This tour will be 12 nights in length and begin in Athens, the Capital City of Greece. This ancient and vibrant city combines the old and new with classical sites and modern buildings.  We will spend two nights here which will give us one full day to concentrate on the central sights of the city such as the not to be missed  Parthenon on top of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora (marketplace) and the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square.  This will also give us time to stroll through the maze of streets in the Plaka with its many shops and restaurants.

We will then fly to the wonderful island of Mykonos for the next four nights. Mykonos is the cosmopolitan centre of the Cyclades. Windmills and whitewashed cube-shaped houses are scattered everywhere you look. We will stay in Mykonos town where we will photograph the harbour area, as well as the chapels, homes and  tiny tavernas hidden among the many shops and stores in the picturesque narrow pedestrian streets.

During our stay in Mykonos, we will have the opportunity to visit the ancient Holy Island of Delos.  A short boat trip from Mykonos, Delos is a vast archaeological site. For many centuries it was the religious centre of Greece and thought to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

Last, but not least, we will enjoy a fast-ferry ride to the magnificent island of Santorini.  Claimed by some to be the lost land of Atlantis, its geological particularities, its past, and its imposing scenery single out Santorini from the rest of the Greek Islands. From a photographic standpoint this unique island captures everything one imagines the Greek islands to be  with its bright white cave houses and blue domed churches clinging to the 1000-ft. cliffs  of the caldera formed by the volcano's explosion in 1500 B.C.

During our six nights in Santorini we will be exploring the entire island. We will concentrate our time in the villages of Firostefani, Fira, Imerovigli and Oia.  All of these towns provide a wealth of photographic opportunities in various lighting situations as well as magnificent views of the  caldera.  During our time here we will also go on an excursion to see and to visit and photograph some of the smaller villages on the island.

At the far northern tip of the island is the town of Oia where most of the tourism pictures of Greece have been taken.  As there are endless photographic possibilities here,  we will spend most of our time exploring and photographing the town. There will also be the possiblility of an optional boat tour to the volcano, inside   the caldera, giving us the opportunity of seeing Santorini at its best, from the sea.

From Santorini we will fly back to Athens to connect with our flights home.

May 5  -  Arrival in Athens. We will meet as a group in the late afternoon and enjoy an orientation dinner together, followed by a short photography session and perhaps a twilight shoot of the Acropolis. One Night: Athens

May 6 -  Full day of photography in Athens. Explore and photograph some of the major sights of  Athens - all within walking distance of our hotel. We will begin with the Acropolis and continue through the Ancient Agora (marketplace),  stop for lunch at an outdoor taverna in the Plaka, then visit Syntagma Square for the changing of  the guard and other nearby sights.  We will have another twilight shoot after dinner. One Night: Athens

May 7 - 10  Transfer to the airport for our flight to Mykonos. Our hotel is within easy walking distance of the town. After settling in we will take a stroll into town for orientation, photography and dinner. During our 4 days on the island, we will be exploring and photographing the whitewashed main town of Mykonos, including the harbour, churches, streets, windmills and tavernas.  We will also be shooting at sunrise, sunset and twilight to demonstrate and capture the different qualities of light. There will be an optional half-day tour to the Island of Delos, one of the major archeological sites of Greece. Four Nights: Mykonos

May 11 - 16   Depart Mykonos for Santorini via High Speed Catamaran.  Our hotel, which lies halfway between the main town of Fira and the small village of Imerovigli, features spectacular views of the magnificent caldera. These towns provide a wealth of photographic opportunities in various lighting situations. We will also have the use of a small van which will give us the opportunity to travel around Santorini visiting and photographing the picturesque town of Oia, as well as some of the smaller villages and beaches of the island. There will be an optional boat tour to the volcano inside the caldera and the island of Thirassia where we will see and photograph Santorini from a totally different perspective,  the sea. Six Nights: Santorini

May 17 - On our last day you will be transferred to the airport and depart Santorini for Athens and  your connecting flights home.  Depending on flight times, there might be the necessity of an extra night in Athens.

If you are interested in participating in this Photo Tour, and to guarantee a spot, a deposit will be required in the amount of $600.00 CDN per person. This deposit can be made by cheque or money order payable to Garry Black and forwarded to  the noted mailing address. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure date.  

We must receive written notice of your cancellation, at which time the following are nonrefundable, unless we find a replacement participant:

90 days or more before departure: 25% of deposit, plus any non-refundable costs charged by tour suppliers

89 to 31 days before departure: 40% of trip fee

30 or fewer days before departure: 100% of trip fee

e-mail: gblack@garryblack.com

PHONE: 613-824-9295

Mailing Address: 1083 St. Emmanuel Terrace

Ottawa, Ontario,

Canada, K1C 2J6

DETAILS

The itinerary will be, 2 nights in Athens - fly to Mykonos for 4 nights - high speed ferry 1st class to Santorini, for 6 nights - fly back to Athens for connecting flights home.

Tour Cost:  $3595.00 CDN per person (double occupancy), this includes accommodation at 3 and 4 star hotels, breakfast daily, domestic flights and ferry in Greece, transfers, and workshop tuition fee. Not included - airfare from your home to Athens, meals other than breakfast, items of personal nature, entrance fees to museums.

Single rooms are subject to availability and will be assessed a supplement of $649.00.  If requested, we will do our best to find a suitable roommate for individual travelers.

A discounted rate will apply for any non-photographing partner provided there is space available.

The workshop will not be strictly regimented. My goal is for you to experience a good photo tour as well as a memorable vacation. I have attempted to reserve hotels that are not only in the best locations for photographic opportunities but should also enhance your memories of Greece.

Participants should be reasonably fit, as there will be a considerable amount of walking in the towns.

NOTE: Prices are based on the currency exchange rate today and could be adjusted.