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Booking Details
Dates
18 - 22 January 2027
Tour Leader(s): Victor Soares
Group Size: Max 6
Cost: from £1,650 pps
Deposit: £400
Single Suppliment: Available, please ask
Meeting: Thessaloniki Airport (Greece)
Highlights
Join fellow photography enthusiasts at Lake Kerkini, one of Europe’s top destinations for pelican photography.
Experience the tranquil beauty of northern Greece, with peaceful lakeshores, traditional villages and warm local hospitality.
Capture powerful images of Dalmatian pelicans, from close-up portraits to dramatic scenes with misty waters and mountain backdrops.
Enjoy a mix of boat-based and shoreline photography, planned around the best light and conditions.
Stay in comfortable lakeside accommodation, just moments from prime photography spots.
Small group focus ensures plenty of space, time and personalised guidance for each photographer.
Included
Accommodation for 4 nights near Lake Kerkini
Services of FOW’s professional expedition leader for the duration of the tour
6 sessions 4 boat trips – 2 shoreline sessions. 2 hours each boat trip. Sunrise – sunset. ( or 5 boats and 1 shoreline)
Services of local guides and boat captain
Breakfast (brunch) and dinners
All road transport, including pick up and drop off at the airport - single trips for the entire group.
All taxes, permits and service fees.
Excluded
International flights.
Any other services not included in the inclusion sections.
Passport and visa fees if required (although we will guide you in this process)
Optional activities
Personal travel insurance (recommended)
Personal Property/Camera insurance (recommended)
Any personal expense such as laundry bills, beverages / drinks bill, telephone bills, airport tax etc.
Recommended
Your photographic equipment of choice
one or two camera bodies (personal choice)
a telephoto lens (300mm - 500mm) + a Teleconverter
a wide lens (24mm or less) - for landscape or astronomy (personal choice)
A rain cover for camera/lens
A pair of comfortable walking boots
Weatherproof clothing (just in case)
Downloads



GREECE
-
EUROPE
THE PELICANS OF LAKE KERKINI
Dates
18 - 22 January 2027
Participants
Max 6
Places
Available
Cost
from £1690
Lake Kerkini in northern Greece, under two hours from Thessaloniki, is a top year-round birding spot for pelicans and migrants.

Summary
Set in northern Greece near the borders with Bulgaria and North Macedonia, Lake Kerkini is a calm, wildlife-rich haven best known for its Dalmatian pelicans. Winter offers the most striking photo opportunities, with beautiful light and dramatic scenes. Over five days, photograph pelicans and other birdlife from boats and the shore, staying close to the lake to maximise time in the field, guided by an experienced wildlife photographer.
Basic Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & First Light on the Lake
Arrive in northern Greece and transfer to Lake Kerkini. After settling into your lakeside hotel, head out for a gentle afternoon session along the shoreline. This first shoot is all about getting to know the light, the landscape and the pelicans as they gather on the water. Sunset often delivers soft colours and calm reflections. Evening briefing and dinner.
Day 2 – Boat Photography with Dalmatian Pelicans
An early start for a boat-based photography session, getting you right on the water for close encounters with Dalmatian pelicans. Winter light, mist and calm conditions often create magical scenes. Return for breakfast, then review images and enjoy free time. In the afternoon, photograph pelicans and other birdlife from the shoreline before another relaxed evening. Throughout the trip, we’ll remain flexible to make the most of changing light and wildlife activity.
Day 3 – Winter Drama & Creative Shooting
Another early boat session, focusing on behaviour, flight shots and more creative compositions as pelicans interact with fishermen and each other. Midday is kept flexible for rest, image review or editing help. In the afternoon, explore different shoreline locations to capture wider scenes, environmental portraits and changing light.
Day 4 – Refining Shots & Expanding the Portfolio
Spend the morning on the lake by boat or on foot, depending on conditions, targeting any shots you’d like to improve or try again. This is your chance to refine compositions or experiment with slower shutter speeds and wider angles. Final afternoon shoot along the lake as the light fades, followed by a farewell dinner.
Day 5 – Final Morning & Departure
A last optional sunrise shoot for those keen to squeeze in a final session. After breakfast, depart Lake Kerkini for onward travel, leaving with a strong portfolio of pelican images and a memorable wildlife experience.
Note: The itinerary may change due to factors beyond our control.
What To Expect
What to bring (this will not be provided by your host)
Your photographic equipment - check recommendations
Any medication you may need for the duration of the tour.
Binoculars (optional)
A head-torch
Walking during the trip
There may be some walking but very little
Transportation
All road transfers are included as indicated. No flights are not included.
Food
Meals and drinks are included as indicated
Photographic Experience
Whatever your knowledge and experience, you are welcome! All levels of photography are catered for.
PLEASE NOTE:
We can help you with booking the correct flights. However, schedule flight times are subject to change depending on the routing of the aircraft - this is out of our control
We reserve the right to review quoted rates in the event of currency exchange rate fluctuation or increases in costs/taxes/park fees that are beyond our control
Please ensure that you travel with comprehensive holiday and medical insurance
Please ensure that your passport does not expire within 6 months from your travel date
IMPORTANT
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a requirement for joining any wildlife photography tour or workshop arranged by Focused On Wildlife (or our partners). Please ensure you have a comprehensive policy in place before departure. We recommend choosing a reputable provider you already trust, with cover that includes medical emergencies, cancellations, and delays.
Equipment Insurance
Your camera gear is one of your most valuable investments. On our tours, you may be travelling into remote and sometimes unpredictable environments, where accidents, loss, or theft can occur. It’s essential that your photographic equipment is properly insured before you travel.
Wildlife photography often involves capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments. By insuring your kit, you’ll have peace of mind that, should the unexpected happen, you’re protected financially. This allows you to stay focused on what really matters: immersing yourself in nature and bringing home unforgettable images.
AT A GLANCE

