Lebanon & Jordan
9 Days in Lebanon | 4 Days in Jordan, including Petra
Join us for a photography workshop and cultural adventure in Lebanon and Jordan. In Lebanon, we'll spend 8 nights and 9 days photographing in Beirut, and other significant cities and historical sites across this beautiful and fascinating country.
In addition, we’ll make a 4-day excursion to Jordan, including Amman and Petra—one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This is a rare opportunity to experience both countries deeply and creatively. Participants can join one or both trips.
May 3 - 11: Lebanon
May 11 - 15: Jordan
For inquiries email:
World Wonders
Beirut
Beirut embodies the beauty and spirit of Lebanon. With its liberal leanings, it is one of the great capitals of the Middle East. Inhabited by about two million people, it is a city full of history, emotions and division. Although the scars of the past are visible on the surfaces of the buildings, Beirut is a safe, vibrant and exciting city.
Beirut’s history started about 5,000 years ago. At one point it was completely destroyed by an earthquake and tidal wave. After World War I most of its ancient quarters were demolished and replaced by Oriental style buildings. At the beginning of the French mandate in 1920, Beirut established itself as the 'Paris of the Middle East,’ and became the capital of Greater Lebanon. It is in this fabled city where we’ll begin our photography workshop.
We’ll spend three days photographing throughout the distinctive neighborhoods of Mar Michael, Hamra, Aschrafieh, Gemmaze, Sursock and the Corniche--the iconic promenade which pulses with activity. Of course, we’ll eat and drink well and partake in the city’s famed nightlife.
We'll spend three nights in a central, boutique hotel
Byblos & Tripoli
From the Bekka we'll head north up the coast for a busy day. First stop is the teleferique, the "aerial train over the mountains" with Beirut and the Mediterranean spread out below. From there we'll visit the archeological site of Byblos, and then on to the ancient city of Tripoli, offering distinct shooting and cultural experiences.
Byblos, a UNESCO world heritage city, has been continuously inhabited for centuries. It was here that the Phoenician alphabet was developed. Tripoli is the country’s second largest city, and one of the most traditional places in Lebanon. Predominantly Sunni, Tripoli is a friendly and lively city with beautiful architecture, traditional souks full of artisans, and the World's Fairgrounds--Oskar Neirmeyer's unfinished architectural wonder from 1973.
We’ll spend this night in a guesthouse in the heart of Tripoli
The Cedars
The Chouf is reknown for its beautiful landscapes and emphasis on the land. Here, we’ll hike through the famous Cedar Forest that comprises the same trees cited in the Bible. The Cedars of Lebanon are one of the oldest documented forests in history, estimated to be 2,000 years old. The region also incorporates the Ammiq Wetland, a remnant of the extensive marshes and lakes that once covered parts of the beloved region. This chill and gorgeous area is one of our favorite places in Lebanon.
After walking we'll have lunch at one of the best mom-and-pop roadside cafes where your food will be made by hand, on a traditional hot stone.
We'll spend this night at a grand palace
Baalbek & Bekka Valley
From the Chouf we’ll make our way east into the Bekka Valley, to the ancient town of Baalbek, inhabited as early as 9000 BCE, and an important pilgrimage site in the ancient world for the worship of the sky-god Baal. We’ll spend the afternoon wandering through the magnificently preserved Temple of Bacchus and the vast adjacent Temple of Jupiter.
After Baalbek we'll stop at the winery, Chateau Kasara and Roman caves.
We'll spend this night at a local mountain inn
Tyre
About two hours south of Beirut we’ll visit Tyre (and nearby Saida) an ancient port city on the edge of the Mediterranean and, at 4,000 years, one of the oldest cities in the world. The historic souks and Ottoman-style architecture offer a full-sensory experience. We’ll explore a tangle of busy, winding streets, historic markets, and seaside life.
The souks are wonderful locations to shoot and experience old Lebanon. Saida, in particular, is famous for sweets and hand-made soaps.
We'll spend one night at at a lovely hotel on the Mediterranean
Lebanon
“My Lebanon is a serene mountain sitting between the sea and the plains, like a poet between one eternity and another.” -Khalil Gebran
This workshop will be a transformative experience, creatively and culturally. Participants will spend time exploring and shooting urban and rural environments in a country that few have seen.
Dan and I will guide you in shooting a variety of subjects and locations through assignments focusing on intent, technique and composition. Wide Angle’s philosophy is simple: deep creative and cultural experiences in lesser-travelled but historically significant countries.
With Wide Angle you will have access to two working artists and educators, with decades of experience in long form and single-image story telling. Hands-on personalized instruction as well as private and group reviews will significantly expand your creative skills and life experiences. We are also happy to discuss individual focus/creative intent during the workshop, as well as steps to take once it’s over.
This workshop is open to serious amateurs and professional photographers only. Working knowledge of editing programs such as Photoshop, Bridge or Lightroom is required to attend. This will be a customized experience limited to a small group of students. We’ll ask interested participants to submit a portfolio of images.
Details & Pricing
We hope you will join our workshops in both Lebanon and in Jordan. However, it is possible to attend only one of the two countries. See below for pricing structure and details.
All trips will include carefully selected restaurants, hotels and inns. Private transportation, local guides, museums entrance fees, and airport pick up.
BOTH Lebanon & Jordan
What's Included:
-
All breakfasts and 6 dinners in Lebanon / 3 dinners in Jordan with wine
(excludes hard alcohol) -
Entry visa to Jordan (at airport)
-
Entry fee to Petra
-
All lodging, transportation, guides, fees, airport pick up and drop off
What's Excluded:
-
Airfare from home country and between Lebanon and Jordan.
-
Travel and medical insurance
-
Any fees or charges that you incur as a result of you canceling this trip once you have made a reservation
-
Expenses related to arriving/departing early or late
-
Expenses that fall outside of the above list
-
Airport return
*First Meet:
Introductions & dinner, 5 PM May 3
*Last Meet::
Dinner May 14 (depart Jordan May 15)
ONLY Lebanon
What's Included:
-
All breakfasts and 6 dinners in Lebanon with wine (excludes hard alcohol)
-
All lodging, transportation, guides, fees, arrival pick-up at airport
What's Excluded:
-
Airfare from home country
-
Travel and medical insurance
-
Any fees or charges that you incur as a result of you canceling this trip once you have made a reservation
-
Expenses related to arriving/departing early or late
-
Expenses that fall outside of the above list
-
Airport return
*First Meet:
Introductions & dinner, 5 PM May 3
*Last Meet:
Breakfast May 11
ONLY Jordan
What's Included:
-
All breakfasts and 3 dinners in Jordan with wine (excludes hard alcohol)
-
Entry visa to Jordan (at airport)
-
Entry fee to Petra
-
All lodging, guides, fees, transportation to and from airport
What's Excluded:
-
Airfare from home country
-
Travel and medical insurance
-
Any fees or charges that you incur as a result of you canceling this trip once you have made a reservation
-
Expenses related to arriving/departing early or late
-
Expenses that fall outside of the above list
-
Airport return
*First Meet:
Mid-morning May 11
* Last Meet::
Dinner May 14 (depart Jordan May 15)
For more information, payment options and other questions, please email directly
Tirana
The capital, with a population of over half a million and growing more cosmopolitan with new restaurants, shops, and galleries joining the almost surrealist pastiche of testaments to the city’s past. Here, eras collide. We’ll visit Skanderbeg Square, recently renovated with new fountains and rosy granite paving, and home to an 18th-century mosque and minaret, a domed Albanian Orthodox church, a set of government buildings that echo the fascist architecture of Mussolini’s Italy and a Brutalist monolith that houses the National Historical Museum. We'll see the newly opened Secret Surveillance Museum and Bunk’Art, Dictator Hoxha’s five-story underground nuclear bunker.
We’ll spend the first two nights at the centrally located Rogner, an extremely comfortable hotel with a pool and spa.
Korce
Known as the Paris of Albania, Korce is a beloved city of cobblestone streets, high hills, historic spice and food bazaars, and plenty of busy bars and cafes. Renowned for its exceptional cuisine, like lakror--spinach and cheese pie whose recipe has been passed down through generations. Korce has a laid-back atmosphere with culturally significant architecture and museums.
