6 independent reviews for Photography holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees
Reviews for Photography holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees
Ian McColl review 9 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Probably, for myself, photographing the bearded vultures (lammergeiers) but the scenery was stunning too. I should add that we went as a couple, though only one of us pretended to be a photographer, the other preferring to sketch.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Simon and Lucy are generous and caring hosts, and the stay in their adapted farmhouse wa an enjoyable experience in itself. They are two hours drive from Zaragoza, in the foothills of the Pyrenees. There are direct flights to Zaragoza from Stansted, but as we live in Liverpool we used Easyjet to Barcelona, and then the high speed train to Zaragoza. Days out typically involved a drive of 60-90 minutes to the areas in which our photography was to be concentrated. I wouldn't say that this was a problem, though we had imagined Albella to be closer to the high peaks than it is. On some days we walked between 5 and 10 km, usually to waterfalls, with some steep ascents and occasionally on packed snow/ice, so a reasonable level of fitness was essential. We both enjoyed almost all of this. The only reservation was that the outing on the last day was rather long (almost 12 hours) and involved a lot of time in the minibus (over four hours in total), though it did provide new opportunities for photography - rock formations in the morning, griffon vultures and choughs in the afternoon.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Although Brits, Simon and Lucy are established and active members of the local community. That their business is based there obviously contributes to this. Moreover they have a deep interest in the environment and in conservation issues, ranging from the fact they they themselves grow most of the vegetables they use to the unusual beeswax-based reusable wrapping for their picnic lunches.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We both enjoyed it in almost all respects: the hospitality of Simon and Lucy, the scenery, the birds and the photographic opportunities. My one reservation as a photographer was that our photography expert, though a good teacher and very helpful in many ways, seemed over-committed to waterfalls at the expense of other possibilities - and the problem with these particular waterfalls was that access was mostly restricted to specific viewing platforms which limited the opportunity to search out creative angles. But perhaps I have been spoiled by the opportunity to photograph some of Iceland's waterfalls and even the Iguazu Falls in South America.Phil Duddles review 25 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hosts Simon's and Lucy's friendly nature, knowledge and enthusiasm which ensured you had a good holiday. The Spanish Pyrenees are quite spectacular.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would recommend that you should consider going on a organised holiday to ensure you get the best parts of the Pyrenees.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All food was grown and sourced locally, the wine and the beer was also sourced locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would highly recommend this holiday and would like to re-visit the area view the autumn colours.Jaslena Ahmad review 7 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Memorable: Nightly gourmet dining under the stars at Cassa Allue. Exciting : Canyoning in the Spanish Pyrenees2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to fall in love with the Spanish Pyrenees3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10Colin Barclay review 28 Mar 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I actually arrived 3 days before the photography week actually started, so spent those days with the previous group who were there on a walking holiday, so I managed to sample the best of 2 different holidays. I would heartily recommend the place and the area to either walkers or photographers, or to anyone else for that matter. It is a hidden corner of Spain unknown to almost all visitors who flock to the sunbeds on the costas. It was a very beautiful and photogenic area seen at it's most spectacular time, during the autumn while the trees were in full colour change. But, as magnificent as that was to witness, nothing will compare to watching lammergeier in flight. Having spent hours photographing them from a clifftop viewing point, we retired to an outdoor restaurant for a leisurely lunch, only to be treated to a display of these magnificent birds that wouldn't have been out of place on an Attenborough documentary. Totally unforgettable.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't think twice. I'd recommend everyone to visit Aragon and in particular the Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park, and I couldn't think of a better base and better hosts than at Simon and Lucy's farmhouse in Albella.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Both the walking holiday and the photography holiday used local Spanish guides. Both these guides, Alberto and Iņaki, were very knowledgable about their subject, enthusiastic, entertaining and spoke an excellent standard of English.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of my favourite ever holidays. Having visited Spain dozens of times, I have finally been let into the secret that the Pyrenees and Aragon have to offer. I am very sure that I will be back for another look as soon as I can.Bert Hand review 17 Nov 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Each day was different, an adventure so difficult to point to any one specific highlight. Suffice to say this was one of the more memorable Photography Workshops I have been on.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't hesitate, just do it. You will not regret it. Brilliant location, great scenery and charming hosts!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most certainly, and the hosts, Simon & Lucy are passionate about the environment and conservation4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Better than most. For me a good indicator of a good holiday is if you would return. I for one most certainly will.Thanks a bunch Simon & Lucy.Marie-Louise Garratt review 21 Jul 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's tough to say what what was my most exciting part as it was all so wonderful, but for sure the amazing views I will remember forever and the experience of hard work being paid off with a picnic at the top of a mountain looking out across the pyrenees.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for the tough walks, but do bare in mind you will not regret it! And as for photography equipment, bring everything as you never know what you might need!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I dont believe I reduced environmental impacts but the things I have have learnt may help in the future. Also the information gained about conservation I feel supported many areas.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This is definitely one of the best holidays I have been on, such a wonderful mix of things, and it will definitely push you to your limits, well at least for me it did! I learnt a lot about photography which was why I attended in the first place, but apart from photography I learnt so much about the history of the pyrenees, wildlife and general things. Lucy and Simon are great hosts and go to every effort to make you feel at home.Holiday Reviews
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