Georgia Vs Armenia

20th – 28th October 2023
Two amazing photography destinations combined into package taking place during a perfect time of the year. In 2019, I ran trips late in the year through Southern Georgia and the autumnal colours were fantastic. Combined with the scattering of ruins this made for a wonderful trip experience. So this tour focuses entirely on the colourful regions of Southern Georgia but also Northern Armenia! This tour is also limited to only four guests, so it is also a great opportunity for you to improve your photography and explore your creativity whilst discovering the wonders of both countries.

about the destination

If you thought that Georgia was the only exciting destination for photography in the Caucasus Region, then you have yet to discover Armenia. Armenia combines an interesting mix of beautiful landscapes and stunning soviet architecture – which really compliments what is on offer in Georgia. In addition there are also tens of monasteries hidden, overgrown and in complete ruin, a photographers dream – and that is without factoring in the orange and red hues of Autumn!

On this very special 10-day photography adventure tour, we focuses entirely on the regions that become filled with the colours of autumn in both the South of Georgia, but combined with the Northern parts of Armenia.

We round off the trip with an indulgent “wine & food” extravaganza to leave you with memories of a lifetime back in Tbilisi, Georgia. Please click the button opposite to reserve your place, with a low deposit of just £199.

DURATION

9 days

PRICE

£1,289

FROM

20/10/23

UNTIL

28/10/23

In stock

Trip

Features

Group Size

Maximum of 4 guests - plus a driver and of course myself and my assistant. This smaller group size allows us to travel in more comfort.

Free Morning

A morning of free time in a major city to explore what it has to offer.

Accomodation

10 nights accommodation included - in apartments or hotels, with no single supplements or additional fees (this includes the night of arrival).

Transportation

Transport, a driver and of course the fuel are provided throughout Georgia and Armenia over the course of the 10 days - with a suitable vehicle choice.

REFRESHMENTS

All evening meals included - at restaurants recommend by locals (check the welcome pack for exclusions).

Support

Inclusive of photography guidance or advice with myself James Kerwin - we can discuss gear, editing, traveling - or my life on the road.

Post Processing

I host a Q&A about post-processing techniques over a spot of lunch on this tour. There is also the option to do an editing session with me 1v1 back in Istanbul should you wish.

Transfers

Airport collection and drop off is included. You shall be collected at any arrival time.

Border Crossing

We cross the border into Northern Armenia and loop back to see as much as possible.

We shall have an amazing time we will have hunting out great images whilst taking in a tour route that I have designed from the ground up. We seek out a mix of interiors and architecture as well as iconic Caucasian locations.

An itinerary of amazing locations and I wanted to build an itinerary* that would showcase the best of both Georgia & Armenia in a short amount of time. We mix interior and architecture photography locations with historic exteriors and landscape locations on this comprehensive adventure that starts and ends in either Tbilisi or Kutaisi in Georgia (Booking/flights dependent).

Here are a few of the possible examples (a more comprehensive guide will be sent in the welcome pack):

Vardazia cave town.

Two ruined culture houses in Georgia.

An abandoned theme park in Armenia.

The best of the hidden architecture in Tbilisi.

Iron fountain monument in Armenia.

The Armenian alphabet monument.

The cascade complex in Yerevan.

As many as five or six monastery ruins across Georgia & Armenia.

*Note: the itinerary in Georgia and across Armenia is not set in stone and can change based on environmental variables, such as border crossings, weather etc.

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VARDZIA

Vardzia is a spectacular cave monastery near Aspindza in southern Georgia. The caves in Vardzia are stretched along the cliff for around five hundred meters, which makes this place even more mystical and perfect for a sunset photography location – we visit this site on our route through Georgia.

LOST MONASTERIES

One of five or six monasteries that we will visit, is situated just a few meters from Armenia on the Georgian side. Although this stunningly positioned place is in ruin it is also surrounded by natural beauty, as well as a window that produces beautiful light in the entrance hall, a unique spectacle.

START TO TAKE PORTFOLIO WORTHY PHOTOGRAPHS

My photography, travel and adventure tours are aimed at any level of photographer who is looking to improve their photography and meet like-minded people. From beginners looking to understand the basics and improve, through to advanced photographers searching for great locations to rekindle or feed their enthusiasm and inspiration.

The key aim of our time together is to have fun and enjoy being outdoors, whilst leaving inspired to take photos for your own photography portfolio.

However, during our adventure, I can help you, should you require this guidance – and talk you through the key elements to producing a great image. Key elements such as post processing techniques, composition and subject choice as well as timing and light.

I will also chat with you about the technical aspects of photography, helping you understand your camera and settings whilst keeping it simple.

The typical areas that we discuss will be the exposure triangle of f-stop, ISO and shutter speed, but also, composition and finding unique angles.

We also discuss understanding light and how it can impact on the mood of the image and the key technical elements if needed.

YOU MAY ALSO ASK:

Should you have any other questions please email me on info@jameskerwin.uk

Some elements of this trip will require walking and sometimes over rough ground – so be sure to bring proper walking boots or other outdoor footwear.

  • There could be storms, or it may be raining at points so maybe bring a raincoat.
  • Walking boots.
  • Lots of spare batteries (as they will soon run flat) and memory cards.
  • A sturdy tripod – 99% of my work is shot using a tripod (a loan could be arranged if you tell me in advance.
  • Manual for your camera.
  • Laptop for editing during the week (if interested/mentioned in the tour listed).
  • Phone.
  • Power adaptor(s).
  • Any personal expenses/gifts for friends etc.
  • Alcohol costs – accept where stated in the welcome pack.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Photography Insurance.
  • Some food might not be included – check welcome pack for details.
  • International air tickets – See “how do I fly” section for more information on flights.
  • Visa fees (if applicable) – but I can offer advice or assistance.
  • Photography equipment, although some hire can be arranged through James in advance.

Since the global pandemic hit us all in Spring 2020 – huge changes have hit the travel industry and multiple airlines/carriers have changed routes/destinations. My best advice is to look on Skyscanner – but also don’t rule out looking on airlines sites directly for flights, such as on Ryanair, Pegasus or Middle Eastern Airlines. Sometimes deals don’t pop up on sites like Skyscanner and things are changing/improving daily – Wizz air for instance had lots of options change in mid 2020 – but have said they are revising routes daily throughout the rest of 2020.

I would also STRONGLY advise booking directly with airlines for the foreseeable future – as should the worst happen, you would stand in a better position to get a refund or to make a claim through your insurance firm. In other words – don’t book with firms that act like agencies (Lastminute.com) etc.

For this trip please check with me if you are ensure which airport to fly into or out of. If unsure, please email me on info@jameskerwin.uk.