I. Health Precautions:
- We strongly recommend that you consult with your General Health Practitioner (‘GP’) as to what vaccinations would be suitable for your individual circumstances.
- If you require regular medication, please make sure that you have adequate supplies.
- If you carry medications, ask your doctor to write a statement of your scripts on a letterhead and carry it in your passport. If customs officials ask, you show them the official letter. You may also choose to write your blood type on there too, in case you get rushed to hospital.
- Stomach: if you have a track record of reacting to changes in water quality then bring some Imodium or equivalent, ( please check with your GP before buying or consuming any medication).
- Tap Water:
It is generally considered safe to drink from the tap in Armenia & Georgia, especially in larger cities, it’s always recommended to drink bottled or filtered water, particularly in rural areas.
Azerbaijan: in major cities like Baku, tap water is generally treated and safe to drink, but it’s often recommended to use bottled water for safety and taste reasons. In rural areas, water quality may not be as reliable, and it’s advisable to drink bottled or filtered water.
- Hygiene: carry wet wipes with antiseptic to keep hygiene level high. Antiseptic gels may be rejected at customs while boarding.
- Vaccination: Please consult your local GP or health practitioner if you are UpToDate or if you need any vaccines. Also check this link: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/health-advice-on-immunisations-for-travel
- Face Masks: The use of Face Masks is not mandated in Australia and other parts of the world. However, it is recommended to wear a mask on the flights and on the bus especially if someone has any health concerns.
- If for any reason someone gets a cough, a cold or any other symptoms, as a matter of courtesy to other pilgrims, it is obligatory to wear a face mask on the bus & other confined places and to travel in the last row of the bus to avoid spreading any germs to the rest of the pilgrims.
- Any pilgrim with a previous or current health issues must ask health practitioner to provide a “fit to travel” certificate two weeks prior to departure. E-mail to support@christianpilgrimage.com.au
Please check this link for more tips and advice: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/health
II.Flight from Australia:
1. From Perth:
- Please arrive at Airport three hours prior to flight.
- Please do not wait for the group.
- Check in and proceed to gate to join the group at the Gate.
- Please be mindful that although the international luggage is 30Kg, we will be using shorter flights with a maximum capacity of 23Kg. And a hand luggage of 7 kg is allowed.
2.From Melbourne:
- Please arrive at Airport three hours prior to flight.
- Please do not wait for the group;
- Check in and proceed to gate to join the group at the Gate.
- Please be mindful that although the international Baggage Allowance is 30Kg, we will be using shorter flights with a maximum capacity of 23Kg. And a hand luggage of 7 kg is allowed.
- We will meet the Melbourne group at the gate for Emirates EK2206 Tue, 13 May 2025 leaving at 08:10 from Dubai to Yerevan and continue together on the same flight to Armenia. There is free Wi-Fi in all airports, so please communicate with us or with the spiritual leader via WhatsApp.
3.Flying back to Australia:
- If you are coming back to Australia with the group: the bus will transfer all the pilgrims to Baku Airport, Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan on Sun, 01 June 2025 for 18:00 flight;
- If you are continuing to a different destination: you will receive individual instructions.
III.Flight from Georgia to Azerbaijan:
We will be travelling as a group; all tickets are handled by our ground tour operators.
IV.Import Notes from Emirates:
- EMIRATES DO NOT OFFER NUT FREE FLIGHTS
- Passengers must bring own meal if they have food allergy & will have to carry all necessary medication required .
- If EpiPen is carried on board, passenger must carry a doctor’s letter on board and send us a copy as well to keep in our file
- Passenger also must bring own thermal bag with ice pack but should not exceed 100 ml as Emirates does not provide refrigeration facilities on board
- Please be advised that Emirates usually has an option of 2 meals to choose from, otherwise please follow this link to choose meals that best suit you: https://www.emirates.com/au/english/before-you-fly/travel/dietary-requirements/
V. Map & short Itinerary:
Map is not to scale & shows roughly the route that we are taking. For detailed and updated full itinerary please click here and follow the link
DAY 1: Mon 12 May 2025 : overnight Flight from Australia
DAY 2: Tue 13 May: ARRIVAL Yerevan: overnight Yerevan.
