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An exclusive tour to discover the rare European wildcat and alpine birdlife, among pristine mountains and professional photography huts.
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€ 500,00
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In the Northern Spain, the Asturias guard one of the wildest corners of Europe: a harsh and remote landscape made of valleys, rocky ridges, woods and mountain pastures. In this still pristine habitat lives one of the highest known densities of Felis silvestris, The mysterious European wildcat.
But not only that. The Asturian mountains are home to a extraordinary biodiversity made up of birds of prey, high-altitude passerines, elusive mammals and a long list of migratory species. A true paradise for every nature photographer, in search of authentic emotions, far from the usual tourist itineraries.
The summer It's the perfect time for this adventure: the long days, thelow grass he rhythms of the landscape They offer us the best conditions for stakeouts, explorations and unforgettable shots.
4 nights in a double room
Sharon Vanadia
This photographic journey starts at the airport of Madrid, from where we will depart northwards towards the Asturias. After arriving at the hotel and a first field briefing, we will immerse ourselves in an intensive program, designed to offer you the best of nature photography in one of the most fascinating regions of Europe.
We will visit two exclusive photographic huts: one frequented by golden eagles, where with a lot of luck you can also observe foxes or it elusive wild cat, the other located in a remote area dedicated to vultures, where we could spot griffins, monk vultures, vultures and occasionally foxes or even Iberian wolves.
To these will be added afternoon safaris in search of the wild cat: we will move between the fields with 4×4 vehicles and we will make targeted ambushes in the freshly mown meadows, alternating photographs from the car and short approaches on foot, to try to document the hunting moments mice and moles.
A the morning will be dedicated to alpine birdlife: we will climb to the top with mobile sheds or with simple stakeouts at frequented perches from species that are surprisingly comfortable with human presence here. With a bit of luck, we'll be able to observe and photograph:
Bluethroat, Rock Thrush, Alpine Accentor, Water Pipit, Stonechat, Wheatear and Blue Rock Thrush.
The photographic days develop with an intense and engaging rhythm, designed to offer maximum sighting and shooting opportunities, alternating fixed huts with dynamic field trips. At dawn we will reach a hut dedicated to the golden eagle, located in a strategic area where, with a bit of luck, we will also be able to observe the wild cat, which sometimes wanders around.
On another morning we will climb to higher altitudes to search for the symbolic species of Alpine avifauna: bluethroat, rock thrush, alpine accentor, water pipit, wheatear, stonechat and others, taking advantage of mobile sheds or simply discreetly awaiting their arrival on natural perches.
One morning will be dedicated to vulture hideout, located in a mountain clearing frequented by griffon vultures, monk vultures, Egyptian vultures and kites, with rare appearances of Iberian foxes and wolves.
In the afternoon we will move to the fields for a real photographic safari in search of the wild cat, following its movements as it hunts mice and moles. We will travel by car to explore vast areas, also alternating short approaches on foot, always with great respect for the environment.
Each stage of the tour will be accompanied by expert guides and from a professional photographer who will assist you in the field and help you improve every technical and creative detail of your images.
During the tour we will stay overnight in a small 3-star hotel located in a quiet small village at the foot of the Asturian mountainsThe family-run structure has comfortable rooms, air conditioning and a restaurant with typical local cuisineThe staff is attentive, helpful, and accustomed to welcoming photographers and nature enthusiasts.
All the private transfers from/to the airport and for daily activities are included in the package, as well as breakfasts, lunches and dinners every day, to allow you to live the experience in full comfort, without worries.
Find out how the days will unfold and what activities make up the tour
Meeting at the airport Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas In the early afternoon, private transfer to the mountains at the foot of the Picos de Europa where we will stay for four nights in a small hotel immersed in the tranquility of the Asturian landscape.
At 9.00 pm Convivial dinner with introductory briefing on the tour and overnight stay
Wake up at dawn and leave for the first lookout in the photographic hides dedicated to theGolden Eagle in a remote and reserved area where with a bit of luck we will already be able to observe the wild cat.
Return in the late morning for a few hours of relaxation at the hotel and lunch.
In the late afternoon the first nature safari dedicated to the search for the wild cat We will travel in several cars through the valleys and pastures where these felines live and hunt, often peacefully, allowing us to photograph them even outside the vehicle, taking the right precautions.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
New dawn and new session in the photo hides this time dedicated to the vultures and mountain birds of prey in a spectacular setting with the possibility of spotting griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, monk vultures, golden eagles and sometimes even foxes.
After the session, return to the hotel for relaxation and lunch.
In the afternoon we will return to the trail of the wild cat covering the areas with the highest density using search and stakeout techniques that will give us excellent observation opportunities.
Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay
At dawn we will move towards the high altitudes (1700m) for an experience dedicated toAlpine avifauna in an extraordinary context between ridges and slopes that host species such as bluethroat, rock thrush, alpine pipit, and dunnock
In this area the species are very confident and it will be possible to observe them from a few meters without the use of hides in an environment that with a bit of luck could also give us the thrill of spotting the wild cat or even a Cantabrian brown bear
Return to the hotel for lunch and a little rest
In the late afternoon last photographic outing in search of the wild cat to try once again to immortalize this fascinating predator in the warm light of the sunset
Final dinner at the hotel and overnight stay
Breakfast and departure in the morning towards Madrid with arrival at the international airport expected in the early afternoon where we will say goodbye before the flights depart.
The program may undergo variations agreed with the group. Any variation will be solely to improve the photographic experience. *We will try to optimize our sessions through the experience of our guide who will help us get closer to wild cat specimens in the open field to obtain close-up images. In fact, the wild cat here is not particularly wary and with the correct behavior it is possible to make excellent approaches.
Born in Rome in 1994, she showed a strong sensitivity towards nature from a young age. Graduated in Biological Sciences, she specialized in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management. Having become a professional photographer, she leads nature workshops and tours around the world, fusing her passion for biology with nature photography. With years of experience in the field, she is an internationally followed photographer.
Discover all the places and views that you can admire during this trip. All the material shown here comes from our trips
Signing up will be very simple!
Just follow the booking procedure by clicking on “Book Now”. Once you've entered your personal information, you'll only be asked to pay a deposit, not the full price. Once this process is complete, your registration will be confirmed. You'll then receive a confirmation email once the process is complete. The balance will then be due according to the terms listed at the top of the page, usually 60 days before departure.
A telephoto lens of at least 600mm equivalent will be essential for the safari activities and for the more distant moving scenes, while for the sessions in the huts and for the photography of theAlpine avifauna even lenses may be sufficient 300mm and up, especially when paired with camera bodies with APS-C sensors or crop mode.
It is also recommended to bring along a tripod sturdy and a fluid head or gimbal to ensure stability during both photo and video shooting. A second camera with a shorter lens can also be useful for location shots or unexpected situations.
Further technical details and personalized advice They will be provided after registration, to help you best prepare your photography kit.
During the tour, the temperatures can vary significantly Depending on the weather conditions of the year and the altitude of the activities. On average, you can expect temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, but in the early morning hours or at high altitudes minimum temperatures can drop to 12–18°C.
For this reason, we recommend a layered clothing, so that it can easily adapt to different situations: breathable t-shirts, technical shirts, lightweight fleeces and a windproof or softshell jacket They'll be ideal. Comfortable, sturdy shoes, suitable for both huts and light hikes, complete the outfit.
A detailed list will be provided after registration, so you can prepare as best as possible.
To ensure the smooth running of the tour, it is You must be at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport by 4:00 PM on July 22.The return flight will instead have to depart approximately after 3:00 pm on July 26th.
You have full freedom in choosing flights, as long as they respect this time slot. If you want to land early or depart the next day, you can easily arrange an overnight stay near the airport, where several comfortable and affordable accommodations are available.
After registration, our team will be at your disposal to provide personalized support in choosing or purchasing flights., if you need it.
By booking by paying the deposit to the organizers you accept the following clauses:
1. Since this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible change in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of around 5% is highly likely if booking is made more than one year in advance. in relation to potential changes in prices of ground services (for example changes influenced by fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and more).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid via the payment methods offered by the organizer, such as bank transfer, PayPal, credit card or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers, taking charge of the transaction costs.
3. In the event that the tour does not take place due to the organiser, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4. In case of cancellation for personal reasons of any kind and in any case not dependent on the organizer, the deposit and any other registration fees will be retained as a reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons within 60 days of departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.
By registering, paying the deposit and sending your personal data you again accept clauses 1,2,3,4,5.
