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Montenegro Photo Tour 2024
Although a small country, Montenegro has endless potential for photographers. The historical treasures, such as UNESCO world heritage site Kotor, are well worth exploring and photographing. However true highlight of Montenegro is its natural beauty. The rugged coastline, stunning geography of the Bay of Kotor, mountains, rivers, lakes and abundant wildlife, it seems Montenegro has it all! It is hard to imagine such diversity in a such small area, but it’s all found in Montenegro. The food boasts influence from across Europe and the tastes are incredible! From the seafood on the coast to local cheese and ham from the mountain pastures, it’s all fresh and delicious.
Montenegro has two primary regions; the bustling coast with its thriving tourism industry where you’ll find luxury hotels, excellent restaurants, nightclubs, amazing beaches and crystal a clear sea, and then a much quieter side, away from the coast where it can seem that time has stopped. Nearby Lake Skadar is even more relaxed and has a different feel again. Traveling along some of the scenic roads here you often have the feeling there is no one around but you. In addition, Montenegrins are incredibly friendly and welcoming people, the further north you go the more welcome you will feel. Join us on this tour and discover one of region’s best kept secrets!
ITINERARY
Montenegro Photo Tour 2024
* In order to provide participants with the best photographic opportunities the itinerary is subject to change based on weather, lighting and other variables.
DAY 1: October 3rd, 2024 – KOTOR
– Dinner included
Arrive at Podgorica airport and transfer to the hotel in Kotor. Meet with the group for afternoon & evening photography in village of Kotor followed by dinner. Overnight in Kotor.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Minimum ☆☆☆ Hotel
DAY 2: October 4th, 2024 – BAY OF KOTOR
– Daily breakfast & lunch or dinner included (2 meals daily)
Morning photography in Kotor town with an option of climbing the city walls for great views. Free time. Afternoon visit of Perast town situated at the Bay of Kotor. Scenic boat trip to the Lady of the rocks island is followed by a dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Kotor.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Minimum ☆☆☆ Hotel
DAY 3: October 5th, 2024 – KOTOR (LOVCEN NATIONAL PARK)
– Daily breakfast & lunch or dinner included (2 meals daily)
After breakfast, drive along one of the most incredible mountain roads in the region to Lovcen National Park. Visit of the museum of Njegos, the famous leader, and poet who offers stunning views (from 1749m) on almost all of Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor. Then have lunch time at Cetinje town, the former capital of Montenegro. In the afternoon, a visit of Budva or Sveti Stefan Island for scenic views. Time to explore the old town and take evening photography along the coast. Overnight in Kotor.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Minimum ☆☆☆ Hotel
DAY 4: October 6th, 2024 – KOTOR to ZABLJAK
– Daily breakfast & lunch or dinner included (2 meals daily)
After breakfast, we leave Kotor town behind and take the scenic route north to Durmitor National Park. First, we make a stop at Perast to use the morning light illuminating the old city and the islands. Then we leave the coast and drive into the mountains. Afternoon arrival to Žabljak town and check in at our hotel. Evening photography from the mountain road in the heart of Durmitor National Park. Overnight in Žabljak.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Minimum ☆☆☆ Hotel
DAY 5 – 6: October 7th – October 8th, 2024 – ZABLJAK
– Daily breakfast & lunch or dinner included (2 meals daily)
We’ll have two full days to explore Durmitor National Park and its surrounding area. We’ll visit the Black Lake, one of the major sights of the park, as well as some of the more hidden mountain lakes. Taking our time along the scenic mountain road (where sheep and cows might be the only traffic jams we’ll encounter!), we’ll stop to take in amazing mountain views. Weather permitting we’ll also visit some viewpoints above Tara River Canyon; the largest canyon in Europe and second only to the Grand Canyon in the world. Overnight in Žabljak.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Minimum ☆☆☆ Hotel
