Northern Spain & Portugal Photo Tour 2027
12–21 September 2027 · 10 Days / 9 Nights · Maximum 4 Photographers · €6,250
From the wild Atlantic shores of Northern Spain to the timeless light of Porto.
Join me for an intimate ten-day photographic journey through one of the most varied and unspoiled regions of the Iberian Peninsula. Beginning in Bilbao, we travel west through the Basque Country, Cantabria, the Picos de Europa and Galicia, before crossing into Portugal to conclude in Porto.
This is not a conventional workshop bound to a rigid timetable. With no more than four photographers, the journey is shaped by light, weather and tide. Our itinerary remains free to follow them, so that we are in the right place at the right moment.
From Ancient Forests to the Atlantic
Our journey begins in the Basque Country, in the quiet, atmospheric woodland of Gorbeia. From there we descend to the Atlantic coast around Barrika and Champielos, where sculpted rock, shifting tides and moving water offer exceptional seascape opportunities.
Heading west through Cantabria, we climb into the Picos de Europa. Limestone peaks rise above peaceful valleys and forests, a completely different landscape and a completely different way of seeing.
We then continue to Galicia and the wild character of Spain's northern coastline, before crossing into Portugal.
Our finale is Porto, my home region and a city I know intimately. The Douro River, historic architecture, traditional boats, reflections and the soft light of morning and evening bring the journey to an elegant close.
A Truly Small-Group Experience
The tour is limited to a maximum of four photographers, by design.
It allows me to work personally with each of you in the field, refining composition, technique, filters, long exposures and the creative decisions that turn a good scene into a compelling photograph.
It also gives us mobility. We can respond to changing weather, tides and light instead of following a fixed schedule. Whether you are an experienced photographer or simply wish to deepen your landscape work in inspiring surroundings, tuition is shaped around your experience and your goals.
Travel in Comfort
This is a premium photographic experience, not merely a sequence of locations.
Transport: we travel together in a premium vehicle, with comfortable transfers throughout.
Accommodation: carefully selected 4 and 5-star hotels, chosen for comfort, quality and location.
Rooms: a private single-occupancy room for every participant, with no shared rooms.
Tour Highlights
Basque Country: Bilbao, the ancient forest of Gorbeia, Barrika and Champielos
Cantabria: dramatic Atlantic landscapes and the gateway to the mountains
Picos de Europa: iconic peaks, valleys and mountain scenery
Galicia: wild Atlantic coastline and extraordinary geological formations
Porto: the Douro River, historic architecture and atmospheric waterfront photography
Booking & Payment
A €1,000 deposit secures your place. The remaining balance can be settled in two further instalments before the tour, through a flexible three-part payment plan.
With only four places available, this journey is designed for photographers who value personal attention, comfort and the freedom of a genuinely small group.
Northern Spain & Portugal: two countries, one extraordinary photographic journey.
Flexible Payment Option
(For your convenience, the tour can be paid in three instalments if preferred.
The final payment, or any remaining balance, is due no later than two months before the tour begins.)
This flexible option allows you to secure your place early while spreading the cost over time.A small-group photographic journey through the wild landscapes of Northern Spain and the timeless beauty of Northern Portugal.
From the dramatic Atlantic coastline of Northern Spain to the timeless character of Porto, this intimate 10-day photographic journey has been designed around light, landscape and time.
Travelling with a maximum of just four photographers, we will explore some of the most atmospheric locations across the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia and Northern Portugal. Our days will remain deliberately flexible, allowing us to respond to weather and light rather than following a rigid schedule.
The pace is unhurried, accommodation is carefully selected, and photographic guidance is personal throughout.
Day 1 — Bilbao & the Basque Coast
Arrival in Bilbao · Barrika
Our journey begins in Bilbao, where the group will meet before heading towards the spectacular Basque coastline.
For our first photographic session, we explore Barrika, known for its extraordinary geological formations and rugged relationship between rock and sea. Depending on conditions and tides, this will be our introduction to the wild Atlantic landscapes that define much of the journey.
An elegant first evening together sets the tone for the days ahead.
Day 2 — San Juan de Gaztelugatxe & the Basque Coast
Gaztelugatxe · Coastal Landscapes
An early start gives us the opportunity to work with the softer morning light before continuing our exploration of the Basque coast.
The dramatic setting of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, surrounded by cliffs and Atlantic water, offers wonderful possibilities for both expansive landscapes and more intimate compositions.
The exact timing of our sessions will be determined by light, tides and weather.
Day 3 — Gorbeia & Cantabria
Ancient Forest · Journey towards Santander
We leave the open coastline behind for a very different photographic experience in the atmospheric forests of Gorbeia.
Here, the emphasis shifts towards woodland photography: texture, repetition, subtle colour and quiet compositions beneath the canopy.
After our morning session, we travel west into Cantabria, with opportunities to photograph the coastline around Santander as conditions allow.
Day 4 — Cantabria & Picos de Europa
Santander Region · Into the Mountains
Our journey continues through Cantabria towards one of Northern Spain’s great landscapes: the Picos de Europa.
The transition from Atlantic coast to dramatic limestone mountains provides a completely different visual language.
We will photograph carefully selected viewpoints and mountain landscapes, always prioritising locations that offer exceptional views without requiring demanding hikes.
Day 5 — Picos de Europa
Naranjo de Bulnes · Mountain Landscapes
A full day dedicated to the Picos de Europa.
