July 10 - 15, 2023
July 7 - 12, 2024
Seascape, Architecture,
and People Photography
• 6 Days
• Only 4 - 8 Guests
• Photographer | Guide
• 4 or 5-Star Hotels
• Breakfasts
• 2 Dinners
• Local Transportation
PROVENCE & COTE D’AZUR
Nice, Avignon, Saint-Paul de Vence, Eze, Gordes and more
MOROCCO
SAHARA
PORTUGAL
ANDALUSIA
BARCELONA
PROVENCE
Rich in history, Provence will romance and seduce you
The South of France is drenched with character, probably due to its turbulent history with the Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks and nomadic tribes dating as far back as 3,000 BC. The rocky heights of the Maritime Alps lie in tiers, tumbling down to the Riviera’s dramatic coast. On its bluffs, perched villages keep a watchful eye on the distant blue sea. Its rural architecture and colorful untamed beaches almost beg to be photographed. They say, when it comes to Provence, be prepared for a heart-and-soul seduction. This iconic wedge of glittering coast is a mountain retreat, Roman temple and gastronomic art de vivre.
Traveling through Provence means sensual sauntering past scented lavender fields and chestnut forests; through fresh apple-green vineyards and silvery olive groves; around markets, Matisse-designed chapels and medieval hilltop villages impossibly perched on rocky crags. Provence is an old-fashioned love affair that never dies. Our adventure will take you from Nice north into the Maritime Alps and south along the coast through the untouched 16th century village of Eze, Saint Paul de Vence, Cannes, and then up to Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Gordes, Sault and more.
This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.
In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. We cannot think of a better location to express your creativity than the magical region of Provence.
Traveling through Provence means sensual sauntering past scented lavender fields and chestnut forests; through fresh apple-green vineyards and silvery olive groves; around markets, Matisse-designed chapels and medieval hilltop villages impossibly perched on rocky crags. Provence is an old-fashioned love affair that never dies. Our adventure will take you from Nice north into the Maritime Alps and south along the coast through the untouched 16th century village of Eze, Saint Paul de Vence, Cannes, and then up to Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Gordes, Sault and more.
This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.
In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. We cannot think of a better location to express your creativity than the magical region of Provence.
Group Size
4 – 8 Guests
Experience | Difficulty
- Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
- DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
- Moderate schedule
- Travel by car or minibus
- Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking
- (non-photographers also welcome)
Weather | Sun
July – Temps 81/68 F 27/20 C Sunrise 6:03 | Sunset 9:11 (21:11)
September – Temps 76/63 F 25/18 C Sunrise 7:21 | Sunset 7:44 (19:44)
Includes
- 6 Days
- Travel, landscape, seascape, architecture, nature and people photography
- Professional photographer | guide
- Photo walks & discussions
- Small group size (4 – 8 guests)
- 4 or 5-star hotels
- Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- Local transportation
Travel Information
Arrival & Departure Airport: Nice, France (NCE) – Transfer time to hotel 30min
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out.
Accommodations
Nice – Radisson Blu Hotel, Mercure Nice Marche Fleurs or similar
Avignon – Avignon Grand Hotel, Mercure Pont d’Avignon or similar
Aix-en-Provence – Hotel Mercure Aix en Provence Sainte Victoire or similar
Helpful Links
> What to Photograph in Provence – by Team Think Orange
> Coffee Around the World – by Ian Robert Knight
Provence & Cote D'Azur Prices & Dates
| Adventure | Price | REGISTER |
|---|---|---|
From: $7,995 | ||
From: $8,495 |
Photographer Leader
Laurie Cohen
July 10 – 15, 2023
Photographer Leader
Roman Martin
July 7 – 12, 2024
*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.
ITINERARY
PROVENCE 6 DAYS
Day 1 | Nice - Villefranche sur Mer
We meet at our 4-star hotel in Nice, where we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles of Photography” as well as our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique. During a group lunch, we will have informal discussions on what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles and techniques. From here we will set out for a wonderful day of photography throughout the city of Nice, often referred to as “Little Paris”. The Cours Saleya Flower Market and the Promenade des Anglais are always fun to explore. In the evening we celebrate with our “Welcome Dinner” in the charming seaside village of Villefranche sur Mer, which lies just east of Nice. (D)
Day 2 | Provence - Eze - Vieux Nice - Saint-Paul de Vence
We set out early for the fascinating medieval village of Eze, situated about half way between Nice and Monte Carlo. It’s important to beat the tourists and crowds and arrive early. The village sits like an eagle’s nest on a large rock 400 meters above the sea. In the afternoon we visit Old Nice, also known as Vieux Nice in French. Vieux Nice is a beautiful and unique neighborhood. Old Nice is popular with tourists and locals alike, from its popular Cours Selaya daily markets and its historic architecture to boutique shopping and italian influence.