DAY 7 – 8: October 9th – October 10th, 2024 – ZABLJAK to KOLASIN
– Daily breakfast & lunch or dinner included (2 meals daily)
Heading east we move onto another natural gem – Biogradska Gora National Park. This is a much smaller and more intimate place, known for its beautiful lake and dense virgin forests. If the weather is on our side, we’ll also visit a nearby mountain plateau for more spectacular mountain views at sunset. Overnight in Kolasin.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Minimum ☆☆☆ Hotel
DAY 9: October 11th, 2024 – KOLASIN to PODGORICA
Kolašin to Podgorica
– Daily breakfast & lunch or dinner included (2 meals daily)
After breakfast we leave the mountains of Biogradska Gora behind and head south towards Podgorica. We may stop at Morača monastery on the way or visit the cathedral in Podgorica. In the afternoon we visit Lake Skadar, the largest lake on the Balkan peninsula. Depending on weather, we go for a boat ride on the lake or drive along scenic road for elevated views over the lake and surrounding mountains. Overnight in Podgorica.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Minimum ☆☆☆ Hotel
DAY 10: October 12th, 2024 – DEPARTURE
– Breakfast Provided
Breakfast and a transfer to the Podgorica airport to catch your flight home or continue your journey onward and join us for our Croatia and Slovenia photo tour! You will depart with a new group of friends, wonderful experiences and memory cards loaded full of image files to remember it all by. Upon arrival at Podgorica Airport you will check in for your flight home or continue on to the next destination. Bon Voyage!
CANCELLATION POLICY
Montenegro Photo Tour 2024
This cancellation policy protects our business losses and as such is strictly adhered to. Exceptions will not be made. We strongly encourage participants to purchase travelers insurance through an agency like Global Rescue so that you’ll have coverage should you unexpectedly need to cancel your trip. At his discretion, Nathaniel may lead the tour even if it does not meet the minimum number of participants required.
1). Cancel more than one year prior to the original tour start date:
Full refund, minus any initial deposit and all PayPal transaction fees. Refunds will be paid via PayPal and processed within 72 hours of the request being approved.
2). Cancel less than one year prior to the original tour start date:
A refund will only be issued if the tour is sold out and your vacated spot filled by another participant signing up. This refund would exclude your initial deposit, single supplement payments and any PayPal transaction fees.
* Should you fail to complete the payments as scheduled for this tour you will forfeit your deposit, all payments and your spot on this tour.
** You’ll be promptly notified and provided a full refund (including your deposit) should the tour be canceled by Nature Odyssey Worldwide Tours.
TRAVEL PLANNING
Montenegro Photo Tour 2024
• Participants must arrive in Kotor, Montenegro prior to 12:00pm on October 3rd, 2024!
• We strongly encourage participants to purchase travelers insurance through an agency like Global Rescue so that you’ll have coverage should you unexpectedly need to cancel your trip.
• Traveling in remote locations can present challenges that may require slight changes to the itinerary. We will always try to run the tour as the initial itinerary. In the event, beyond our control, such as political unrest, natural disasters, over bookings by the lodge, where a change is required, we will do our best to keep you close to the original shooting location. It is our intention for you to have the best possible experience. We will try to notify you of any changes as soon as we are made aware of them. If, however these changes cause an increase to the price, the increase will be passed on to the participant.
PAYMENTS & REGISTRATION
Montenegro Photo Tour 2024
October 3rd, 2024 – October 12th, 2024
Only 5 Spots! (Maximum 8 Participants)
8,995 USD – Based On Double Occupancy- $1,500 Non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot
- $1,000 Single Supplement charged to any participant not sharing
* A late fee of $250 may be added to the balance for any payments not received by the due date.
Fill Out Registration Form (Required To Secure Booking)
Fill Out Flight Itinerary Form (Due 60 Days Prior To Tour)
INCLUDED
1. All airport transfers
2. 10 Day / 9 night accommodations (Double occupancy)
