22 MAY - 1 JUNE 2019

11 DAY / 10 NIGHT LANDSCAPE pHOTO WORKSHOP

Join me on my European landscape tour - Spring in Portugal. The beauty of its striking architecture and spectacular landscape will leave you gasping while the diversity and warmth of its culture will awe you. Experience the country and its peoples, survey 600 years of architecture, wander through the historical walled town of Óbidos, explore the roman-built aqueducts in Lisbon and the quaint town of Tomar. Track the Douro river, experience three Porto wine tastings, and explore the cellars where the famous smooth, liquid nectar is created. Take a fascinating ride on the iconic St Justa elevator for a panoramic view of the Portuguese capital.

Call Ed on +1-919-527-4440 now to discuss or reserve this trip over the phone.

STARTING LOCATION   /   ENDING LOCATION

This photo workshop starts and ends in Lisbon, Portugal.

Guests can arrange their homeward flights to depart on the end date after 10:00.

PRICE

$4,850 per person based on double occupancy. Single supplements may be available.

ABOUT THE TOUR

In May 2019, Ed will lead a private group of photographers to Portugal on a cultural, gastronomic and photography workshop. The tour takes you on an adventure through the interior of the country visiting UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites, connecting you with the people from seaside to mountain top, whilst photographing historical sites and enjoying the rich Portuguese gastronomy and oenology... that's food and wine!

Photographers of ALL levels are welcome. This tour encourages sharing of techniques leading to learning from one another and putting into practice new skills.

Non-photographers, sketchers or videographers are welcome. This tour will appeal to anyone with an interest in discovering anew the country, its history, its food, its peoples and its sights.

SERVICES AND FACILITIES

The same ground transport company will accompany the photography group for the duration of the outing. We will have 1 air-conditioned coach with capacity for 20 people with ample space for equipment and luggage.

From your arrival at the starting location until your departure all regular expenses are covered. This includes

• All guided tours and admissions to locations mentioned in this write-up
• Lisbon walking tour • Christ the King Monument • São Jorge Castle • Monastery of Jerónimos • Pasteis de Belem • National Palace of Sintra • Port Wine tastings in Regua • Douro Region visits • Porto walking tour • Port wine tasting and lunch • Joanina Library tour in Coimbra • Coimbra walking tour • Alcobaça Monastery tour • Explore Óbidos Medieval Town
• A registered tour guide providing historical, cultural and architectural insights throughout the duration of the workshop  
• Local photographers in Lisbon and Porto with specialist knowledge of their localities
• Photography guide – Ed Braz, landscape and wildlife photographer, leader of wildlife photo safaris to his native South Africa
• Small group of at most 8 curious travelers and dedicated photographers
• 10 nights' accommodation in conveniently located hotels
• On-tour exclusive air-conditioned 20 seat luxury coach with mobile Wi-Fi
• Bottled water for all excursions and travels on the coach
• Discover the similarities between Harry Potter and the city of Porto, the city that inspired J.K. Rowling
• Undertake a private guided tour of the Graham’s Port Cellars with port wine tasting
• Enjoy two free afternoons to explore Lisbon and Porto at your own pace
• Single supplements available — a few private rooms are available at an additional fee
• 30 meals (11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners), service charges, gratuities to local guides, admission fees, taxes and porterage

EXCLUDED

• International flights to and from Lisbon, Portugal
• Transportation from the airport to the hotel
• Medical inoculations, vaccinations, travel medicines and prophylactics
• Soft and alcoholic beverages
• Visas and insurances
• Optional personal purchases, tours and extra activities

Itinerary IN BRIEF

Itinerary

22 May 2019

WELCOME TO LISBON

The Spring-in-Portugal workshop begins at the Lisboa Tejo Hotel, Lisbon. On arrival in Lisbon, Humberto Delgado Airport, find your way by Taxi or Uber, to the Hotel, conveniently located in the downtown area of Lisbon, close to many tourist sites in the heart of this exciting city. Check-in on arrival, shake off the jet-lag, or take in the stores in the Rua do Ouro shopping street. Meet the Tour director and the team at an early dinner tonight and shoot your first sunset from a city lookout point.

MEALS : D
LODGING : Lisboa Tejo Hotel

23 May 2019

EXPLORE THE RIVERFRONT

This morning we do a sunrise shoot over the river with the Vasco da Gama bridge as a backdrop. After breakfast back at the hotel, we take in the old city on foot as we make our way to the Tagus River. Heading in a westerly direction we visit and photograph the riverine historical monuments. We encounter the Praça do Comércio, Champalimaud Foundation, Tower of Belem, a UNESCO monument built as part of the Tagus estuary defense system, Jerónimos Monastery, the famous Pasteis de Belem and many others.

