The Western Balkans: A Crossroads of Civilizations
with Arthur Meyerson
April 15 – 25, 2026
Course Description
Master color photographer Arthur Meyerson continues his globe-trotting quest to experience the most remarkable destinations for creating memorable color images. His past locales include Cuba, Mexico, Japan, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. In April of 2026, join Arthur and Santa Fe Workshops for a photographic adventure exploring the Western Balkan countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro.
To the east of Italy and north of Greece, the relatively new countries of the Western Balkan region may just be Europe’s best-kept secret for travelers looking for a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. The region is known for its stunning coastal areas, including the Adriatic coast, and its diverse landscapes, from mountains and lakes to old towns and historic sites. The region is also a hub of contemporary creativity, featuring abundant cultural festivals and events. It’s also a place where different cultures and religions intertwine, making it a fascinating crossroads of civilizations.
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 the Western Balkans.
As our adventure unfolds, Arthur 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 the Western Balkans as our dazzling playground and intimate studio.
Join Arthur on this extraordinary photographic journey through the Western Balkans and explore the intricate interplay of light, shadow, and color in one of Europe’s most captivating and mostly undiscovered cultural regions.
View complete itinerary (subject to change).
A trip extension to Northern Croatia is an option for April 25 – 28. View this PDF for details: BalkansExtension_2026
Additional Information
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
This program is open to all photographers at all levels who are passionate about travel and improving their image making.
What You Should Know:
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.
Special Notes:
Participants make their own air travel arrangements to Dubrovnik, Croatia, to arrive in time for the opening reception and dinner on Wednesday, April 15, at 6:00 pm. To avoid jet lag, it is advised to consider arriving a day in advance to rest before the tour begins. Note: Travelers not staying for the trip extension will need to schedule flights from Dubrovnik after 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 25, or plan on staying at an airport hotel and flying out on Sunday, April 26. If you choose to arrive one or two days before the tour start date or spend an extra night in Dubrovnik, our tour operator can book additional nights for you.
It is required that you purchase trip cancellation/travel insurance for this international trip. We cannot vary from our published cancellation and refund policy regardless of your situation. We recommend a comprehensive policy including cancel for any reason coverage.
Once the trip is confirmed, additional information and travel details will be provided. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.
Activity Level:
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.
While the tour itself is not very strenuous, it does require a certain level of physical activity. Please note that the trip can involve the following: long days, walking tours of up to 2 hours, being outside in potentially diverse temperatures, multiple long drives, early morning wake ups, light hikes on uneven terrain, and other similar scenarios.
Policies:
View Payment, Refund, Withdrawal, and Transfer Policies for this International Program.
Package Price INFO:
$9,600 includes double accommodations for ten nights at four-star hotels (ideal for couples and friends traveling together; a single supplement is available for an additional $1,100); all breakfasts, nine lunches, and seven dinners; all ground transportation in the Balkans with a private air-conditioned minibus; airport transfers; group tour leader and English-speaking local guides; and all entrance fees. Airfare to and from Dubrovnik, as well as required travel insurance, meals, and activities not mentioned in the itinerary, gratuities, and passport/visa fees are not included.
If you are interested in the trip extension to Northern Croatia, view this PDF for details: BalkansExtension_2026
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about
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
