professional Photography Awards.

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

This tour is limited to 10 people so will fill up quickly.

PRICE

Cultural Discovery Tour — Georgia and Armenia15 night /16 days (18 May -1 June 2018)

Tour cost USD $5500 Single Surcharge USD $650Deposit required to secure a place USD $1000

Svaneti Extension6 nights /7days(2nd to 9th June 2018)

Tour cost USD $1850 Single Surcharge USD $300

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