Weather permitting, we work around views towards the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu) and other carefully selected locations within the mountains.
Rather than rushing between viewpoints, we allow time to observe changing light, clouds and atmosphere — refining compositions and returning to locations when conditions deserve it.
This is a day for slower, more deliberate landscape photography.
Day 6 — Asturias
Mountain Valleys · Cudillero · Cabo Vidio
Leaving the Picos, we travel into Asturias, where mountains gradually give way once again to the Atlantic.
Our route takes us towards the beautiful fishing village of Cudillero, with its layers of colourful houses descending towards the harbour.
Later, we explore the dramatic coastline around Cabo Vidio, where cliffs, ocean and changing evening light provide a striking contrast to the previous days in the mountains.
Day 7 — Asturias to Galicia
Asturian Coast · Playa de las Catedrales
We continue west along one of Spain’s most photogenic stretches of Atlantic coastline.
Depending on tides and conditions, our principal photographic destination will be the remarkable Playa de las Catedrales, famous for its monumental sea arches, rock formations and constantly changing relationship with the ocean.
Along the journey, we remain free to stop for unexpected conditions and lesser-known coastal scenes.
Day 8 — Galicia
Wild Atlantic Landscapes
A day devoted to the quieter side of Galicia.
Rather than simply collecting famous locations, we explore selected beaches, cliffs and coastal viewpoints where weather and Atlantic light can create more personal images.
This is also an opportunity to work on longer exposures, minimalist compositions and the subtle landscape details that are often overlooked when travelling too quickly.
Day 9 — Galicia to Porto
Crossing into Portugal · Porto
After our final morning in Northern Spain, we travel south and cross the border into Portugal.
Our destination is Porto, where the character of the tour changes once again — from wild landscapes to one of Europe’s most atmospheric historic cities.
The Douro, traditional architecture, bridges and layered riverfront provide exceptional opportunities as afternoon light gives way to blue hour.
We finish the photographic day overlooking one of Portugal’s most beautiful cityscapes.
Day 10 — Porto
Porto at Dawn · Final Session & Departure
Our final morning begins early, photographing Porto in the quiet light before the city fully awakens.
It is an opportunity not only to create our final images, but also to bring together everything we have worked on throughout the journey — composition, visual simplicity, use of light and developing a more personal approach to landscape photography.
After breakfast, our Northern Spain & Portugal Photo Tour comes to an end in Porto.
A Journey Designed Around Photography
This is not a tour built around ticking locations off a list.
With only four photographers, we have the freedom to adapt our itinerary to the conditions we encounter. Sunrise and sunset locations may change according to weather, tides and light, and when exceptional conditions appear, we have the flexibility to stay and photograph rather than move simply because a schedule tells us to.
We travel at a comfortable pace, stay in carefully selected 4–5 star accommodation with single occupancy, and use comfortable premium transportation throughout the journey.
Most importantly, the small group allows me to work individually with each photographer — from composition and technique in the field to developing a more considered and personal way of seeing the landscape.
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
- Tripod.
- Remote shutter release cable
- Spare batteries
- Battery Charger
- Memory Cards
- Lens Cloth
- Electric Plug Adapter
- Raincover (or umbrella)
Recommended
- Lenses to cover a range of focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto
- Polarising filter
- Neutral density filter
- ND grad filters
- Head or small hand torch
(for working, and getting back to the vehicle in the dark)
Included
- 9 nights in carefully selected 4 & 5-star hotels
- Private single-occupancy room throughout
- Premium ground transportation during the tour
- Personal guidance and tuition from me in the field
- Location planning with a flexible schedule, guided by weather, tides and light
Not Included
Flights
All other meals
Beverages
Insurance
Relatively easy but good footwear needed. Most locations and viewpoints are close to where we will be parked. There may be some walking on uneven terrain which could be wet and muddy, and some locations are hilly. Good sturdy, water resistant boots are advised.
Best place to fly for this tour is to Bilbao Airport or to Madrid and connect from there.
If coming from the UK or within Europe, you can find flights at Easyjet or Wizz Air or Ryanair.
I will pick everyone up at Bilbao Airport.
The tour will end in Porto, Portugal so you will need to plan your onward journey from there. Best place to fly from is Lisbon Airport.
Northern Spain in September is generally mild, with daytime temperatures typically in the high teens to low twenties Celsius, but conditions along the Atlantic coast and in the mountains can change quickly, so layering is the key to staying comfortable. Pack a few breathable base layers, a warm fleece or light insulated jacket for chilly sunrise and sunset shoots, and a reliable waterproof, windproof shell, as “Green Spain” earns its lush landscapes from regular rain and sea mist. Comfortable waterproof walking boots with good grip are essential for wet coastal rocks and mountain trails in places like the Picos de Europa, along with quick-drying trousers and a spare pair of socks. A warm hat and thin gloves are worth bringing for early starts at altitude, while a sun hat and sunglasses will come in handy on clear afternoons. Finally, include a relaxed smart-casual outfit for evenings, when you’ll want to enjoy the region’s excellent food and wine.
Private Workshop & Tour Bookings
Private tours and workshops for all tours are available upon request. Please use the form here or contact me by email or phone so I can put together a custom itinerary and price for you.
Private Tour & Workshop Bookings
Private tours and workshops for all tours are available upon request. Please use the form here or contact me by email or phone so I can put together a custom itinerary and price for you.
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