3. Pro photographer mentoring by Nathaniel Smalley
4. All ground transportation throughout the tour in private vehicles
5. Daily breakfast & lunch or dinner included (2 meals daily)
6. Casual processing sessions
7. Goods and Services Tax
8. All park admission fees
9. Field Instruction and editing suggestions
10. Expert local guide
11. Drop off at your final hotel accommodations
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EXCLUDED
1. In-bound or departing Airline Flights
2. Any Covid related testing
3. Water, Snacks, Beverages, Alcohol or Evening Meals
4. Any required vaccines
5. Travel, Equipment or Health Insurance
6. Visas and passport fees (where applicable in preparation for your travel)
7. Items of a personal nature
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WHAT TO BRING
1. Camera with manual mode capability
2. Extra camera batteries & charger
3. Cable release or remote control for your camera (Mirror Up and Exposure Delay will also work)
4. Lens filters of your choice (ND, CPL, GRAD, etc.)
5. Sturdy tripod
6. Warm clothes (down jacket, softshell jacket, polartec jacket, long underwear)
7. Waterproof / Windproof Clothes (GoreTex jacket + pants)
8. Waterproof Hiking Boots
9. Wool and silk socks
10. Gloves
11. Thermos for warm beverages
DIFFICULTY
This is an outdoor nature photography tour, so being fit and in good health will allow you to enjoy the trip more comfortably. However, our planned activities should be within the ability of most people in moderate to good shape. Conditions can be cold and wet rocks can sometimes be unstable and slippery, so please pack appropriate clothing for the conditions.
Participants are required to sign a standard medical and waiver of liability form. Every effort is made to keep participants safe during all stages of the tour, but each person is solely responsible for avoiding personal injury or damaging their equipment during the trip.
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TESTIMONIALS
“Nathaniel’s tours came highly recommended to me by close friends and he did not disappoint. Our Iceland tour was well-managed and packed with options and locations. Nathaniel kept the mood light, which is important for extended travel, particularly when making new acquaintances. His unique approach to off-peak hour shooting in Iceland is a real bonus. We had very little interference from other groups or other photographers. I feel that the overall package offered is well-balanced and of good value. He is willing to take extra time and make every effort to help those that need it and request it. I would definitely recommend NOW Tours to all photographers at all levels. I will most definitely tour with him in the future!”
~ Steve S. | California, USA
“The 2019 Icelandic Summers Night Dream Workshop was a dream come true! It was my first international photo tour. Nathaniel demonstrated professionalism, provided a structured itinerary that included flexibility for weather conditions, gave hands on instruction for complete understanding for an inexperienced photographer, and exhibited contagious enthusiasm that motivated our group to engage in a meaningful and fun experience. I’ve already signed up for my next international Nature Odyssey Worldwide tour to Norway. Thank you, Nathaniel!”
~ Connie G. | Texas, USA
“I just got back from Iceland after attending Nathaniel Smalley’s summer workshop, what an incredible experience! He turned day to night, only shooting after 9pm and out until 4 or 5am, thanks to the midnight sunset and 3am sunrise – what sweet light we had!! We had the added bonus that no one else was there despite hundreds of tourists. We had every kind of weather from bright sun to “you can’t leave the hotel” 50mph wind gusts. However that day turned out to be a gift of extra sleep and editing time. We were rewarded for not whining with glorious weather and light the next day.
The beauty was overwhelming… miles and miles of lupine, a personal favorite, that has been planted to prevent erosion. It turns out the Vikings came and clear cut everything to plant crops – restoration will take decades, but is has begun. There were no trees until we moved farther north and east. Geothermal steam provides the majority of their power and it rises here and there all over the country with large pipes carrying it to where it’s needed. Sheep were very abundant and usually curious enough to stand still for photos. We saw Icelandic horses just outside Keflavik and again out far east – so beautiful! Churches are almost as abundant as the sheep.
We travelled many miles, moving almost every day to see it all. We ate delicious meals – they typically have two kinds of restaurants, gourmet and fast food, so of course we did gourmet and always dessert! I am jet lagged, but less than you would expect with a 7 hour time difference. My theory is that my body never knew what time it was! Of course, I’m exhausted, but still smiling from one of the best photography experiences I have ever had, and I have been blessed with many! Thank you Nathaniel!”
~ Joyce H. | California, USA
“I recently participated in the 2021 Iceland tour. Nathaniel had the knowledge to get us in place in a timely manner to maximize our chances at getting some really nice photos. I ended up the highest percentage of keepers of any photo tour I have ever been on! The food and lodging were as good as it gets in the areas we visited.”
