London & Paris: A Photography Expedition 10 days / Photography Expeditions
About This Experience
Anyone can see London and Paris, but only a few can do it from a photographer’s point of view. Capture the often-unseen moments and undiscovered details that make up everyday life in these two European capitals. Walk along the Thames at first light; uncover Stonehenge from a different angle; and people-watch in artsy Montmartre. With professional travel photographer Oliver Olivieri instructing you along the way, you’ll hone your eye, perfect your technique and soak in the local cultures, knowing full well you’ll head home with the shot.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
8 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
A professional photographer guide
Private deluxe motor coach
Why You'll Love It
You’ll meet fellow photography enthusiasts
Expert instruction to enhance your technique
Capturing famous sights in the morning light
Parisian people-watching & cafe culture
Mysterious Stonehenge & the lush countryside
Strolling through the gardens of Versailles
Overnight Flight1 night
London4 nights - hotel info
Day2
Europe’s largest city was just made for the camera
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to London! After clearing customs and collecting your bags, look for the Hotel by Bus Transfer desk. They will be providing your transfer to your hotel. This evening, you’ll attend a lecture focusing on the technical aspects of photography. Then, join your fellow travelers for an included Welcome Dinner.
Day3
Picture this: the sun rising over the River Thames and Big Ben
Breakfast
Start the day with an early morning photography walk through London. You’ll have the opportunity to test your skills in the soft early English light. This afternoon, embark on a panoramic sightseeing tour of London this morning. You’ll see Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Parliament, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and more.
Day4
No one knows how these pillars were used (but they make for a great photo)
Breakfast, Lunch
Rise early today for a visit to Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. You’ll arrive in time to view these mystical ruins in the soft morning light. The origin and purpose of Stonehenge, which dates back 4,000 years, remains a mystery, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. Next, you’ll travel to Bath, a spa city famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. Your photographic guide will walk you through the city, showing you how to take advantage of the neoclassical backdrop of Bath to create stunning images. You’ll have free time for lunch and photography before returning to London.
Day5
Learn the art of people-watching and capture often unseen moments
Breakfast
Today, your photographer leads you on a stroll through London, beginning in Mayfair and concluding at Covent Garden. You’ll capture the city as it starts its day and have the opportunity to photograph London’s streets and people. The balance of today is free at leisure.
Paris4 nights - hotel info
Day6
Not everyone gets to see the Channel from this angle
Breakfast
This morning, transfer to St. Pancras Station. Here, you’ll board the Eurostar, Europe’s quarter-milelong, high-speed train that whisks passengers below the English Channel and resurfaces in France. You’ll arrive at Gare du Nord in Paris just three hours later. Set out on your own this afternoon in the City of Light for some independent shooting. Tonight, you may wish to join our optional Evening in Paris.
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Day7
The City of Light truly wakes up at first light
Breakfast
Rise and shine with the sun on a morning photography walk. Your photographer will be happy to point out interesting scenes as Paris’ shops and cafes open for business, and as Parisians go about procuring their pain quotidien. Then, set out on a panoramic sightseeing tour of the City of Light this afternoon, taking in Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and much more.
Day8
These ornate, manicured gardens have a history like none other
Breakfast
Journey to the outskirts of Paris for a visit to the town of Versailles, home to the famous palace with which it shares a name. At Versailles, your photographer will take you through the palace’s gardens as well as the charming town outside the palace gates. The gardens’ manicured hedges and dancing water fountains may provide you with artistic inspiration. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day9
Walk among Montmartre’s street artists before displaying your own work
Breakfast, Dinner
With the help of your photographer, explore Montmartre this morning. This section of Paris is always beautiful, but in the morning light, Montmartre’shomes, markets and churches shine with a special brilliance. Your itinerary will vary depending on the weather, but you’re likely to see some of the streetart for which Montmartre is known. This section of Paris has lured artists since the Belle Epoque, and today, it remains one of the most charming and eclectic areas of the city. This evening, you’ll have a chance to showcase your favorite photos and view the images captured by your group during your time in London and Paris. Then, toast your achievements with your fellow photographers at an included Farewell Dinner.
About This Experience
Anyone can see London and Paris, but only a few can do it from a photographer’s point of view. Capture the often-unseen moments and undiscovered details that make up everyday life in these two European capitals. Walk along the Thames at first light; uncover Stonehenge from a different angle; and people-watch in artsy Montmartre. With professional travel photographer Oliver Olivieri instructing you along the way, you’ll hone your eye, perfect your technique and soak in the local cultures, knowing full well you’ll head home with the shot.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
8 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
A professional photographer guide
Private deluxe motor coach
Why You'll Love It
You’ll meet fellow photography enthusiasts
Expert instruction to enhance your technique
Capturing famous sights in the morning light
Parisian people-watching & cafe culture
Mysterious Stonehenge & the lush countryside
Strolling through the gardens of Versailles
Overnight Flight1 night
London4 nights - hotel info
Day2
Europe’s largest city was just made for the camera
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to London! After clearing customs and collecting your bags, look for the Hotel by Bus Transfer desk. They will be providing your transfer to your hotel. This evening, you’ll attend a lecture focusing on the technical aspects of photography. Then, join your fellow travelers for an included Welcome Dinner.
Day3
Picture this: the sun rising over the River Thames and Big Ben
Breakfast
Start the day with an early morning photography walk through London. You’ll have the opportunity to test your skills in the soft early English light. This afternoon, embark on a panoramic sightseeing tour of London this morning. You’ll see Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Parliament, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and more.
