OC Travel Buddies & Local Events!

PhotoFly Travel Club (http://www.photoflytravel.com/) is preparing another amazing adventure in the land of culture and exquisite cuisine. Traveling to Venice and Northern Italy offers an unforgettable experience, blending rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes. Venice, known for its canals, iconic gondolas, and historic landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, is a must-see destination.
Beyond Venice, Northern Italy boasts diverse attractions. Milan, a global fashion hub, is home to incredible art and architecture. The lakes of Northern Italy, such as Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda, offer scenic beauty with opportunities for hiking, scenic cruise, and relaxation.
The region is also renowned for its fine cuisine, including risottos, pasta dishes, and exquisite wines. Instead of taking the well-traveled tourist tracks of the central and south, this trip stands apart taking our club members to places off-the-beaten-path.

• 11 Nights/12 Days Northern Italy off-the-path
• Charming Boutique Hotels
• Breakfast daily
• Welcome/Farewell dinners + 1 lunch included
• Privately guided adventures throughout
• All taxes, transfers, fees included

Join Here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/northern-italy-venice-and-the-dolomites/

Venice (3 Nights)
Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on a network of over 100 islands, connected by canals and bridges. Known for its romantic ambiance, The landmarks here are known by name worldwide, like St. Mark's Square, and now it is your turn to experience them. The city's canals, especially the Grand Canal, serve as main waterways, where gondolas and water taxis glide past historic buildings

• Walk St. Mark's Square: The main piazza of the city, the public square it the cultural hub here with the dazzling promenade anchoring one side.
• Tour Doge's Palace: A Venetian Gothic style palace containing grand ballrooms, intricate mosaic work, a giant gilded staircase (scala d'oro), and Renaissance master artworks adorn the former residence of early leaders.
• Tour St. Mark's Basilica: One of the world's most grand and luxurious cathedrals featuring an illustrious design, endless mosaics, and stunning blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture.
• Ferry Trip to Three Islands: Venice sits in a lagoon built upon many islands with several of them home to arts, culture, and practices not found anywhere else in the country.
• Murano is home to some of the finest glass blowers and artisans in the world. Visit one of the factories to see how it all comes together by hand in an exquisite balance of patience, technical ability, and creativity.
• Burano is known for the candy-colored houses along the canal, great for taking pictures and an ideal stop for lunch with a view. Also here are the famed lace makers who have created delicate yet lasting textile pieces for centuries. We'll stop into a workshop to see the stunning pieces created through complex braiding and twisting.
• Torcello is one of the quietest, most traditional islands away from the crowds. Today, there are few inhabitants and here is perfect for a relaxing walk along the canals, a view of the city's first cathedral dating back to the 7th century, and archeological remains.

South Tyrol: Bolzano (2 Nights)
Bolzano, located in the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy, is a picturesque city that blends Italian and Austrian influences, reflecting its unique cultural heritage. Surrounded by the stunning Dolomite Mountains, Bolzano offers a mix of natural beauty and urban charm, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

• See Ötzi the Iceman: Preserved inside a museum, learn about the world's oldest and most important 'wet' mummy that has provided incredible insight into life during the Copper Age. You will see these remains!
• Feely Enjoy Bolzano: Explore areas around the main Piazza Walther, take a trip to a nearby winery, explore local markets, sip espresso at a cafe, or wander aimlessly around this youthful city.
• Day of Hiking and Exploring: These mountain regions, Val d'Ega and Val di Fassa, are stunning alpine areas to be explored, photographed, and hiked. This trip gets into the heart of the granitic Dolomites, the southern reaches of the European Alps.
• Cabe Car Experience up Monte Baldo: With sweeping views of Lake Garda while gently climbing inside the modern gondola, exit on top of Monte Baldo rising to over 7,000 feet. From here, enjoy lunch with an unrestricted view of water on one side and endless mountains on the other.

Lake Como (1 Night)
Lake Como, located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, is one of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in the country. Surrounded by the majestic Alps, the lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning mountain scenery, creating a breathtaking landscape. The lake is shaped like an upside-down "Y" and is dotted with charming towns and villages, such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, each offering a unique atmosphere of elegance and tranquility.