~ John M. | Texas, USA
“Nathaniel combined his vast knowledge of photography with his experience in Iceland making this a trip of a lifetime one that did not disappoint. He is personable and professional. Upon review of my 5,000+ pictures, it was amazing to me how many shooting locations we visited. I felt like we really experienced the entire island. This was my second trip with Nathaniel and I already have another one on the books!”
~ Heathre B. | Texas, USA
“The Icelandic Summer Night’s Dream Photo Tour was fantastic! Nathaniel has built a balanced itinerary that has a lot of flexibility to adjust to weather and other factors. I sincerely appreciated the dedicated time and great coaching given to my son, who was participating in his first photo tour. The entire trip went very smoothly thanks to Nathaniel’s superb planning efforts and his passionate energy every day. I am sure it was a very memorable experience for everyone in our group. I look forward to another Nature Odyssey Photo Tour!”
~ Michael M. | Arizona, USA
Nathaniel’s Iceland workshop is one of the best I’ve ever taken. The trip was very well organized and with enough flexibility to modify our schedule to be at places when the light was beautiful and the crowds weren’t there. With Iceland being such a popular destination, the ‘must see‘ places get completely overrun with visitors. The times Nathaniel arranged for us to be at many of our spots was when we could capture images of these places looking pristine.
We also visited some more remote, off the beaten path locations, which I appreciated very much. Our accommodations were also good selections – from clean and comfortable to luxurious. I don’t think I could have had a more enjoyable experience with any one else and gotten the amazing images I took on this trip. Nathaniel is also very helpful with all levels of photographers and I believe that everyone improved their skills in his workshop. I plan to take another workshop with Nathaniel.”
~ Beverly H. | California, USA
“I recently returned from Nathaniel’s 2018 Icelandic Summer Night’s Dream Photo Workshop. What an adventure! Because of Nathaniel’s thorough knowledge and planning, we were able to experience Iceland in a very special way. There were no crowds to prevent our detailed photographic exploration of the island because we were out taking advantage of the gorgeous light at night! I started the trip as a novice. Thanks to Nathaniel’s skill and knowledge I now feel much more comfortable and capable as a photographer. I would highly recommend Nathaniel as a guide and instructor and this trip in particular as a very special experience.”
~ Lisa M. | Michigan, USA
“I would genuinely be surprised if there were anyone better equipped to lead this tour than Nathaniel. In addition to his endless technical and local knowledge, he’s a gifted teacher, dedicated guide, and a lot of fun to be around. The kind of person that can get along with anyone at all, and definitely the kind of person you want at the head of an intense trip like this.”
~ Sean M. | Arizona, USA
“If you want to see the classic Iceland locations without the usual crowds, then take the trip with Nature Odyssey Worldwide. We had easy access to all the photo opportunities with help from Nathaniel whenever we needed it. Glorious weather and an awesome group of people made it a fabulous trip, I’d recommend it in a heartbeat!”
~ Jackie H. | Texas, USA
“The trip was well thought out without feeling rigid. The itinerary was great and the photo instructions were spot on. Nathaniel not only understands photography but communicates that understanding well to his participants. Truly enjoyable trip.”
~ Becky J. | Texas, USA
“My wife and I had a great time in Iceland and we definitely made the right choice to go with Nathaniel, not only for his insights and photographic knowledge, but also for his kindness and caring about his participants. I will forever treasure the photographs and life experiences from this Iceland tour!!!”
~ Gene N. | New Jersey, USA
“Wow, what a place!! I was delighted to be able to join one of Nathaniel’s tours for my first trip to Iceland. We got to photograph a variety of incredible places, including glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and the coastline, in the amazing Arctic light. Nathaniel is a well-organized, fun, creative and professional tour leader whose tours I highly recommend. Thanks Nathaniel!”
~ Arwen D. | Tasmania
“Despite challenging weather conditions we had many chances to create beautiful landscape photo during winter tour. It was really good tour, I felt lucky to meet all other lovely members. Nathaniel was really good to us. Thank you again.”
~ Keiko S. | Japan