MEALS : B; L; D
LODGING : Lisboa Tejo Hotel

24 May 2019

VISIT TO  SINTRA AND CASCAIS

Today we head out to Sintra, a divine and mysterious location known to ancient civilizations as the Mountain of the Moon, a place where parks and gardens exist in harmony with palaces, mansions, convents and churches. Classified as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape in 1995, it will be the backdrop to our photography activities. Here we find the National Palace of Sintra, the Quinta da Regaleira and the Town Palace, a place where the aristocracy took residence during the hot summer months.

The afternoon shoot of rocky coastal outcrops and water in motion ends with a shoot at the Praia da Adraga followed by dinner at the Restaurante da Praia da Adraga. Take in a view of the setting sun over the western-most point of Europe returning to Lisbon via Cascais - a former fishing town and now Madonna’s latest home; peruse the narrow streets of this trendy vacation getaway with your guide.

MEALS : B; L; D
LODGING : Lisboa Tejo Hotel

25 May 2019

EXPLORE OLD LISBON

After breakfast we explore the hilly streets and narrow alleyways, making your way up to the Castle of São Jorge overlooking the city. Traverse the famous district of Alfama and discover the oldest church of Lisbon, known as the Sé de Lisboa. Enjoy a late full-fare lunch with the group at a local restaurant.

After lunch we explore the Gothic-style Rossio train station and Rossio Square and head up the hill to take in the beautiful Carmo Convent that dominates Carmo Square; Walk to the top of the Santa Justa Funicular to take in the sweeping views of the city; Explore the district of Chiado - a spot for browsing boutiques, bookstores, and historic cafes.

MEALS : B; L; D
LODGING : Lisboa Tejo Hotel

26 May 2019

THE VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE

This morning we cross the river to see Lisbon from the other bank of the Tagus. The southern bank accommodates a few of the capital's dormitory towns - far more blue collar than the city, the industrial base is palpable everywhere. This is also where we find the more picturesque seaside fishing villages with typical settings - small ocean-going craft, fishing nets and traditional ways of living; many photographic opportunities abound. After lunch we return to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon - this is the opportunity for you to re-visit places that you missed or want to shoot in your own time or go shopping for mementos for those back home.

MEALS : B; L
LODGING : Lisboa Tejo Hotel

27 May 2019

HEAD NORTH TO THE PORTO AREA

After early breakfast, we head northwards to Porto about 4-hour drive by coach. En route we stop at the Mosteiro da Batalha (the Monastery of the Battle) and visit the Unfinished Chapels aiming to get to Porto by lunch time. Check into the hotel and meet for an orientation tour of the city culminating in the Ribeira area; we then cross the river (into Gaia) for our first Port tasting event and dinner. The view of Porto from the southern bank of the Douro river is breathtaking. Exercise your evening shooting skills making images of the Ribeira and the Rabelo boats. These flat-bottomed boats, laying quietly by the riverside, are one of the most popular symbols of the city.

MEALS : B; L; D
LODGING : Hotel Pão de Açucar 

28 May 2019

EXPLORE THE DOURO RIVER BANKS

Today we head to Régua, one of the first wine demarcation regions in the world. Appreciate the beauty and grace of the Douro valley landscapes, with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Head out after breakfast and wind your way through the river meanders, taking in the astonishing views. Lunch is served on the riverside in Peso da Régua. Enjoy the tranquility of the Douro River, sip your favorite port cocktails - we head back to Porto by coach arriving late afternoon.

MEALS : B; L; D
LODGING : Hotel Pão de Açucar 

29 May 2019

DISCOVER THE UNVANQUISHED CITY

The city of Porto is the second largest in Portugal, dating back to 300 BCE. As such, the city has many buildings rich in culture. The day is spent on a guided historical tour, seeing and photographing the Sé, Estação de São Bento, Palácio da Bolsa, Igreja de São Francisco, Ribeira and the Foz.  Some places of particular photographic interest: The stunning 12th century Porto Cathedral, an architectural champion of Romanesque design; Peer over the double decker iron bridge Ponte de Dom Luis I, which spans the Douro River. Savor an espresso at the illustrious Café Majestic and view its ornate interior. Visit the (temporarily relocated) spirited Bolhão Market, and draw in the aromatic smells of baked bread, fresh fish, and colorful flowers.