• Guided Tour of Villa Balbianello: Known for its breathtaking setting, the villa is surrounded by lush gardens and offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The villa dates back to the late 18th century and has been meticulously preserved, with its classic architecture and elegant interiors reflecting its rich history. You may have already seen this place in several major Hollywood movies.
• Explore Bellagio: This is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Como in Northern Italy, often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como" due to its picturesque beauty.
• Scenic Lake Como Cruise: Departing from Bellagio, the boat gently cruises past lakeside towns and villages while a local guide shares knowledge of what we're seeing. See sprawling villas and exotic gardens from the 17th and 18th century, admire the stunning scenery, and listen to the history of these storied areas in the open air.

Lake Maggiore (2 Nights)
Lake Maggiore is one of the largest and most scenic lakes in Italy, located in the northern part of the country, stretching across the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, with a portion extending into Switzerland. The lake is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by lush mountains, rolling hills, and charming lakeside villages.

• Explore and Tour Three Borromean Islands: The Borromean Islands are a group of beautiful islands located in Lake Maggiore, off the coast of Stresa in Northern Italy. Comprising three main islands—Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori—and two smaller islets, the Borromean Islands are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and historical significance.
• Isola Bella is the most famous of the islands, known for its opulent Baroque palace (tour of the inside) and meticulously landscaped terraced gardens, which overlook the lake. The palace, once a private residence of the Borromeo family, is now open to the public and showcases elegant rooms filled with art and antiques. The gardens are a highlight, with exotic plants, fountains, and breathtaking views.
• Isola Madre is the largest island and is celebrated for its lush botanical gardens, home to rare plants, exotic flowers, and vibrant bird species. The formal Italian-style Baroque garden is raised on artificial stone giving it the appearance of a stone ship filled with an estimated 2,000 species of flora.
• Isola dei Pescatori (Island of the Fishermen) is the most picturesque and charming, with a quaint village of narrow streets, cobbled paths, and traditional lakeside homes. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy an espresso or snack between a casual exploration.

Entreves (2 Nights)
Entreves is a picturesque Medieval alpine village located in the Aosta Valley in the Italian Alps, near the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. Known for its cobblestone streets and stone houses, it is a popular destination year-round for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities in both winter and summer.

• Tour Fenis Caslte: Built mainly in the 13th and 14th centuries, the castle served as a prestigious residence for the noble Challant family rather than a purely defensive stronghold. Its double ring of battlements and numerous towers create a dramatic, almost fairytale-like appearance.
• Skyway Monte Bianco Experience: This is an extraordinary cable car that offers breathtaking views of the Italian Alps and the towering Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak. This modern engineering marvel connects the town of Courmayeur to the Punta Helbronner station at over 11,000 feet above sea level. It is one of the most spectacular ways to experience the stunning landscapes of the Mont Blanc massif.

Milan (1 Night)
Milan, Italy’s second-largest city, is a global capital of fashion, design, and culture, offering a perfect blend of historic grandeur and modern sophistication. Located in the northern part of the country, Milan is known for its stylish atmosphere, world-class shopping, and vibrant arts scene. Like other cities, there are several 'must see' sites here and our brief time includes visits to these stunning attractions.

• Tour Duomo di Milano: Simply known as the Duomo, it is Milan's most iconic and breathtaking landmark, a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the heart of the city.
• View Da Vinci's The Last Supper: Captivating visitors from around the world for decades, this masterpiece is immediately recognizable. Painted in the late 1400s, marvel at the scale, emotional depth, and masterful depiction of Jesus announcing at dinner his betrayal.
• Explore Piazza della Scala: This is one of Milan's most elegant and historic squares, located just a short walk from Piazza del Duomo. The square is best known for being home to the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, which dominates the northern side of the square.
• Walk Galleria Vittorio Emaneule II: One of Milan's most famous and luxurious landmarks, an elegant 19th-century shopping arcade located next to the Duomo di Milano. Opened in 1877, the Galleria is a stunning example of 19th-century glass-and-iron architecture, featuring a soaring glass roof and intricate mosaics on the floor, depicting various Italian regions.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price: $4,995
Single Supplement: $895

Check out our club's official trip page: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/northern-italy-venice-and-the-dolomites/

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club are relaunching their fabulous Portugal tour. It is an excellent program in a small group that highlights the diverse and stunning culture of Old-World Portugal, including gorgeous landscapes, beaches, cities and villages.