GREECE

Max 6

5 Days
from £1,690
18 - 22 January 2027
AVAILABLE
Booking Details
Dates
18 - 22 January 2027
Tour Leader(s): Victor Soares
Group Size: Max 6
Cost: from £1,650 pps
Deposit: £400
Single Suppliment: Available, please ask
Meeting: Thessaloniki Airport (Greece)
Highlights
Join fellow photography enthusiasts at Lake Kerkini, one of Europe’s top destinations for pelican photography.
Experience the tranquil beauty of northern Greece, with peaceful lakeshores, traditional villages and warm local hospitality.
Capture powerful images of Dalmatian pelicans, from close-up portraits to dramatic scenes with misty waters and mountain backdrops.
Enjoy a mix of boat-based and shoreline photography, planned around the best light and conditions.
Stay in comfortable lakeside accommodation, just moments from prime photography spots.
Small group focus ensures plenty of space, time and personalised guidance for each photographer.
Included
Accommodation for 4 nights near Lake Kerkini
Services of FOW’s professional expedition leader for the duration of the tour
6 sessions 4 boat trips – 2 shoreline sessions. 2 hours each boat trip. Sunrise – sunset. ( or 5 boats and 1 shoreline)
Services of local guides and boat captain
Breakfast (brunch) and dinners
All road transport, including pick up and drop off at the airport - single trips for the entire group.
All taxes, permits and service fees.
Excluded
International flights.
Any other services not included in the inclusion sections.
Passport and visa fees if required (although we will guide you in this process)
Optional activities
Personal travel insurance (recommended)
Personal Property/Camera insurance (recommended)
Any personal expense such as laundry bills, beverages / drinks bill, telephone bills, airport tax etc.
Recommended
Your photographic equipment of choice
one or two camera bodies (personal choice)
a telephoto lens (300mm - 500mm) + a Teleconverter
a wide lens (24mm or less) - for landscape or astronomy (personal choice)
A rain cover for camera/lens
A pair of comfortable walking boots
Weatherproof clothing (just in case)
Downloads



OVERVIEW
Set in northern Greece near the borders with Bulgaria and North Macedonia, Lake Kerkini is a calm, wildlife-rich haven best known for its Dalmatian pelicans. Winter offers the most striking photo opportunities, with beautiful light and dramatic scenes. Over five days, photograph pelicans and other birdlife from boats and the shore, staying close to the lake to maximise time in the field, guided by an experienced wildlife photographer.


GREECE
THE PELICANS OF LAKE KERKINI


INCLUDED
Accommodation for 4 nights near Lake Kerkini
Services of FOW’s professional expedition leader for the duration of the tour
6 sessions 4 boat trips – 2 shoreline sessions. 2 hours each boat trip. Sunrise – sunset. ( or 5 boats and 1 shoreline)
Services of local guides and boat captain
Breakfast (brunch) and dinners
All road transport, including pick up and drop off at the airport - single trips for the entire group.
All taxes, permits and service fees.
EXCLUDED
International flights.
Any other services not included in the inclusion sections.
Passport and visa fees if required (although we will guide you in this process)
Optional activities
Personal travel insurance (recommended)
Personal Property/Camera insurance (recommended)
Any personal expense such as laundry bills, beverages / drinks bill, telephone bills, airport tax etc.
RECOMMENDED
Your photographic equipment of choice
one or two camera bodies (personal choice)
a telephoto lens (300mm - 500mm) + a Teleconverter
a wide lens (24mm or less) - for landscape or astronomy (personal choice)
A rain cover for camera/lens
A pair of comfortable walking boots
Weatherproof clothing (just in case)
DOWNLOADS

















