Tour Summary
Join an exclusive wildlife photography experience at one of Europe’s most iconic bird photography destinations. Lake Kerkini is world-renowned for its large population of Dalmatian pelicans, offering extraordinary close encounters from both boats and shore-based positions.
Set against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains and serene winter landscapes, this workshop is designed for photographers seeking dramatic light, dynamic flight action, intimate portraits, and artistic compositions.
To maximize every photographic opportunity, our days begin before first light and often continue beyond sunset, allowing you to experience the lake at its most atmospheric, from the soft pre-dawn glow to the final golden reflections of the day. Every session is carefully planned to capture the pelicans in the best light and under the most rewarding conditions.
Investment
GBP £1,500 per person
(Based on shared accommodation and guided photography sessions)
Journey Overview
Day 1
4th February — Arrival & First Session
Arrive at Thessaloniki Airport by 1:00 PM.
- Group transfer to Lake Kerkini (approx. 2 hours)
- Check-in at Hotel Alkioni (a charming 3-star hotel with scenic mountain views)
- Time to settle and rest
Evening Photography Session
- Shore-based photography or boat session depending on pelican activity
- Action-packed 2-hour photography session
- First opportunities to photograph Dalmatian pelicans in beautiful evening light
- Snowy mountain landscapes surrounding the lake create stunning environmental compositions
- Dinner at a nearby restaurant
Overnight at Hotel Alkioni
Day 2 – 3
5th – 6th February — Intensive Pelican Photography
Each day includes two dedicated photography sessions focused entirely on Dalmatian pelicans and their behaviour.
Morning Routine
- Tea/coffee and light sandwich
- Departure for morning session (boat or shore-based depending on conditions)
Morning Photography Session
- Action-packed 2-hour boat or shore photography session
- Close-up encounters with Dalmatian pelicans
- Feeding behaviour and social interaction
- Soft winter light and atmospheric lake conditions
- Excellent opportunities for flight photography and low-angle compositions
- Snow-covered mountain backdrops add dramatic scenery to the images
Midday Break
- Return to Hotel Alkioni
- Proper breakfast and rest
- Lunch at a nearby restaurant
- Image critique and photo editing sessions
Afternoon Photography Session
- Action-packed 2-hour boat or shore photography session
- Panning photography opportunities with birds in flight
- Golden light photography during sunset hours
- Reflections and artistic compositions in calm evening conditions
Evening
- Dinner at a nearby restaurant
Overnight at Hotel Alkioni
Day 4
7th February — Final Session & Departure
- Tea/coffee and light sandwich
- Final morning photography session (boat or shore-based)
- Return to hotel for breakfast
- Group transfer back to Thessaloniki Airport
Please book return flights departing after 4:00 PM
Photography Experience at Lake Kerkini
Lake Kerkini offers one of Europe’s finest pelican photography experiences:
- Large populations of Dalmatian pelicans
- Close-range boat photography opportunities
- Shore-based low-angle shooting positions
- Beautiful winter atmosphere with snowy mountain scenery
- Frequent opportunities for flight, feeding, and interaction photography
- Calm water reflections and soft winter light throughout the day
Your Stay Hotel Alkioni
A comfortable 3-star hotel located near Lake Kerkini, offering:
- Scenic mountain and countryside views
- Comfortable rooms with essential amenities
- Peaceful surroundings ideal for photography tours
- Convenient access to photography locations
Designed for Photographers
- Boat-based and shore-based photography access
- Flexible shooting based on pelican activity
- Focus on flight action, portraits, and storytelling compositions
- Small group experience for optimal positioning
- Licensed boats with trusted and experienced riders for safe and reliable photography sessions
Travel
- Nearest airport: Thessaloniki Airport
- Group transfers included
Clothing
- Warm winter clothing required (February conditions can be cold)
- Waterproof jacket recommended
- Gloves and hat advised for boat sessions
Level of Fitness
- All photography locations are accessible by car
- Only short walking distances are required between parking areas, boats, and shore photography locations
Equipment
- 100–400mm or 200–600mm telephoto lenses ideal
- 70–200mm useful for environmental portraits
- Wide-angle lens recommended for landscape and environmental compositions
- Group transfers from/to Thessaloniki Airport
- Local transportation throughout the tour
- 3 nights accommodation at Hotel Alkioni
- All photography sessions (boat and shore-based)
- All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners as per itinerary
- Boat access for photography sessions
- Professional photography guidance
- International flights
- Visa (if applicable)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- 30% non-refundable deposit required
- Balance due 60 days prior to departure
- Cancellation policy applies
- Travel insurance mandatory
Capture the Grace of the Pelicans
An immersive winter photography experience focused entirely on the majestic Dalmatian pelicans of Lake Kerkini, crafted for photographers seeking dramatic light, intimate encounters, and unforgettable moments in the wild.
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