• 9 Nights/10 Days
• Private local guides throughout
• Visit 3 cities and numerous Medieval villages
• Breakfast daily
• 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners (including Welcome & Farewell dinner celebrations)
• Wine tasting experience paired with river boat cruise
• Roommate pairing to save money
• All taxes, transfers, & fees included

Porto & the North (3 Nights)

• Privately guided walking tour of city landmarks including city hall, D. Luis bridge, and Stock Exchange Palace
• The most colorful & lively district: Discover Ribeira
• Wine tasting while exploring the valley: Road trip along the route that offers viewpoints, wine, and walks.
• Cruise on the Douro: We'll relax on a sail through the lush landscapes of the Douro Valley along the river of the same name.

Central Portugal & Mountain Villages (2 Night)

• Free time in Piódão village: This is the perfect place to wander the narrow streets and peculiar alleys made of shale rock.
• Exploring Foz d'Égua: This moderate hike begins in Piódão and takes us to an idyllic and unforgettable little village.
• Convent of the Soothing of the Blessed Sacrament: This historical landmark and former 18th-century convent is our hotel for the night!
• The Schist Villages: Talesnal & Casal de São Simão
• Fragas de São Simão Walkway: The wooden paths embrace dramatic granite landscapes, steep hills, an enchanting valley, and also vestiges of laurel forest.

Coimbra & the Coast (2 Nights)

• Privately guided tour of the University City
• Visit University of Coimbra: Highlights include their massive Baroque Library and Cabinet of Curiosities filled with unusual treasures through the ages.
• The Old Cathedral, built in 1117
• The Walled Labyrinth privately guided walking tour of Óbidos'

Lisbon, City of Hills (2 Nights)

• Guided tuk-tuk adventure in the capital
• St. George's Castle: Towering dramatically above Lisbon, the 11th-century fortifications
• Belém Tower & the Monument of Discoveries: See and photograph these World-Heritage Sites that represent the epi-center of the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Price: $3,995
Single Supplement: $895

Check out our club's official trip page: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/picturesque-portugal/

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club have invited us to this amazing new adventure! In Mexico, death is not hidden away but welcomed with candles, music, and marigolds during Día de los Muertos, when families honor loved ones through vibrant traditions that reconnect the living and the departed. This journey begins in Mexico City, where centuries of history frame the country’s largest celebrations - from elaborate ofrendas and bustling markets to spectacular parades, alongside time to explore iconic sights and savor outstanding tacos. From there, travel to San Miguel de Allende, where the holiday takes on a more intimate spirit amid candlelit plazas, neighborhood altars, and colonial streets alive with music and incense. The journey concludes in nearby Guanajuato, a colorful hillside city whose winding alleys and lively plazas provide a memorable finale to this deeply cultural celebration.

• 8 Nights/9 Days
• Amazing Festivals
• Breakfast Daily
• 1 Lunch & 2 Dinners Included
• Multiple UNESCO sites
• All Transfers and Ground Transportation
• Privately Guided

About Day of the Dead: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday held each year at the beginning of November to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. It is a joyful celebration rooted in Indigenous beliefs and later blended with Catholic traditions introduced during the colonial period. Families create ofrendas (home altars) decorated with photographs, candles, favorite foods, sugar skulls, and bright orange marigolds, believed to help guide spirits back to the world of the living. Cemeteries and homes fill with music, storytelling, and shared meals, reflecting the belief that remembrance keeps the dead present in the lives of the living.

Mexico City (5 Nights)
Set high in the central highlands, Mexico City is a dynamic capital where ancient traditions and modern life intertwine. During Día de los Muertos, the city transforms into a vibrant stage of remembrance and celebration, with streets filled with marigolds, candlelit altars, music, and costumed processions. Public squares, markets, and historic neighborhoods come alive as families and visitors gather to honor loved ones in one of Mexico’s most meaningful and visually spectacular traditions.

