Dalmatian Pelicans and Raptors of Greece
- December 12th, 2027 - December 19th, 2027
- Spaces Left: 5 (Maximum 5 Photographers)
WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
This bespoke, custom-tailored workshop to Greece is for keen and passionate wildlife photographers who want to capture dramatic and evocative photographs of Dalmatian Pelicans and Raptors.
Northern Greece offers one of Europe’s most extraordinary settings for wildlife photography. From the dramatic raptor landscapes of Dadia National Park to the serene waters of Lake Kerkini, this carefully designed journey focuses on two remarkable photographic experiences: powerful birds of prey and intimate encounters with the Dalmatian Pelican.
This small-group expedition is designed for photographers who value patience, repetition, and optimal light conditions. With only a handful of participants, the itinerary allows time to refine compositions, experiment with techniques, and capture both dynamic action and quiet moments in nature.
Dates: 12th December 2027 until 19th December 2027 (Duration 7 Nights / 8 Days)
Why Travel with Us: Wild Nature Photo Travels Point of Difference
- Investment: €8,695 Euro
- Deposit: The deposit to secure your place is €3,500 Euro, with the balance due 120 days before the workshop commences.
- Participants: Maximum 5 Photographers plus leaders
- Start and Finish: Thessaloniki, Greece
- Trip Leaders: Joshua Holko, Master Photog II & Susanne Ribberheim
- Fitness Level: Easy
- Temperature: Cool to Temperate
- Experience Level: Beginner to Professional
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP
This is a unique and special opportunity for a small group of just five passionate photographers to photograph Raptors and Dalmatian Pelicans in northern Greece. A small group of participants guarantees a more personal and intimate experience than a larger group can provide.
Accommodation: This photography workshop will last for 8 days (7 nights). We will stay in clean, comfortable accommodations.
Dietary Requirements: If you have special dietary requirements, we will do our best to accommodate you. Please let us know when you make your booking.
Equipment: Telephoto lenses from 400 mm to 600 mm are recommended for the raptors. Zoom lenses generally provide more flexibility for fast-moving birds. A wide-angle and mid-range zoom lens, such as a 70-200mm lens, is also recommended for the Dalmatian Pelicans.
WORKSHOP ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival in Thessaloniki / Transfer to Dadia
We officially begin our workshop in Thessaloniki, northern Greece. Thessaloniki is a Greek port city on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. Thessaloniki is a short 55-minute flight from Athens. From here, the journey east toward Dadia National Park begins (approximately 4 hours). It is recommended that you arrive in Thessaloniki no later than the 11th of December, 2027, as we plan to depart first thing in the morning on the 12th.
Along the route, we will stop for photography opportunities and lunch, including the coastal lagoons near Porto Lagos, an excellent area for photographing Greater Flamingos and wintering waterbirds.
We will stay overnight near Dadia (3 nights).
Days 2–3 – Raptors of Dadia National Park
These two days are dedicated to photographing raptors from one of Greece’s most respected bird photography hides.
Species regularly photographed include:
Eastern Imperial Eagle
Greater Spotted Eagle
Cinereous Vulture
Black Kite
Red Kite
Marsh Harrier
The hide is carefully designed for photographers and offers:
Comfortable seating
One-way glass viewing
Controlled photographic angles
Heated interior with restroom facilities
Photographers enter before dawn and remain throughout the day to avoid disturbing wildlife. In addition to raptors, mammals such as Golden Jackal, Red Fox, and occasionally Grey Wolf may appear at the site.
Recommended focal length: 400 mm, 500mm or 600mm.
Day 4 – Transfer to Lake Kerkini
Today, we travel west toward Lake Kerkini (approximately 4 hours). Along the route, we will again have opportunities to stop at coastal wetlands and lagoons for additional bird photography. Arrival at Lake Kerkini in the afternoon.
Overnight at Lake Kerkini (4 nights).
Days 5–7 – Dalmatian Pelican Photography
Three full days dedicated to photographing the remarkable Dalmatian Pelican, the largest pelican species in the world.
Lake Kerkini is widely considered one of the best places in Europe for pelican photography, thanks to calm waters, predictable bird behaviour, and the possibility of shooting from small boats at eye level.
Each day includes:
Early morning session beginning in the blue hour
Afternoon session continuing into sunset and blue hour
Across the three days we plan:
3 boat photography sessions (approximately 2 hours each)
3 shore-based sessions, depending on bird activity and water levels
Birds are often attracted close to the boats, allowing remarkable proximity and unique photographic opportunities.
Midday periods allow time for rest, image review, or informal discussions on technique and creative approach.
Day 8 – Departure
Transfer from Lake Kerkini to Thessaloniki (approximately 1.5 hours).
Flights should be scheduled after 12:00 PM, or participants may choose to stay an additional night in Thessaloniki.
Weather in Greece: The weather at this time of year is cool to temperate.
Flights to Greece: Flights to Greece can be booked online with major carriers.
INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions
- Transportation: All in-tour land transportation and guide services from our starting location in Thessaloniki, Greece, for the workshop duration.
- Accommodation: Accommodation for seven nights in shared rooms at our accommodation (Private rooms available with a supplement).
- Food and Beverages: Includes breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (excluding alcohol) for the duration of the workshop
- Tuition: Expert one-on-one Photographic tuition and guiding services
Exclusions
- Transportation: Any travel required to arrive at the workshop starting location in Thessaloniki, Greece.
- Duties and Taxes: Any taxes, levies, insurances, Immigration, duties, and visa fees where applicable.
- Personal Items: Any personal items, including alcoholic beverages, souvenirs and travel insurance. Tipping is not required.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A deposit of €3,500 Euro must be paid at the time of booking to secure your place, with the balance due 120 DAYS before the workshop commencement date. Deposit Methods Accepted: Credit card Visa/Master (+3%) or Direct Deposit / Wire Transfer.
Refunds and Cancellations: Our standard workshop policy requires an initial non-refundable deposit for the reservation of your space and your payment balance in full 120 days before the commencement of the workshop date unless otherwise noted. If we do not receive the balance on or before the due date, and we are unable to get in contact with you via the contact details you have provided, we will try to fill your spot off the waiting list. At our discretion, we may apply your deposit to be used for another workshop within one year. Please note that price increases may apply in this instance.
If the workshop is cancelled for any reason, your deposit will be refunded in full. Wild Nature Photo Travel Pty Ltd., trading as Joshua Holko Photography and Joshua Holko, is not responsible for any financial commitments that registered attendees have with third parties such as airlines or other travel services.
READ FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Travel Insurance: You must purchase travel and evacuation insurance in the event of illness or any other emergency that delays or otherwise prevents you from travelling on the trip. Wild Nature Photo Travel partners with and recommends Global Rescue for Evacuation and Medical insurance.
REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP
If you are excited about photographing Dalmation Pelicans and Raptors with a small group of like-minded, passionate photographers, now is the time to register your interest. Places are extremely limited, and once spoken for, that's it.