GREECE A PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC AND CULTURAL ODYSSEY 18-30 MAY 2017 Nick Melidonis Ignacio Palacios 1
DELPHI At the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi is Greece s most beautiful Classical site. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, Zeus released the two eagles from opposite ends of the earth to fly across the ends of the world to meet at its centre, the navel or omphalos of the world, and met at Delphi. The site was marked by the sacred Omphalos or navel stone. 2 3
SANTORINI Stunning Santorini is deliciously different from the other Cycladic islands and is the most popular island in Greece. It may be the most popular island in the world. There are few travel destinations that combine beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery, an active volcano, amazing restaurants and some of the world s best wine. Santorini has all this and more. Akrotiri is an ancient town dug out from the eruption and boasts ruins similar to Pompeii. Santorini curves around a giant lagoon or caldera offering stunning views from sky-high towns such as Thira and Oia, eclectic cuisine, vibrant galleries and thriving nightlife. It is a photographer s dream. 4 5
METEORA The word Meteora means literally hovering in the air and of course brings to mind the word meteor. What created this rare geological phenomenon is one of the mysteries of nature and there are many theories though they remain theories and none have been proven. But as amazing a marvel of nature as these giant rocks are, the buildings on the top of these are a marvel of man and seem just as miraculous and make Meteora one of the most spectacular places to visit in Greece. 6 7
MYKONOS We are arranging a day trip to visit the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Delos from Naxos. Delos is one of the most sacred and historic sites for the Greeks and you will be fascinated by the well preserved ruins and antiquities the Island has to offer. As 90% of the attractions of Mykonos are in its stunning tiny port and waterfront, our visit will ensure you will have ample opportunity to see and photograph all the main sights made famous by the jet-set and films from Hollywood s past. We will be conducting an introductory walk of the main attractions to get you started and then you will be free to explore the port on your own. Amazing photos will present themselves around every corner. 8 9
ICONIC GREECE Just a note to thank you for the photo holiday, it was well organised and everyone was very helpful. It was unbelievable to be with such talented people and they were exceptional. I can t believe such a holiday will ever be repeated. To you all, thanks for the wonderful holiday; I didn t really want to come home. Michael S, Sydney Myth laden Greece has fascinated travellers for thousands of years. Come and experience soaring spires capped with imposing monasteries in Meteora; striking temples; the site of the oracle in sacred Delphi and the perfection of the Parthenon in Athens. Across a sea of deepest blue, the Greek Islands are strewn like jewels as they capture the essence of light and space. Mythology and history has shaped this ancient land lapped by the Aegean Sea where the legendary Odysseus once sailed. Our journey commences in classical Athens in the Kingdom of Theseus, from where we travel to Delphi, with its evocative ruins surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, surely the most beautiful ancient site in Greece. From Delphi; the Oracle and Temple of Apollo we journey north through the mighty chasms of the Eastern Pindus as they plummet abruptly onto the Thessalian plain. Here we will marvel at the massive grey coloured pinnacles with the monasteries of Meteora perched on top. We return to Athens along a stunning coastline with a visit to historic Thermopylae where Leonidas and the 300 Spartans fought the Persians in 480 BC. Continuing with the legend of Theseus, we explore Naxos which is where he lost Ariadne to Dionysus, the God of wine. A highlight here is an evening of cultural dancing; music and wine tasting in a Venetian castle as guests of the owner, a direct descendant of the 12th century Duke of Naxos. We visit cosmopolitan Mykonos with its stunning harbour and windmills and the nearby sacred island of Delos, birthplace of Apollo. Surely the icon in the Cyclades is the unique and spectacular volcanic island of Santorini, a photographers paradise. As our journey nears its end, we sail towards Piraeus, passing Cape Sounion. This is where King Aegeas fell into the sea thinking that his son Theseus was dead, thus giving his name to one of the most beautiful seas in the world, the Aegean Sea. It s easy to understand how so many myths of gods and giants originated in this vast and varied landscape, with wide open skies and a wine-dark sea speckled with islands; where days melt from one to the next while you relish the white-sand and