Nature Photography Holiday

What You'll Do

Capture the culture, natural beauty and history of the Spanish Aragon Pyrenees on this unique 7 night photography trip; visit historic villages & sights as you develop a range of photography skills, from night shoots to nature and landscapes, while staying in a 17th century farmhouse.

The unspoilt region of Aragon in the Spanish Pyrenees, known for its gorgeous landscapes and rich history, will be the setting of this 7 night / 8 day nature photography holiday. Nestled in the valley of the river Ara, you will find the carefully restored 17th-century farmhouse which will act as your starting point for all excursions.

This tranquil location sets the scene for daily excursions to spectacular sites in the region. You will have the chance to photograph in all lights from early morning to night photography, as well as a variety of subject. With breath-taking landscapes around every corner, you won’t go home without incredible pictures of panoramic views, wildlife, village streets, and natural formations.

Professional wildlife photographer Inaki Relanzon is your teacher for the week. He started his career in the Ordesa National Park some 25 years ago so he knows the best shoot locations. His beautiful photographs regularly appear in the National Geographic magazine and he has won international awards in prestigious competitions, such as the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Inaki will be staying at the farmhouse, so as well as honing your photographic skills, you also have a unique opportunity to find out about the fascinating life of a wildlife photographer.

Of course, no photographic tour of the region would be complete without picturesque views and the chance to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Picnic in a valley full of diverse fauna next to the medieval bridge of San Nicolas, and wander through the National Park of Ordesa. Walk above the river arazas to several spectacular waterfalls, and finally head to three viewing balconies offering the best view of the magnificent Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) in Europe.

Spend time next to the lake of the Moorish Woman for sunsets over the water, and use one evening to perfect your night photography skills. On top of all of that, finish your week with a 4×4 excursion through the Valle of Bujaruelo for panoramic views across the Monte Perdido and Brecha de Roland.

During your holiday, stay in a gorgeously renovated 17th-century farmhouse in any of its 7 guest rooms, complete with a wonderful view of the surrounding grounds or mountains. Each room has a private en-suite bathroom and various other modern amenities. The grounds include a vegetable patch used to cook your meals, beautiful gardens, and a courtyard with a library and small gym, the ideal place to unwind and immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.

Experience
Highlights

Photograph gorgeous scenery in all lights, from early morning to night.

Snap a variety of subjects including rare birds, landscapes, city streets & land formations.

Stay in a 17th century farmhouse complete with library & gym.

Experience Itinerary

Arrive

– Arrive in Albella
– Check into your room anytime after 5pm and settle in
– Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink along with the chance to meet Simon and Lucy, your hosts for the week
– Have your first evening meal at the farmhouse
– After dinner and over a coffee, watch a short presentation on the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido and the week ahead

Accommodation

– Your accommodation in the heart of the rural hamlet of Albella surrounded by the magnificence of the Spanish Pyrenees in the unspoilt valley of the Ara river
– You’ll stay in a renovated 17th-century farmhouse lovingly restored by your hosts, Simon and Lucy
– There are a total of 7 twin/double guest rooms, decorated with antiques and traditional decor
– If you are travelling solo, stay in a twin/double room for sole occupancy with no single supplement
– Most rooms have private bathrooms with rain showers and heated towel rails
– Extensive grounds with open views
– Free WiFi in common areas
– Free car parking if you choose to drive
– Small, on-site gym
– Courtyard
– Library and sitting room for guest use
– An on-site restaurant caters all of your meals throughout your stay
– Accommodation is included for 7 nights / 8 days
– Check in anytime after 5pm on day 1 and check out by 11am on day 8
– Please note this accommodation does not have disabled access and is not suitable for those with restricted mobility

Introduction to the area & first photography lesson

– After a leisurely breakfast, start the day with a brief tour the nearby village of Albella, taking in the gorgeous valley views
– Then get started on your photography with Iñaki, who will establish the skill level and needs of the group
– Your first photo opportunities will be photographing insects, flowers, and landscapes, and with such a small group, it will feel like one-on-one tuition
– After lunch at the farmhouse, depart for the mountains and Basa de la Mora, the magical lake of the Moorish Woman
– Here, put into practice what you learned this morning, with a short walk up to one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the central Pyrenees
– Enjoy an evening picnic at the lake and some sunset photography of the gorgeous lake
– Return to Albella for refreshments and a good night of sleep

Accommodation

Nature photography, village visit, and night photography lesson

– After a leisurely breakfast, head to the spectacular Canyon of Añisclo – the perfect place to capture amazing shots of butterflies
– Surrounded by spectacular scenery, you’ll take pictures of 1000m high cliff towers, thundering waterfalls, and beautiful green pools of the Rio Bellos
– Lunch will be a picnic in this tranquil setting
– In the afternoon, visit the historic town of Ainsa to photography the medieval plaza and narrow streets, with an opportunity for a drink at one of the quaint cafes
– Return to Albella for the evening meal and a presentation by Iñaki over coffee to see some of his work
– After this small showcase, head outside to practice your night photography skills

