PELICANS OF KERKINI
GREECE
Photograph the charismatic Dalmatian Pelican and other Greek wildlife this winter
D A T E S & P R I C E S
2026
Departures Availability Price
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Jan 22 - Jan 26 5 Places £1650
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Jan 26 - Jan 30 5 Places £1650
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2027
Departures Availability Price
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Jan - DATES TBC 5 Places TBC
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Jan - DATES TBC 5 Places TBC
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Are you interested in this tour or something similar? Or perhaps the dates don't work? Just send me a message below and I’ll reply soon to discuss further.
H I G H L I G H T S
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Five private boat trips and shoreline feeds with the Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans, at sunrise and sunset
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Spectacular birdlife such as Flamingos, Greater Spotted Eagles, 8 species of Woodpecker, and endangered Lesser White-Fronted Goose
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Develop a diverse portfolio of images
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Visit a major wetland near Thessaloniki for flamingos, spoonbills and more
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Local guides with intimate knowledge of the area
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Excellent guide to client ratio, with lots of 1-on-1 tuition
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Optional editing class in between photo sessions
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Single supplement en-suite rooms in a comfortable guesthouse by the lake
T R I P O V E R V I E W
During this workshop, we will focus on photographing the charismatic Dalmatian Pelican that spend the winter on Lake Kerkini in northern Greece. Over 5 days, you'll be able to build a stunning and varied portfolio of these rare and spectacular birds, with the help of local fishermen and guides who have developed an intimate relationship with the pelicans over many years. Exclusive boat trips and shoreline feed sessions offer unparalleled opportunities for flight and close-up portraits from boats and from the shore.
Winter is the best season to observe these birds, with over 100 birds on the lake sporting their breeding plumage of orange throat pouches. We will capture a range of images including portraits, in flight, feeding, and wide angle in environment, hopefully against snow-capped mountains, mist or glowing sunsets. The diversity of landscapes around Kerkini make this a photographer's dream. We will track down other spectacular animals such as Greater Flamingos and Pygmy Cormorants on the lake, and search the meadows for Golden Jackals and Wild Cats. So start clearing those camera memory cards - you'll need the space!
I T I N E R A R Y
Find out how the days will unfold and what activities make up the tour Day 1: Arriving in Thessaloniki, we'll transfer to our hotel near the shore of Lake Kerkini. Depending on timings, we may do an introductory photography session with the pelicans from the shoreline. Dinner in town. Day 2: Early morning photography around Lake Kerkini, where we will photograph Dalmatian Pelican feeding from the shoreline, as well as a handful of Great White Pelican in their pink breeding plumage. We'll take a boat out onto the lake for 2 hours, to capture a variety of feeding, in-flight and portrait shots. Return to the hotel for brunch and to review our photos. A search of the neighbouring fields and woodlands for birdlife such as Greater Spotted Eagle, Black and White Storks, Cranes, and seven species of Woodpecker. Return to the lake in the late afternoon for a 2 hour sunset session with the pelicans. Evening search for Golden Jackal and Wild Cat, which can sometimes be seen out hunting. Dinner in town. Day 3: A repeat of Day 2, focussing on getting a rich variety of images of the Pelicans in different light and backdrops. Day 4: We'll visit the Axios Delta Wetland near Thessaloniki. One of the most important wetlands in Europe, we will focus on photographing many birds at water level and at close proximity, such as large flocks of Greater Flamingo, Pygmy Cormorant, Black-Necked Grebe, Kingfisher, and various waterfowl. Optional drive for Wild Cat and Golden Jackal, and dinner in town. Day 5: Final morning boat session with the pelicans, before heading to the airport at Thessaloniki. Photographable Species: Dalmatian Pelican, Great White Pelican, Greater Flamingo, Pygmy Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Greater Spotted Eagle, Kingfisher, Black-Necked Grebe, various species of Duck, Black Stork, White Stork, Crane, Middle-Spotted Woodpecker, Syrian Woodpecker, Grey-Headed Woodpecker, Golden Jackal, Wild Cat
O U R B A S E
We'll stay in a traditional guesthouse in Lithotopos, just a short walk from the side of the lake.
With private en-suite rooms, lounge, and tavern serving fresh Greek food, it’s the perfect base for both comfort and daily creativity with the pelicans.
The Pelicans
5 boat sessions and 1 shoreline feed will give you many opportunities to photograph Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans up close and really hone your photographic style.
Each morning and evening, we’ll be out on the lake, capturing everything from feeding behaviour and birds in-flight moments, to striking portraits and silhouettes. Under expert guidance, you are guaranteed fantastic images of these magnificent birds.
Excursions
We'll spend one day at the Axios Delta - one of the most important wetlands in Europe. Here, we'll photograph birds at water level and at close range, including large flocks of Greater Flamingo, Spoonbill, Pygmy Cormorant, Black-Necked Grebe, Kingfisher, Greenshank, and various waterfowl and shorebirds.
During the afternoons, between pelican sessions, we will explore Lake Kerkini's shoreline for Golden Jackals and Wildcats, Greater-Spotted Eagles, and the numerous species of woodpeckers that make its forests their home.
P R A C T I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N
F A Q
For full terms and conditions, including our cancellation policy and personal travel insurance, please click to see the Terms & Conditions
* To take part in our trip, you must be covered by adequate insurance for its entire duration. The insurance must cover for cancellation, medical and emergency expenses. We recommend insurance against damage or loss of baggage, camera equipment, instruments and personal items.
Contact Paul at paulalistaircollins@gmail.com for further information.
Once your booking has been confirmed, a £300 deposit will be required per person to secure your place.