Bay Area Travel Buddies and Local Events

Our friends at Photofly Travel Club ( https://www.photoflytravel.com/ ) have planned an extraordinary to Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg (Benelux).

June 5 - June 16, 2025

Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/belgium-luxembourg-netherlands-group-tour/

• 11 Nights/12 Days
• Luxembourg (2 N) | Belgium (5 N) | Netherlands (4 N)
• Charming boutique hotels
• Breakfast daily
• 2 Dinners
• Privately guided adventures

Luxembourg (2 Nights)

• City Walking Tour
• Pont Adolphe: Capture stunning views and photos over the Petrusse Ravine
• Place d'Armes: Lively public square located in the heart of the city’s old town
• Mullerthal Trail Hike: Often referred to as "Little Switzerland" of Luxembourg, this guided scenic hike winds through lush forests, dramatic rock formations, and picturesque valleys
• Vianden Castle & Chairlift: This stunning, hilltop fortress dates back to the Romanesque and Gothic periods

Belgium (5 Nights)

Experience Dinant!

• Discover Dinant: Privately guided walking tour
• Collegiate Church of Notre Dame:
• Dinant Citadel: Discover the historic fortress perched high above the town with stunning panoramic views
• Cruise the river Meuse: A scenic and relaxing way to experience the beauty of the Meuse River and its stunning surroundings

Experience Brussels!

• City Walking Tour
• Grand Place: The central square of Brussels, renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance, featuring ornate guild halls and the impressive Town Hall
• Atomium: Designed to resemble an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times symbolizing scientific progress and innovation, this iconic structure is a delight to photograph
• Manneken Pis: This famous bronze statue depicts a small boy urinating into a fountain, and has become a beloved symbol of the city’s irreverent sense of humor.
• Chocolate Museum & Private Chocolate Making Class: Dive into the gourmet world of cocoa and chocolate.

Experience Ghent!

• Day Trip to Ghent: Guided tour throughout the highlights of this storied city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene.
• St. Bavo’s Cathedral
• Gravensteen Castle: The "Castle of the Counts," as its known, stands as a remarkable testament to Ghent's medieval past
• Ghent Canal Cruise: Enjoy a serene and picturesque way to explore the city's stunning medieval architecture

Experience Bruges!

• City Walking Tour
• Market Square & The Belfry
• Burg Square: This charming square features the striking Gothic-style Town Hall, built in the 14th century, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses a revered relic that draws visitors from near and far.
• Church of Our Lady: Explore this architectural gem that showcases a stunning blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles.
• Cruise the canals of Bruge: Encounter the city's enchanting waterways, with its medieval bridges and fairy-tale architecture framing every turn.
• Menin Gate Memorial: Witness this solemn tribute to the thousands of soldiers who went missing in action during World War I
• WWI Battlefields: Embark on a sobering journey through the scarred landscape where some of the fiercest fighting of the Great War took place.

Netherlands (4 Nights)

Experience Rotterdam!

• Cube Houses: See and photograph this iconic architecture, a striking example of urban ingenuity.
• Experience Rotterdam: Free time to explore the city’s bold architectural innovation, bustling food stalls, & vibrant art scene-
• Museum Quarter Art Depot: See and photograph this groundbreaking facility from the outside and housing an impressive collection of over 150,000 works
• Optional: Iconic Dutch windmills & the country's oldest city: Take a waterbus to capture the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk against the backdrop of canals and green fields.

Experience The Hague!

• The Hague City Highlights: Guided driving tour of the city's most notable locations
• Peace Palace: An architectural masterpiece and symbol of international justice
• Scheveningen Beach: Explore The Hague’s lively seaside escape
• The Madurodam, a country in miniature: Discover this unique park showcasing the Netherlands' most iconic landmarks

Experience Amsterdam!
Optional fast-pass entry to...

• Van Gogh Museum OR Rijksmuseum
• Guided walking tour
• Dam Square & Royal Palace
• The Floating Flower Market
• Ann Frank House

Join Us!

For our solo travelers I will pair you up with someone of the same sex unless single occupancy is requested.
Price: $4,395
Single Supplement: $895

Deposit: $600
Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/belgium-luxembourg-netherlands-group-tour/

Join here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/bali-small-group-tours/

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

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club have invited us to their classic adventure in Bali.

We’ve been exploring Bali for years crafting a one of a kind experience to the best known and unknown treasures of this special island. From the coastal temples of Tanah Lot, to the gorgeous pure white sand beaches and snorkeling on Nusa Penida island, to the man made wonders of the Jatiluwih rice terraces, we will see an incredible slice of diverse spectacle’s throughout Bali. The food is incredible, amazing photography opportunities, and the locals are known for their friendliness.