palm-fringed beaches. Greece is a magnet for anyone who enjoys culture, art, food, dance, wine, history and everywhere, there is another stunning image to capture and cherish. Join Master Photographer Nick Melidonis (of Greek descent) and professional photographer/ adventurer, Ignacio Palacios on a remarkable, journey in the footsteps of Theseus to enjoy a complete Greek experience. This special, small group tour features a stunning Itinerary incorporating the iconic sites of Athens, Delphi and Meteora together with the best of the myth laden Cyclades Islands. Supporting the tour will be dance professional and cuisine enthusiast Eva Cass. Participants will not only enjoy capturing stunning images of the iconic sites of Greece with two of Australia s most creative photographers, but all will have a personal insight into the history, culture, cuisine and dance of Greece. 10 Sunset, Oia, Santorini 11
ITINERARY Nick; you ve done it again! Just the right mix of sightseeing and clear explanatory camera knowhow to record these scenes. Greece and its fabulous history was brought alive in a hassle free wander across this dynamic landscape. Denise L and Norman F Please note, meals provided are shown in brackets for each day. DAY 1-18 May - Athens (-/-/D) Arrive in Athens and meet your fellow passengers at the large and central Titania Hotel. Later this afternoon, we will meet in the lobby for an orientation and then walk to Syntagma Square to see the changing of the guard after passing some of the classical, historic buildings of Athens. Following this, we stroll to Monasteraki area to dine in a traditional restaurant next to the ancient Agora or market place near the foot of the Acropolis Overnight - Athens DAY 2-19 May - Athens (B/-/-) In the morning we will visit the stunning Acropolis with the imposing Parthenon on top with our own guide. We then visit the ancient Agora with our own expert guide, one of the most important sites for ancient Greek society. It was the centre of political, social, religious and commercial activities and was situated at the foot of the Acropolis. In Greek, the word agora means a gathering place, or market-place. Not only did the ancient Agora at Athens serve as a gathering place where people traded goods, it was also used as a site in which people exchanged news, gossip, discussed the latest political matters, and even criticised the government. This was also the place where prominent Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Aristotle and Plato exchanged thoughts and ideas. Photographic guidance will be provided by Nick and Ignacio to capture those iconic shots of the monuments to work on later in the tour. Time permitting, we will then stroll and visit the breathtaking New Acropolis Museum. Overnight - Athens 12 The imposing Parthenon, Athens 13
ITINERARY CONTINUED DAY 3-20 May - Athens - Delphi (B/-/D) After taking a scenic drive through Levadia from Athens, we ll arrive in Delphi around early afternoon. On the way, we will visit the beautiful winter playground village of Arachova for a stroll and some lunch. Delphi was considered the centre of the universe by the ancient Greeks and played a central role in the classical Greek world. This is the site of the Oracle of Apollo, where the priestess Pythia foretold the future. We ll tour the archaeological site and its museum of treasures, including the unique bronze Charioteer, proceed along the Sacred Way to the Athenian Treasury, visiting the famous Temple of Apollo and the Castalian Spring. Capturing a sunset in this mythical place will be an unforgettable experience. Overnight - Delphi 14 Ancient ruins from the Parthenon DAY 4-21 May - Delphi - Meteora (B/-/D) From classical Delphi, we journey to the mystical Greek Orthodox Monasteries of Meteora. En route we travel through the scenic Plain of Thessaly to Kalambaka through the central towns of Amphissa, Lamia and Trikala and arrive in Kalambaka where we settle into our hotel. Ignacio and Nick will offer a photographic workshop in the afternoon in the hotel. This evening, we catch a sunset over the monasteries seemingly hanging on top of spires of conglomerate rock. For centuries these towers of sandstone provided inaccessible retreats for the monks. We will offer our group some magic vantage points to take the best images of the Monasteries. Tonight we dine at a traditional BBQ restaurant on the strip. Overnight - Kalambaka DAY 5-22 May - Meteora (B/-/-) This morning we ll capture a sunrise over the impressive cliff-top monasteries with photographic guidance, returning to our hotel for a late breakfast. We spend a relaxing day visiting and photographing the iconic monasteries and the spectacular natural rock formations including visits inside two of the main Monasteries. Meteora in Greek means suspended in the air and this is considered to be one of the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece. It will be an unforgettable day. Overnight - Kalambaka 15