We'll explore Korce's French-style villas, iconic cobblestone boulevards, medieval art and photography collection and, of course, sample the famous beer of Korce.
Shkoder
This beautiful and historic city is situated between Lake Shkoder and the foothills of the Albanian Alps. It is one of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities in the Balkans. Shkoder is regarded as the traditional capital of Northern Albania and is renown for its arts, culture and religious diversity.
We’ll have a curator-led walk through of the Marubi National Museum of Photography, a gorgeous, modern archive showcasing the history of photography in the city of Shkoder. We’ll visit renown churches and mosques as well as the Venice Art Mask Factory where "30,000 masks per year are made using the labour-intensive cartapesta technique”. For those who wish to bike, we’ll pedal around Lake Shkoder and visit a small atilier of traditional women weavers.
Two nights will be spent at Hotel Tradita, a boutique inn with incredible charm, delicious food and homemade liqueur.
Voskopoje
While based in Korce we'll visit the beautiful, high mountain village of Voskopoja, known for its spectacular post-Byzantine-style churches with floor-to-ceiling icon paintings. We’ll dine at a mountain restaurant with some of the best traditional food in the country.
Berat
Berat is a charming and beloved city as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A striking feature is the collection of white Ottoman houses that dot the hills to the castle. Berat is surrounded by mountains, and locals flock to the outdoor cafes lining the Osum river that runs through the city. We'll be guided through the city by a native Berati.
Lodging for one night in a centrally located hotel.
Shkoder
This beautiful and historic city is situated between Lake Shkoder and the foothills of the Albanian Alps. It is one of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities in the Balkans. Shkoder is regarded as the traditional capital of Northern Albania and is renown for its arts, culture and religious diversity.
We’ll have a curator-led walk through of the Marubi National Museum of Photography, a gorgeous, modern archive showcasing the history of photography in the city of Shkoder. We’ll visit renown churches and mosques as well as the Venice Art Mask Factory where "30,000 masks per year are made using the labour-intensive cartapesta technique”. For those who wish to bike, we’ll pedal around Lake Shkoder and visit a small atilier of traditional women weavers.
Two nights will be spent at Hotel Tradita, a boutique inn with incredible charm, delicious food and homemade liqueur.
Beirut
Beirut embodies the beauty and spirit of Lebanon. With its liberal (hedonistic?) leanings it is one of the great capitals of the Middle East. Inhabited by about two million people, it is a city full of history, emotions and division. Although the scars of the past are visible on the surfaces of the buildings, Beirut is a safe, vibrant and exciting city.
Beirut’s history started about 5,000 years ago. At one point it was completely destroyed by an earthquake and tidal wave. After World War I most of its ancient quarters were demolished and replaced by Oriental style buildings. At the beginning of the French mandate in 1920, Beirut established itself as the 'Paris of the Middle East,’ and became the capital of Greater Lebanon. It is in this fabled city where we’ll begin our photography workshop.
We’ll spend three days photographing throughout the distinctive neighborhoods of Mar Michael, Hamra, Aschrafieh, Gemmaze, Sursock and the Corniche--the iconic promenade which pulses with activity. Of course, we’ll eat (and drink) and partake in a bit of the city’s famed nightlife.
Byblos & Tripoli
Leaving Beirut we'll head north up the coast to the archeological site of Byblos, and the ancient city of Tripoli, offering two very distinct shooting and cultural experiences.
Byblos, a UNESCO world heritage city, has been continuously inhabited for centuries. It was here that the Phoenician alphabet was developed. Tripoli is the country’s second largest city, and one of the most traditional places in Lebanon. Predominantly Sunni, Tripoli is a friendly and lively city with beautiful architecture, traditional souks full of artisans, and the World's Fairgrounds--Oskar Neirmeyer's unfinished architectural wonder. In between these two cities we’ll stop for lunch in the surf town of Batroun.