In the evening we leave Nice for Saint Paul de Vence, one of the best-preserved and prettiest medieval villages in all of Europe. Saint Paul de Vence’s medieval walls encircle narrow streets and capture the heritage of more than a thousand years. This village takes on a completely different feel in the evening when the tourists depart. We’ll enjoy the beautiful low light photography. In Saint Paul the photographic opportunities are endless. (B)
Day 3 | Cannes - Marseille - Avignon
After an early breakfast we review our photos to date and discuss style and technique, composition and light, and post processing. We say farewell to Nice and begin our exploration of Provence. Next stop… Cannes, where we will walk the famous Promenade. After we drive the coast and stop at Château de la Napoule, where we will explore the grounds and have lunch overlooking the sea. Along the way you will be treated to the beautiful coastal villages of the Cote D’Azur. There is something really special about the French Riviera. Perhaps it is the diversity of landscapes from cliffs that dive into the sea, to pristine beaches you would only expect to see in the Caribbean.
If time allows, we will visit the old port of Marseille. Marseille is a rich, pulsating port city bubbling over with history, cutting-edge creative spaces and hip multicultural urbanites. Since Greek settlers came ashore around 600 BC, waves of immigrants have made Marseille their home. Marseille’s maritime heritage thrives at the vibrant Vieux Port (Old Port), where fresh-off-the-boat catches are sold each morning. In the evening we arrive at our hotel in Avignon, where we will be based for the next two days. Avignon is the city to which the Popes fled to when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. The palace they built, ‘Le Palais des Papes,’ or the palace of Popes, is the world’s largest Gothic edifice. (B)
Day 4 | Avignon - Gordes - Sault - Carpentras - Venasque
This will be a magical day. Today we travel the countryside in search of lavender and the delicate nuances of Provence. Close your eyes and breathe deep – your senses tell you that you are in Provence. We depart early for the famous Abby in Gordes and its lavender fields. A lovely medieval Cistercian abbey is one of the best places to see Provence’s famed lavender fields. Founded in 1148 and once again populated by Cistercian monks. Next, we drive to Sault (pronounced Soo). Sault is an old fortified village perched along the top of a high ridge overlooking a wide valley, with large lavender fields spread out below to the south and west. A long multi-arched road bridge crosses the tiny La Croc stream below, past the southeast end of the village. Along with the ancient buildings lining the high ridge are the remains of a huge southeast end of the village. Sault is a great place to break for lunch.
As we make our way back to Avignon (and if time allows) we will visit Carpentras, the city of arts and history, which owes most of its originality to the Holy City from the 13th to the 18th century. It was frequently the residence of the Avignon popes; the Papal States retained possession of the Venaissin until the French Revolution. Its architecture was inspired by Italian models, and the presence of the Jews, protected by the Popes, marks its culture. Before heading back to Avignon, we visit Venasque, one of our favorite little villages in Provence. (B)
Day 5 | Avignon - Aix-en-Provence
In the early morning we will concentrate on low-light photography, exploring the streets, bridges and monuments of Avignon. After lunch we depart for our hotel in Avignon for Aix-en-Provence. A pocket of left-bank Parisian chic deep in Provence, Aix (pronounced like the letter X) is all class: its leafy boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th and 18th-century mansions, punctuated by gurgling moss-covered fountains. Haughty stone lions guard its grandest avenue, cafe-laced cours Mirabeau, where fashionable Aixois pose on polished pavement terraces sipping overpriced espresso.
Our hotel is located about 20 minutes outside of Aix. A nice opportunity for us to enjoy both the countryside and the city at the same time. In the afternoon we will review our photos to date and discuss post processing. In the evening we will prepare for our wonderful South of France “Farewell Dinner”, with great fun and laughter as we discuss all the highlights of the trip. (B) (D).
Day 6 | Aix-en-Provence - Nice
On day six, we conduct our final group discussion, review our past weeks photos, trade contact information, and check out of our hotel before we drive back to Nice and bid you farewell. We urge you to extend your stay in France and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. (B)
(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion
May all who come as guests... leave as friends®
OPTIONS AND BENEFITS
Pricing
All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.
Private Guided Adventures
We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.
Travel Insurance
We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.
The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.
Rewards Program
Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!
How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.
ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.
GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.
Additional Gold Benefits:
- Earn up to double points during promotional events
- Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).
Additional VIP Benefits:
- Earn up to double points during promotional events
- Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
- Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
- Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*
Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.
THINK ORANGE Magazine
Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!
Gift Cards
Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.
