SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND BEARS

Day 1 - Travel to Slovenia and Lake Bled

After we have all met up and made sure we all have our possessions, we make our way to check-in at our accommodation in Ljubljana, where we will be based for 1 night. Then we set off to the town of Bled (50kms away) where we will spend the rest of the afternoon, into sunset around the area. Our main photographic target here will be the Assumption of Maria Church, breathtakingly set within a small island on Lake Bled.

Day 2 - Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle and Night-time hide

Although it may not seem that way, this will generally be a bit more of a relaxed day. After an easy rise and a scrumptious breakfast we say goodbye to the capital city and make our way to the town of Postojna. The Postojna Caves are the most visited cave in Europe. The ever popular cave railway has been operating at the cave for over 140 years. Then, we visit Predjama Castle (located close to Postojna Cave) - the largest cave castle in the world.

Having enjoyed our day, we make our way to our home for the next 4 nights. We take some time to get settled in and then look forward to a night session at the bird hide where it is reasonably common to expect hedgehog, but where badger and pine marten can also be seen (if luck is on our side)

Day 3 - Bear Hides

This will be our first day at the bear hides and after a hearty breakfast we talk about our expectations, some techniques and discuss which gear to use. The morning is ours do with as we like. We can discuss expectations and what gear works best and also establish how we will communicate to each other while in the hides. We can also explore (at our pace) the local area.

After lunch, we head off to photograph the bears and are at the discretion of our host. They will take us to locations where bear activity has been monitored and if young are in the area, that will take priority.

Day 4 - The Križna Cave and Bear Hides

In the morning we will head for the optional trip in the Krizna Cave. This will include a boat trip in the caves which may not be for everyone hence it has been provided as optional. We will return to the lodge at about 11:00. For those not wishing to participate, then the lodge can provide relaxation prior to our second day in the hides. The program for the bear hides is similar to the day before. After lunch we set off for the hides, alternating hides, if and where necessary.

Day 5 - Editing Session and Bear Hides

Much the same as day 3 except that we will have a final editing session just after breakfast, before our last day in the bear hides. The program for the bear hides is similar to the day before. After lunch we set off for the hides, alternating hides, if and where necessary.

Day 6 - Travel Home

After a well-earned rest, we have a final breakfast and begin our trip home. We drive back to Ljubljana Airport using our rental vehicle and aim to be there 2-3 hours before our flight departs.

Tuition, Field Craft, Techniques

Besides the two scheduled editing sessions on day 1 and day 4, there will be continuous tips and advice on Photography, Lightroom, Photoshop and Field Craft and we will also learn about the animals we encounter from our host. I encourage everyone to listen and learn during the tuition sessions and a laptop isn't essential, as I will have my own, meaning you can make the most of this opportunity whilst still keeping your luggage light. I can provide (if required) a recording of what is covered during these sessions, after the trip.