PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR IN PORTUGAL Max Group Size 6 People / Beginners to Advanced Photographers Welcome

Transcription

1 March PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR IN PORTUGAL Max Group Size 6 People / Beginners to Advanced Photographers Welcome Capture old world charm, vast seascapes & village life in picturesque sunny Portugal on this 7 day exploration of Sintra & Lisbon for photography enthusiasts WHAT S INCLUDED Expert photography instruction with Jose Antunes ( renowned Portuguese professional photographer, who will take us to some of his favourite places Tour led by Marion McCristall, award winning Canadian photographer, with experience on photo tours in France, Italy, Kenya, Morocco and Portugal A full day guided day trip to the beautiful city of Lisbon 7 nights accommodation at Colina Flora (colinaflora.com), 2013 Winner of Award of Excellence, eco friendly, top quality B&B in the hamlet of Pe da Serra near Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners with wine Airport pickup & transportation during the tour ** Airfare not included ** TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Dramatic seascapes Fairytale castles and palaces Quaint white washed villages Capuchos, 16th Century Monastery 200 year old Sao Pedro Sunday Market Early morning and late evening photo opportunities Classical architecture, stunning views Historical sites & cobbled streets in Lisbon The romantic Sintra National Palace Cabo da Roca lighthouse (most westerly point in Europe) REGISTER March 2014 Tour Cost: $2700 per person (single sharing or double) hello@marionmccristall.com or

2 Photography Tour In Portugal March 20-27, 2014 Meet the wonderful crew that will join you on your photography tour in sunny Portugal Full Itinerary at: marionmccristall.com

3 Explore, Create and be Inspired Jose Antunes, renowned Portuguese professional photographer, and Marion McCristall, award winning Canadian photographer, will guide you on this amazing photography tour in sunny Portugal. Our tour includes wonderful photo opportunities in Sintra, (the most romantic town in Portugal,) the seacoast and villages of the area, historical sites and palaces, and Lisbon, (the vibrant capital of Portugal bursting with culture). TRIP INTINERARY Thursday, March 20 (D) Arrival Arrive in Lisbon and be greeted at the airport by James from Colina Flora, our country guesthouse for the week. ( After about an hours drive to the Sintra area, Aasta and their cute little pooch Lucca, will meet you with a glass of wine or refreshing beverage. They will show you to your lovely room at their award-winning B&B in the hamlet of Pe da Sera. Once you ve settled in you may want to explore the grounds, put your feet up, go for a little walk, and make your first photograph. Later in the afternoon, Marion and Jose will welcome you and chat about the week ahead. Prepare to be inspired, to laugh, to challenge yourself, and to make incredible photographs. ( Jose Antunes, our esteemed and talented photography mentor, is looking forward to meeting everyone. We ll talk about some of the places we ll see and adventures we ll have. He speaks excellent English and is very experienced at teaching photography to all levels. With years of exploring in the coastal and hilly areas around Sintra, Jose has a knack for finding special places for photo ops that tourists have not discovered. ( If we re not too tired, Jose would love to take us to Cabo da Roca to get a feel for the place and see a little of the scenery that will unfold before our eyes as the days progress. Tonight, a light dinner will be served in the dining room. (included) Friday, March 21 (B) Atlantic Realms, Belvederes and Faith Places A delicious breakfast of fresh squeezed orange juice, granola, yogurt, cheeses, eggs, hearty porridge, rolls, and jams will be ready for us in the dining room. Aasta makes fabulous breads and muffins and James does a stellar job with the juicer and coffee press. Jose will pick us up for a full day outing he calls Atlantic Realm, Belvederes, and Faith Places. We will start the day at Adraga, (a stunning beach with high, craggy cliffs,) and then move north along the coast. We will visit Praia Grande and walk along the coastline to see the remains of the Temple of the Sun and Moon overlooking Praia das Macas. From there we will go around Praia das Macas so that we have two different views of this very popular beach. We will visit Azenhas do Mar, (a bright, white-washed village with red tiled roofs perched on the cliff,) and continue to Praia da Aguda. On our way to Magoito, we will drive through the countryside with crop fields, farms and villages. We will go to Praia de Sao Juliao, with a little chapel devoted to Saint Julian and Santa Basilisa, sitting atop the cliff overlooking the Atlantic. Lunch will be either in a local café or something we pick up to go. (cost not included) As photographers, we don t want to miss the best light so our coffee breaks and lunches will be at different times every day.

