Dear friend
Join us as we discover the Cycladic islands of Santorini, Milos and Sifnos and capture images of“authentic” Greece.
Santorini (or Thira) will take your breath away with its white Cycladic houses lining the cliff tops, the amazing views to the Caldera and Nea Kameni (the volcano), the spectacular sunsets, the excavated ancient cities, the black and red beaches… Few places in the world combine such amazing sceneries, beautiful beaches, ancient cities, gastronomical food, fabulous wine… and an active volcano!
Sifnos will impress you with their traditional villages of snow-white houses, churches with blue domes, Venetian castles, ancient ruins, inexhaustible variety of beautiful hiking trails which lead to tranquil sandy beaches, delicious local food and wine…
Volcanic Milos will enchant you with its diversity, coastal morphology and rare geological formations… with its 75 beaches, crystal, deep blue waters, picturesque harbors, colorful volcanic rocks, archeological sites, unique flora and endemic fauna…
HIGHLIGHTS
Explore “hidden” Greece and the traditional island lifestyle, Expert Local Guides and Daily Photo Walks, Shoot the white washed villages, solitary beaches and breathtaking panoramic views, 24/7 Photography Instruction, Eco focus: introduction to the local flora and fauna, Delicious local food & wine, Traditional accommodations, Capture the atmosphere and sunsets of chic Oia village, Stroll though hidden villages off the beaten path, Shoot among a 100-year old vineyard and taste amazing volcanic wines, Small Group Size (8-10 People).
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY ESCORT
Laura L. Gingerich will be your photography escort and workshop leader at this photography workshop at Santorini, Milos & Sifnos. Laura is an award-winning photojournalist specializing in relief and disaster assistance worldwide. She is known for “having an eye for beauty in the midst of chaos” from her work in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Haiti, Pakistan, West Bank and India. When Laura is not on assignment, she loves sharing her knowledge by leading photography workshops that inspire and motivate beginners to advanced level enthusiasts all over the globe.
www.lauragingerich.com, stoptime325@gmail.com, Timestopper (instagram) +1 910-690-8395 (US Mobile)
Contact us at info@nofootprint.gr
8-DAY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ITINERARY
Day 1-2-3: Friday 10 May to Sunday 12 May, Santorini
DAY 1 (Optional): ARRIVAL AND BRIEFING. WELCOME DINNER.
DAY 2: TRAIL FROM FIRA TO OIA WITH INCREDIBLE VIEWS OF THE CALDERA (PHOTO WALK 1)
Today we’ll take the trail that starts from the picturesque port of Fira and follows the rim of the caldera to Oia, passing the picturesque villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli. This hike is actually a spectacular, cliff-top walk with incredible views of the caldera, the volcano and the deep blue of the Aegean sea. This is the view that Santorini is so famous about and you will find out that you cannot get enough of it.
We will aim to reach Oia on time to watch the world famous sunset and then we will have supper at one of our favourite taverns where you will have the chance to try Santorini’s delicious dishes prepared with the local fine ingredients and also taste the local wine.
DAY 3: OFF THE BEATEN TRACK CIRCULAR WALK FROM PYRGOS AROUND HIDDEN VILLAGES (PHOTO WALK 2)
Welcome to Santorini and your guesthouse. Depending on time of arrival we’ll enjoy an early evening walk that combines the two diametrically opposed sides of Santorini; on one hand, a wild landscape depicted with vineyards and isolated churches and on the other hand, the welcoming, scenic but unexplored villages of exo and Mesa Gonia.
You will start from the beautiful Cycladic village of Pyrgos, wonder around its narrow alleys and explore agricultural life and taste the island’s awarded volcanic wines! The evening will end with sunset at Pyrgos and a delicious meal.
Day 4-6: Monday 13 May to Wednesday 15 May, Sifnos
DAY 3: VISIT TO THE PREHISTORIC SITE OF AKROTIRI & THE RED BEACH
Ferry to Sifnos and transfer to your accommodation. Dinner by the beach.
DAY 4: WALK UNTOUCHED & PEACEFUL PATHS TOWARDS ISOLATED BEACH (PHOTO WALK 3)
Today we’ll make our way towards one of the loneliest parts of the island, Fikiada bay in the south. Fikiada is ranked amongst the islands’ nicest beaches and can only be reached on foot or by boat. We’ll start our hike from the bay of Vathy and walk for a little bit more than an hour through a Natura 2000 area enjoying an environment of extreme beauty.
You can have lunch and swim at the bays’ secluded, turquoise waters. Our guide will be happy to take you snorkeling inside the bay and introduce you to the unique underwater biodiversity of the East Med. From Foikiada we will then walk towards another magnificent bay and beach; Platy Yalos. We will end the day with supper at one of our favourite local taverns.
