Viet Nam

February 1-15 (15 days)

We travel the length of the country from Saigon to Hanoi, including Hue, Danang, Halong Bay and Sapa Hill Tribes--exotic places inhabited by an energetic people who prosper despite all odds. Traditional farming, rich culture, colorful markets and delicious food.

Images of Bali

February 16 -25 (10 days) (full moon on 21)

Bali is a photographer's paradise--gorgeous tropical island, colorful handsome people, lives seeped in Hindu and courtly tradition. It seems everyone is an artist--carving, painting, dancing, performing traditional plays. Balinese live their religion. We escape the tourist areas and spend our time in elegant retreats near Ubud's famous artisans, over the mountains to north coast beaches and traditional mountain communities. Rice terraces cloak the mountainsides--plowed by water buffalo, harvested by hand, irrigated by gravity and celebrated every day. Dance performances are photo ops to mingle back stage. Bali never fails to please.

Bali--Relax, Release & Renew

March 15-24 (10 days)

(cultural exploration--not designed as a photo trip) Explore Bali's craft villages around Ubud, up to the mountain top rice terraces and along the north coast. Stay in luxurious small resorts and begin to understand why Bali is still the Island of the Gods. 20 participants with two yoga
instructors (Kim Hoyer and Mary Bauman) offering daily instruction in the art of relax, release and renew. Not a photo adventure by design but one of several new directions for CUE--there certainly will be many photo ops in colorful Hindu Bali..

Portugal and Galicia

April 21-April 30
(10 days)

Time has passed Portugal by--which is what makes this western edge of Iberiaall 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. Braganca 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..

Galapagos Islands & Ecuador

April- May Dates TBA

CUE's classic.
8 nights Galapagos cruise at the best time of year for nesting birds and pleasant weather. Visits to eco-lodges and Andean village life are planned. Selection of dates and boat remain flexible for best value--to be notified, add your name to the contact list.

Iceland Explorer--Fire & Ice

June 6-19 (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. Full moon on 18th. Swim in the thermal pools at
Blue Lagoon.

Canadian Rockies

July 10-22 (19 Days)

A CUE classic, includes
Lake Louise, Yoho, Jasper and Banff, begins ends in
Calgary. Wonderful alpine glacier carved scenery,
lush wildflowers and
unbelievable wildlife opportunities. Full moon
on 18th will be a treat.

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), explore
Willamette Valley vineyards and covered bridges and capture the heart of the
Cascades--the lovely Three Sisters--with an Oregon native.

PSA Conference (Portland, OR)

September 1-6

At Home in Tuscany

September 19-28 (9 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 (5 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

November 11-25 (14 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 Nov. 13th.

Bosque del Apache & White Sands

December 9-15 (full moon on 12th)

Incredible concentrations of snow geese, cranes and other wild fowl alongthe Rio Grande at Bosque then to White Sands for the sensual dune scapes. We're in position for the sunrise and sunset light. Begins and ends in Albuquerque, NM.