On Day 2, we will check out of our hotel after breakfast and head to the airport. We take a 45-minute flight to Santorini, collect our vehicle, and drive to our hotel. As we enjoy a lunch overlooking the Caldera, we will get acquainted with our plan for the next 4 days on the island.

Starting in Imerovigli [also known as the Balcony of the Aegean], located on the edge of the caldera, we will admire the stunning views over the island and the Aegean Sea. The village was destroyed during the 1956 earthquake, but it was rebuilt to its former charm, with cave houses lining narrow, winding lanes. These unique cave dwellings have since been stylishly transformed into chic boutique hotels.

Continuing along the edge of the Caldera, we arrive at the whitewashed buildings of Fira. Due to its location, Fira offers breathtaking views of the two volcanic islands of Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni, as well as the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea. We will enjoy some local cuisine at one of our favourite restaurants while enjoying a spectacular sunset. (B)

After breakfast, we’ll set out for Firostefani, which lies to the north of Fira. The privacy and quaintness of Firostefani are what separate it from its considerably larger neighbor. Without a doubt, the views from this part of Santorini are spectacular, offering another perspective of Santorini volcano. One can enjoy the magnificent sight of Fira itself and the breathtaking sunset in the evening. The village is quite picturesque with vividly colored houses and has many restaurants and cafes. Between the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli lies the Agios Nikolas Monastery.

In the late afternoon, we’ll drive to the magical village of Oia, pronounced “ee-a”. Oia is the most famous of all the villages of Santorini. It is known throughout the world for its quiet life and fantastic sunset, and is certainly the most beautiful and picturesque village of Santorini. The village is situated on top of an impressive cliff and offers spectacular views. It is a traditional village with charming houses in narrow streets, blue-domed churches, and sun-bathed verandas. The volcano from here is much less imposing, but you can still get some gorgeous views. Oia has a small port, Ammoudi, which can be reached by a set of 300 steps leading down. Wonderful photo opportunities await you from the edges of Ammoudi, and it is well worth the hike. As the sun begins to set, we will shoot the sunset from Oia. Santorini is known for its breathtaking sunsets and twilight cobalt blue skies, and no other village delivers quite like Oia. Be sure to bring your tripod along. (B)

Early in the morning, we’ll set out for the village of Mesaria, a small, quaint village situated just 4 km southeast of Fira, around a vast area of vineyards at the centre of Santorini. A stroll around the village reveals magnificent neoclassical buildings and restored mansions.

Next, we’ll head to Pyrgos Kallistis, which is located on a fabulous spot on top of a hill anddisplays incredible panoramic views of the island. Pyrgos used to be the capital of the island until the early 1800s. The village consists of traditional houses built around a Venetian castle, and the small streets that follow the natural flow of the surrounding landscape. The houses are the perfect example of Cycladic design and are in superb condition. The Venetian castle is one of the five on the island of Santorini and dates back to the 13th century. The fortified settlement is amphitheatrically built on the hill and offers superb views of both sides of the island. The village has many churches. The most famous church of Santorini is also found just 4 km from Pyrgos, the Monastery of Prophet Elias, which is built at the highest spot of the homonymous mountain. Emporio is the largest settlement of Santorini, located on the foothills of Mount Prophet Elias. The village itself has a strong medieval character, and most of the houses have been well-preserved.

At the entrance of the village stand two lovely, blue-domed Cycladic churches, with an impressive bell tower that dominates Emporio. Halfway up the village is a 15th-century fortress which looks as though it will slide down the hill at any moment. To the east of the town, you will see the market and some nice hotels leading down to the well-known Perissa beach. (B)

After breakfast, we will head to Kamari Beach, famous for its wide stretch of black volcanic sand dotted with striped umbrellas. Popular with backpackers and a younger crowd, Kamari is the island’s resort hub. It’s well known for its English-style breakfast cafés and lively pubs, alongside the charming fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. After lunch here, we’ll spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach. You can rent a sun chair and umbrella or enjoy water sports such as diving and snorkeling if you wish. Excursion boats sail along the coast, passing the rocky headland of Mesa Vouno that frames Kamari Beach, and continuing across the water to the isle of Anafi. A trail leads up to the ruins of Ancient Thira, perched high on Mesa Vouno Mountain between Kamari and Perissa.

In the afternoon, we will visit Akrotiri, located next to the famous Red Beach. Akrotiri was originally a Minoan settlement and today is one of the most important archaeological sites of Santorini. The prehistoric town was destroyed due to a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BC. Nowadays, the picturesque streets, the two-story buildings, the lovely frescoes, and plenty of tools witness the way of life in the prehistoric times. Some splendid houses are dotted around the village, as well as a traditional windmill. Akrotiri has plenty of churches to visit, and one of the most beautiful is the church of Agios Nikolaos, built right above the impressive red rocks, on the way to the Red Beach. As the sun sets, we will capture the amazing saturated colour of the cliffs of Red Beach before enjoying a meal at one of our favourite beachside restaurants. (B)

On Day 6, we check out of our hotel and head to the port to catch the ferry to Milos. After collecting our vehicle and heading to our hotel, we’ll set out for an amazing day of photography throughout this charming and seemingly untouched island.

We start at Apollonia Village, the island’s second biggest settlement. Located on the northeastern part of the island, this charming fishing village was built around an inlet with a small harbour. The picturesque atmosphere and traditional character of whitewashed houses along the coastline are what many tourists imagine when considering a visit to Greece. Apollonia preserves its authentic Cycladic architecture and is known as one of the most beautiful seaside villages on Milos. Apollonia boasts a lovely beach.
We’ll also visit the fishing village of Klima, which was the port of the ancient city of Milos. This charming port is lined with houses that have boat garages on the ground floor. These houses are called syrmata, and their doors and window shutters are painted in different colors, such as blue, red, and yellow, making for some wonderfully photogenic subjects. (B)

Today we’ll set out for Sarakiniko, along with the northern side of Milos island. This is probably the most photographed spot on Milos. This fantastic place, with the pure white stone sculpted by volcanic eruptions, will look as though we’ve landed on the moon. Moreover, beneath the white rocks are impressive sea caves. Sarakiniko is so beautiful that we will probably return later in the day to photograph it when the light changes. We will also visit the Cave of Papafragas. This complex of sea caves was formed by volcanic activity and is divided by a small ravine. Many people actually snorkel in the turquoise waters at the bottom of the ravine and explore the caves.

We will continue on the beautiful road and arrive in Plaka, the capital town of Milos. Walking through the village, we will discover a traditional place of Cycladic architecture, stunning views of the Aegean Sea, and pastries with delicious homemade sweets. After Plaka, we’ll head to the early Christian catacombs, just a couple of kilometers away. (B)

Today, we will enjoy a memorable sailing trip around Milos to discover some of the most beautiful hideouts only accessible by boat. This sailing trip is one of the highlights of our week, and includes a great barbecue on board. One of the most beautiful sites we will visit and have the opportunity to swim at is Kleftiko. The pristine turquoise-coloured water surrounds rock formations and a series of caves that once served as a pirate’s hideout. Further north lies Sykia cave, another unique geological formation where the roof of the cave collapsed to expose the sky. You will also witness unique basalt formations from extinct volcanic eruptions.

In the early evening, we will gather for a group critique of selected images, before celebrating our Greek adventure with our PWA farewell dinner. (B, D)

On our final day, we check out of the hotel after breakfast before taking our flight back to Athens.

On arrival, we will trade contact information and bid each other farewell. We urge you to extend your stay in Greece and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. For guests who continue on our Greece workshop and have signed up for our Crete adventure, we transfer our flight in Athens. (B)