After breakfast we set out for Firostefani, which lies to the north of Fira. The privacy and quaintness of Firostefani is what separates 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 drive to the magical village of Oia, pronounced “ee-a”. Oia is the most famous of all 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 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 this like Oia. Be sure to bring your tripod. (B)

In the early morning we set out for the village of Mesaria, a small quaint village situated just 4km 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 move on to Pyrgos Kallistis, which is located on a fabulous spot on top of a hill and displays 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. Half way 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. Upon our return to our hotel, we review and discuss our photos to date. (B)

After breakfast we depart for the southeastern side of the island where we have the option of taking a Sailing Catamaran Tour in The Caldera (5 Hours). Depart from Vlihada Marina sailing past the Ancient City of Akrotiri to the Red and White Beaches. Sail past the Indian Head Mountain and Venetian Lighthouse into the picturesque Caldera. You will visit private bays for swimming and snorkelling. After the Hot Springs, a delicious bbq lunch is prepared in a beautiful secluded bay. After lunch, you then sail past the Volcanic Islands and Aspronisi to Vlihada Marina.

After our sail, we visit Akrotiri, located next to the famous Red Beach. Akrotiri was originally a Minoan settlement and today is one of the most important archeological site 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. The visit to the archeological site is quite impressive, and the short hike to Red Beach is worth the views and photographic opportunities. (B)

In the early morning we depart for Kamari Beach with its wide-arching strip of black sand beach dotted with striped umbrellas. Popular among backpackers and a younger crowd, it’s easy to see why Kamari Beach is resort central on Santorini. Kamari is best known for its English-style breakfast cafes and pubs, along with bobbing fishing boats and the easily accessible volcanic-sand beach. Lunch in Kamari. We’ll spend the afternoon in Kamari. If you like, you can rent a sun chair and umbrella, or organize water sports like diving and snorkelling.

Excursion boats sail along the coast, past the rocky headland of Mesa Vouno that frames Kamari’s beach, across the water to the isle of Anafi. A trail leads to the ruins of Ancient Thira. Late afternoon review of our photos to date and discussions about post processing. Depending on weather and timing we will attempt to shoot one last sunset in Imerovigli or Oia. 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)

On our final day we gather for a group discussion, review our past weeks photos, trade contact information and bid each other farewell. We urge you to extend your stay in Santorini or continue on with us to the island of Milos and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. (B)

After breakfast we set out for 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.

In the afternoon we visit the archaeological site of Filakopi. Ancient Filakopi developed as a settlement from the Neolithic Period (9,000 to 4,000 BC) until about 1,000 BC. British archaeologists excavated the site during the 1890s and actually discovered tools from obsidian, which is a volcanic glass similar to granite. These tools and other findings are today hosted in the Archaeological Museum of Milos in Plaka. During the afternoon we will explore several small picturesque villages.

In the evening we focus on a sunset photography at one of Milos’s 12 amazing beaches. (B)

On day three we set out for Sarakiniko, along the northern side of Milos island. This is probably the most photographed spot of Milos. This fantastic place with the pure white stone sculpted by volcanic eruptions looks like we’ve landed on the moon. Beneath the white rocks are impressive sea caves. Sarakiniko is so beautiful that we will probably return later in the day to photograph when the light changes.

We will continue 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 to the Aegean Sea and pastries with delicious homemade sweets. After Plaka, we head to the early Christian catacombs, just a couple of km away, and the ancient city of Klima.

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)

On our final day we set out at sunrise to photograph Agia Kyriaki Beach, or swim in the crystal waters before we return to our hotel for breakfast. There we will gather for a group discussion, review our past weeks photos, trade contact information and bid each other farewell. You can either take the ferry back to Santorini for your return flight, or fly back directly from Milos.

We urge you to extend your stay in Milos or continue on with us to the Greek Island of Crete and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. (B)