4 We will arrive back at Colina Flora mid to late afternoon to upload pictures or take a rest before getting ready for our evening dinner. James will drive us to a nearby specialty Tapas restaurant. Along with the villagers, we will be entertained with the laments of a Fado singer and guitarist while we share assorted Portuguese style tapas. (cost not included) Saturday, March 22 (B, L) History and Tradition Rise and Shine! Jose has planned a very interesting History and Tradition day. We will go to the fishing port or Ericeira and make an early stop at Lizandro beach where a large river flows into the sea. We ll take country roads and stop to take pictures of windmills and rolling hills. From there we will drive to Sobreiro to spend a little time photographing a tiny village created by artist Jose Franco to represent a village from the Mafra region in the early 20 th century. In the afternoon, we ll drive to Mafra, tour the enchanting palace, (one of the largest in Europe,) and wander the streets to capture images of daily life. The golden afternoon light will be perfect for making photos of this magnificent limestone palace and monastery. Lunch, including wine, will be at a traditional Portuguese restaurant. (included) James will drive us into the village for dinner where we will enjoy delicious selections prepared by the chef. (cost not included) Sunday, March 23 (B, D) Sintra, the Romantic Village Jose calls this Sintra, the Romantic Village day and you will know why as soon as you set eyes on it. First, we will head to the Sao Pedro Market to take pictures of everything from antiques, to olives and cheeses, live chickens, sausages, fresh produce, and stalls filled with a variety of bric a brac. We will see and smell wood burning open fireplaces where homemade breads, filled with chorizo, are placed on paddles and baked to perfection. This market is over 200 years old and held the 2 nd and 4 th Sunday of the month. It will be a great opportunity to practice capturing everyday life in the village. Lunch will be either at a local café or we ll pick up something to go. (cost not included) Next we ll drive to Sintra, a UNESCO world heritage site, with worn cobbled streets, facades covered with exquisite tiles, and views of the Pena Palace off in the distance. We will visit a park with modern sculptures and see the Sintra National Palace with tall chimneys and architecture that looks like it was created from a fairy tale. The palatial Monserrate Palace and gardens will be our next stop. Monserrate is one of the most iconic places of Sintra. Like the other palaces in the region, such as the Pena Palace, this is an example of Portuguese Romanticism. The design of the gardens took advantage of the unique microclimates of the mountains to produce a magnificent park in which over 3,000 exotic species can still be seen today. Walking among the trees from all over the world, waterfalls and ponds, a romantic mysticism enshrouds the visitor. Aasta will prepare us a fabulous four course fish or seafood dinner, including wine and dessert. She loves to cook and uses only the finest regional organic ingredients. (included) Monday, March 24 (B, L) From Riches to Rags Jose has aptly named this day From Riches to Rags. We will start the day at Palacio de Queluz, often referred to as the Portuguese Versailles. Not only will we see the 18 th C. Rococo palace and sculpted gardens, but Jose will take us to the quarters of the palace servants and the home for the original builders. You can practice close-ups and botanical photography techniques and change your shutter speeds to capture the splashing water from the fountains. In the afternoon, we will delve into the woods in Sintra s mountain range. We will see huge boulders scattered on the hillside and wind our way up narrow roads to Convento de Capuchos. In the 16 th C., monks lived a spartan life there. They carved the monastery in the rock and lined the walls with cork from the trees growing in the area. We will practice using off camera flash to get some of the best shots of the worn tiles, living quarters, and remaining altars and religious artifacts.