We’ll spend one night in a mountain hotel in Ehden
The Cedars
The bread basket of Lebanon, the Bekka Valley, is reknown for its beautiful andscapes and emphasis on food and all things local. Here, we’ll spend time photographing and hiking in small villages and experience the famous Shouf Biosphere and Cedar Forest, the same trees cited in the Bible. The Shouf is one of the oldest documented forests in history, estimated to be 2,000 years old. The reserve incorporates the Ammiq Wetland, a remnant of the extensive marshes and lakes that once covered parts of the beloved Bekaa Valley. This is one of our favorite places in Lebanon.
We'll end our day at Tawlet Ammiq, one of the most beloved eco- restaurants featuring local and sustainable home-grown food and wine--and a fantastic atmosphere.
Qadisha Valley
The Qadisha Valley is one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world, and a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, there are several incredible monasteries, some carved directly into the mountains. After exploring the ancient sites we'll hike among the wildflowers in the valley below, with a view of Lebanon’s highest peak (Qornet As Sawda) soaring above. This is truly a peaceful and beautiful part of the country. Nearby, we’ll also visit the Kahlil Gibran museum, Lebanon’s most beloved poet.
Baalbek & Bekka Valley
From the Qadisha Valley we’ll make our way east to the ancient town of Baalbek, inhabited as early as 9000 BCE, and an important pilgrimage site in the ancient world for the worship of the sky-god Baal.We’ll spend the afternoon wandering through the magnificently preserved Temple of Bacchus and the vast adjacent Temple of Jupiter.
Two nights will be spent at a hotel in the gorgeous Bekka Valley.
Tyre
We’ll continue south to Tyre, an ancient port on the edge of the Mediterranean and, at 4,000 years, one of the oldest cities in the world. The historic souks and Ottoman-style architecture offer a full-sensory experience. We’ll explore a tangle of busy, winding streets, historical markets, and seaside life. Tyre’s religious divide is microcosmic of Lebanon’s larger struggles, where historically constructed sectarian differences resulted in territorial demarcations. Despite past conflicts, the heart of Tyre remains warm and hospitable.
We'll spend one night in a centrally located Hotel.
Making our way back to Beirut we’ll stop in Saidon to sample their famous sweets and pastries and, if time allows, photograph inside a traditional soap factory.
Beirut
Beirut embodies the beauty and spirit of Lebanon. With its liberal (hedonistic?) leanings it is one of the great capitals of the Middle East. Inhabited by about two million people, it is a city full of history, emotions and division. Although the scars of the past are visible on the surfaces of the buildings, Beirut is a safe, vibrant and exciting city.
Beirut’s history started about 5,000 years ago. At one point it was completely destroyed by an earthquake and tidal wave. After World War I most of its ancient quarters were demolished and replaced by Oriental style buildings. At the beginning of the French mandate in 1920, Beirut established itself as the 'Paris of the Middle East,’ and became the capital of Greater Lebanon. It is in this fabled city where we’ll begin our photography workshop.
We’ll spend three days photographing throughout the distinctive neighborhoods of Mar Michael, Hamra, Aschrafieh, Gemmaze, Sursock and the Corniche--the iconic promenade which pulses with activity. Of course, we’ll eat (and drink) and partake in a bit of the city’s famed nightlife.
Byblos & Tripoli
Leaving Beirut we'll head north up the coast to the archeological site of Byblos, and the ancient city of Tripoli, offering two very distinct shooting and cultural experiences.
Byblos, a UNESCO world heritage city, has been continuously inhabited for centuries. It was here that the Phoenician alphabet was developed. Tripoli is the country’s second largest city, and one of the most traditional places in Lebanon. Predominantly Sunni, Tripoli is a friendly and lively city with beautiful architecture, traditional souks full of artisans, and the World's Fairgrounds--Oskar Neirmeyer's unfinished architectural wonder. In between these two cities we’ll stop for lunch in the surf town of Batroun.
We’ll spend one night in a mountain hotel in Ehden
The Cedars
The bread basket of Lebanon, the Bekka Valley, is reknown for its beautiful andscapes and emphasis on food and all things local. Here, we’ll spend time photographing and hiking in small villages and experience the famous Shouf Biosphere and Cedar Forest, the same trees cited in the Bible. The Shouf is one of the oldest documented forests in history, estimated to be 2,000 years old. The reserve incorporates the Ammiq Wetland, a remnant of the extensive marshes and lakes that once covered parts of the beloved Bekaa Valley. This is one of our favorite places in Lebanon.