DAY 3: Wed 14 May: Yerevan City Tour: overnight Yerevan.
Day 4: Thu 15 May: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan : overnight Yerevan.
Day 5: Fri 16 May: Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni Cave – Noravank – overnight Yerevan.
Day 6: Sat 17 May: Yerevan – Ejmiatsin – Zvartnots – Yerevan: overnight Yerevan.
Day 7: Sun 18 May: Yerevan – Gyumri City Tour – Bavra – Vardzia : overnight in Vardzia
Day 8: Mon 19 May: Vardzia – Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia: overnight in Vardzia
Day 9: Tue 20 May: Vardzia – Borjomi – Kutaisi: overnight Kutaisi
Day 10: Wed 21 May: Kutaisi – Gelati – Prometheus Cave – Kutaisi: overnight in Kutaisi
Day 11: Thu 22 May: Kutaisi – Motsameta – Tbilisi : overnight Tbilisi
Day 12: Fri 23 May: Tbilisi City Tour: overnight in Tbilisi
Day 13: Sat 24 May: Tbilisi – Alaverdi – Ikalto – Tsinandali – Tbilisi: overnight. Tbilisi
Day 14: Sun 25 May: Tbilisi – Sighnaghi – Bodbe – David Gareja – Tbilisi: overnight Tbilisi
Day 15: Mon 26 May: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Tbilisi: overnight. Tbilisi
Day 16: Tue 27 May: Flight to Baku : overnight Baku
Day 17: Wed 28 May: Baku City Tour :Overnight Baku .
Day 18: Thu 29 May: Baku City Tour -2 :Overnight Baku
Day 20: Fri 30 May: Baku – Khizi – Guba – Baku :Overnight Baku
Day 21: Sat 31 May: Baku – Gobustan – Baku: Overnight Baku
Day 21: Sun 1 June: Transfer to Baku Airport overnight flight back to Australia
Day 22: Mon 2 June: arrive to Australia
VI.Hotels list:
Yerevan: Hotel – Double Tree by Hilton
Grigor Lusavorich Street,4 2, Yerevan, 0015, Armenia
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/evnyedi-doubletree-yerevan-city-centre/
Vardzia: Vardzia Resort Hotel
Address: Akhalkalaki-Kartsakhi, Georgia
https://vardzia-resort.hotelsofguangzhou.com/en/
Kutaisi: Best Western Hotel
11 Grishashvili Street, Kutaisi, 4600 Georgia
https://bwkutaisi.com/
Tbilisi: Rooms Hotel
14 Merab Kostava Street T’bilisi, 14 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia
https://roomshotels.com/hotel/tbilisi/
Baku: Hotel Midway Hotel
19 Samed Vurgun str., Nasimi district, Baku
https://www.midwaybaku.com/en
VII.Insurance:
It is compulsory that you have travel insurance. Please ensure that you have read and understand the policies relating to your insurance.
- If you have a specific account number or emergency contact for your insurer, we advise that you keep this information accessible and make it known to at least one other traveller in case of an emergency.
- Check with your insurer if they have an app that you could download on your phone, if so, we strongly recommend that you download it.
VIII.Emergency Mobile Numbers / WhatsApp:
Feel free to share the numbers with your loved ones.
- John’s Mobile in Australia & overseas on WhatsApp + 61 404 184 622
- Randa’s Mobile in Australia & overseas on WhatsApp + 61 431 125 533
IX.Clothing & Footwear:
- Weather in Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan will be around the 15°c – 25°c. We suggest taking a Jacket and some warm clothes for the evenings. Please be prepared for a variety of temperatures as it’s the end of Spring. We suggest taking clothing to layer up, waterproof shoes & waterproof jacket and a small umbrella to fit in a purse.
