Portugal and Galicia

April 19-May 1
(10 days)

Time has passed Portugal by--which is what makes this western edge of Iberia all the more interesting for photographers. The wealth from Portuguese colonies around the world built magnificent palaces, city plazas and elegant country manors. We explore by van starting and ending in Lisbon, driving south to the rugged coast and elegant resorts of the Algarve. Then north to Evora (one of Europe's oldest towns), along the Atlantic coast to Nazare, and on to Oporto (where Port wine is made) and into Spanish Galicia for medieval Santiago de Compostela. A Visigoth church remains at Iglesia de Sta. Comba. Bragga is a medieval city with many fine old homes. For all the history it has seen, Lisbon now rests on it's laurels--purple jacaranda blossoms dropping on marble statues--preserving it's monumental past for our delight Optional extension to Madeira Islands off the coast of Africa..

Iceland Explorer--Fire & Ice

June 30-July 13 (14 Days)

First CUE trip to Iceland. Plan is to hire a 4X4 Van and circumnavigate the island. Visit Latrabjarg sea bird colony, Skafafell National Park and other seabird colonies for puffins and other birds up close. Whooper Swans are found in the Eastern fjords. 16 species of ducks are nesting at Lake Myvatn. Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall) is incredible in any weather. Over 70 species of birds migrate through, breed or live here. Icelandic ponies--intense color. Swim in the thermal pools at Blue Lagoon.

Oregon Coast & Cascades

August 24-31 (8 Days)

Begins and ends in Portland in time for the Photographic Society Conference. Drive the Oregon coast to Florence (Heceta Head Lighthouse), then Crater Lake to Sisters, the heart of the Cascades, with an Oregon native. Oregon is yet unspoiled and enjoys a wide range of geographic features, incuding the most beautiful coastline in the continental US and the unparralled blue of Crater Lake. Each bend in the road, another colorful image.

At Home in Tuscany

September 19-28 (10 Days)

Our farmhouse is surrounded by vineyards in the heart of Chianti. The grapes are being harvested by hand. Hill villages, rolling hills studded with cypress and the dramatic history of Siena and Florence like an open book waiting for us to translate. We have our own kitchen at the farm in Castellini--we create photogenic dishes to photograph and to eat--these will be some of your favorite and most marketable images. Enjoy incredible Tuscan wines. Two nights in Florence's historic center, five nights in the farmhouse and two nights in Asciano, heart of La Crete's dramatic landscape.

Venice Reflections

September 28-October 3 (6 Days)

Great hotel near San Marco and next to La Fenice opera house--we venture out for early and late excursions to capture Venetian life behind the scenes--atmospheric shots of gondolas, creative graphic designs, history comes alive with your experienced guide. Burano's colorful fishermen's houses reflected in the canals--awesome!. You'll have a pass for the vaporettos (ferries). Venice always pleases--a new image unfolds every few feet. This is the season to capture Venice's famous atmospheric light--generally balmy temperatures, interesting sky, few tourists. Pleasant small cafes, excellent local wines from the Veneto.

Indonesia's Islands

October 11-27 (17 Days)

Bali, Java and Celebes Islands--Indonesia is a net flung across the Indian Ocean snagging spicy essences from near and far. Each unique island abounds in exotic landscapes from swaying palms, volcanic peaks, jungle rivers and terraced rice fields. Indonesia's people represent such diversity of culture and lifestyle. This incredible piquant potpourri is a feast for the photographer and for the senses. We capture the full moon festival on October 13th.

Irian Java Extension

October 27-31 (5 Days)

Visit the Dani people - just incredible!.

Faces of Burma

December 1-15 (full moon on 10th)

Ah, Burma. Is there a land so exotic, so full of dreams? The dazzling Schwedagon Pagoda, Lake Inle's leg rowers, and temple strewn Bagan. A once in a lifetime visit with friendly people straddling the surreal past and uncertain future. Experience local guide, Daniel, and his uncanny eye for what is uniquely Burma.