Accommodation

Wildlife photography and visit to 11th century chapel

– Breakfast at your leisure, then head to an area that supports the highest population in Europe of the magnificent Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
– Walk to a number of viewing balconies and keep your eyes peeled for these birds as well as Griffon vultures, for some amazing shots of them swooping through the valleys
– Dine at a mountain restaurant perched on the hillside
– This afternoon, complete a short circular walk and capture photos of an 11th century chapel set against a dramatic backdrop
– En route, stop to photography a megalithic structure, with Lucy there to give you some geological history
– Return to Albella for the evening meal and briefing of the day

Accommodation

Waterfalls, rock formations, nature in the Valley of Ordesa

– Head south this morning after breakfast to explore the Valley of Ordesa
– Walk along the valley floor, following the beautiful River Arazas, gradually climbing and stopping to photograph a series of spectacular waterfalls
– Finish the climb at a culmination of the beauty surrounding us – the stepped waterfalls of Grados de Soaso
– Here, you will have plenty of opportunities to work on your macro photography skills of the local insects before eating a revitalising picnic lunch
– After lunch, continue the walk and emerge from the canyon to see Monte Perdido, the open valley, and the Circo de Soaso, a half-open steep-sided hollow at the head of the valley formed by glacial erosion
– End the day at the Cola de Caballo (horse tail falls) at the head of the valley before returning to Albella for an evening meal and briefing

Accommodation

Tena Valley nature photography and final workshop with Iñaki

– Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your final day with Iñaki
– Spend the full day in the Tena Valley in search of orchids and marmots
– Photography a variety of wildflowers in June and beautiful fall colours in October
– Replenish your energy with a delicious picnic lunch
– In the afternoon, return to the farmhouse for a drink and a presentation by Iñaki on workflow, photo processing, and management
– Then, it’s time to say goodbye to Iñaki after a recap of the week over refreshments
– Eat a tasty evening meal at the farmhouse and have a briefing over coffee

Spectacular views 4x4 excursion

– This morning, eat an early breakfast and depart for the Valle of Bujaruelo to photograph the beautiful medieval bridge of San Nicolas de Bujaruelo
– After coffee by the river, head to Torla for an opportunity to capture some of the medieval Aragonese architecture on film and some souvenir shopping!
– Enjoy lunch at a tapas bar in Torla
– This afternoon, take a 4×4 excursion to the five dramatic viewpoints over the Monte Perdido and Brecha de Roland – an ideal end to an amazing photography week
– Along with landscapes, take dramatic pictures of Chamois, Marmots, and raptors
– Return to the farmhouse for a light dinner, coffee and a chat about the week

Depart

– Eat a leisurely breakfast and enjoy a flexible departure time depending on your flight schedule and timing

Location Information

Stay in a beautifully restored 17th century farmhouse, and wake up to stunning views of the Spanish Pyrenees and surrounding valleys, just a few hours from Barcelona or Zaragoza airports.

Features
– Located in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees in the rural hamlet of Albella
– Traditional 17th century farmhouse has been restored to a high standard
– Surrounded by extensive gardens and stunning mountain views
– Sitting room and library across the spacious courtyard from the main house
– Airy dining room with views of the valley for all breakfast and evening meals
– English, Spanish, French and Portuguese speaking hosts with a wealth of knowledge about the area
– Delicious local food and wine

Nearest airports:
Zaragoza (2 hours, 15 minutes away) or Barcelona (3 hours, 3 minutes away)

FAQs

- Photography holidays are suitable for all levels from complete beginners to experienced walkers and cooks
- Minimum age is 18 for this holiday with no upper age limit
- Your hosts are English, and all tuition is in English

- This holiday is available on specific limited start dates
- Cooking and walking holidays are for 7 nights / 8 days
- If dates appear ‘on request’, please email us at hello@nitgb.com and we’ll check availability for your preferred day of arrival as quickly as possible

- This nature photography holiday is packed with amazing excursions and plenty of breathtaking sights to immerse you in the culture and wildlife of the local area.
- In the evenings, you can choose to explore and of the nearby villages or wander the stunning countryside surrounding the farmhouse property
- Your hosts can give you lots of information on what activities are on offer in the local area as well
- It is recommended to have a car to fully explore the area and you may find you wish to stay on for a few nights to get the most out of your trip!

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

from £1358 pp

What You'll Do

Experience
Highlights

Your Local Host:

Simon and Lucy

Experience Itinerary

Arrive

Introduction to the area & first photography lesson

Nature photography, village visit, and night photography lesson

Wildlife photography and visit to 11th century chapel

Waterfalls, rock formations, nature in the Valley of Ordesa

Tena Valley nature photography and final workshop with Iñaki

Spectacular views 4x4 excursion

Depart

Location Information

What's Included

What's Not Included

FAQs

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE