Strabo Photo Tour Collection

Spain: Madrid and Barcelona

Photo copyright J. Bockenkamp

A Photographic Expedition Combined with Spain’s Great Art Museums

This photo and art expedition is designed to encompass early morning and late light, for the most opportune time to photograph, while mid afternoons will be with local guides, viewing and learning about some of the most profound art work Spain has to offer. Art work will be viewed in Spain’s premier art museums as well as its famous architecture.

Madrid, one of the world’s most vibrant and seductive cities, is a city with a charming and infectious atmosphere that the visitor can immediately sense, feel a part of, and most of all, enjoy. A city that takes unabashed pleasure in its past traditions, it is proud to display a wealth of cultural treasures and architectural glories. The accommodations are in the heart of Old Madrid, close to the majestic Plaza Mayor, which is perfectly preserved and extremely beautiful. Historically a venue for state ceremonies, bullfights, and executions, it is an excellent place for early morning photography, capturing the city while it comes alive each day. You will also walk through the streets of Bourbon Madrid, with its Avenue of Art, containing three of the world’s leading art galleries. The Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofia have turned Madrid into a haven for art lovers. The Prado, with its massive concentration of masterpieces has long been recognized as one of Spain’s greatest attractions, housing the very finest of Spanish Art. Explore the traditional treasures of Madrid as well as the hidden gems your guides will share with you.

You will then take an adventurous route that will lead you into and through the urban heart of Barcelona. Barcelona, located at the Mediterranean Sea in the very north of the Spanish coast, is certainly the most cosmopolitan and economically most active city in the country. It has always proved its will to be modern, to follow the latest international tendencies, or to be ahead of them. This is evident especially in its architecture, which so well reflects the general approach to life in this always pulsating city. Of course, Barcelona has an old history, and there are monuments of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods or those prior, but most characteristic is what has been built during the last 100 years.

Barcelona has been a center of Modernist architecture and is distinguished especially by the works of genial Antoní Gaudí, who together with his great contemporaries, gave new and exciting looks to it, but has remained, since then, at the top of modernity. Park Guell, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is magical, with twisted stone columns supporting curving colonnades, merging with the natural structure of the hillside. The park's peak is marked by a large cross and offers an amazing panorama of Barcelona and the sea beyond. Then, there is La Sagrada Familia, perhaps Gaudi’s most famous work in Barcelona. `Send Gaudí and the Sagrada Família to hell,' wrote Picasso, and while it is easy to see how some of the religious clichés of the building and the devotional fervor of its creator might anoy an angry young Cubist, Barcelona's iconic temple still manages to inspire delight in equal measure.

Travel with John Weiss on this inspirational journey through the arts and natural beauty of Spain. The departure is limited to a maximum of twelve participants. It is intended for people of all levels of interest and accomplishment in film, or digital photography. While the emphasis will be on photography, this is also an artistic journey, which we believe will enhance your ability to capture the essence of Madrid and Barcelona in your images. John Weiss has been a photographer for over thirty years. He began at M.I.T. as an apprentice to Minor White, the legendary photographer and educator. Later, he earned his M.F.A. at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he studied with Harry Callanan and Aaron Siskind. Since 1975, he has been Professor of Art and Coordinator of Photography at the University of Delaware, where he has established his own record for excellence as both a maker of expressive images and as an educator. His graduate photography program won The Photo Review award for excellence in 2003. Numerous prominent public institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris, have collected Weiss’s photographs. John received the 2006 teacher of the year award from the Santa Fe Center of Photography.

An important element of your photographic experience is John's critique of your work and his presentations on making creative photographs. In addition to a personal one-on-one review session with John, he will offer two group critiques of the photographs you make while on tour. It's important that you have a laptop or some other storage device so you can access and download your images. For those shooting film, we suggest you bring a folio of up to 20 photographs (hard copy).

Itinerary

May 24: U.S.

Photo copyright J. Bockenkamp

Depart from the U.S. today on an overnight flight to Madrid International Airport.

