Photo Tour - North of Portugal

Jewels of the North

  • 20-24 May 2024
  • North Portugal
  • 2.750€
  • 7 places
  • 20-24 May 2024
  • North Portugal
  • 7 places
  • 2.750€

north hidden gems & untold stories

An exclusive and immersive adventure awaits – a private tour designed for those who crave one-of-a-kind experiences that ignite passion, feed curiosity and inspire creativity. In this tailor-made photo tour, we will unveil the hidden gems of the North of Portugal, offering our guests a distinctly local experience while creating the most incredible conditions for you to capture unique equine photos!

Each session is a highlight, and the meticulously crafted itinerary will truly blow your mind: breathtaking natural landscapes, rich architecture and magical backgrounds.The North never disappoints and is set to dazzle your photographer's eye! Oh, and brace yourself for an additional surprise... Did you know wild horses still roam free in the Gerês Mountains? Yes, you heard it right – we will be meeting this ancestral horse breed from Portugal, considered at risk of extinction – the one and only 'Garranos.'

This tour ensures great diversity and exclusivity, catering to a maximum of 7 photographers – don't miss your spot!
Adventure is calling. Will you join?

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Ekaterina Druz

Leading Photographer

Get ready for a fantastic opportunity to team up with Ekaterina Druz in an immersive and hands-on equine photo weekend. Witness firsthand Katya's unique approach to preparing and conducting a photo session, offering you the chance to exchange ideas, perspectives and be inspired by this one-of-a-kind artist with 15 years dedicated to capturing the essence of the horse!

Now based in Portugal, Katya is a valued partner for Lusitano World's equine programs. With regular features in international magazines, including National Geographic, she has carved a special niche in her heart for the Lusitanos, a passion vividly reflected in her artistic work. Join Ekaterina Druz and Lusitano World on this journey to explore the incredible emotions that the Lusitano breed can evoke in your heart and capture them through the lens of your camera. It's not just a weekend of photography: it's a chance to connect, learn and create lasting memories with fellow horse enthusiasts and a true master of equine photography.

What to expect?

This Photo Tour is all about traveling, exploring and discovering the best the North region of Portugal has to offer. Unlike workshops, there won't be theoretical classes, but we'll have moments to get together, share experiences, discuss points of view and edit with the guidance and support of Ekaterina Druz. Before kicking off the tour, we'll have a preparation group call to get to know each other and address any questions you might have. Here's a summary of what to expect on this North Tour:

  • Accomodation

    CERQUIDO VILLAGE & SPA

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    Feel at home, away from home, where time runs at YOUR rhythm

    Our tour's epicenter will be Ponte de Lima – one of the most characterful and charming villages in northern Portugal. Considered one of the oldest municipalities in Portugal, the town sits on the slow-flowing Lima River, featuring an emblematic Roman bridge dating back to 1 BC. In fact, Ponte de Lima’s name originated from this crossing point on the pilgrimage route from Braga to Santiago de Compostela. The town is not only famous for its medieval constructions, manors, palaces, and ancient religious buildings but is also the center for Vinho Verde production – a refreshing, fizzy wine fermented from freshly harvested grapes.

    We will be hosted at Cerquido Village & Spa – an authentic and almost secret place with the most incredible view of the mountains. Here, time runs at YOUR rhythm! Enjoy the fresh air of the mountains, the tranquility of the private gardens, and be sure to relax in the indoor spa or while swimming in the outdoor panoramic pool. We can only promise you an unforgettable experience in this magical town!

     

  • It's time to get creative!

    Unique Photographic Opportunities

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    One-of-a-kind Tailored Photo-Experience

    We've explored the best locations and now we want to share our 'jewels' with you! From dramatic mountains and crystalline blue rivers to rich architecture, historical monuments, and medieval bridges, each session is a highlight that will literally blow your mind.

    You'll have the opportunity to capture the most exquisite Lusitanos, both in hand and ridden, in Portuguese attire, always framed by carefully selected settings. We encourage you to explore your photography skills, step out of your comfort zone, and take it to a new level! Explore a unique storytelling potential that will inspire you to find your voice as an equine and travel photographer.

    This tour guarantees 6 photo sessions filled with beauty, color, action and magic – an opportunity not to miss that will undoubtedly boost your portfolio and create timeless memories!

  • Beholding the Wild Horses

    Garranos Expedition

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    Wild Garranos - a Hidden Gem of the North

    Did you know that Portugal is home to wild horses? It's true! The 'Garranos' are considered the oldest of the Portuguese horse breeds, with their presence dating back to ancient times. In fact, Iberian Palaeolithic cave paintings depict horses that bear a striking resemblance to them.

    The Garrano is a small, light horse, typically displaying solid dark colors like bay, brown and dark chestnut. Weighing around 290 kg and standing no taller than 1.35m, these horses are surprisingly strong, with great endurance and agility, thanks to thousands of years traversing challenging mountain terrain. Classified as an endangered breed in 1994, there's currently a program in place to preserve and perpetuate the Garrano breed.

    On our tour, we'll venture into the mountains to observe and photograph these mystical horses. As they are wild, respecting their behavior and space is a must, and we have no control over their reactions. While we can't predict their actions, we can guarantee that laying eyes on these special horses will evoke powerful emotions!

  • Cultural Experiences

    The perspective of an insider

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    Connect with Authentic Portuguese Culture

    Embark on a journey rich in scenic beauty, captivating history and vibrant cultural traditions. Immerse yourself in Portuguese local culture and learn firsthand from its people. Here's what you can expect:

    • Sightseeing & Insightful Local Stories: each place we visit comes with a history that enriches your perspective as you photograph. More than just capturing images, we'll create a storytelling experience!