5 Our lunch with wine will be in a traditional café where the locals eat so that you can sample the real flavours of Portugal. (included) We ll arrive back to Colina Flora with time for some photo editing, a rest, or to take a walk to the nearby shops, (Flores do Cabo and Francoise Baudry,) located in an old winery. They sell treasures created by local artisans as well as antiques. James will drive us to a local restaurant for dinner. (cost not included) Tuesday, March 25 (B, L, D) Sights and Sounds of Lisbon Get ready for a big day in the city. Arlindo, our tour guide and driver, will take us to Lisbon where we will stroll narrow, cobbled streets, and visit the ruins of Castelo Sao Jorge, old fashioned and avant garde neighborhoods such as Baixa and Bairro Alto, lunch in a leafy square, a stop for a world famous pastry, Pasteis de Belem, (made from a secret recipe since 1837,) and so much more. We will climb steps and drive along, twisty streets to get the best views of the city and the Tagus River. We ll hear the clang of the bright yellow #28 Tram and capture images as it threads it s way through the busy streets. Lunch in Lisbon. (included) We will arrive back to Colina Flora in the early evening. Marion will provide a picnic supper of cold meats, cheeses, and salads so that we can enjoy a quiet evening preparing for our last busy day of picture making and instruction with Jose. (included) Wednesday, March 26 (B, D) Magical Mystery Tour Jose s Magical Mystery Tour will include special places that he has saved for last. It s also a wonderful opportunity to practice what we have learned in previous days and to ask him lots of questions. He has intimate insider knowledge of countless places and will provide us with excellent photographic experiences throughout the trip. Lunch in a local café or to go. (cost not included) We will end the day feeling enchanted with all that we have seen, learned, and experienced. Aasta will prepare our farewell feast of fish or seafood with wine and dessert. (included) It will be time to finish uploading images, pack for departure, and say our good byes. Thursday, March 27 (B) Farewells and Promises to Return Most connecting flights from Lisbon through London, Paris, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt, depart very early in the morning. Aasta and James will have coffee and breakfast ready for us and then James will take us to the airport. The Sintra area can seduce you with her charms so be prepared that you may leave with promises to return.

6 A FEW NOTES The group size is limited to six photographers so that you will have plenty of time for personal attention from Jose. Some people like a lot of interaction and others are happy to just be there and hone the skills they already have. Beginners to advanced photographers are welcome. Please bring your DSLR camera, the manual, and a basic understanding of the main settings. A suggested gear kit will be supplied to participants. Our days will be long and filled with countless photo ops that will keep you enthralled for hours. There will be some walking on cobbled streets and uneven terrain. We will take our time when we stop so that everyone can see, explore and create images that tell the stories of those moments in time. We will stop for a coffee break every morning and sometimes in the afternoon. You will have a chance to taste the luxurious, famously decadent, travesseiros, (puff pastries filled with sweet custard.) Portuguese bica, (espresso,) is the perfect little pick me up. Entry fees to the palaces and Capuchos is included in the tour price. Ensuite rooms are single share or double only. We will have exclusive use of the amenities of Colina Flora during our stay. It will be our home away from home. Take time to check out their website and read the awesome reviews on tripadvisor.com Many meals are included in the photography tour. B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. The water is safe to drink at Colina Flora. Marion will provide plenty of bottled water for participants during the photo outings. Jose Antunes will create a place on the web where we can look at pictures from the week and exchange ideas.. He is willing to help us make the best of not only our days in Portugal but also with editing our images from the trip. If we provide him text and photos, Jose would be happy to make an ebook for us that will serve as a nice memory of the trip. Questions? Contact Marion hello@marionmccristall.com or Ready to Sign Up and Join the Fun? Marion will you a registration form as well as deposit and payment information Tour Price $2700 CAD (*not including airfare) Deposit upon Registration $500. Balance due December 10, 2013 Payment may be made by bank wire transfer, money order, or certified cheque. Only 6 spaces available. (Single share or double) Register now to guarantee your place in this amazing photography adventure.