May 25: Madrid

those participants not attending the pre-trip extension to Toledo will arrive at Madrid’s Barajas airport, there will be a group transfer to the hotel in Madrid (time to be announced). Your four star hotel was once the American embassy; its position is an enviable one, as you can enjoy the historic splendours of the Spanish capital. Every room has been carefully decorated making excellent use of the high ceilings, large windows, and light (internet connection available). Once freshened up, stretch your legs and take in the sights. There may be an organized photography walk at dusk, depending on arrival times. In the evening, indulge in a private tapas tour, the perfect introduction to Madrid and Spain. Tapas in Madrid means tradition and this includes the atmosphere, not merely the food. Your guides will take you to some atmospheric and very photogenic places. Overnight Hotel Palacio San Martin. (D)

May 26 - May 28: Madrid

After a morning photo shoot with John, head back to the hotel for breakfast. You will experience a private walking tour of Old Madrid, including the Palacio Real, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor, a wonderful Baroque square lined with arcades filled with picturesque cafes. The Plaza Mayor has been a focal point of the city since the days when it was used as a public arena for bullfights, trials by the inquisition, and executions. There will be time this afternoon to rest, or revisit Old Madrid in different light. Prior to dinner a suitable location will be selected for photographs at dusk.

Over the next two days in Madrid, your local guide will provide museum visits along with a walking tour of ‘Bourbon Madrid’ so called after the ‘Bourbon’ Kings, of the French dynasty, who built this area. Originally it was an open area containing market gardens, and was called the Prado (Meadow). The Bourbon monarchs, particularly Carlos III, chose this area to provide a lasting architectural legacy to the madrileños.

The attractions in Bourbon Madrid include Retiro Park, the Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Cibeles, the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen Museums. The Museo del Prado is one of the world’s greatest art galleries, housing important collections of Velazquez and Goya. The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is an outstanding museum of twentieth century art. Inside the star exhibit is Guernica, Picasso’s famous painting of the horrors of the Civil War. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is one of the most important privately assembled art collections in the world, sold to Spain in 1993, and is now housed in an eighteen century palace, with major works by Titian, Rubens, Van Gogh, Goya, and Picasso.

The evenings will be at leisure with your guides to explore the additional nooks and crannies of Madrid; along with a free afternoon in both Madrid and Barcelona to review your work. Overnight Palacio San Martin (B, L; B; B, L)

May 29 - June 1: Barcelona

After breakfast we will be transferred to the train station, where we will embark on our adventure to Barcelona, where we will be met and assisted checking into our hotel. Barcelona, more than just a single city, is actually a collection of multi-faceted and diverse cities. The visitor, unfamiliar with its history, might be surprised that such a modern and enterprising city preserves its historic Gothic center almost intact. Fabulous architecture, brilliant Spanish cuisine, flamboyant culture, and wonderful weather combine to make Barcelona a truly magnificent city. The La Rambla is a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard packed with buskers, living statues, mimes and itinerant salespeople selling everything from lottery tickets to jewelery. The noisy bird market on the second block of La Rambla is worth a stop, as is the nearby Palau de la Virreina, a grand eighteenth century Rococo mansion,
As in Madrid we will spend our time photographing during optimum light, and have cultural visits to various museums and the architectural highlights of Barcelona mid day. La Sagrada Familia is truly awe-inspiring. The life's work of Barcelona's favorite son, Antoni Gaudí, the magnificent spires of the unfinished cathedral imprint themselves boldly against the sky with swelling outlines inspired by the holy mountain Montserrat. They are encrusted with a tangle of sculptures that seem to breathe life into the stone. Gaudí died in 1926 before his masterwork was completed, and since then, controversy has continually plagued the building program.
Güell Park, also designed by Antonio Gaudí, is the most famous park in Barcelona. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it has been subject to all types of praise and criticism, including comments such as "outrageous modernism", "surrealistic island", and "nightmare expressionist park". First conceived as a private estate, it became a public park in 1922. Both the main entrance to the park and the stairway leading to the Hundred Columns Room are structures where Gaudí clearly let his imagination run free. Another Gaudí masterpiece, La Pedrera was built between 1905 and 1910 as a combined apartment and office block. Formerly called the Casa Milà, it is better known now as La Pedrera (the quarry) because of its uneven grey stone facade that ripples around a street corner, creating a wave effect that is further emphasized by elaborate wrought-iron balconies. Visitors can tour the building and go up to the roof, where giant multi-colored chimney pots jut up like medieval knights.
The Museum Picasso is Barcelona's most visited museum. It is housed in three strikingly beautiful stone mansions on the Carrer de Montcada, which was, in medieval times, an approach to the port. The museum shows numerous works that trace the artist's early years, and is especially strong on his Blue Period with canvases like The Defenceless, ceramics and his early works from the 1890’s. Overnights Hotel Universitat, (B, D; B, L; B; B, L, D)