ITINERARY CONTINUED Everything here speaks now as it did centuries ago, of illumination. Here the light penetrates directly to the soul, opens the door and windows of the heart, makes one naked, exposed, isolated in a metaphysical bliss which makes everything so clear without being known. Henry Miller, The Colossus of Maroussi DAY 6-23 May - Athens - Pireaus (B/-/-) We say farewell to mystical Meteora and travel by coach through interesting countryside towards the bustling port of Piraeus. On the way we have a brief stop at the historical Thermopylae where Leonidas and the 300 Spartans fought the Persians in 480 BC and we have lunch at scenic seaside village. We spend the night in the old, historic port of Pireaus, the setting for the iconic Greek song, Never on Sunday Overnight - Pireaus DAY 7-24 May - Pireaus to Naxos (B/-/-) This morning we transfer early to the port and board our large ferry for the amazing island on Naxos the largest and greenest island of the Cyclades. The port entrance is guarded by the ancient Apollo s Gate. We transfer to our resort hotel near St Georges Beach. The Naxos port area boasts one of the finest old Venetian Castro quarters next to the historic Bourg market area. This labyrinth of ancient buildings with classic tavernas and specialty shops will delight all who visit. In the afternoon we explore the exciting old port and castle. This evening we enjoy a relaxing program of traditional music and dancing with drinks at the castle in Naxos as a guest of its owner, a direct descendent of the Duke of Naxos (the day we do this may vary depending on the music itinerary of the castle). Overnight Naxos DAY 8-25 May - Naxos (B/-/-) Subject to availability, this morning we board the ferry for our day tour of the trendy and magical island of Mykonos with its brightly painted balconies, geraniums and bougainvillea, Mykonos creates several photo opportunities. The Little Venice area, the famous windmills and the historic church of Panagia Paraportiani, are featured on many postcards of Mykonos. This tour includes a visit to the sacred island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo to explore the ancient archeological sites. Delos is one big open-air museum, with many of the ancient monuments and buildings remarkably intact. If you are interested in archaeology and/or Greek mythology, this will be a rewarding experience. Overnight Naxos 16 Church of Paraportiani Mykonos 17
ITINERARY CONTINUED DAY 9-26 May - Naxos (B/L/-) Today we take our own bus tour of the impressive hilltop villages and ports of Naxos, including Chalki, with its Venetian towers, and we stop at the old family owned Kitron liqueur factory, alternatively, we will visit the hill town of Filoti. Our next stop, the impressive village of Apiranthos is made almost entirely of stone and marble from the nearby quarries. The road then winds through spectacular mountains to the attractive port of Apollonos were we enjoy a set lunch. Photo tuition and guidance as well as cultural highlights of the island will be offered. Stops will be made on the way to capture images of the amazing mountain scenery. DAY 10-27 May - Naxos to Santorini (B/-/-) We board the ferry for the most stunning island of the Cyclades, Santorini, and the legendary site of Atlantis. We are transferred to our resort hotel and explore the chic galleries, shops and charming Santorini architecture set on numerous levels on the caldera s edge. After a stroll to experience the million dollar views on the caldera s edge, we catch a Santorini sunset from the cliff top road. Overnight Santorini DAY 11-28 May - Santorini (B/-/-) A highlight of our Santorini visit is a leisurely walk with stunning photo opportunities along the dramatic Caldera s edge. View the unique architecture on the way to the capital, Thira, with its bustling shopping squares. Along the way your guides Nick and Ignacio will provide a history of the island and guidance in capturing the unique seascapes for that perfect shot. A visit to the pristine village of Oia; Santorin s most photogenic icon; will be arranged this afternoon and evening to catch a sunset before being transported back to our hotel. Overnight Santorini 18 Million dollar views, Santorini 19
ITINERARY CONTINUED Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean sea. Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek DAY 12-29 May - Santorini (B/-/D) A day at leisure to relax, explore and enjoy this stunning island. Optional activities can include a visit to the nearby volcano by boat, a return visit to Oia or a tour to the excavations of the ancient Minoan City of Akrotiri, devastated by the cataclysmic eruption over 2000 years ago. Feedback can be provided on participant s images and options for a relaxing day will be offered by Nick and Eva. This evening we will enjoy our farewell dinner in the Islands. Overnight Athens DAY 13-30 May - End of tour (B/-/-) After breakfast, the tour ends and participants will continue with their personal travel plans. Please note: Tour depends on minimum numbers. Tour itinerary, ferry schedules and activities may change due to weather and local conditions. Prices may change due to currency fluctuations and unforeseen circumstances. 20 Apollo s Gate, Naxos 21
