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It is true, the risk is to will end in a commonplace: but the Highlands are truly the soul of Scotland, the heart of the Scots and Scotland of dreams. They represent an extraordinary blend of culture, history, architecture and unparalleled landscapes. Imagine open skies, breathtaking landscapes, appetizing dishes and hospitable people ... there is nothing better if you want to escape and relax. Unpredictable. Indomitable. Incredible. Can you find better? One could lose - not literally - among the majestic mountains and mysterious lakes while crossing this beautiful land. The views are simply stunning. Here we will visit the largest National Park of Great Britain or see the dolphins playing off the coast of Moray, admire the sensational seascape of the Northern Highlands, walk in the shadow of Britain's highest peak, the Ben Nevis, or explore the islands and the breathtaking coastline. Or look for a little mystery at Loch Ness, Scotland's most famous lake. In short, there is something for all tastes and for all needs, including those of photographers.
You must explore the Highland natural playground, a region that fascinates lovers of strong emotions. And this is not surprising at all, if you think that Fort William has been nicknamed the "outdoor capital of the United Kingdom"! Here you will find amazing mountains and forests crossed by clear and fishy waters.
The Highlands are surrounded by a haunting air of mystery dotted with some of the world's most beautiful and romantic castles, reflecting the region's turbulent history. From Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye to the Castle of Brodie in Moray to that of Mey in the Northern Highlands ... they are all truly spectacular! But there are not only the castles, although they are all rather surprising. And then we can not forget the fauna and the avifauna present today in good numbers, even in the once almost extinct species such as otters and hawks; and this thanks to clever choices and intelligent protectionist policies. |
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| The tour will begin and end in Edinburgh, the beautiful Scottish capital. We will create a ring of about 1300 km along which we will meet the most beautiful and interesting natural and cultural areas of Scotland. We will visit the Cairngorm Park, the largest protected area in Great Britain, the island of Bass Rock where over 150,000 gannets nest, and the spectacular coasts of the North. And then we will cross the mythical Higlands for their entire length in search of their mystery and unique photographic opportunities. |
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The Higlands form the central and northern core of Scotland. Inside there are different and all very interesting environments: from the Swiss pine forests of Glen Afflick, to the rocky coasts and precipices to the desolate heath to the most bare and mountainous areas. The passionate photographer will find in these environments different and varied ideas regarding landscape photography. And in this we must not forget the architecture of small seaside villages.
But Scotland is, for us, also and above all a land of wildlife and birdlife photography. From large mammals such as deer, almost everywhere, seals in certain ubiquitous areas, otters, especially in the islands. And then a very rich birdlife, thanks to careful and rigorous protectionist policies. And then it will be probably to catch the osprey hunting or on the nest with the little ones, or the grouse in the Glen Afflik's lek, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of seabirds found almost everywhere. |
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| The tour will mainly wind along a ring that will take us across the Highlands and, before them, the Lowlands, twice. In addition there will be some detours from the route to visit areas of absolute importance such as Bass Rock at East of Edinburgh and the Glen Afflik Park in the middle of the Lowlands. The upper edge of this ring will take us to the northernmost point of Britain, in the presence of the Atlantic Ocean and right in front of the archipelago of the Orkney Islands. Here we will find promontories and dream beaches. We will then cross the Higlands in reverse, from North to South, to finish our hypothetical ring again in Edinburgh where we will embark on our return flight to Italy. |
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The climate in Scotland
There is a saying that states that in Scotland it is possible to see all 4 seasons in a day. And indeed the fundamental characteristic of the climate in this country is unpredictability. Summers here are usually mild, with a temperature that can reach, sometimes, 19-20° in July and August. It is in the summer that the Scottish landscapes give their best, with the green grass, the blue sky, the flowers. And it is precisely in the summer that, of course, the country is stormed by tourists, especially in the month of August, when visitors arrive in greater numbers. Spring is also a good time to visit Scotland. In particular, the month of May, when nature starts to bloom, the first colors stand out against the still dry vegetation of winter and above all tourists are still few, it is statistically the least rainy of the year.
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The climate and photography
We will not find particularly harsh temperatures. We will not even have much dust. What we will find in abundance will be water in all its forms. In particular we will have to defend ourselves from:
Condensation - especially at night and in the dawns
Water spray - it will be everywhere on both the waterfalls we will see and especially on the coasts and beaches.
Furthermore, one of our enemies will be the wind. Scotland is a windy land. The wind will disturb us because it will give us problems in the photographic phase and because it will lower the temperatures.
In view of all this, a plastic cover is recommended to protect the equipment during the operating phases, as specified in the actual section of the equipment.
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How to dress
In theory the climate in this part of Scotland and in this period should not be very cold.
In practice, we are on a island and in a place where the winds make it master. So the clothing will have to be winter and heavy.