7 Registration Form (please print and fill out both pages) Name First Last Address Street City Province/State Postal Code/Zip Country Phone Home Cell/Mobile Work Passport Passport Number Nationality Expiry Date Gender and Age Gender Date of Birth Emergency Contact Name Relationship to you Phone Health or Dietary Concerns we should know about 1 Please note: Registration Form and Deposit are required once you have confirmed your place on the tour with Marion McCristall. hello@marionmccristall.com or phone to confirm space.

8 Level of Photography Experience Circle one: Beginner Intermediate Advanced Professional Camera type: Photography Interests Tell us a little about what you like to make images of and what you would like to learn on the photography tour Terms and Conditions Please initial each box below: I have read the Terms and Conditions and agree to them. I acknowlege that I will be required to share an ensuite room, with twin beds, (with another participant of the same sex,) if I come by myself. I agree to sign Marion McCristall s Release and Indemnity, (i.e. liability,) form. I agree that I am healthy and fit enough to go on this trip and that I will have trip cancellation and travel health insurance plan. I will make a $500 CAD deposit upon registering and pay the balance of $2200 CADno later than Dec. 10, Payment via bank wire transfer, money order, or certified cheque accepted. Questions Please direct all questions to Marion McCristall hello@marionmccristall.com Phone Signature Print and then sign your name in this box 2 Please note: Registration Form and Deposit are required once you have confirmed your place on the tour with Marion McCristall. hello@marionmccristall.com or phone to confirm space.

9 Terms and Conditions March 20 27, 2014 Tour Price $2700 CAD (*not including airfare) Includes 7 nights accommodation, (single share or double,) 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners, expert photography instruction, airport transfers, a day trip to Lisbon, transportation throughout the tour. Registration and Payment To reserve your place on the tour, submit the registration form and a deposit of $ CAD to Marion McCristall. Make arrangements with Marion McCristall for payment with bank wire transfer, money order, or certified cheque. hello@marionmccristall.com Phone: The balance of the tour, $ CAD, must be paid in full to Marion McCristall by December 10, You will receive a confirmation within 48 hours once your deposit is paid and again when the balance is received. If you do not receive this confirmation, please contact Marion McCristall immediately. Cancellation Policy In the event you need to cancel prior to Dec. 10, you will be refunded your deposit, less a $100 administration fee. Refunds after Dec. 10. Marion McCristall will try to fill your place from a waitlist. If your place is filled, you will receive a refund for the amount paid less a $200 administration fee. In the event your place cannot be filled, there will be no refund of any amounts paid. Check your trip cancellation insurance for coverage. If, for any reason, the tour is cancelled by Marion McCristall, you will be given a full refund. Insurance, Waiver, and Passports Each participant will be required to have trip cancellation and health insurance and also sign a Release and Indemnity Form with Marion McCristall. Passports need to have an expiry date of no less than 6 months prior to the end of the tour. Itinerary Changes The Itinerary may be subject to change and replaced with similar experiences. The Sintra area is known for sunny skies and balmy breezes. In the event of heavy rain, some of our photographic instruction will be indoors either at Colina Flora or in covered areas of historical sites. This may include tabletop photography, lighting for portraiture, Lightroom and the ebook module, etc. No refunds will be given in the event of an itinerary change. Airfare and Airport Transfer Airfare and expenses, other than those listed above, will be the responsibility of each participant. Airport transfers, included in the tour price, apply only on March 20 and March 27. You are welcome to make your own room bookings and/or airport transfer directly with Colina Flora should you decide to arrive earlier or stay longer. Activity Level The Photography Tour in Portugal does not require strenuous activity. However, you will be walking on uneven surfaces, cobbled streets, up stairs and small hills, as well as getting in and out of vehicles. You will need to be able to carry your own camera gear. If you have any health limitations, please discuss these with Marion McCristall before registering. We will do our best to make this a wonderful photography holiday for all of the participants.