THE PELOPONNESE
THROUGH THE LENS
A classic combination of ancient sites brimming with flowers and terraces with a multitude of orchids and a super abundance of other flowers makes southern Greece the perfect spot to indulge in natural history photography. We’ll be based in just two centres, Monemvasia with its picturesque restored Byzantine town, and Kalavryta within a stone’s throw of the alpines on Mount Chelmos and close to the orchid rich northern Peleponnese coast. The range of bee orchids is extraordinary with some very beautiful and local species such as Ophrys delphinensis and Ophrys argolica as well as more widespread Horseshoe Ophrys and Mirror Orchid. There’s all sorts of Tongue Orchids as well as Four-spotted, Sparse-flowered, Toothed, Milky and Pink Butterfly Orchids. Higher we’ll find masses of Crocuses, Fritillaries, Cyclamen and Tulips. Plentiful and spectacular Southern Swallowtails are among a good number of early butterflies that include local Greek Mazarine Blues and beautiful Southern Festoons. Greece's ancient and mediaeval heritage will not be forgotten amongst the rivetingly beautiful landscape and of course there'll be plenty of time to sample some excellent Greek food during this holiday.
Our Through the Lens tours focus on having the time to take good photographs, so more time in the field at fewer localities, with fewer hotels, and less time spent travelling. Our photography team of Chris Gardner (see his images on www.glassfrogphoto.com) and Neil Thompson will guide you and offer expert tuition in the field on subjects such as composition, lighting or camera use, or indeed whatever you’d like to ask them. These are tours that offer great opportunities for experienced photographers and beginners alike to work on macro photography of butterflies, insects and flowers, bird and mammal photography, and plain old magnificent scenery shots!
INFORMATION
Focus
Flower and Butterfly Photography.
Leaders
Walking
Relaxed and easy. Up to three miles a day, usually less, and always at a slow pace, perfectly suited to flower and butterfly photographers.
Included in the Price
All flights. All transport, meals and accommodation in Greece. Services of your leaders. Please note: drinks, tips and items of a personal nature including insurance, are not included.
Group Size
The minimum is 4 and the maximum is 12. Only one leader will accompany a group of 6 or less.
Accommodation
For the first half of the holiday we’ll be based in the comfortable and welcoming Pramataris on the mainland opposite the imposing rock of Monemvasia. During the second half we’ll stay at the superbly located Filoxenia in Kalavrita on the slopes of Mount Chelmos. All rooms on this holiday have en-suite facilities.
Climate
Generally warm and sunny with some showers and occasionally more prolonged wet weather.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. You will receive confirmation of your place and a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. Plant, butterfly and bird checklists are available.