It is mostly warm-ish around noon and chilly at night & morning. Due to the huge size, topography and maritime influences, Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan exhibit a multitude of distinct microclimates.
- Dining is informal. Casual trousers or jeans and collard t-shirts are recommended for men. Casual trousers, dresses, Jeans and blouses/ knitted jumpers/ t-shirts and cardigans will suffice for women.
- Sunhat and sunscreen are advisable.
- Swimming gear or swim suites for a swim in the Hotel or other places.
- Shoes: make sure that you have some walking shoes to get your walking muscles toned and your shoes comfortable.
X.Dress Code & Rules in Orthodox Christian Churches
Orthodox Churches are very strict with revealing clothes, both Men and Women are expected to be dressed modestly without revealing too much skin and supposed to wear modest tops covering the chest and the shoulders. Wearing tank tops in churches is not allowed.
Orthodox Church Dress Code for Women
- A Head Scarf – or something similar– anything, that covers the hair at least partially.
- A Dress – trousers are restricted.
- A top covering the shoulders – wear modest tops covering the chest and the shoulders.
Note: Dresses must be knee length or longer. Most churches provide head scarves & wrap-around dresses at the entrances: It is recommended to bring your own scarf for hygiene considerations.
Orthodox Church Dress Code for Men
- Wear long trousers down to the ankle – shorts are not allowed.
- Men should take their hats off when they enter a church.
General rules of behaviour in Orthodox churches:
- The Altar is considered a sacred ground, only church staff are allowed entry.
- The chair in the centre of the church/cathedral is reserved for the Catholicos-Patriarch, the leader of the Orthodox Church.
- Mobile phones must be switched off or put on silent mode.
- Maintain a quiet & respectful atmosphere in church.
- Photos can only be taken after asking permission from the church carer.
- Please do not use flashlight if taking photos, many churches have frescoes painted few hundred years ago and flashlight might cause damage.
XI.Cultural Sensitivities in Azerbaijan:
- The Caucasus are a melting pot of ethnicities, languages, and religions. These elements all fuse together to give us a rich cultural tapestry; It should be noted that the people in Azerbaijan in general are more conservative, we should be aware of some cultural sensitivities particularly regarding showing public affection:
- It is generally considered disrespectful across the Azerbaijan to show affection in public. Although some cultures within the Caucasus might be more tolerant than others, it’s generally not a good idea to kiss, hug or openly display intimacy.
XII.Local Mobile Phone SIM Cards:
- Local SIM cards or ESIM are inexpensive and could be purchased at the airport.
- Alternatively you could purchase online a suitable ESIM (if your mobile phone is ESIM compatible)
There are many providers: below are three samples:
Note: above are not recommendations, please make your own research before choosing the ESIM and plan.
- Make sure that your mobile phone is ‘unlocked’: check with your service provider / Phone Company.
- When changing to a local SIM or ESIM make sure that the WhatsApp remains using the Australian phone number
https://faq.whatsapp.com/514799537162613
- Note: beware that if you choose to keep and use your Australian phone number, roaming charges could be very expensive, but might be needed for emergencies; please check with your service provider / Phone Company
XIII.Group Meeting Points:
We usually meet at the Hotel Lobby in the morning:
- Daily tours start between 8:00 – 9:00 am from the hotel.
Earlier starts might be necessary to avoid long queues.
- Please be mindful that we need to be very punctual as the programmes are time sensitive. We need to leave & come back together as a group.
- Guides & ground operators will synchronize directly with Randa or John.
XIV.Group Communication via WhatsApp:
- We find that the most convenient way to communicate prior to the departure date and during the pilgrimage is via WhatsApp.
- We will create a WhatsApp group a few days prior to departure and invite you to join.
- Even if you choose not to purchase a local SIM card, all the hotels and most of the transport will have free Wi-Fi access.