ITINERARY CONTINUED Camera skills We will assist you out in the field with the camera skills needed to capture those incredible moments. Regardless of your level and your camera equipment, you will improve your skills as a photographer and you will learn the craft with an expert team. Post-processing During the workshop, we will have the opportunity to process and enhance your images using Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One and other editing software. There are always opportunities to sit down and work on your images when we are in the hotel. Critique sessions The purpose of critiques is to offer one s impression of a photo. During sessions, you will have professional views of your work with a constructive evaluation to include feedback, suggestions and tips. Photography is an art and therefore critiques can often feel personal, but it is often a great There is the heat of Love, the pulsing rush of Longing, the lover s whisper, irresistible magic to make the sanest man go mad. Accommodation Nick Melidonis has been leading tours to Greece since 1999 and has personally picked the hotels used for this tour, further, he enjoys a personal working relationship with the hotel management to ensure his tour s participants receive the best of service. learning exercise to have your images reviewed by some professional photographers. Level of photography All levels of photographers are welcome. We will be providing instruction on all aspects of image capture and post processing and it does not really matter whether you are a beginner or an expert photographer. We welcome all levels of photographers using equipment from mobile phones & tablets, compact cameras to digital SLR cameras. In Greece, we will be staying in quality four star hotels. In Athens; The Titania; The Naxos Resort in the island of Naxos and the largest resort hotel in Santorini, the El Greco. In Delphi (Hotel Parnasos) and Meteora (Hotel Famisi in the town of Kalambaka), there are only three star hotels available and we stay at the best of these. Physical requirements Walking on this tour requires only moderate fitness and we will be using transport to get to the main areas that we photograph. As always, all activities are optional and you will select your level of participation. El Greco Titania Hotel The Naxos Resort The Titania Homer, The Iliad The Naxos Resort 22 Relaxing at the Monastery of St Stephen, Meteora 23
THE TEAM Go at least once a year to a place you ve never been before. Dalai Lama. (Crete, Greece) IGNACIO PALACIOS Ignacio Palacios is a Spanish/ Australian travel photographer based on Planet Earth that stops in Sydney from time to time. He is best known for his travel, landscapes and fine art photography. His previous background was in engineering and management consultant for various companies in wind and renewable energies. Although he has been a part time photographer since 1998, he became a full time professional photographer in 2012 following the footsteps of three generations of photographers in his family. Ignacio has traveled around the world since 1998, gathering an extensive collection of images of people, places, wildlife and landscapes across more than 80 countries in five different continents. He is one of the world s few full-time professional photographers/guides and he has led tours to Patagonia, the Altiplano, the Atacama Desert, Galapagos, Spain, Norway, Finland, and Iceland since 2013. Ignacio writes and provides images to numerous magazines and publications around the world, such as Luminous Landscape and Lonely Planet books and guides. He has received Australian and International awards and has been finalist and highly commended in some prestigious competitions such as the NSW AIPP Epson Awards, BBC Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer, National Geographic Travel Contest, Australian Geographic Photographer of the Year, Travel Photography or the Year, IPA, Head On, Eyes on Asia and the International Loupe awards. In 2014 he was awarded with a LUX Gold in Spain (the most prestigious professional photography award in his country). www.iptravelphotography.com.au Nick Melidonis Nick Melidonis is a Perth based photographer best known for his travel, landscapes and fine art photography. His previous background was as a corporate trainer and management consultant for the firm he co-founded; Integra. He became a professional photographer in 1999 and is regarded as one of Australia s most creative photographers and educators. Like Ignacio, his passion for travel has taken him to many places around the world and he was one of the