fbpx
Select Page

CRETE

Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymno, Balos, Chania, Knossos

CROATIA

AMSTERDAM

SANTORINI

MILOS

CRETE

Diverse landscapes, stunning beaches and picturesque villages.

The enchanting island of Crete is situated at the southern Aegean Sea forming a crossroad of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. It is the largest and most famous island in Greece and the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean. On our 7-day Crete Photo Tour and Landscape Adventure, we will see its varied terrain, which ranges from fine-sand beaches at Elafonisi to the White Mountains. Mt. Ida, the tallest of the range, is home to the Ideon Cave, which was the birthplace of Zeus according to Greek mythology.

The capital, Heraklion, is home to the Palace of Knossos, a maze-like hilltop ruin, and renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, housing Minoan artifacts. The center of the Minoan civilization between 2700-1420 BC, the charming island of Crete has been renowned for its great historical importance and cultural heritage.

The island is also well known for its diverse landscapes, stunning beaches, picturesque villages, excellent cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and the serene unspoiled attractiveness in many of its regions. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, as well as in all of Europe, attracting tourists from all over the world all year round.

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 unique island of Crete.

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 unique island of Crete.

Group Size

4-8 Guests

 

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
  • Moderate schedule
  • Travel by walking, car or minibus
  • Considerable elevation changes and lots of walking
  • (non-photographers also welcome)

 

Weather | Sun

June – Temps 83/67 F  28/19 C  Sunrise 6:05 | Sunset 8:30 (20:30)
September- Temps 82/67 F  28/19 C  Sunrise 7:00 | Sunset 7:34 (19:34)

 

Includes

  • Travel, landscape, seascape, architecture, 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 Airport: Heraklion International Airport (HER) – Transfer time to hotel 30min
Departure Airport: Chania International Airport (CHQ) – 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

Heraklion – Legacy Gastro Suites, GDM Megaron, Aquila Atlantis Hotel or similar
Rethymno – Rimondi Boutique Hotels, Bellagio Boutique Hotel, Macaris Suites & Spa or similar
Chania – Samaria Hotel, Casa Delfino, Serenissima Boutique Hotel or similar

Helpful Links

> The Best Way to Experience the Greek Islands – by Ian Robert Knight

Crete Prices & Dates


AdventurePriceREGISTER
From: $8,495
Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader


Laurie Cohen

May 26 – June 1, 2025

*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.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

CRETE 7 DAYS

Day 1 | Heraklion - Agios Nikolaos

We meet in the lobby of our hotel in Heraklion, we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” and our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique. During lunch, we’ll have informal discussions on what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles, and techniques.

We will begin with lunch in the historic city of Heraklion (Iráklion) and then explore. In the mid-afternoon, we will take a one-hour drive to the town of Agios Nikolaos, also known as Agios Nik or Ag Nik (but the whole name is pronounced eye-yoss nikor-lowse). Different from all other towns in Crete, Agios Nikolaos manages to mix – upon the three hills which support its girth – an arty, leisurely, sleepy, and yet also bustling place. It’s a medium-size town with a small-town feel. It has several distinct waterfronts. It feels very friendly, like an old friend. The town has three faces to the sea: The Lake and port, Kitroplatia beach and the Marina. We’ll explore and look to capture the wonderful essence of this magical town.

In the evening we celebrate with a Welcome Dinner at one of the cafes along the waterfront, then return to our hotel in Heraklion. (D)

 

Day 2 | Heraklion - Ancient Palace of Knossos

We spend the morning exploring the city and the remains of this once great ancient Venetian harbor. Among the most outstanding sights of Heraklion are the fortification walls that delimit the “old city”. The first fortifications were built by the Arabs and were later reinforced by the Venetians (15th century). From the seven bastions, only the Martinengo bastion survives to this day. In the old (Venetian) port, next to the modern facilities, one can see the vaulted tarsanades where ships used to be built, while the western side is dominated by the Koule fortress (16th century). Next we’ll take a short tour of Heraklion’s beautiful not-to-be-missed Archaeological Museum. 

In the afternoon we will tour the Ancient Palace of Knossos. Knossos was undeniably the capital of Minoan Crete. It is grander, more complex, and more flamboyant than any of the other palaces known to us, and it is located about twenty minutes south of the modern port town of Iraklio. 

