Strabo Photo Tour Collection

Greece: Santorini with Ron Rosenstock

Copyright Jacque Boehm Steedle

Ron Rosenstock invites you to join him on an exploratory adventure of Santorini. If you have ever dreamed of a leisurely trip to the most picturesque Greek Isle, with enough time to photograph, and merely enjoy with no time pressures, then this is the trip for you. Spring is one of the best times to visit, as the weather is lovely and it is prior to the summer influx of inhabitants which doubles the population to approximately eleven thousand.

Days will be filled with unique photographic opportunities, in that there are so many wonderful hidden places to explore. Your leader will seek out obscure settings to visit and photograph, places you would not find on your own.

Santorini, Greece is known as the home of one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Discover the famous submerged caldera, the volcano’s crater, which is situated today in the middle of a thirty-two square mile basin of water. The accommodations are superbly located with fantastic views of the caldera and the colorful buildings of Fira, yet far enough away from the cruise ship action. Around the basin, hanging on cliffs of 150 to 300 meters in height, one can admire some of the most beautiful traditional villages of the Cyclades. The lively colors of the white Cycladic houses and blue painted windows contrast stunningly against the black volcanic rocks rising from sea. This scenery inspires artists and visitors alike. A few of the villages are named Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia, all of which entail many steps on each of the daily outings. The island name comes from ‘Santa Irini’ and it is officially called Thera.

Join Ron Rosenstock in Santorini—exploring the iconic photographic locations of this picturesque island. Photograph the rich architectural colors, distinct blue domes, whitewashed buildings, brightly colored flowers, and warm friendly faces, against the blue Mediterranean sky.

Tour Leader:
Ron started leading photo tours in 1967. In those years he has led more than 200 tours to many destinations worldwide. Ron retired from Clark University after teaching photography there for thirty years. His published books include his exquisite black and white photographs: The Light of Ireland, Chiostro (Cloister), and Hymn to the Earth. Ron’s work has been featured in over one hundred exhibitions, both in the U.S. and abroad, and his photographs are to be found in the permanent collections of the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, the Worcester Art Museum in Worcester, Mass., The Polaroid Collection in Cambridge, Mass., and the International Center of Photography in New York City. Ron’s striking, one-of-a-kind photographs can be seen at www.ronrosenstock.com.

Itinerary

April 23: U.S.

Copyright Jacque Boehm Steedle

There are overnight flights from the U.S. to Athens, Greece, where you will then connect to the Santorini Airport (Thira – JTR). Participants can overnight in Athens prior to taking flight to Santorini, and/or upon return from the isle. We can recommend the Holiday Inn, Athens Airport Hotel (Attica Avenue), which provides shuttle service, or a short taxi ride.

April 24: Athens - Santorini

Arrive anytime today to Santorini from Athens, a transfer from the port or the Thira Airport will await you, taking you to the hotel. Participants will check in and relax on their own. We will have a brief introductory meeting this evening upon everyone’s arrival (time to be announced). (D)

April 25 - April 30: Santorini

We will have six full days to explore the nearby village of Firostefani, and other villages on the magical island of Santorini. Transportation will be on foot in the hill towns of Santorini, and coach service to the villages. Ron will organize early morning photography walks in the vicinity of the hotel, for those that wish to photograph prior to breakfast. We will then walk to town or travel to surrounding villages for a full day of shooting. Lunch will be enjoyed at various photographic locations, returning to the hotel with time to work on your images, and capture the last light of the day. Please note the tour entails plenty of walking, with many steps in the hill towns. Dinners will be on your own at local restaurants, with a farewell dinner provided.
Santorini is the last island to the South of the Cyclades Archipelago. Centuries ago a volcanic eruption followed by a devastating explosion sculptured the rugged cliffs and brought about the unique spectacle of Santorini and the Caldera basin. The villages of Santorini Greece, where the traditional architecture can be seen are: Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, Emporio, and others. It has been said that the sunsets in Santorini are the best in the world; from the Caldera breathtaking views of the volcano and neighboring islands, from the east, miles of dark sandy or pebbled beaches, everywhere one sees blue domed churches, stunning whitewashed buildings, and remnants of days gone by.

Fira, the capital of Santorini, is perched on the edge of an impressive cliff, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the volcano. Stepped streets with sun-bathed verandas allow visitors to relax and enjoy the spectacular views at sunset, capturing the iconic whitewashed buildings perched on the dramatic cliffs. Imerovigli (the name means watchtower) is set on the highest point of the caldera’s rim. A trail descending from the church of Ayios Georgios crosses the isthmus and encircles Skaros, then finally reaching the small chapel of Theoskepasti, with a memorable caldera view.

At the tip of the northern horn of the island sits Ia (Oia), Santorini’s second largest and most picturesque town. The cubical white houses stand out against the natural color layers of rock, earth, and solid volcanic ash that rise from the sea. In 1900, there were approximately nine thousand inhabitants, now a mere 500 permanent residents, and more than 100 boats. Many of the mariners use the endless flight of stairs from the kastro to descend down to the water and the small port of Ammoudi, where the pebble beach is home to the island’s nicest fish tavernas.

Traveling South of Firostefani, we will visit the lovely Emporio and Pyrgos. Though today Pyrgos has only 500 inhabitants, it was once the capital of the island. It boasts of medieval houses, stacked on top of one another and back to back for protection against pirates. There is a beautiful panoramic view from the ruined Venetian castle, which can be reached by climbing the picturesque streets, which follow the shape of the hill. Overnight HOTEL IRA. (B & L each day, D= Farewell Dinner)

May 1: Santorini - Athens - Home

Copyright Jacque Boehm Steedle

You will be transferred to the airport or port today, for your return to Athens, or choose to explore various islands. (B)

Accommodations

On this sunlit island, one of the most beautiful in the world, our hotel is in the picturesque village of Firostefani. Situated in a quiet area, perched high up on the edge of the caldera, the lovely hotel offers a spectacular panoramic view of the volcanic islands, the far horizon and the deep blue sea. The hotel location is convenient, just a few minute walk from the island’s capital Fira, but away from the busy town center. The name Ira comes from 'Hera', a goddess of Greek Mythology and wife of Zeus. You will be transferred to the hotel from the Thira (JTR) airport.

Guides

Please contact us for more details.

Food & Drink

Breakfasts will be taken at the hotel, other meals included at various local restaurants as listed in brochure. The food is both delicious and wholesome.

Pricing Info

Tour land cost: $2,695 US Dollars based upon minimum of 7 paying participants. There is a small group surcharge of $200 if 4-6 paying participants. All our program prices are based on double occupancy unless noted in exceptions.

Single room supplement: $695; 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.

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)