June 2: Barcelona - Home or Girona Extension

You will have one last photo shoot this morning, before the group airport transfer (time to be announced) for flights home. (B)

Extension

Pre-Trip to Toledo and Post -Trip to Girona

Price to be determined.

Photo copyright J. Bockenkamp

A pre-trip to Toledo from Madrid, and post-trip to Girona may be available. Land cost will be determined with number of participants interested.

May 23 - May 25: Toledo

May 23 U.S. – Madrid
Your journey to Spain begins with an overnight flight from the U.S. to Madrid, Spain.

May 24 Madrid
Arriving at Madrid’s Barajas airport, there will be a group transfer to the hotel in Madrid (time to be announced). The evening will be free, with time to relax on your own and enjoy the environs on foot in the center of Madrid. Overnight Hotel Palacio San Martin.

May 25 Toledo – Madrid
You will travel via coach today to Toledo. Still called the Imperial City, Toledo was the capital of Visigoth Spain before Madrid even existed. The wonderful setting overlooking a barren Castilian landscape, its narrow and twisting streets, its historical and architectural diversity, and its wealth of art make Toledo a national treasure. From the gothic cathedral, the two surviving Jewish synagogues, the castle, and the prized El Greco paintings, your guides will immerse you in the labyrinth of charming, winding streets, stumbling upon tiny chapels, patios and enchanting plazas. You will return to Madrid in time for the welcome reception with the rest of the participants.

June 2 - June 3: Girona

June 2 Girona
Those attending the extension to Girona will depart via coach or train to the lovely town of Girona. This handsome town puts on its best face beside the Riu Onyar, where tall, pastel-colored buildings rise above the water. Behind them, in the old town, the Rambla de la Llibertat is lined with busy shops and street cafes. Girona has a rich, detailed, and dramatic history. The first inhabitants of the area were the Iberians. Then came the Romans who built a fortification there, which was named Gerunda. After having been occupied by a number of cultures, Girona finally fell under control by the Holy Roman Empire. In the 12th century, the Jewish community flourished in Girona, and a major Kabbalistic school was built. Today, the city is a rich heritage site full of historic and cultural beauty. You will return to the hotel in Barcelona this evening. (B)

June 3 Barcelona - Home
You will have one last photo shoot this morning, before the group airport transfer (time to be announced) for flights home. (B)

Accommodations

Please contact us for more details.

Guides

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Food & Drink

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Notes

The trip is suited for people of all photographic levels, and there will be plenty of time to work individually with participants to address specific photographic concerns. On several occasions, we will venture out to photograph the cities at night This is primarily a photo tour,with time to enjoy the famous architecture and arts of each city.

Pricing Info

Tour land cost: $3,995 US Dollars based upon minimum of 8 paying participants. There is a small group surcharge of $300 if 6-7 paying participants. All our program prices are based on double occupancy unless noted in exceptions.

Single room supplement: $845; single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested, or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, you will be required to pay the supplement.

Extension land cost: $0 based upon minimum of paying participants. There is a small group surcharge of $0 if paying participants.

Single room supplement: $0; single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.

Note: The land costs on international tours is based upon current exchange rates. Although the rate has been relatively stable, should it change, there may need to be an adjustment in the land cost.

General Tour Info (includes, excludes and other details)