    • Flavor Portugal: indulge in an authentic, healthy and rich Portuguese Mediterranean diet! We'll invite you to savor both modern and traditional Portuguese dishes because we believe the best way to dive into a cultural experience is through your palate.

    • Wine Tasting Experience: discover the fresh flavors of Portugal's wines with a special tasting in Porto city!

TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE

'To travel is to live' – this is more than just a motto for our tours! We don't just offer incredible equine photographic opportunities; we invite you to savor a genuine taste of Portuguese culture. Challenge yourself to connect with our traditions and create unforgettable memories of our time together!

Join us as we uncover hidden gems and untold stories in the picturesque North of Portugal, gaining a nuanced and authentic understanding of the region, its people and equestrian culture through the guidance of our local team.

Each stop is chosen not only for its scenic beauty – we aim to reveal a unique storytelling potential that will inspire you to find your voice as an equine and travel photographer. Explore, inspire, create.

 

Investment & Payment Details

Our Photo-Tours are intense, adventurous and absolutely unique. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t regret joining. Check out the price details and make sure not to miss your spot.

2.750€ (VAT excluded) Book Now

TOUR with no add-ons

Secure your spot on this one-of-a-kind tour - be sure to thoroughly review the details of what's included and excluded in the price, as well as the 'keep in mind' section with all terms and conditions for this program. If you're undecided about subscribing to any add-ons, you can always do it later.

+500€ (VAT excluded) Book Now

License for Commercial use of Photos

The basic price of the tour doesn't include a commercial use license for photos. While you can use the photos for your own portfolio, you are not entitled to sell them. If selling the photos is your goal, you should subscribe to this supplement. It will provide you with all the necessary legal documents, including model and property right releases, to avoid any restrictions on use.

+85€ (VAT excluded) Book Now

Horse riding experience

Take your experience to a new level – ride on horseback through the corners of Ponte de Lima! Enjoy the unique landscape you will be photographing not only through the lenses of your camera but also from the back of a reliable Lusitano or, who knows, a Garrano?

INCLUDED in the price

  • 6 equine photo-sessions
  • Transfer from / to o'Porto airport
  • Transportation during workshop
  • Accommodation in single room
  • All meals included
  • Full access to spa
  • Wine Tasting Experience
  • 1 guided tour at o'Porto

 

EXCLUDED from the price

  • Aircraft tickets
  • Trip cancellation or travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Extra drinks
  • Horse Riding Experience
  • Commercial rights for the photos

 

KEEP IN MIND

Before you book, make sure you are fully aware of Lusitano World's terms and conditions for this photo tour. If you have any doubts, get in touch!

 

01.

EXPERIENCE & EQUIPMENT

This photo tour is suitable for photographers of all levels. The best equipment to bring is a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a 70-200mm lens. For accurately capturing horses, we recommend 100mm lenses or longer. A telephoto zoom lens will be handy for the Garranos expedition! If you plan to edit during the tour, be sure to bring a computer with your usual editing programs. 

02.

START & END OF TOUR

This photo tour begins on Monday, 20th May 2024, with a pickup transfer from Porto Airport (exact time will be provided closer to the program date). The tour concludes on Friday, 24th May 2024, with a drop-off at 5pm at Porto Airport. A detailed itinerary for the tour will be shared with participants via email 10 days before the event starts.

 

03.

RESERVATION FEE

To secure your spot for this photo tour, a deposit of 1,000€ is required, payable via bank transfer. Our team will request your invoice details. The final payment and invoice will be sent to each participant 10 days before the tour begins. 

04.

LOCATION CHANGES

As we work with horses in an outdoor environment, it is possible that we may have to deal with some unexpected events. Therefore, the specific photo-shoot locations of this tour may be subject to change. No refunds will be given in the event of a location change.

 

05.

PHOTO-TOUR CANCELATION

Lusitano World reserves the right to cancel or postpone this Photo-Tour due to force majeure or if the minimum number of 6 participants cannot be reached 2 months before the starting date. In this event, the reservation fees will be fully refunded to each participant or can be transferred to the new dates or another photo program during 2024.

06.

CHANGE OF INVITED PHOTOGRAPHER

Lusitano World reserves the right to substitute the invited leading photographer due to force majeure, always ensuring that the program is not affected. No refunds will be given in the event of a replacement of the invited photographer.

 

07.

INSURANCE & WAIVER OF LIABILITY

We strongly recommend that each participant purchases travel cancellation insurance for flights and ensures they have travel medical health insurance. Participants will be required to sign a 'Release and Indemnity Form' before the tour starts. Be prepared – always insure your travel investment!

08.

PHOTO-RIGHTS

All photos taken during this tour can be used for your portfolio, website, social media, and private use. You can be granted all the legal documents to own the commercial rights of all photo sessions if you subscribe to the 'License for Commercial Use of Photos'. 

 

A preview to inspire

An image is worth a thousand words! Take a sneak peek into our gallery to witness some of the breathtaking scenarios you'll be capturing during this photo tour. Get ready for an abundance of incredible photo opportunities that will elevate your portfolio to new heights. Don't miss the chance to turn these moments into timeless visual stories!

book 1:1 online coaching sessions

Ready to maximize your learning curve? Elevate your photography game with personalised online coaching sessions from the amazing Ekaterina Druz! Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills before the tour, seeking extra insights on editing your photos, or aiming for overall improvement, this is your golden opportunity. Let's turn your passion into expertise together!

Learn more details

About Us

Lusitano World offers a combination of services dedicated to promote the Lusitano Horse worldwide and to highlight the richness of Portuguese equestrian culture. Visit our website and follow our social media platforms to find out what we can offer.

Recent Horses

Our Contacts

Location:
Portugal

Telephone / WhatsApp:
00351 962 103 954