We'll end our day at Tawlet Ammiq, one of the most beloved eco- restaurants featuring local and sustainable home-grown food and wine--and a fantastic atmosphere.
Qadisha Valley
The Qadisha Valley is one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world, and a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, there are several incredible monasteries, some carved directly into the mountains. After exploring the ancient sites we'll hike among the wildflowers in the valley below, with a view of Lebanon’s highest peak (Qornet As Sawda) soaring above. This is truly a peaceful and beautiful part of the country. Nearby, we’ll also visit the Kahlil Gibran museum, Lebanon’s most beloved poet.
Baalbek & Bekka Valley
From the Qadisha Valley we’ll make our way east to the ancient town of Baalbek, inhabited as early as 9000 BCE, and an important pilgrimage site in the ancient world for the worship of the sky-god Baal.We’ll spend the afternoon wandering through the magnificently preserved Temple of Bacchus and the vast adjacent Temple of Jupiter.
Two nights will be spent at a hotel in the gorgeous Bekka Valley.
Tyre
We’ll continue south to Tyre, an ancient port on the edge of the Mediterranean and, at 4,000 years, one of the oldest cities in the world. The historic souks and Ottoman-style architecture offer a full-sensory experience. We’ll explore a tangle of busy, winding streets, historical markets, and seaside life. Tyre’s religious divide is microcosmic of Lebanon’s larger struggles, where historically constructed sectarian differences resulted in territorial demarcations. Despite past conflicts, the heart of Tyre remains warm and hospitable.
We'll spend one night in a centrally located Hotel.
Making our way back to Beirut we’ll stop in Saidon to sample their famous sweets and pastries and, if time allows, photograph inside a traditional soap factory.
If you have concerns about the safety of Lebanon, rest assured we will only be going where it is safe and stable, on well-trodden paths, accompanied by local guides and fixers. All locations have been vetted by Elena, whose knowledge of the country is deep, having lived and worked there for the United Nations.
Lebanon is similar to the Balkans in its cultural mix: Muslims and Christians living together peacefully (though sometimes on opposite sides of the city). Lebanon is liberal, and Beirut has many neighborhoods full of restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Lebanon gets a bad rap. It had a 25-year civil war (1975-1990) which ended over twenty years ago. Then there was a 34-day war with Israel, which ended in 2006. In 2021 there was a heart-breaking blast at the port. The Lebanese people have suffered a lot but have kept their hearts open and spirits alive.
Our intent is to bring a group of well-travelled, curious photographers to a country most have desired to visit but might not travel to on their own. Wide Angle also aspires to help this lovely, beleaguered nation get back on its feet through cultural exchange and tourism. Despite its troubled past Lebanon is one of the most interesting, soulful and beautiful places we’ve ever experienced. It is a truly special country.We hope you’ll join us for this memorable workshop.
Jordan: The Hashemite Kingdom
A small country that's big on ancient history and culture, Jordan offers endless opportunities for making incredible photographs. It’s a welcoming and peaceful destination with one of the region’s highest standards of living, health care and education. The modern country of Jordan encompasses land that has been the stage for epic histories. Almost every road and town are a reminder this land is primarily known as the cradle of the great monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Petra
The spectacular sandstone city of Petra was built in the 3rd century BC by the Nabataeans, who carved palaces, temples, tombs, storerooms and stables from the soft stone cliffs. Today it is a World Heritage Site that needs little introduction.
Entering the city at first light, you’ll have the entire day to wander and shoot within this vast and glorious monument.
One night will be spent in a hotel close to Petra
Amman
At the end of a full day in Petra, we’ll return to Amman, where we’ll spend two nights and days traversing the city’s unique neighborhoods and 7 hills, including the lively traditional downtown and souks, both with local guides and on our own.
If time allows, we will visit the historic city of Jerash, and the Women’s Artistic Collective, about an hour’s drive from Amman. As always, we’ll make pictures of street life—portraits, landscapes, architecture, food and the vibrance that is Amman—and anything else that moves you--before heading home on the 17th.
Three nights will be spent at the 4-star Kampinski Hotel.