Day4
No one knows how these pillars were used (but they make for a great photo)
Breakfast, Lunch
Rise early today for a visit to Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. You’ll arrive in time to view these mystical ruins in the soft morning light. The origin and purpose of Stonehenge, which dates back 4,000 years, remains a mystery, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. Next, you’ll travel to Bath, a spa city famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. Your photographic guide will walk you through the city, showing you how to take advantage of the neoclassical backdrop of Bath to create stunning images. You’ll have free time for lunch and photography before returning to London.
Day5
Learn the art of people-watching and capture often unseen moments
Breakfast
Today, your photographer leads you on a stroll through London, beginning in Mayfair and concluding at Covent Garden. You’ll capture the city as it starts its day and have the opportunity to photograph London’s streets and people. The balance of today is free at leisure.
Paris4 nights - hotel info
Day6
Not everyone gets to see the Channel from this angle
Breakfast
This morning, transfer to St. Pancras Station. Here, you’ll board the Eurostar, Europe’s quarter-milelong, high-speed train that whisks passengers below the English Channel and resurfaces in France. You’ll arrive at Gare du Nord in Paris just three hours later. Set out on your own this afternoon in the City of Light for some independent shooting. Tonight, you may wish to join our optional Evening in Paris.
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Day7
The City of Light truly wakes up at first light
Breakfast
Rise and shine with the sun on a morning photography walk. Your photographer will be happy to point out interesting scenes as Paris’ shops and cafes open for business, and as Parisians go about procuring their pain quotidien. Then, set out on a panoramic sightseeing tour of the City of Light this afternoon, taking in Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and much more.
Day8
These ornate, manicured gardens have a history like none other
Breakfast
Journey to the outskirts of Paris for a visit to the town of Versailles, home to the famous palace with which it shares a name. At Versailles, your photographer will take you through the palace’s gardens as well as the charming town outside the palace gates. The gardens’ manicured hedges and dancing water fountains may provide you with artistic inspiration. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day9
Walk among Montmartre’s street artists before displaying your own work
Breakfast, Dinner
With the help of your photographer, explore Montmartre this morning. This section of Paris is always beautiful, but in the morning light, Montmartre’shomes, markets and churches shine with a special brilliance. Your itinerary will vary depending on the weather, but you’re likely to see some of the streetart for which Montmartre is known. This section of Paris has lured artists since the Belle Epoque, and today, it remains one of the most charming and eclectic areas of the city. This evening, you’ll have a chance to showcase your favorite photos and view the images captured by your group during your time in London and Paris. Then, toast your achievements with your fellow photographers at an included Farewell Dinner.
Passport & Visa
In order to enter Great Britain and France, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements..
Health
There are no major health risks when traveling to the United Kingdom and France. It is advisable to check with your health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in London and depart from Paris. Your transfer
upon arrival in London is provided by Dot2Dot transfer service, and you
can find them at a desk when you make your way through customs and
baggage.
View airport map: http://www.goaheadtours.com/pdf/LHRLGWTerminal_Map.pdf
There
is an included transfer on the high-speed Eurostar train from London to
Paris. When traveling by train there may be times when you will have to
handle your own luggage, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage
provides a distinct advantage.
All other transportation on London & Paris City Stay is by private motor coach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the two cities by public transportation.
London’s
tube system, consisting of 12 lines, needs no introduction. Tickets and
passes can be purchased in singles or in bulk. London also has an
extensive bus system.
Paris’ massive Métro is world-class, easy
to navigate and efficient. Make sure to take time and look for the best
deal on travel passes. Ask your tour director which one might work best.
Often the daily passes are not actually the best deal.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised.
If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear.
Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitters for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!”
Currency
The British pound and the euro (in France) are the currencies you will
be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in
your destination countries rather than in the United States, although
it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you
first arrive.
We advise that you take a combination of bank/ATM
cards, credit cards and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for
cash at local banks, as needed.
We suggest that you inform your
bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t
confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Please
note: With the conversion to the euro, it has been increasingly
difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major
cities— both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
About your Photography Tour
Who is this tour designed for?
Anyone with an interest in photography, regardless of age or skill level. All you need is a digital camera, a sense of adventure and a desire to learn.
What happens if it rains?
The day-by-day itinerary is an outline of daily activities. This kind of program requires maximum flexibility, and events are likely to be rearranged as local conditions demand. If you’re unlucky enough to experience inclement weather, we will arrange more activities in town and fewer in the countryside. Please note that weather and other circumstances may impact your photographic opportunities.
What should I expect each day?
The best time of day for shooting outside is in the early morning and just before sunset. In order to give you as many opportunities as possible to capture these destinations, our days begin very early. Weather conditions will also dictate your photography tour, and flexibility is important.
What kind of instruction will I receive?
Learning takes place through personal tutoring sessions, discussions around the dinner table, and while photographing on location. Whether you are a novice or an advanced photographer, you will come back with great images and a deeper understanding of the photographic medium.
How should I prepare for this tour?
There’s no need to take any preliminary photography courses, but each traveler is responsible for bringing her own photographic gear. We recommend that you bring the following:
- Your own camera and its manual; each traveler should take some time to familiarize herself with her camera’s settings.
- Lightweight yet sturdy tripod
- Spare batteries and/or rechargeable batteries and a battery charger
- Memory cards and a memory card reader for downloading photos to your tablet or laptop
- Antistatic cloth
- Lenses—24/70 and 70/200 are recommended
- A smile and some patience... the best shot is worth waiting for!
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