DAY 5: CIRCULAR WALK TO ADMIRE PICTURESQUE VILLAGES WITH STUNNING VIEWS (PHOTO WALK 4)
Today we’ll follow the beautiful trail from Apollonia towards the Kastro reservation. The beautifully paved path is a flight of stairs – zigzags between fields with olive trees, bee hives and some pigeon towers. We’ll pass from the pretty village of Kato Petali and within the hour we’ll reach Kastro, one of the most picturesque villages and the most important from an archeological point of view. The village has been inhabited uninterruptedly since the prehistoric times. The village took its name from the “castle” which is formed by its buildings. The village will impress you as it keeps its fortification medieval (Venetian) structural form unalterable.
After a short break to swim at the crystal clear waters below the Kastro… and an extended stop to admire the stunning rock formations and deep blue of the Aegean Sea, we will continue towards the church of Panayia Poulati.
Walking along the coast, you’re likely to spot on the way beautiful gulls and shags that hang around in these waters. More exciting sightings are possible during spring and autumn migration.
In the evening we’ll explore the little village of Artemonas with its neoclassical mansions and enjoy another delicious supper. We’ll end the day with the most pleasant stroll through the picturesque villages of Artemonas, Ano Petali and finally Apollonia.
Day 7 – 8: Thursday 16 to Friday 17 May, Milos
DAY 6: HISTORICAL WALK REACHING THE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE OF ANCIENT MILOS (PHOTO WALK 5)
We’ll start our walk from the port of Adamas, pass olive groves, abandoned & cultivated fields and small farms. You’ll have the chance to admire the typical Cycladic phrygana vegetation, such as mastic, genista, prickly burnet, Jerusalem sage… aromatic herbs, such as thyme and Greek sage… and Milos’ unique fauna with endemic species such as the Milos Wall lizard, Milos Grass Snake, Milos Green Lizard and Milos Viper.
We’ll reach Trypiti (“full of holes”), a quaint village, which took its name from the fact that it was built over the catacombs, an Early Christian cemetery, carved in soft volcanic tuff. In the 19th century, the first settlers built their houses a few meters from the walls of the ancient city of Milos, using materials from the walls and other buildings.
We’ll continue to visit the catacombs and the archaeological site of ancient Milos where the famous statue of the Aphrodite of Milos was found in 1820. After visiting the ancient theater we’ll walk through the ruins and wall of the ancient city towards the coast. Delicious supper at the main village.
DAY 7: VISIT TO STUNNING VOLCANIC BEACHES AND LANDSCAPES
Today you’ll appreciate the unique landscapes of Milos… colorful volcanic rocks, stunning views of the coast, picturesque harbors, creeksand canyons. We’ll visit one of the most famous beach of Milos, Sarakiniko, known for its lunar landscape as long horizontal volcanic rocks have been eroded by sea water and have turned bright white, a contrast with the turquoise blue of the sea.
Our next stop is the picturesque little harbor of Mandrakia where you’ll enjoy a drink and a meze. Supper at the picturesque village of Plaka after visiting the castle and watching the most enchanting sunset from the village “balcony” offering great views of western Milos, Adamas Bay, and Antimilos.
DAY 9: Saturday 18 May. Breakfast and morning ferry to Santorini.
ACCOMMODATION
We have reserved for you lovely authentic family-run guesthouses at a very central locations. The owners are very hospitable and helpful and are known to provide the most delicious breakfasts.
Santorini: Summertime hotel
Sifnos: Nymfes
Milos: Aeolis
OUR FEES
The fee for 8-10 people (2 people sharing a double room) will be:
Option A: 8 nights/9 days, Friday 10 May – Saturday 18 May
The fee is 1592 euros per person.
Single supplement: 190 euros
Option B: 7 nights/8 days, Saturday 11 May – Saturday 18 May
The fee is 1550 euros per person.
Single supplement: 150 euros
The fee includes:
* Photography workshop by Laura L. Gingerich (www.lauragingerich.com)
* 5/6 guided photo walks at the islands of Santorini, Milos & Sifnos
* Accommodation for 8 nights
* Breakfast
* Visits to prehistoric site of Akrotiri (excavated town buried under volcanic ash, the Red Beach, Sarakiniko in Milos)
* Ferries from Santorini to Sifnos and Milos and back to Santorini
* 24% VAT
* Transfer to the accommodations at the islands and back to the port/airport
* Transfers to and from our starting and ending walking points
* Client’s information brief by e-mail attachment
* Presentations on Aegean biodiversity, local flora and fauna
* 24 hour support on the island for advise or any troubleshooting Contact us to book your Cyclades photography workshop or email us at info@nofootprint.gr