EXCITING NEW ADVENTURES & UPDATES
By Michael Chinnici
I would like to take this time to tell you about several exciting changes we’ve made at PWA. As the Founder and CEO of Photo Workshop Adventures, Think Orange and Vanishing Cuba, I am very proud of our team and our drive to deliver the world’s best photo-centric adventure vacations. Below I’ve listed over a dozen enhanced and changed itineraries as well as several new adventures. There are even more coming very soon! I am also very pleased to tell you that our small group guest count has been lowered to 4-8 guests* per trip, with most trips running between 5-6 guests, making them more intimate and truly rewarding learning experiences. We have also put in place an improved guest services and concierge service that will be second to none. And this, all on the heels of our new website, which is scheduled to launch by early 2018. So please, be my guest and read about these amazing new additions. It’s always our pleasure to serve you.
NAPLES – WE’VE ADDED 3 DAYS ON THE AMALFI COAST
We added 3 days and 2 nights on the Amalfi Coast to our existing Naples Photo Adventure for an extended and amazing 8-day adventure. We have retained the original itinerary but shifted it around so that we can focus 5 days in Historic Naples, Central Naples, Spanish Quarter, the Isle of Procida, Pompeii and Herculaneum. The Amalfi Coast portion of the trip now allows us to be based in Amalfi and includes exploring Positano, the Isle of Capri and the Amalfi Coast “by sea”, and Ravello, Sorento and Positano “by land”. We can now truly call this adventure “Naples & the Amalfi Coast”. In 1953, John Steinbeck wrote that Positano “Bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone”. Wow! Learn More
NEW – ISRAEL HOLY WEEK
We have wanted to add this one for a while. Celebrating the “Holy Week of Easter” in Israel is a life changing experience for many Christian pilgrims. Thousands of people from all over the world come each year to trace the footsteps of Jesus and his last moments. Holy Fire takes place on Holy Saturday with thousands of candles and flames surrounding the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. As an added bonus, in 2018, the Jewish Holy Week of Passover coincides with Easter. Even to the most hardened atheist, it will be impossible to leave Jerusalem without it leaving its mark on you. Witnessing the photographic opportunities unfold during Holy Week will make your visit to Jerusalem all the more unique. March 24 – April 1, 2018. Learn more
AMSTERDAM – ADD A DUTCH COUNTRYSIDE EXTENSION
For Amsterdam, you now have the option of 6 days in Amsterdam (which includes 2 days in Delft and Rotterdam), or our 8 day photo adventure which also includes the Dutch countryside, including Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans. Imagine capturing the sunrise in the “land of windmills”. During the 17th century, more than 600 windmills were constructed in the area around the Zaanse Schans, creating the first industrial zone. We will also photograph from the waterway of de Zaan by boat. We’ll step aboard a koeienboot (cow ship), which, as the name implies, was used to transport cattle across the water in the past. Join us in April and you will enjoy Holland’s world famous tulips in full bloom. Learn more
UTAH 10 DAY COMBINES THE BEST OF UTAH
Utah is considered by many to be one of America’s most beautiful states. And it should come as no surprise when you consider the natural treasures she features including Moab, Canyonlands, Arches National Park, Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce National Park and Zion National Park. We decided to combine our very successful 7 day Southeastern Utah and 7 day Southwestern Utah Photo adventures into one breathtaking 10 day journey though this endlessly stunning landscape. We begin and end on Salt Lake City like before, which is very convenient to fly in and out of. Come. Bring your tripod and ND filters and let us show you the American Southwest. Learn More
BARCELONA – WE’VE ADDED A CATALONIA EXTENSION
Barcelona is enough to blow away any travel photography lover, or anyone who loves architecture, design, art, fashion, style, music and cuisine. But when people think of Barcelona, they tend to overlook what lies just north of this fabulous city. There are not many places where you will find wild coastal areas, mountain ranges, ski resorts, flatlands, pristine forests, deltas and volcanic regions, all in one province. Catalonia (Cataluña) is one such exception. I am excited to announce that we have made Catalonia a 4 day extension to our already wildly successful Barcelona Photo Adventure. In addition to the stunning and varied natural beauty on display, we will explore Girona and Olot, the medieval villages of Banyoles and Santa Pau, as well as moving on to the spectacular mountain range of Montserrat and the beautiful beaches of Sitges. Learn More
KINGDOM OF BHUTAN – NEW AMAZING HOTELS!
