TOUR OVERVIEW
Debbieâs photography workshops/tours arenât typical; theyâre an experience – or shall we say, a big adventure with your passport, camera, and new friends! Whether expert or beginner, there is something for everyone. All skill levels are welcome!
This yearâs photography workshop is NOT like previous years. Itâs going to be a unique adventure. Debbieâs personal goal is to visit 50 countries by her 50th birthday which means she has until the end of 2025, to visit three new countries.
While pouring over Google Maps, looking for the perfect location for her annual European photography workshop, Debbie had the brilliant idea of turning her travel goal into a photography tour!
So, hereâs the twist. What would have been a solo recon trip getting her feet wet in new places for future workshops, is now open to camera loving women who want to join Debbie and navigate these new places together, for an additional level of adventure.
Since âexploringâ is what a recon trip entails, it means the new location itineraries are much more flexible for wandering around with our cameras, while searching for ideal locations and activities. It also means, some activities and transportation may be optional and/or arenât included in the tour fee, since researching online only gets one so far. However, Debbie isn’t anticipating anything more than taxi rides and the odd entrance fee. The hotels are lovely (with breakfast), the major activities are included, and days of research has already begun.
If seeing as much as possible in a short space of time is your travel style, you arenât going to be disappointed. This unique recon/workshop is an energetic tour filled with: picturesque locations, dreamy villages, charming hotels, delicious local cuisine, fast trains, long walks, short walks, old town charm in historic cities, breathtaking scenery, fancy gardens, fresh seaside air, magical evening light, and dawn/twilight shoots⌠and so much more!
TOUR OPTION 1 – $4,220
2 – 15 September 2025
⢠ReykjavĂk, Iceland
⢠Oslo, Norway
⢠Marrakech, Morocco
⢠Lisbon, Portugal
⢠Porto, Portugal
TOUR OPTION 2 – $3,660
4 – 15 September 2025
⢠Oslo, Norway
⢠Marrakech, Morocco
⢠Lisbon, Portugal
⢠Porto, Portugal
TOUR OPTION 3 – $3,075
6 – 15 September 2025
⢠Marrakech, Morocco
⢠Lisbon, Portugal
⢠Porto, Portugal
THE ITINERARY.
2 Tuesday – Arrive in ReykjavĂk, Iceland. Hop-on city bus tour. Walking city. Tour orientation.
*3 Wednesday – ReykjavĂk. Bus tour around Iceland’s famous Golden Circle.
*4Â Thursday – Fly to Oslo, Norway. Explore the city.
*5 Friday – Oslo. Bus tour: Holmenkollen Ski Jump & Vigeland Park.
*6 Saturday – Fly to Marrakech, Morocco. Evening exploring the city.
*7 Sunday – Marrakech, Morocco. Explore the city.
*8 Monday – Marrakech, Morocco. Explore the city. Hot air balloon & desert breakfast (optional)
*9 Tuesday – Fly to Lisbon, Portugal. Explore the city.
*10 Wednesday – Lisbon. Hop-on bus tour. Exploring.
*11Â Thursday – Lisbon. Hop-on bus tour. Exploring.
*12 Friday – Lisbon. Day excursion to Sintra, Regaleira, and Pena Palace.
*13 Saturday – Train to Porto. Explore the city.
14 Sunday – Porto. Explore the city.
15 Monday – Porto. Day excursion to Braga and Guimaraes.
16 Tuesday –Â Fly home from Porto, Portugal.
*Hotel breakfast included. Â
WHICH FLIGHTS DO I TAKE?
Google Flights (multi-city option) is where to go to start your search to see how much flights from your home airport will cost. You will arrive into either ReykjavĂk, Oslo, or Marrakech (depending on which tour option you choose) and will depart from Porto, Portugal. We will purchase the same flights around Europe and Morocco, so we stay together. These specific flight itineraries will be available, after being confirmed on this tour. For perspective, as of late December 2024/early January 2025, total flights for the whole tour priced around $1,600 USD from Sacramento, California. This is an extremely good deal for so many destinations. The flights will require booking with a couple different airlines, and all will include check-on luggage and carry-on bags. Debbie will go over this information with you, so you know which flights to purchase.