pioneers in promoting photography and cultural tours in Australia; he has led tours to Greece since 1999 as well as to numerous other countries. Nick is a Master Photographer V with the AIPP and has been a recipient of numerous awards. He is one of only three photographers to have won the AIPP Australian Landscape Photographer of the Year three times. He was also runner up three times to the Australian Travel Photographer of the year. Nick is a regular writer for Better Photography and Australian Photography magazines and writes for numerous other publications. In January 2016, Nick found out his AIPP gold distinction image of a camel train in the Nubra Valley in the high Himalayas in India was named as one of the world s ten best nature images chosen from entries in 28 countries for the 2016 World Photographic Cup. Coming from a Greek background, nothing pleases Nick more than to share his homeland with likeminded people and to present a personal view of Greece, its culture and its people. www.nickmelidonis.com 24 Sunset cruise passing below a blue-domed church, Oia Santorini 25
TERMS AND CONDITIONS WORKSHOP DATES AND PRICES Tour dates: 18 30 May 2017 The tour commences in Athens and ends in Santorini (Greece) Cost is 4,499 per person, twin share Optional single supplement 640 Maximum 14 participants A deposit of 900 is required when you book the workshop Terms of payment A deposit of 900 must be paid to secure your place. The deposit is non-refundable unless you can sell your place to someone else. You could use the deposit to come with us on another tour with Ignacio and Nick. If the tour does not proceed, deposit is refunded in full The Registration Form must be filled in and signed by each participant at the time of paying the first deposit. Participation will be declined otherwise The remaining balance must be paid on or before 75 days prior to commencement of the tour Bookings will be accepted strictly in the order they are received Important: the workshop requires a minimum of 8 to run so please don t book your flights until this has been confirmed. What s included Accommodation in hotels (13 days/12 nights) Transportation and ferries Pre-tour travel advice and a comprehensive tour pack on Greece. Greek speaking tour guides and presenter. Entry fees to monuments, museums and activities as per itinerary. Meals as outlined in itinerary (in brackets after each day s outline) All excursions All photographic tuition and workshop materials for duration of the tour Post processing classes Transfer from the airport in Athens What s not included Airfares from Australia/US and other international destinations Travel insurance with emergency evacuation is mandatory as a condition of booking Visas (see information about Visas below) Camera/Equipment Insurance Optional personal activities Alcohol consumption and extra beverages Tips to the local guides along the way Any other personal expenses. Cancellation Policy A written notice of any cancellation must be received by you at which time the following cancellation fees will apply: If cancelled between 1st January 2017 and 28th February 2017, 50% of the workshop cost will be payable If cancelled between 1 March 2017 and before departure, a fee equal to 100% of the workshop cost will be payable Failure to pay by the due dates will be considered a cancellation of the booking and fees paid will be nonrefundable Bookings made after 31 December 2016 must be paid in full No refunds will be made for unused portions of the workshop. The photography workshop is sold as a package Cancellation fees are not transferable. Camera gear There is really no limit to what camera gear you take but we always recommend to travel light!. Check with your airline about weight restrictions. Whatever level of camera equipment you have, we will help to ensure you get the most out of it. Fitness and health considerations The workshop has been planned within the ability of average people in good health conditions but If you have concerns about your own capabilities or health please check with your doctor before booking a place. We recommend that you do some walking every day to get fit for the trip. By signing the Registration Form, you guarantee that to the best of your knowledge, you do not have any physical or other disability that could create a risk for you or other tour participants. Once a booking has been accepted by Ignacio Palacios and Nick Melidonis, medical circumstances will not be accepted as an exemption to the Cancellation Policy above. When you fill the Registration Form, please indicate any health issues, allergies or dietary requirements Ignacio Palacios and Nick Melidonis do not assume any responsibility or liability for medical care or special dietary requirements. If a participant becomes ill during the workshop, Ignacio Palacios and Nick Melidonis reserve the right to continue the tour for the benefit of the rest of the participants. Ignacio