• Explore the Historic Center: UNESCO-listed district is home to some of the city's most famous landmarks centered around the grand Constitution Plaza (now commonly referred to as Zocalo). Anchoring one side is the enormous Metropolitan Cathedral and on the other the Palace Nacional. Inside the square and along the edges, you'll see large holiday displays, people in costume, and entertainers. Down the street is the Palacio de Bellas Artes with stunning Art Nouveau exteriors. Inside, you can see large modern art installations including a mural by Diego Rivera.
• Visit Dolores Cemetery: In the early evening, quietly walk through these sprawling grounds to see decorated grave sites, families gathering to celebrate, and hear more about the ways the living celebrate the departed.
• Mercado de San Juan: The market overflows with materials to celebrate the holiday, the flower market is flooded with cempasúchil (Mexican marigolds) which is the bright orange flowers adorning all the altars and cemeteries. Throughout the guided tour, your guide will be pointing out and explaining all things related to the holiday, including sampling pan de muerto, a sweet bread baked during this period.
• Day of the Dead Parade: One of the main thoroughfares is closed on the parade day to give way to a huge procession of floats, costumed-performers, artists, and many more. It is major spectacle that attracts people from all over the country and finishes in the main square with floats left on display to get a closer look.
• See UNAM's Megaofrenda: Students at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) create major art installations around the campus where ideas of youth, culture, and politics converge.
• Frida Kahlo Museum: In addition to exploring the neighborhood of Coyoacan where it is located, you'll learn the detailed history of her life along with her partner, Diego Rivera.
• Day trip to Teotihuacan: Walk through the massive pre-Aztec complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built 1,500 years ago, see pyramids, altars, and temples home to one of the largest cities in the ancient world. Archaeologists believe Teotihuacán was a multiethnic metropolis, its neighborhoods home to Zapotec, Maya, and Gulf Coast communities, making it one of Mesoamerica’s earliest great urban experiments

San Miguel de Allende (2 Nights)
Nestled in Mexico’s central highlands, San Miguel de Allende is one of the country’s most beautiful colonial cities, celebrated for its pastel façades, cobbled streets, and thriving artistic spirit. Anchored by the pink spires of the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the city blends historic charm with a lively cultural scene of galleries, markets, and cafés. During Día de los Muertos, San Miguel takes on an especially intimate atmosphere, as neighborhood altars, candlelit plazas, and music-filled streets create a deeply personal expression of the holiday.

• Catrina Painting Experience: The catrina is a cartoonish skeletal figure seen all over the country and here, you'll paint your own as your hosts share more history of this icon. This experience combines storytelling, creativity, music, and finishes with your handmade souvenir!
• Downtown City Tour: This Spanish colonial gem is best explored on foot. See the inside of the iconic church, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, walk through the artisan market where professionals create handmade products made from leather, brass, and fabric, and explore the colorful alleys off the main plaza.
• Taste of San Miguel Walking Food Tour (Optional): Every state has its own regional cuisine and on this tour, you'll taste a few of them. With a local guide that blends a history of the city alongside culinary evolution, enjoy sampling dishes at family-owned restaurants
• Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting (Optional): North of the city is Valle de la Independencia, a growing wine region. At one of the state's premier wineries, enjoy exploring some of the massive vineyard, visit the underground wine cave, enjoy a tasting, and eat snacks offered by your hosts.

Guanajuato (1 Night)
Set among steep hills in central Mexico, Guanajuato is a vibrant colonial city known for its colorful houses, winding alleyways, and subterranean tunnels. Once one of the world’s great silver-mining centers, the city today feels like an open-air museum filled with lively plazas, historic theaters, and artistic traditions. Landmarks such as the Teatro Juárez reflect its rich cultural heritage, while music and street life animate its squares long into the evening.

• Downtown City Tour: Built above massive silver mines, the city is pedestrian friendly as some underground mining tunnels are now used for car traffic. Along the way, you'll explore the sprawling Hidalgo Market, the university's stunning campus, an urban battlefield during the war of independence, and more.
• Evening Callejoneada Walk: Accompanied by a student group dressed in 17th century costumes, enjoy being part of this moving concert as they sing and play music from the earlier days. Between songs, this moving celebration is a fun way to become an active part of the city's history.

E-mail us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price: $3,295
Single Supplement: $975

Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/mexico-day-of-the-dead-group-tours/