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Spain is a cultural kaleidoscope, a dynamic country where rich and varied historical influences converge: Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish, among many others. Over twelve days, you turn your camera toward bustling markets and majestic cathedrals, expansive beaches and dramatic gorges, storybook palaces, and vestigial feats of ancient engineering. Prepare to be dazzled and educated while enjoying comfortable transport and carefully chosen accommodation; in each of the cities that anchor our photographic adventure—Madrid, Seville, and Málaga—a four-star hotel serves as our home base.
The itinerary is expertly planned by Derek Baron to include traditional experiences and authentic local interaction, making it ideal for any photographer who wishes to truly explore and experience the fascinating history, culture, and landscapes of Spain.
As our adventure unfolds day by day, Arthur Meyerson leads you photographically to new heights and understandings of the medium through hands-on lessons, individual image review sessions, and daily briefings on how to approach the day’s photographic opportunities. Color is the underlying photographic theme, but portraiture, landscapes, street photography, reportage, abstract design, and architectural studies are part of our daily experiences. First and foremost, this is a photographic journey with Spain as our dazzling playground and intimate studio.
Upon your arrival in Madrid, you are greeted at the airport and taken to our hotel near the city center. Our English-speaking guides are available to assist those who arrive early or who want to engage in activities that day. After settling in with a tour orientation, we feast on a classic paella.
Day two—our first full day—starts with a walking tour to experience the true essence of Madrid through its iconic landmarks, from the peaceful Retiro Park and the stunning Puerta de Alcalá to the bustling Gran Vía. From there we visit the Royal Palace, the Spanish royal family’s official residence (and the largest royal palace in Europe). As night falls, we take a culinary survey of favorite tapas spots.
After a leisurely breakfast on our third day, we make the short drive to Segovia, with its awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct and enchanting Alcázar de Segovia, a fortress straight out of a fairytale. Then it’s off to the beautiful town of El Escorial, for a traditional lunch and an exploration of the breathtaking Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On day four we say goodbye to Madrid and take a two-and-a-half-hour train ride to vibrant Seville, where we spend three nights. A group lunch is followed by free time to wander around the city on your own or engage in any local activity you like, such as relaxing in a traditional Arab bath, strolling in the Triana neighborhood, or visiting local markets.
We begin day five with a private tour of the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood and the Cathedral of Seville, which houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. We then savor a selection of the city’s finest tapas at a nearby restaurant.
An unforgettable day six starts with a train ride to Jerez de la Frontera, where we are wowed by a performance at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Then it’s just a short drive to a local vineyard for lunch paired with a sherry tasting before we return to Seville.
After breakfast on our seventh day, we hop on a train to mesmerizing Granada for a private tour of the picturesque Albaicín neighborhood with its majestic cathedral and royal chapel. We relish a group dinner together while taking in stunning views of the Alhambra.
Day eight kicks off with an historical tour of the Alhambra and the Generalife, where you’re given ample time to capture images of the spectacular architecture and gardens. We then make our way back to the city center for shopping or a stroll through the local markets. For our last night in Granada, we are treated to a captivating private flamenco performance in a cave, followed by designated time for photographing the performers.
Our final destination is the charming coastal city of Málaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol and our base for the remainder of the trip. Málaga’s rich cultural heritage boasts influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors. As a private tour leads us through picturesque streets with views of the Mediterranean Sea, you turn your lens on the Roman Theatre, Alcazaba fortress, and Málaga Cathedral. We also visit the world-renowned Picasso Museum before indulging in the city’s culinary specialty: a traditional fish lunch.
The next morning we drive to Ronda, a town perched atop a deep gorge where iconic landmarks include the Maestranza bullring and the Ronda bridge. After lunch together, we visit an award-winning olive oil producer to learn about their process and sample some of Spain’s finest olive oil.
Our last full day is one of pure leisure, for soaking up the sun and enjoying Málaga’s vibrant beaches. Take a refreshing dip in the water, stroll along the promenade, or sample local delicacies. Our tour concludes with a farewell dinner, and on the following day, private transfer to the Málaga airport (MGA) meets you in time to catch your return flight.
Immerse yourself in the sensory wonders of Spain—both natural and human-made—as you and your camera chronicle an unforgettable journey into culture and history.
This program is open to photographers at all levels who are passionate about travel and improving their image making.
Participants should be technically self-sufficient, as this is not a program to learn how to use your gear or editing software. This a photographic tour, not a photography workshop and there isn’t structured classroom time. There are individual image review sessions with Arthur, as well as help with photographic ideas and techniques on-location.
To get the most from this international experience, participants should be in good physical (mobility, stamina) and mental health. In general, arrive prepared for long days and seasonal weather including variable temperatures. You must be able to carry your own photographic and personal gear at all times. You are responsible for being open and honest about your physical fitness, and we reserve the right to remove you from the workshop if we find your fitness to be less than that which you have described.
Please note that this particular tour can involve the following: somewhat long days, walking tours in the cities, being outside in potentially warm temperatures, a couple of long journeys, early morning wake-ups, and other similar scenarios.
View Payment, Refund, Withdrawal, and Transfer Policies for this International Program.
Refer to Package Price description for details on lodging and meals.
$8,900 includes double accommodations for 11 nights (ideal for couples and friends traveling together; single supplement available for an additional $850); full breakfast daily, five lunches, and six group dinners; activities and entrance fees for everything on the itinerary; airport transfers; in-country guide; in-country transportation. Airfare to Spain as well as required travel insurance, meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary, gratuities, and passport fees are not included.
Arthur Meyerson is recognized as one of America’s finest color photographers and a highly sought-after workshop instructor. He has traveled throughout the world and all seven continents photographing for advertising, corporate, and editorial clients. He is a three-time winner of Adweek’s Southwest Photographer of the Year award, as well as being named one of the 30 best advertising photographers by American Photo. In 1999, Arthur was honored by Nikon’s illustrious Legends Behind the Lens series. His photographs are exhibited internationally, appear in numerous publications, and are part of several permanent museum collections. Arthur’s highly acclaimed book, The Color of Light was published in 2012 and his latest book, The Journey was released in 2017 to much praise. In 2022, the Briscoe Center in Austin, Texas acquired his photography archive.
A popular workshop instructor, Arthur is also part of our Mentorship Program »
Get to know Arthur in our Inspiration Series video »
Website: arthurmeyerson.com
Instagram: @arthurmeyerson
