Sightseeing

After a pre-tour meeting and welcome drink with expert photography guide and group participants we start our tour with the heart of Yerevan, Republic Square, continue to Cascade with the imposing statue of Mother Armenia and a splendid view of Yerevan with Mount Ararat in the background, perhaps the best-known symbol of Armenia. We will continue to city center, visit Freedom square with magnificent Opera House, and continue via Mashtots Avenue to reach Matenadaran. Proceed by Sayat-Nova Avenue, the business center to reach Abovyan street, the oldest and most favorite promenade of Yerevanians. Free time to explore downtown Yerevan immersing ourselves in the life of the city, a curious blend of the new and old: 7th century chapel hidden behind an imposing Soviet-era building, old people playing chess alongside ultra modern youngsters at outdoor terraces, dressed-up ladies with surprisingly high heels and old granny’s selling fruits at street-corner stalls. Above all we enjoy the interaction with friendly and outgoing locals for whom the smile is never far away. Our guide will be on hand to give us tips on best spots and help refine our skills. It is hard to capture the spirit of Yerevan and we will keep coming back for more of its charming scenes. Photographic themes: urban architecture, street life, people

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel. Drive east to the magnificent Temple of the Sun at Garni and the legendary Monastery of Spear, World Heritage Sites. With its serene temple and superb views of misty mountains, Garni is a gem for any photographer to visit. A guided walking tour to Geghard acquaints us with Armenia’s fascinating history, then there's free time to wander around the vast site, visit hermits’ cells and pick up tips from our guide on how to get the best perspective of the monastic complex and exquisite carved stones in the face of sheer rock. A walk in the small market nearby and a lesson on portraiture. Evening back to Yerevan, transfer to hotel, rest. Photographic themes: pagan temple, cave monastery, people and landscapes

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Early start for Mount Aragats, the highest peak of Lesser Caucasus welcoming us with breathtaking views of rock spires, snow covered peaks, jewel colored lakes and sun scorched grasslands dressed in wildflowers. Birdlife abound here and we enjoy a full day on foot actively experiencing nature. Later in the day we reach high-mountain camps of friendly Yezidi tribes who tend their sheep under the towering peaks of Aragats. Discover the traditional way of life of these “people of the mountains”, visit their homes, try fresh cheese and yogurt and learn the art of permission-based travel portraiture. Photographic themes: wild flowers, birds, ethnic minority camp, people, mountain landscapes

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Today we depart from Yerevan. Guided by the remote majesty of Mount Ararat we take photos of idyllic rural scenes at Ararat Valley: farmers working in fields, women selling mouth-watering fruits at gardens and kids rushing to school. We proceed to Khor Virap royal prison at the border with Turkey before heading to our day’s destination, mountains of Southern Armenia. Traveling off piste through some of Armenia’s wildest terrain in a 4WD (with plenty of stops for photography) we reach our mountain camp at 1,700 m above sea level (full facilities: fresh water supply, shower, toilets, sleeping and dining tents, camping stools and tables provided). The location is ideal for morning shots of the surrounding mountain ranges. A fitting finale for a day full of impressions is a well-deserved dinner at Goat Cheese Farm in Mosrov where villagers adhere to their traditional ways of life. We fall asleep surrounded by rocks towering above us.Photographic themes: Mount Ararat, farm-life, people, wild mountain landscapes

Overnight: Mountain camp, Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner

After breakfast load up your cameras for another perfect photography day. We will pass through flower-filled meadows and visit unique Zorats Monastery one of the walls of which was removed to allow warriors to attend the Holy Mess before heading to the battle. Set amidst a field of red poppies this is an amazingly photogenic setting. A short hike in the mountains (1 h.) will bring us to the castle of King Smbat with impressive fortifications erected by nature. Back to the village of Yeghegis situated in a narrow gorge, walk down to village centre and, if time permits, visit one of the village granny’s to take pictures of her garden full of apple trees and her sons working there. Fascinating legends attached to the foundation of this ancient village are lovingly preserved and passed through generations here. Proceed to Lake Sevan through rugged Selim Pass. We arrive at the Lake in time to take photos of postcard-perfect sunset.Photographic themes: monasteries and castles, flowers, people, farm-life and landscapes

Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Lake Sevan, paradise for photographers and nature lovers. Its ever-changing waters, bald peaks of Geghama mountains, unspoiled beaches, all this inspired its name, the Pearl of Armenia. Early morning start with a one hour walk to the top of Akhtamar Trail for one of the best photographic views of the Lake and romantic Sevanavank Monastery. Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to the surrounding area for more photography. Afternoon spent in Shorja, famous fishers’ village, Stone Garden with unique collection of exquisite khachkars, Armenian cross-stones and Gulls’ Island. In between capturing the remarkable scenery, you are free to take a dip in the emerald waters of the Lake. Photographic themes: birds, lake and landscape, people, fishers’ village

Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Sightseeing

After breakfast a final day in Yerevan to complete your collection of photos with a couple of action shots at Vernisage, the bustling arts & crafts market open only on weekends. This is without a doubt the photography highlight of Yerevan. Later be guided by your senses through the tantalising spice and fruit market and dine al fresco at a food stall on Barbeque street. Meet the local characters and capture your last shots of Yerevan.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast