T R I P O V E R V I E W
On the outskirts of the capital Madrid lies a hidden treasure that few know about and even fewer can access. For this workshop, we have exclusive access to a protected 8000-hectare estate with a network of hides dedicated to photographing some of Spain's rarest creatures such as the Spanish Imperial Eagle and the Genet. The combination of exclusive access, a rare ancient holm oak forest, a higher density of Imperial Eagles than anywhere else in Spain, and all a short distance from Madrid, make this a truly unique destination and photographic experience.
Highlights
-
4 nights stay in comfortable non-shared hotel accommodation, in a charming medieval village just a short drive throw from Madrid
-
Exclusive access and permits to the Soto Vinuelas estate and its network of photography hides - no other photographers outside of Spain have access to this estate!
-
Develop a rich portfolio of forest and scrubland birds such as the Azure-Winged Magpie, Crested Tit and Iberian Green Woodpecker
-
Photograph the Spanish Imperial Eagle, Spain's rarest and most iconic bird of prey
-
Expert guiding and 1-on-1 tuition from award-winning photographer and local guides
-
Bird photography from ground and water level hides
I T I N E R A R Y
The following is a proposed itinerary, which should be considered provisional, subject to bird activity, weather and hide choices. In the case of inclement weather, we will recommend other hides where we may observe these species, or try to rearrange sessions for another day.
Day 1: Fly to Madrid. Transfer by car 40mins north to our accommodation just beyond Madrid, in the quaint medieval fortress town of Manzanares el Real on the edge of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Local exploration, settling in, and a chance to see the widespread White Storks which nest around town. Dinner at a local restaurant. Welcome presentation of our itinerary as well as photographic techniques to apply in the field.
Day 2: We head to our private estate for a full day's photography from hides. The morning will be spent photographing the rare Spanish Imperial Eagle. After lunch, a hide session for Black and Griffon Vultures. Dinner in Manzanares el Real, and a chance to review and edit the day's photographs.
Day 3: Full day's photography at the private estate. Morning session in the forest bird hide - here we may photograph at eye-level the colourful Azure-Winged Magpie, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Crested Tit, Rock Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Serin, and much else. Afternoon sessions with Little Owl and Iberian Grey Shrike. Dinner in Manzanares el Real, and a chance to review and edit the day's photographs.
Day 4: Morning photography on the private estate. An afternoon walk at the nearby La Pedriza, an area of stunning rock formations, looking for Ibex which can venture close for photos. Evening session with White Storks returning to nests at sunset. Dinner in town.
Day 5: We visit a hide in the Sierra de Guadarrama for Golden Eagles. An early dinner in town, followed by an evening session photographing Genets.
Day 6: Morning hide session on the private estate. Late afternoon flight home.
Why not combine this with a trip down south to the Pyrenees? Photograph a smorgasbord of 14 raptor species, from the Bearded Vulture to the Bonelli's Eagle and Eagle Owl, in the town of Montsonis.
T H E H I D E S
Raptor Hides
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Maecenas porttitor congue massa. Fusce posuere, magna sed pulvinar ultricies, purus lectus malesuada libero, sit amet commodo magna eros quis urna. Nunc viverra imperdiet enim. Fusce est. Vivamus a tellus. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Proin pharetra nonummy pede. Mauris et orci. Aenean nec lorem. In porttitor. Donec laoreet nonummy augue. Suspendisse dui purus, scelerisque at, vulputate vitae, pretium mattis, nunc. Mauris eget neque at sem venenatis eleifend. Ut nonummy.
Photographable Species: Spanish Imperial Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Black Vulture, Red Kite, Buzzard
Forest Bird Hides
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Maecenas porttitor congue massa. Fusce posuere, magna sed pulvinar ultricies, purus lectus malesuada libero, sit amet commodo magna eros quis urna. Nunc viverra imperdiet enim. Fusce est. Vivamus a tellus. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Proin pharetra nonummy pede. Mauris et orci. Aenean nec lorem. In porttitor. Donec laoreet nonummy augue. Suspendisse dui purus, scelerisque at, vulputate vitae, pretium mattis, nunc. Mauris eget neque at sem venenatis eleifend. Ut nonummy.
Photographable Species: Azure-Winged Magpie, Crested Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Spotless Starling, Blackcap, Robin, Chaffinch, Serin, Rock Sparrow, Nuthatch, Great-Spotted Woodpecker, Iberian Green Woodpecker
Meals
Breakfast/brunch (included at the guesthouse) will consist of pastries, toast, fresh fruit, omelettes, sausages and eggs, with coffee/tea and juices. If additional lunch is desired, we can make a stop for a picnic sandwich lunch. Dinner will be at a nearby restaurant with local Greek cuisine. Please let me know if you have any dietary requirements.
Walking
We consider this light, as we will be reliant on transport between locations. Please contact me beforehand to discuss suitability and if you have any mobility issues.
Group Size & Tuition
With a maximum of 5 participants, our small group size ensures everyone has a better personal experience. I will be on hand to answer your questions and help you with observing animals whatever your skillset.
Photo Gear
We recommend that you bring a DSLR with a zoom lens in the 100-400mm range; 300mm or less is ideal for flight shots. A wide-angle lens or GoPro is highly recommended for the shoreline feeds, when birds come very close to us and fight over fish.
Drones
If you wish to bring a drone to capture a unique perspective on the pelicans, please contact me in advance to discuss.
Clothing
It is important that participants wear appropriate clothing for the variable winter. Please check the recommended kit list, sent upon sign-up. Participants will be advised nearer the time if snow is forecast for our trip.
Weather
Ranging from 5C to 15C, but can be below freezing. The wind factor can be felt on boat trips.
Flights
We recommend flying to Thessaloniki airport. Please discuss with me so that I can recommend the best flight for you to take.
W H A T ' S I N C L U D E D
P R A C T I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N
Included
Not Included
✓ Services of photography and local nature guides
✓ Several boat trips and shoreline feeds with the pelicans
✓ Afternoon/Evening image reviews and edit sessions (optional)
✓ A welcome presentation on the local fauna and sites
✓ 5 nights accommodation at a hotel near Lake Kerkini
✓ All meals, taken at the hotel and in town
✓ Airport pick-up and drop-off from Thessaloniki airport to our hotel
✓ Ground transportation
✗ Return flights from London to Thessaloniki
(please contact me so that I can recommend the best flights)
✗ Any Visa charges or airport taxes
✗ Personal and cancellation insurance*
✗ Personal snacks and beverages
✗ Personal expenses
✗ Laundry
✗ Any additional overnight stays
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.
M A K E A B O O K I N G E N Q U I R Y
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.
Included
✓ Services of photography and local nature guides
✓ Private access to the estate
✓ Evening image review and edit sessions (optional)
✓ A welcome presentation on the local fauna and sites
✓ 5 nights accommodation at a hotel in Madrid
✓ All meals, taken at the estate or at restaurants in Madrid
✓ Airport pick-up and drop-off from Madrid airport to our hotel
✓ Ground transportation
Not Included
✗ Return flights from London to Madrid
(please contact us so that we can recommend the best flights)
✗ Any Visa charges or airport taxes
✗ Personal and cancellation insurance*
✗ Personal snacks and beverages
✗ Personal expenses
✗ Laundry
✗ Any additional overnight stays
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.