Canggu and Tanah Lot Temple

• Enjoy the seaside resort town full of surfing, beachside restaurants, and beautiful sunshine
• Tanah Lot Temple: Privately guided tour of the 16th century temple built upon a rock formation along the rocky shore

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and Munduk

• Walk through the expansive undulating rice terraces in the island's interior and enjoy lunch with a view of the lush scenery
• Travel into the country's interior to Munduk to enjoy various waterfall hikes, an included massage, and quietude away from the tourist areas

Taksu Sanur

• En route to Taksu Sanur, stop at incredibly detailed Ulun Danu Bertan Temple built on the shores of a huge lake to honor a god that provides water to the local farmers
• Visit a local farmer's market to purchase and enjoy a multitude of tropical fruit such as lychee, longan, mango, papaya, rambutan, guava, and more
• Stop at a farm specializing in the production of coffee known as kopi luwak, a Balinese specialty that uses partially digested coffee beans
• Included dinner on the beach overlooking the stunning ocean
• Included massage

Nusa Penida

• Take a short ferry to adjacent islands known for dramatic limestone cliff views, beach paradise, secluded bays, island exploration, and a slower pace of life
• Surrounded by turquoise waters, the island's main street is full of ice cream shops, small bars and restaurants, cheap spa treatments, and plenty of quiet beaches
• Optional activities include snorkeling with the chance to swim with manta rays and a trip to other islands to explore mangroves, unique cultural experiences, and geological wonders

Ubud

• Shop around in this artistic capital known for wood carving, stone carving, painting, custom jewelry, and handmade goods
• Walk through the Monkey Temple containing hundreds of long-tailed macaques in this forest sanctuary throughout the sprawling temple complex
• Final night's Farewell Dinner includes a traditional Balinese dance performance that recreates cultural tales and legends

Bali small group tours inclusions:

• 8 Night/9 Day adventure
• Amazing Balinese style bungalows and boutique hotels
• Privately guided, small group tour
• Delicious local meals throughout - daily breakfast, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
• 3 Massages throughout the experience - great way to unwind and relax at the end of a day’s adventure!
• All taxes and entrance included
• All transfers and ground transportation included
• Roommate pairing
• International airfare is not included but we will assist all guests with finding the best flight! We will be flying into and out of Denpasar International Airport (airport code: DPS)

Email us to see daily itinerary for our Bali tour at joinus@photoflytravel.com

Join Us!

For our solo travelers, we can pair you up with someone of the same sex unless single occupancy is requested.

Price: $2,495
Single Supplement: $595.00

Deposit: $600.00

Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/bali-small-group-tours/

Join Here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/portugal-azores-group-tours/

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

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

Part 1: Mainland Portugal (8 Nights/9 Days)

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
***

Central Portugal & Mountain Villages (1 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.
***

Part 2: The Azores (6 Nights/7 Days)
São Miguel: The Green Isle (2 Nights)
- Botanical gardens and hot springs
- The most unique meal in the world: The stew cooked using Furnas’s natural volcanic heat!
- The oldest tea plantation in Europe
- Epic photos at viewpoints
- Giant caldera hike
- The Azorean Pineapple: A fun stop takes us to one of the 6,000 pineapple plantations on the island.
***

Faial: The Blue Isle (2 Nights)
- Explore the great crater & interpretation center
- Photograph from multiple viewpoints the caldeira, a massive volcanic cone now classified as a nature reserve
- Enjoy sprawling views of Ponta da Espalamaca with views of Horta town, the Northern Atlantic, and nearby islands
***

Pico: The Mountain Island (Day Trip)
- Cachorro Rocks: A photo stop reveals unique volcanic rock formations.
- Visit Adega a Buraca winery to sample their product and learn about the process
- Visit Whaling Factory and Fishermen Museum to learn about the island's early economic driver
- Visit Church of São Mateus
- Criação Velha Vinyards: The unique methods for producing grapes ideal for winemaking on such difficult terrain is what lead to this site's important designation. Lajido da Criação Velha is the best example showcasing the art of dividing the land and planting vines in the lava rock.
***

Flores: The Flower Island (2 Nights)
- The westernmost county in Europe
- A curious rock: Rocha dos Bordões is the postcard image and symbol of Flores. The basaltic formation provides a unique and unforgettable landscape with geometrical rock columns that resemble a man-made structure.
- The great fajãs: This Portuguese term describes the beautiful coastal formation of a small flat land on the ocean below giant cliffs
More beauty at the highest point: The Morro Alto forest reserve area is the highest point on Flores Island.
- The 7 Lagoas: We'll explore this lush area with a number of serene lakes throughout the valleys.

Corvo Day Trip: The Black Isle
- Caldeirão, The Crater: This ancient crater is responsible for the epic landscape of the extinct volcano that gave rise to the island.
- The Village: Vila Nova do Corvo is the sole town on the entire island and unites the old and new in two distinct sections.
- Lots of wind: Before electricity came to the island wind was the main source of food production via a number of windmills. Today 3 unique windmills still stand and function from this long-lost tradition.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Price: $4,495
Single Supplement: $895

Deposit: $600

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