MEALS : B; L; D
LODGING : Hotel Pão de Açucar 

30 May 2019

EXPLORE THE HISTORIC PERSPECTIVE

Start the day before sunrise - position yourself to capture the rising sun over the iconic Iron Bridge which is synonymous with Porto - the D. Luis I bridge. After a healthy breakfast we continue to explore and photograph the narrow busy streets as the city comes alive for another day. At the impressive train station of São Bento, view Portugal’s history depicted on the 20,000 magnificent azulejo (tin-glazed ceramic tiles) – its royalty, its wars, and its transportation history. Options include the book store (Livraria Lello) that inspired J.K. Rowling’s depictions of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. A list of other places to visit will be provided later.

We convene for lunch - thereafter the afternoon is free for you to spent at will, photographing or buying that memento you'll cherish once back home.

MEALS : B; L
LODGING : Hotel Pão de Açucar

31 May 2019

DISCOVER THE THRIVING MIDDLE AGES

Tomar is another UNESCO site featured on this tour. Located in the center of Portugal it is the home of the controversial assistance provided by the church in the formative years of the country. Home to the Templar Friars for many years, in reality a secular well-heeled church military force that supported the maritime discoveries of the 15th century, the Convent of Christ and the castle complex is a historic and cultural monument with ornate interiors and stained glassed windows.  After lunch, we visit and explore on foot the quaint medieval town of Óbidos. Admire old white washed houses, completely surrounded by the old castle walls. Afterwards, we return to Lisbon for check-in at the Hotel Star Inn Lisbon, and our final dinner of this photo workshop.

MEALS : B; L; D
LODGING : Hotel Star Inn Lisbon, Airport

1 June 2019

EXTEND YOUR STAY OR HEAD HOME

It's always a tough decision - to stay or go! After breakfast, the tour is over. All that remains is to exchange contact details with your travelling friends and discuss where the next visit will be.

Check-out from the hotel and head off to your next destination.

Boa Viagem e até à próxima.

FEES AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
 

The 11 day (10 nights) all-inclusive photographic safari tour costs $4,850 per person.

Costs are per person sharing.

A deposit of $1,000 per guest is required at the time of booking. Balance is payable, by cheque or wire transfer, no later than 90 days before the start of the tour. Cancellations more than 90 days prior to departure will be refunded in full (less the processing fee of $250). Cancellations within 90 days prior to departure will be refunded in full (less the processing fee) provided we can find another guest to take your place.

As a limited number of spaces are available, if a guest is unwilling to share with another guest of the same gender, then a single supplement will be charged. Although we will try to accommodate requests for single occupancy, this cannot be guaranteed.

We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary if conditions warrant such an action. We will attempt to notify participants of changes with as much notice as possible. Changes having an impact on the schedule or on costs will be borne by the participants.

TERMS AND CONSIDERATIONS

PHYSICAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

This is a great opportunity for you to take pictures of the environment, landscapes and cityscapes. Most travelling is undertaken in air-conditioned coach and some images are best taken from a vantage point involving moderate walking.  Guests must complete a standard liability waiver before participating in this cultural tour.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This tour visits luxurious and well-appointed hotels throughout the country.  It is suggested that you consult with your travel doctor to determine the precautions to be taken given the destination and the conditions found there. The government organizations and travel clinics below are trusted resources for complete and up-to-date info about travelers' health in Portugal.

• Canada: https://www.iamat.org/country/portugal/risk/routine-immunizations
• United States: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/portugal

MANDATORY MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE

Although visiting a European country is considered a low-risk activity, there are situations where claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling, do occur. You will be asked to provide independent documentary evidence of luggage loss and delayed or cancelled trip insurance, failing which cover will be provided for you at your cost and added to your account.

Please provide the office with the insurance company’s name, contact number and your individual policy number. Thank you for understanding that this policy exists in the interest of our guests’ safety.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TO AND FROM THE STARTING LOCATION

This cultural tour starts and ends in Lisbon, Portugal. Your travel arrangements must ensure that you arrive in Lisbon no later than 6pm on the first day of the tour. That evening the group will meet for a group introduction, welcome cocktails and dinner offered by the organizers. This tour ends after breakfast on the last day – please arrange departures from Lisbon International Airport on the final day. If you plan to participate in any add-on side trip, the routing will determine the itinerary at the time of reservation.