Knossos was inhabited for several thousand years, beginning with a neolithic settlement sometime in the seventh millennium BC, and was abandoned after its destruction in 1375 BC which marked the end of Minoan civilization. The first palace on the low hill beside the Krairatos river was built around 1900 BC on the ruins of previous settlements. It was destroyed for the first time along with the other Protopalatial palaces around Crete at 1700 BC, probably by a large earthquake or foreign invaders. It was immediately rebuilt to an even more elaborate complex and until its abandonment was damaged several times during earthquakes, invasions, and in 1450 BC by the colossal volcanic eruption of Thera, and the invasion of Mycenaeans who used it as their capital as they ruled the island of Crete until 1375 BC. (B)

Day 3 | Rethymno

Today, we will depart Heraklion for the charming city of Rethymno where we will explore the town with its beautiful Venetian harbor. You may enjoy strolling Rethymno’s harbor just for the atmosphere. Lookout from the harbor edge at the state of the buildings and seeing the abuse of this historic area you may be disappointed – perhaps you should suggest a renovation or two! But it all makes for wonderful photographic opportunities. The Fortress dominates the city and makes Rethymno very photogenic, its pedestrian streets below, strewn with charming old buildings. Venetian influences abound and the minarets and domed mosques remind of the Turkish influence long gone. 

In the evening, a sunset shoot along the harbor is a must. (B)

 

Day 4 | Rethymno - Imbros Gorge - Hora Sfakion - Libyan Sea

Today we will depart Rethymno for Imbros Gorge, located in the countryside of western Crete. It is one of the most popular gorges for hikers on the island. Our one-and-a-half-hour drive will take us through the mountainous interior of Crete where we will be treated to beautiful vistas. Hiking the gorge may not be on the cards because of the time required, but you can be assured that the mountain ranges and villages will present many photographic opportunities. 

Inbros Gorge is located a short distance from Hora Sfakion, a small coastal village on the Libyan Sea. We’ll stop there for lunch and some photography before heading back to our hotel. (B)

 

Day 5 | Chania

After breakfast, we depart Rethymno for Chania. The city of Chania remains unaltered with all of its characteristics, from the time of the Venetian Rule up until today. 

“You will fall in love with Chania”. The atmosphere has a touch of Florence and Venice (a few years ago when those cities still had some room to walk), combined with the culture and character of Cretan people and traditions. Always the first thing you hear about Chania – the Venetian Harbor, the old port, the narrow shopping streets, and waterfront restaurants. Just beautiful! After we check in to our hotel we’ll begin exploring the city. 

In the evening we will practice some long exposure photography along the promenade that surrounds the port. And after sunset, dine at one of the many seafood restaurants that line the harbor. (B)

 

Day 6 | Chania - Balos Beach and Lagoon

We are up early for our off-road exploration and hike to Balos Beach and Lagoon. We can go by boat or car, but off-road is the preferred method because you can spend more time there and view it from above upon your arrival. 

Balos is famous for its turquoise waters, wild natural beauty, and beautiful exotic scenery. These few hours of remoteness in such a heavenly place will remain etched in your memory forever. The lagoon of Balos has white sand and exotic white, vivid blue, and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm. In many places, the sand has a lovely pinkish color, because of millions of crushed shells. Beyond the rocks at the boundaries of the lagoon, the water is deeper and colder, ideal for snorkeling. The lagoon and the wider area, with rare species of flora and fauna, are protected under the Natura 2000 program. Eleonora falcons, shags, and cormorants nest in the caves of the area. Moreover, the area is a shelter for the protected monk seal and the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Despite the protection, some canteens and umbrellas have appeared on the beach in recent years. 

We first drive past Kissamos Harbor through some narrow streets until we come to the National Park. Here we take a dirt/cinder/stone road that will shake your bones. We’ll be sure to keep the car windows shut to keep out the dust and the bees. There are dozens of beehives in this area and people selling local honey. In the end, we’ll stroke the goats and walk 15-20 minutes down the hillside to the beach. It’s a trek, so don’t say you weren’t warned. You can always ride the mule or horse. Most people walk down, but not everyone walks back. When you see Balos for the first time, you will not believe your eyes. 

In the afternoon we return to Chania town for some well-deserved rest. 

In the evening we enjoy our wonderful Farewell Dinner with great fun and laughter as we discuss all the highlights of our adventure. (B) (D)

Day 7 | Chania

On our final day, we gather for a group discussion, review our past week’s photos, trade contact information and bid each other farewell. We urge you to extend your stay in Crete or elsewhere in Greece 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.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This