We are also very far to the north and it is possible that, if the weather worsens, we could run into rather cold days. The best advice is always to provide a "layered" clothing (so to speak "onion").
Some advice on clothing analytically:
Inner T-shirts
Do not put in contact with the skin cotton t-shirts:
That's the worst thing we can do. In fact they are soaked with sweat and then freeze on.
It is necessary to use internal thermal t-shirts that allow you to breathe the skin and protect it from the cold.
There is thermal clothing of all kinds: t-shirts, trousers, leotards, socks, gloves etc.
This kind of garment is available at Decathlon and specialized stores. Moreover, as we are in wet and rainy places, all our clothing should have a fundamental characteristic: impermeability.
Trousers:
The most insulating are the so-called "technical" but it is good to check its impermeability because not all are.
Trekking shoes:
The fundamental characteristic beyond the impermea-bility, and the sole that must be well thickened and "tank". Also it is good that they are of the high type and that the closure is more hermetic as possible. The best are those in GoreTex.
Sweaters:
The most insulating in absolute are those of Pile. The ideal would be to have a couple of different heaviness.
Gaiter:
Very useful because it seals the space between the bust and the neck which is always a critical point.
K way:
A garment that must not be missing is a K-Way or a light raincoat.
The island of Mull is a place of water and there will be a lot of steam from the waterfalls and the rain. So you will need to protect yourself well.
Umbrella
A small foldable umbrella is recommended.
Poncho
It is very practical because it takes up little space and allows us, if necessary, to protect the equipment as well. |
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| K-way |
Scaldacollo |
| Scarponcini impermeabili |
Poncho |
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| PRENOTATION SITUATION |
| P1 |
guide |
P4 |
free |
P7 |
free |
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| P2 |
sold |
P5 |
free |
P8 |
free |
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| P3 |
free |
P6 |
free |
P9 |
free |
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Voluntary drivers
As a mini van will be rent for travel, we will need to indicate a second driver in addition to the driver of Adventure Photo Tour. The participant who will propose for this task will receive a discount of € 150 on the cost of travel. Presumably he will never have to drive but for any eventuality he will have to give his availability after signing a declaration. The guide in Iceland does not present particular difficulties because the spaces are immense and the cars are few. A bit of effort is required only in any off-road. |
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Healt Insurance & Release
It is strongly recommended to stipulate a health insurance valid for the country in which you go. This regardless of the type or difficulty of the trip. Participants can take out their own insurance or take advantage of the insurance plan proposed by Adventure. The cost of the insurance is not included in the cost of the tour.
All participants will be subjected to a (compulsory) release that releases the organization from health responsibilities.
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Civil and Penal Liability Insurance
For each of the participants of the Adventure Photo Tour, a Civil and Penal Responsibility Insurance is stipulated, the details of which are indicated in the appropriate form accessible from the button below.
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| Although Scotland is very far north, it does not really have an arctic climate and temperatures are not extreme. This can occur due to the positive influence of the arm farther north than the hot Gulf Stream which mitigates the cold. The enemy number one of our equipment will therefore not be cold but water, especially in the form of moisture (but also of sketches and waves). We will therefore have to protect the equipment with plastic bags or better with the appropriate covers. It is obvious that a tropicalized camera body will leave us much quieter than an entry level commercial. Below is a list of the recommended equipment. |
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main camera body |
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secondary camera body |
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wide lens like 16-35 mm or 24-70 mm (landscape) |
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tele lens zoom like 70-200 mm or 24-105 mm (landscape details) |
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telelens 300 mm + teleconverter 1,5 x (animals and details) |
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tripod |
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remote camera controller |
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strobo |
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ND and polarizer filters |
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batteries in advance |
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You will be accompanied on this tour by Alberto B. Scalia.
Alberto has a remarkable experience in the countries of northern Europe he has known for many years and he loves absolutely.
He has been a naturalist photographer for many years, has shot the world in search of exclusive landscapes and animals, building an enviable background of enlightenment.
Teacher in naturalistic photography in Latina, engaged in teaching naturalistic themes in schools of all levels, publics and private. Administrator in the organization and curating of international and national events such as exhibitions, photo competitions and cultural events, says about photography: "What the photographer has to have is passion in the experimentation. You should not be afraid to explore different or complicated roads. What pleases me more a beautiful photo taken is to convey the passion I put in that shot to a student who tomorrow will do likewise with someone else. " |
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* Important notice- disclaimer
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The itineraries, costs and details of the Photo Tour will be subject to variations for all the causes that are independent of the organization's will, such as natural disasters and consequent flight displacement, variation of rates and taxes, modification of the tour plan etc.
Any variation will however be communicated as soon as possible to the participants. |
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The Photo Tour will subjet to variationsin regardless to the commercial policies of Air Companies and Rental operators.
Every change will be communicated to partecipants with adequate advance. |
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