It wasn’t too long ago that the Kingdom of Bhutan offered only locally owned 3-star hotels or exceptional one-of-a-kind 5-star Aman and Taj properties (costing as much as $1500 per night). Now thanks to Bhutan’s boom in tourism, new 4 and 5-star boutique hotels have arrived, giving us the opportunity to offer hotels more in line with what we offer on the rest of our adventures. I am excited to announce the addition of the following hotels in Bhutan; Le Meridien Thimphu, Ariya Hotel, TAJ Tashi, Dhensa Boutique Resort, Lechuna Heritage Lodge, Tashi Namgay Resort and Hotel Zhiwaling. Come, join us in Bhutan. Come to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”. Learn More
NEW – AMAZING BUDAPEST AND PRAGUE COMBINATION
Our all new 7-Day Budapest and Prague Photo Adventure is designed to combine the very best of these two amazing and not-to-be-missed Eastern European cities. Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, which used to be joined with Slovakia until the two separated into distinct sovereign states in 1993. The Old Town square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 12th century, with its ancient buildings and magnificent churches, is one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe. Budapest is the capital of Hungary and considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest has extensive UNESCO World Heritage sites. They include the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle District, Andrassy Avenue, Heroes Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the third-oldest metro line in the world. Learn More
CROATIA NOW ENDS IN DUBROVNIK
Our recently updated Croatia Photo Adventure has been extended to 9 days and now ends in Dubrovnik You can choose to combine this with our Dubrovnik & Montenegro adventure, or simply extend your stay in Dubrovnik for a few days. The new itinerary includes a wonderful combination of the must visit cities, coastal villages and National Parks in Croatia. Our journey will take us through Zagreb, Sibenik, Split and Dubrovnik. Zagreb is the capital, and the cultural, administrative, educational and political center of Croatia. We’ll explore two breathtaking National Parks, Plitvice Lakes (UNESCO) and Krka. The 1000 year old Roman city of Šibenik. Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO), a 30,000 square meter 1700 year old Roman palace in the city of Split. The Island of Hvar. And conclude our adventure in the amazing walled and fortified city of Dubrovnik. Learn More
DUBROVNIK NOW INCLUDES 2 DAYS IN MONTENEGRO
As if the magnificent city of Dubrovnik wasn’t enough, we have decided to include 2 days in Kotor, Kotor Bay and Budva in Montenegro to make this a truly outstanding experience. Dubrovnik, Croatia is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, museums, and fountains, and is proudly a UNESCO World Heritage site. A multitude of towns and islands include: the Elaphiti Islands, the attractive village of Cavtat, the Konavle valley, Mljet Island, Korčula Island, Ston and Peljesac Peninsula. Montenegro is unique in so many ways. Nowhere else will you find such natural beauty, especially in Kotor Bay and the medieval village of Kotor. We are so excited to combine these two amazing destinations, only hours apart from each other. Learn More
SAHARA DESERT EXTENSION ADDED TO MOROCCO
Morocco is one of our most popular photo adventures and it may soon become the most popular. We have added the option to include a once-in-a-lifetime experience for an overnight stay in a luxury tent camp in the Sahara desert. This 6 day extension includes more than just the Sahara Desert. We depart Marrakech and cross the famous Tizi n Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. Here everything changes and a very different Morocco emerges. From the barren desert to the stunning red rock mountains outlined by lush green river beds, the contrast is spectacular and all that is needed for breathtaking landscapes. We’ll explore casbahs and stunning villages along the way before we arrive at our luxury tent camp. Here you will experience the authentic remote lifestyles of the indigenous Berber tribespeople. Be prepared for many amazing photo opportunities. Learn More
NEW THAILAND EXTENSION – SOUTHERN ISLANDS & BEACHES
Our 9 day Thailand Photo Adventure has been redesigned to include more time in Chiang Mai and Bangkok to focus on street photography and a more authentic Thailand. We still end in Phuket, but we have added a 4 day post-tour extension to the beautiful beaches of Southern Thailand. The Province of Krabi is one of the top travel destinations in Thailand, and is famous for it’s 130 islands, numerous caves, reefs and waterfalls. We’ll stop in some of the more famous remote islands like Pod Island, Tup Island and Phi Phi’s Maya Bay. We’ll travel by private speedboat, allowing us to stay as long as we like in these picturesque islands. NOTE: We also offer a fun 4 day pre-tour extension every April 13-16 where we celebrate Songkran (Thai New Year) with an amazing water festival. Learn More
NEW – CHINA “THE MIDDLE KINGDOM” UPDATED
China is one of those countries that everyone must see in their lifetime. And fortunately, it’s becoming easier to do just that. With the economy booming, and the government opening the borders to tourism, we can see a China that has quickly become the country to explore. Our journey will take us from Beijing to Suzhou, and Xitang to Shanghai. Our journey into the Middle Kingdom will open your eyes into a world that may surprise you. The China we see today is not what we remember from our textbooks. This is a country that is full of contradictions, with new replacing old at a pace unmatched anywhere. We will endeavor to see the true China beneath the shiny, glossy wrapper of modern China. The China full of natural wonders, incredible scenery, centuries of history, and fabled cultures. Our 9 day Middle Kingdom Adventure can be combined with our 9 day Southern China Adventure for 17 days of photographic bliss. Learn More
NEW – VANISHING CUBA™ PHOTO ADVENTURE