XV.Tipping:
We have already incorporated for tipping in the total cost of the Pilgrimage: the group leader will be tipping on behalf of the group for bus drivers & tour guides.
Any personal tipping for extra services could be done by you at your own discretion, restaurant staff, housekeeping staff etc.
XVI. Pocket money and purchasing Souvenirs:
- Local currency in Armenia: Armenian Dram (AMD)
- Local currency Georgia: Georgian Lari (GEL)
- Local currency in Azerbaijan: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
- Strict rules apply to importing and exporting cash amounts of USD 10,000 or over (or equivalent).
- US dollars and euros can be exchanged at banks.
- ATMs and credit card facilities are available in capital cities but are less common outside major towns.
- While some businesses may accept euros or dollars in tourist areas, it is generally recommended to exchange some foreign currency for Dram, Lari & Manat. Currency exchange services are available at banks, exchange offices, and ATMs throughout Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan.
- Azerbaijan is a cash-based economy. You’ll need to pay in local currency for many goods and services.
- Credit cards are becoming more common in major cities. They may not be accepted in smaller restaurants and stores.
- Travel card or credit card can be used in most places and can be used on ATM.
- Preferred Currencies: USD & EUR are Caucuses’ most widely accepted currencies.
- Bring Small US and/or Euro Bills: When you bring foreign currency to exchange, bring small bills to make it easier.
- We suggest minimal exchange of local currencies.
- Breakfast and most Dinners at hotels are included and already paid for as per the itinerary . Drinks and water to be paid for by pilgrim.
- Snacks or lunches en route are around AUD $ 30.00 to AUD $ 40.00 for a basic good tourist lunch per person per meal without water and drinks. Price varies to individual taste, appetite, and budget.
- For pilgrims who do not wish to have lunch, you could bring biscuits or snacks from Australia e.g., Muesli bars, rice crackers etc.
- Pocket money: Apart from lunch, all essential expenditures are covered by the cost of your pilgrimage.
However, if you choose to purchase souvenirs throughout the trip, an AUD $ 100.00 per day is a reasonable budget, depending on individual spending habits.
- Pickpockets Risk: although it is not high, it is always recommended don’t carry much cash. Also, theft of credit cards, passports, and other belongings could also take place in public areas. Stay cautious and observant in crowded tourist attractions and public places like railway and bus stations and airports.
XVII.Business Hours & Shopping:
- Banks and businesses have their own hours, not the same as home.
- There are many shops and shopping Centres that open 7 days a week.
- You will have opportunities to shop for souvenirs.
XVIII.Other Tips:
- Photocopy your passport, e-ticket and insurance documents and emergency contact details, put them in a sealed plastic bag, and carry them separately from your travel documents. Also it is recommended to keep photos on your smart phone.
- Safety is paramount: Do not peel off from the group and always stay within the group.
- Itinerary: make sure your loved ones know your itinerary in detail. Randa and John are contactable via WhatsApp throughout the pilgrimage.
- Always put your valuables in the safety deposit boxes at the Hotels.
- We recommended checking https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for the latest travel advice by the Australian Government.
- Electricity: Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan use European round-prong plugs which are typically type F or type C with two round pins, rated at 220 volts 50 Hz as per photo:
Adaptors are sold at most Australian retailers; you could also purchase a “universal travel adapter” or similar.
- Carry an Australian two-point adapter or four-point power board to plug into it, so you can plug in overnight chargers for phone, camera, toothbrush, iPad / tablet, etc.
- Note: power boards should not be carried with hand baggage, keep them in your suite case.
- Masses and/or prayer meetings will be announced on the day by the spiritual leaders.
- Please be mindful that although the international Baggage Allowance is 30Kg, we will be using shorter flights with a maximum capacity of 23Kg. And a hand luggage of 7 kg is allowed.
We are looking forward to your joining this life changing pilgrimage and should you have any concerns before and/or during the pilgrimage, please feel free to reach out and we will be more than happy to respond.