WHAT DOES FITNESS LEVEL âMODERATEâ MEAN?
Moderate. You need to be capable of lifting your luggage on and off trains and in and out of vehicles, walking for sustained periods along varying terrain such as steep and uneven footpaths, up moderate to steep inclines, and on cobblestone streets. It is highly advised that you prepare for lots of walking before leaving for the tour.
WHERE ARE WE STAYING?
We are staying in lovely, clean, and safe hotels. Each has been carefully selected for its location, charm, and amenities.
WHATâS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE TOUR LOCATIONS?
Icelandic and Norwegian weather is unpredictable at any time of year. You donât travel to these locations for the weather. It’s best to bring a warm jacket for the evenings. For instance, in ReykjavĂk in September, the daily average temperature is 8.5°C (47.3°F). Average highs are 11.4°C (52.5°F) and average lows are 6.2°C (43.2°F). In September, the average temperature in Oslo ranges from 45°F to 59°F. You should dress in layers to prepare for cooler temperatures, rain, wind, and even snow. In September, Marrakech experiences warm temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures in the evening. The average high temperature during the day is around 30°C (86°F), while the average low temperature at night drops to around 20°C (68°F). September sees the weather in Lisbon remain extremely warm. The average temperature still reaches a high of 26°C (that’s about 79°F), and never dips any lower than 17°C (about 63°F). In Porto, the average temperature is steady at 19°C (66°F). The high average stays well over 24°C on the good days, and the expected low hangs around 14°C, particularly during the nights.
ARE WE SHOOTING AT DAWN AND DUSK?
Yes, we will be making the most of the good light, so weâll be active at any time of day. Dusk is a great time to be out, and, in certain locations, weâll have optional dawn shoots. In September, sunrise is around 6:10 am, (dawn is 30 minutes prior), so weâll have a couple 5:15 am wake-up calls – if the weather cooperates. If you are too exhausted and would prefer to sleep in, that is perfectly fine.
WHAT CLOTHES & SHOES SHOULD I BRING?
Be comfortable. A detailed packing list will be sent to you, upon confirmation.
WHAT CAMERA KIT SHOULD I BRING?
Bring the camera that fits your photographic goals – DSLR or iPhone. Debbie recommends a bag that can hold the gear – keep in mind that this includes your lightweight, travel tripod. You will also want to have some extra room for a water bottle and a packed meal on the days we carry a picnic lunch. A camera backpack with a padded hip belt is vital for distributing the pack weight comfortably.
* DSLR Camera
* At least two camera batteries & charger
* At least two 64 GB memory cards â bring lots!
* Tripod that fits to the outside of your camera backpack
* Comfortable neck strap for carrying your camera
* Your favorite lenses! Three standard lenses are recommended – a wide angle lens (16 -35 mm), medium zoom (24 -70 mm), and a longer zoom (70 -200 mm), so you are able to seize all photographic opportunities. The most used will be the 24 -70 mm range, so make sure this focal length is covered.
FOOD AND DRINK?
This isnât only a photography trip, but, also, a cultural experience. We will have many opportunities to sample the local cuisine during dinner each evening at reputable local restaurants. If youâre vegetarian like Debbie, we’ll find food. If youâre vegan⌠well, you won’t die, but you might be slightly miserable. đ
WHERE DO I MEET YOU?
We’ll meet either on a layover city in the USA, or at one of the designated airports on the tour. Further information will be provided upon tour confirmation.
I WANT TO GO! WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Reserve your spot with a $500 deposit and a signed agreement of the Workshop Terms/Conditions & Waiver form. Contact me today! Space is limited.