New for 2018, Michael will host 3 Vanishing Cuba™ Photo Adventures per year to a small group of 4-6 guests, making them intimate and highly personalized. He will take you into the backstreets of Havana and off the tourist grid. Like all of our Cuba trips he will integrate Cuban friends and families into his adventure, visiting their homes and businesses, so that you can experience and photograph the real Cuba. Outside of Havana you will be treated to a rural lifestyle that has gone unchanged for more than 50 years. Cuba is a tropical paradise with a storied past, offering you a unique view of a world very few have been able to see. Photographing Cuba offers you the rare opportunity to capture its warm people alongside its natural beauty and stunning decaying architecture. Laid back Caribbean Island culture mixed with the big-city life of Havana, where vintage American cars from the 40’s and 50’s roll by you on Havana’s famous Malecon. Join Michael on this amazing adventure of a lifetime. Learn More
SANTORINI – WE NOW OFFER A MILOS EXTENSION
Santorini may be one of the most spectacular island destinations with their dazzling white houses, twisting cobbled alleyways, blue-domed churches, hilltop windmills and stunning cliffs. It’s no wonder why Santorini is such a favorite among photographers. However, within eyesight of Santorini is the quiet island of Milos. Milos couldn’t be more different than Santorini, making it the perfect destination for an extension. The volcanic island arches around a central caldera and is ringed with dramatic coastal landscapes of colorful and surreal rock formations. It is known for its history, geology, hot springs, mineral mines and wild goats! Overall, Milos is truly an unforgettable experience for those seeking a type of raw experience of Greece – or of an original, unaltered Greece. There is so much to discover about this island, between its history, its breathtaking geological formations, its beautiful beaches, and its friendly people. Now you know why we are excited to bring you this hidden gem. Learn More
LONDON – WE NOW OFFER A COTSWOLDS EXTENSION
No trip to the U.K would be complete without a visit to some of England’s rolling hills and grassland. With this in mind, we have added a fabulous 3 day extension to the Cotswold countryside. Rich in history, this region of the U.K is full of quaint villages containing thatched roof and stone cottages, exquisite mansions, castles and churches, narrow winding lanes, beautiful tree-lined canals and woodlands. Considered one of the most beautiful areas of England, Cotswolds is known and loved by people across the world. It is the largest of 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales: an area of warmth and clarity with stone walls and captivating villages, making it perfect for outstanding English landscapes – a landscape once experienced, never forgotten. When you register for London, consider adding three days of landscape magic to your itinerary. Learn More
LONG ISLAND – TRULY A WORLD CLASS ITINERARY
Experience a World-Class Photo Adventure on Long Island’s stunning East End, located about 80-118 miles east of Manhattan. Made up of the North and South Forks, the East End dates back to the early 1600’s, when the British settled there, and before that, when Native Americans called this fertile land their home. The charm of the North Fork, the tranquility of Shelter Island, the sophistication of the South Fork, and the innocence of Montauk, all lend to its unique personality. From a photographer’s perspective, there are countless opportunities to capture images that tell a story. Add an extra day to the 4 day itinerary to visit and photograph Oheka Castle, the sixth largest home in the United States. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime on Long Island’s East End. Learn More
NEW – SOUTHERN CHINA UPDATED
We begin in the high-tech city of Shanghai, but quickly move on to Southern China and to Guilin. One of the better known destinations of Southern China, and indeed the whole of China, Guilin, which is a name that literally means Sweet Osmanthus, is a prefectural city that has a tourism sector driven by one of the best sights in the entire world, the Li River. The Li River is widely dubbed to be the soul of Guilin It exists as the radial focal point of all the majestic views to be savored, in and around Guilin, with the pick of the views arguably being the Karsts. The Karst Mountains and caves in Guilin are one of the few places on earth that display the beauty of huge, naturally forged Karst hills and caves. The hills and caves have been an ancient attraction with some inscriptions on its walls dated 729 AD in the Tang Dynasty. Our 9 day Southern China Adventure can be combined with our 9 day Middle Kingdom Adventure for 17 days of photographic bliss. Learn More
ISRAEL – WE NOW OFFER A NORTHERN ISRAEL EXTENSION
At the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa – both geographically and culturally – Israel has been a meeting place of cultures, empires and religions since history began. Everyone from Moses to Mark Twain has dreamed of going there. The appearance of prophets seems to be dwindling and the Crusaders have long since hung up their swords and shields, but travelers still come in droves, almost magnetically, to this land still considered holy by countless millions. Our 6 day Israel Photo Adventure focuses on Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and destinations further south. Our new 3 day extension allows you to explore Israel’s north, including Caesarea, Acco, the Golan Heights, Tzfat and the Sea of Galilee. 8 days of travel, street, architecture, landscape, people, and seascape photography. Learn More
Please feel free to email us or call if you have any questions. All of the offers listed above are linkable to their corresponding websites.
*Small group guest counts are typically 4-8 guests with the exception of Cuba where I our guest counts are typically 8-10 guests.
May all who come as guests… leave as friends®
