Best of the Greek Isles


		Greece Photography Tour Details
		Dates	May 13–25, 2009
		Leaders	Darrell Gulin and Joe Van Os
		Fee	$7,995 from Athens, Greece
		Deposit	$400
		Limit	12
			Terms and Conditions

Strewn like a brilliant constellation across a sea of deepest blue, the Greek Isles capture the essence of light and place. Crete, Santorini and Mykonos—three of the most iconic Aegean islands—are renowned for the beauty of their expansive seascapes, labyrinthine whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, soaring windmills and glorious sunsets. For over 7,000 years, mythology and history have shaped these islands—along their beautiful shores the legendary Odysseus once sailed.

Nestled between the Greek and Turkish mainland, the Greek Isles are a crossroads of empires; a maritime nexus between Europe and Asia promoting a broad exchange of goods, religion, art, science and music. For photographers, these sun-drenched jewels provide an endless burst of visual inspiration.

On Crete, the southernmost island, we’ll explore history-rich Chania on foot as we catch the changing light that accentuates the architecture of charming watercolor-hued Venetian and Turkish buildings and the celebrated Old Harbor—considered the most photogenic harbor in all of Greece. Here, colorful doorways and windows, shops and restaurants, and a dramatically-sited lighthouse will feature among our photography subjects.

In the Cyclades archipelago, the sea cliff villages and sweeping vistas of volcanic Santorini beckon. Here, the shining city of Fira is renowned for spectacular sunsets and whitewashed buildings clinging tenaciously to the sheer cliffs on the caldera edge. Further north, Oia, the most picturesque location on the island, is situated on the highest point of the 1,000-foot caldera. Oia captures light in all directions—from the golden early morning sun highlighting textures of buildings and stone to the last rays of sunset, the clear bold light and wide horizons provoke dramatic images.

As we approach the island of Mykonos, we are greeted by a prominent string of white circular windmills, topped by peaked thatched roofs, high on a plateau rising out of the sea. Mykonos Town is a photographer’s theme park. Dazzlingly white classic cubist-like houses are set amid a tangled maze of narrow lanes paved with cobblestone. Photogenic wooden doors and railings painted in vibrant primary colors highlight the architecture.

Colorful fishing boats are reflected in the mirrored water of its sparkling harbor. In Little Venice, a graceful curve of buildings rises seemingly from the sea, while their colorfully-painted wooden balconies perilously overhang the water.

There will be time to discover a broad sampling of tasty Greek dishes and enjoy our conveniently-located accommodations situated within relatively easy walking distance of many of the diverse photo subjects that we’ll enjoy each day. Join Darrell Gulin and Joe Van Os "on location" in the Greek Isles—a place teeming with engaging and highly photogenic inhabitants—where rich saturated colors, striking architectural details and endless blue horizons are bathed in the warm light of the infinite Mediterranean sky.

Day 1
Fly from home to Athens.

Day 2 (May 14)
Arrive in Athens in time to meet at the airport and continue on a flight to Chania, Crete. (D)

Days 3–4
We will be up early to photograph the Old Harbor as the sweet light of sunrise washes the surrounding magnificent buildings—before the merchants open their shops. We capture the changes in the afternoon light on the townscape’s painted houses with arched stone doorways set along narrow backstreets that wind to the harbor. The minaret-like shape of the Chania Lighthouse standing picturesque guard at the end of a sinuous pier will also be our subject. (BLD)

Days 5–8
We travel by hydrofoil to the dramatic volcanic island of Santorini, where breathtaking panoramic views of striated cliffs, dazzling whitewashed buildings and black sand beaches fill our lenses. At last light we will shoot the classic image of the iconic blue-domed church and white bell tower against the Fira skyline.

In Oia, morning sunlight on the colorful buildings on the cliffside and a classic image of a windmill in the last rays of evening will be our goal. (BLD)

Days 9–11
Travel by hydrofoil to Mykonos. We explore the island on foot and by vehicle, gathering images of the five windmills on the hillside near the old harbor in the magic light of evening, New Venice harbor and its colorful buildings, the striking shapes of whitewashed cubist structures, southern white sand beaches, and a lighthouse perched spectacularly above the sea. (BLD)

Day 12
Fly to Athens. Dinner this evening will be on Lycabetus Hill, a superb vantage point for sunset photography of the city. (BLD)

Day 13 (May 25)
Depart at any time today. (B)



	Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070 Phone: (206) 463-5383 Fax: (206) 463-5484 Email: info@photosafaris.com Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.

Best of the Greek Isles

Greece Photography Tour Details