Palacios and Nick Melidonis will make every effort to assist you whilst trying to minimize disruption of the workshop for other participants. Visas Greece as a member of the Schengen States, does not require Australians citizens travelling to Greece as tourists to obtain a visa prior to arrival. On arrival from a non-schengen state Australian citizens will be issued with a short period visa, or the common Schengen Visa, which permits a maximum stay of 90 days. If you are coming from another country rather than Australia, please check with your consulate/ embassy regarding VISAS. Please make sure that your passport/visa does not expire during the tour period. Rights Ignacio Palacios and Nick Melidonis reserve the right to: Substitute hotels/ accommodation Make changes in the itinerary or transport if required due to changes in airline schedules, other schedule changes or when necessary Cancel the workshop prior to departure, in which case a full refund of all payments received will be given. If such event occurred, Ignacio Palacios and Nick Melidonis will not be responsible for any other expenses such as non-refundable air fares, visa fees and other related expenses. The responsibility for such bookings lies with the participant. As such Ignacio Palacios and Nick Melidonis recommend participants to purchase a travel protection insurance prior to paying the first deposit. Substitute any of the tour leaders as originally specified, in which case this substitution will not entitle the participant to a refund Accept or refuse any person as a participant in the workshop Change the price of the workshop due to adverse currency exchange fluctuations, airline schedule changes, fuel and tax price charges (VAT). Liability The operation of the workshop is at the sole discretion of Ignacio Palacios and Nick Melidonis, having in mind the wellbeing and interests of all participants and the safe and sensible operation of the program as specified within this itinerary Ignacio Palacios and Nick Melidonis do not accept any liability for the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise of third party providers Ignacio Palacios and Nick Melidonis disclaim liability for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or trouble caused by force majeure (force of nature) or any other event which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on Ignacio Palacios and Nick Melidonis part. IP Travel Photography and Nick Melidonis Photography IP Travel Photography is an ASIC business name with Australian Business Number 16578586693 and registered in Australia under the Business Names Registration Act 2011. Nick Melidonis Photography is an ASIC business name with ABN 58 268 679 148 and is registered in Australia under the Business Registration Act 2011. IP Travel Photography (Ignacio Palacios) and Nick Melidonis will guide and provide photography tuition to all participants during the tour. IP Travel Photography is not a travel agent or travel service provider. 26 27
CHECKLIST Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. Mark Twain Information pack Every participant will receive a comprehensive information pack on travelling in Greece about two months before departure which will include: Suggested camera equipment from beginners to advanced enthusiast General information and customs Money and tipping Greek cuisine and drinks including favourite Greek dishes and how to order Health tips Banks and ATM s Clothing and how to pack for ferries Backgrounds and maps on sites and destinations visited Hotels and contact numbers Travel photography in Greece and what may be useful to bring Short outline of Greek language and pronunciations Maps of the main antiquity sites visited Useful phone numbers IP Travel Photography and Nick Melidonis Photography reserve the right to cancel this workshop. In the event of this happening, all payments received will be refunded but participants shall have no further claim against IP Travel Photography and Nick Melidonis Photography arising from such cancellation. Any such refund will not include payments for any bookings for other services made in addition to the itinerary outlined above. The responsibility for such bookings lies with the participant. As such, IP Travel Photography and Nick Melidonis Photography recommend participants to purchase a travel protection insurance prior to paying the first deposit. For bookings and enquiries please contact the sole booking agent: Our World Travel East Perth AFTA and ATAS Accredited Nick Missikos (Owner/Manager) Shop 1/113 Royal Street EAST PERTH Ph: 08 9221 9977 Fax: 08 9221 5577 Store email: travel@owtravel.com.au 28 Greek soldiers in National Dress 29
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TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE FOR 2017 OR TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY, PLEASE EMAIL NICK@NICKMELIDONIS.COM 32 nick@nickmelidonis.com www.nickmelidonis.com