We will reply to you by email as soon as possible
Sabina Capoferri16/04/2024Mio marito ed io abbiamo partecipato al viaggio in Costa Rica organizzato da Just Explorers con Michele Bavassano e Sharon Vanadia. Esperienza fotografica fantastica, ottima organizzazione e professionalità. Un viaggio completo che comprende i Lowlands e Highlands per poter vedere e fotografare un'enorme varietà di specie diverse. Consigliamo vivamente di fare quest'esperienza. Conserveremo un ottimo ricordo e sicuramente faremo altri viaggi con loro!wouter faasse08/04/2024We hebben genoten van de workshop in Costa Rica. Alles was goed geregeld van de lodges en het eten tot aan de foto sessies. Dit was onze 4e reis met Sharon en Michele en zeker niet de laatste!ANDREA MAZZOLI04/04/2024Costa Rica Tropical Wildlife - Just Explorer con Michele BAVASSANO e Sharon VANADIA. Un viaggio fotografico nell’entroterra del Costa Rica appagante e appassionante, che consiglio a tutti i fotografi, perché in grado di regalare momenti e scatti esaltanti !!gian luca Toncelli03/04/2024che dire …. è stata per me la quinta esperienza Wild Life con Michele e Sharon, ed e’ proprio grazie a loro ed alla loro straordinaria professionalità che ogni volta imparo sempre di più….. ma soprattutto sono persone fantastiche disponibili ed estremamente preparate. grazie davvero !!!! non vedo l’ora di ripartire con loro !!! una nuova avventura mi aspetta !!! l’ho gia’ prenotata!!! e sarà l’ennesima nuova meravigliosa esperienza Wild life pura !!!!! grazie ragazzi 💪💪💪marcondes pereira03/03/2024WE HAD A DREAM TRIP. ALL PLANNING AND LOGISTICS CARRIED OUT VERY WELL, INCLUDING THE CHOICE OF THE SUITABLE LOCATION AND TIME OF YEAR TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH INCREDIBLE ANIMALS AND STUPENDOUS LANDSCAPE, ALL IN COMPLETE SAFETY AND WITH THE COMPANY OF EXPERIENCED GUIDES. PERFECT FOR ENJOYING NATURE AND MAKING NEW FRIENDS. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.TIVEMOS UMA VIAGEM DOS SONHOS. TODO PLANEJAMENTO E LOGÍSTICA MUITO BEM REALIZADO, INCLUINDO A ESCOLHA DO LOCAL E ÉPOCA DO ANO ADEQUADOS PARA ENTRAR EM CONTATO COM INCRÍVEIS ANIMAIS E ESTUPENDAS PAISAGENS, TUDO COM TOTAL SEGURAÇA E CONTANDO COM A COMPANHIA DE EXPERIENTES GUIAS. PERFEITO PARA APRECIAR A NATUREZA E FAZER NOVOS AMIGOS. ALTAMENTE RECOMENDÁVEL.Virginio Passera26/02/2024Mi è stato regalato il workshop "Winter gran paradiso" dai miei familiari, regalo azzeccatissimo,sono stati 4 giorni intensi e meravigliosi nella splendida Valsavarenche.I nostri accompagnatori Sharon e Jonathan sono stati splendidi,sempre disponibili per consigli e suggerimenti su come scattare e avvicinare gli animali presenti.consigliatissimoWanda Serrao25/02/2024Gran Paradiso, 4 giorni meravigliosi, Sharon e Jonathan bravissimi, molto competenti e professionali, oltre che simpaticissimi. Posti meravigliosi dove è stato possibile fotografare stambecchi, camosci, volpi avvicinandoci con rispetto ma garantendo ottime posizioni per lo scatto. Consiglierei a chiunque di fare workshop con loro.JOAQUIN FUENTES05/02/2024Michele and Sharon were the best hosts a photographer could ask for. They are two of my heroes and are some of the best wildlife photographers in the world. This was the trip of a lifetime! We had luxury accommodations and 5 star meals daily. Each photographer had our own row in the vehicles. Highly recommend booking with Michele through his official website if you’re interested in any type of wildlife photography tour. We had all advanced photographers on our trip, but I understand that all levels are welcome to join. What a fun group and experience! Note that the all inclusive photography experience actually cost much less than what you would have to pay on your own! It would have cost around twice as much to reserve the rooms, transfers and private vehicle for a week. I’m really looking forward to my next tour with Michele and Sharon!Josef Gelernter04/02/2024It was truly an amazing and unforgettable experience ! Extremely well organized and managed ! I have to thank Sharon and Michele for their wonderful support and guidance ! They both are not only fantastic photographers, but also wonderful tour leaders ! I would go on any tour with them as it is well worth every single penny spent ! Thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart Sharon and Michele and see you very soon on another of your tours ! All the best ! JoeFrancesca Baravelli02/12/2023Ho partecipato al workshop Winter sibillini con Jonathan e Michele, è stato tutto emozionante, divertente e professionale. Due giorni fuori dalla realtà immersi in un contesto paesaggistico unico nel suo genere. Assolutamente da consigliare a tutti gli amanti della natura e della fotografia naturalistica!Valutazione complessiva Google 5.0 su 5, in base a 148 recensioni
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