COUNTRY : India PHOTOGRAPHY: Culture LENGTH: 7 days DATES: 16-22/10 2026 NO. OF PARTICIPANTS: 8-15

COLORFUL AND VIBRANT INDIA

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER STEVE McCURRY

India has always been one of my greatest inspirations—its colors, its people, its traditions, and the stories unfolding in every street and along every riverbank. Kolkata and Varanasi are among the most visually and emotionally powerful places on the earth. Here, life happens in the open, in its rawest and most beautiful form. This journey is about more than just photography; it’s about immersing yourself in the energy of these cities, capturing moments that speak to the soul, and seeing the world with fresh eyes. I look forward to sharing this experience with you, so join me to Colorful India”

Steve McCurry

Join Zoom Photo Tours on an extraordinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Kolkata and the spiritual heart of Varanasi, guided by legendary photographer Steve McCurry, awarded the world´s best photographer. Having visited India countless times, Steve knows these places intimately—the hidden alleys, the perfect light, and the moments that transform everyday life into stunning visual stories.

This is more than just a trip—it’s Steve McCurrys first workshop in India for more than 25 years so it´s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Therefore take the chance to capture the essence of India, from the bustling markets and historic railway stations to the sacred rituals along the Ganges together with Steve McCurry. Feel the pulse of Kolkata’s colorful chaos, witness the breathtaking Durga Puja celebrations, and immerse yourself in Varanasi’s timeless spirituality.

With Steve by your side, sharing his deep knowledge and expertise, you’ll refine your photography skills while creating a portfolio of images that tell powerful, unforgettable stories.

Get ready for a journey filled with vivid colors, deep emotions, and unparalleled moments—a true visual feast for any passionate photographer. Are you ready to capture India like never before?

TOUR HIGHLIGTS

Shoot alongside Steve McCurry, receiving expert tips and insights.
Explore Kolkata’s vibrant streets, markets, and iconic railway stations.
Capture Durga Puja’s grand finale, with deity immersions in when statues are carried to the river and ritually immersed in the water.
Document Varanasi’s spiritual rituals, from cremation ghats to temple prayers.
Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a torch-lit sacred ceremony.
Wander Varanasi’s narrow alleyways, perfect for immersive street photography.
Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, photographing pilgrims and the river life.
Capture the chaos of Varanasi Railway Station, India’s lifeline in motion.
Engage in daily photo challenges, image reviews, and storytelling techniques.
End each day with Steve’s expert feedback, refining your photographic vision.

BOOK NOW

COUNTRY : India PHOTOGRAPHY: Culture LENGTH: 7 days DATES: 16-22/10 2026 NO. OF PARTICIPANTS: 8-15

COLORFUL AND VIBRANT INDIA

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER STEVE McCURRY

India has always been one of my greatest inspirations—its colors, its people, its traditions, and the stories unfolding in every street and along every riverbank. Kolkata and Varanasi are among the most visually and emotionally powerful places on the earth. Here, life happens in the open, in its rawest and most beautiful form. This journey is about more than just photography; it’s about immersing yourself in the energy of these cities, capturing moments that speak to the soul, and seeing the world with fresh eyes. I look forward to sharing this experience with you, so join me to Colorful India”

Steve McCurry

Join Zoom Photo Tours on an extraordinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Kolkata and the spiritual heart of Varanasi, guided by legendary photographer Steve McCurry, awarded the world´s best photographer. Having visited India countless times, Steve knows these places intimately—the hidden alleys, the perfect light, and the moments that transform everyday life into stunning visual stories.

This is more than just a trip—it’s Steve McCurrys first workshop in India for more than 25 years so it´s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Therefore take the chance to capture the essence of India, from the bustling markets and historic railway stations to the sacred rituals along the Ganges together with Steve McCurry. Feel the pulse of Kolkata’s colorful chaos, witness the breathtaking Durga Puja celebrations, and immerse yourself in Varanasi’s timeless spirituality.

With Steve by your side, sharing his deep knowledge and expertise, you’ll refine your photography skills while creating a portfolio of images that tell powerful, unforgettable stories.

Get ready for a journey filled with vivid colors, deep emotions, and unparalleled moments—a true visual feast for any passionate photographer. Are you ready to capture India like never before?

TOUR HIGHLIGTS

Shoot alongside Steve McCurry, receiving expert tips and insights.
Explore Kolkata’s vibrant streets, markets, and iconic railway stations.
Capture Durga Puja’s grand finale, with deity immersions in when statues are carried to the river and ritually immersed in the water.
Document Varanasi’s spiritual rituals, from cremation ghats to temple prayers.
Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a torch-lit sacred ceremony.
Wander Varanasi’s narrow alleyways, perfect for immersive street photography.
Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, photographing pilgrims and the river life.
Capture the chaos of Varanasi Railway Station, India’s lifeline in motion.
Engage in daily photo challenges, image reviews, and storytelling techniques.
End each day with Steve’s expert feedback, refining your photographic vision.

BOOKING

DESTINATIONS

KOLKATA

Kolkata is a city of history, culture, and vibrant energy. Known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and artistic heritage, it blends old-world charm with modern dynamism. Iconic landmarks like Esplanade, Bara Bazaar, and Howrah Bridge showcase the city’s pulse, while Kumartuli’s artisans and College Street’s bookshops reflect its deep cultural roots. The Howrah and Sealdah railway stationscapture the daily rhythm of millions. A city of art, literature, and tradition, Kolkata is an unforgettable experience, where every street is a story and every moment a photograph.

VARANASI

Varanasi is one of India’s oldest and holiest cities, located along the sacred Ganges River. Hindus from around the world flock to Varanasi, as the Ganges is considered divine and purifying. Life in the city revolves around its 84 ghats—the stone steps stretching along the seven-kilometer riverbank. While most ghats are used for ritual bathing, some serve as cremation sites, playing a vital role in Hindu traditions. The most significant and sacred ghats include Assi Ghat, Dasashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Panchganga Ghat. Bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges, especially at these revered locations, is considered a spiritual necessity for Hindus before departing this world.

Read more about the desitnations we are going to visit.

KOLKATA

Kolkata is a city of history, culture, and vibrant energy. Known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and artistic heritage, it blends old-world charm with modern dynamism. Iconic landmarks like Esplanade, Bara Bazaar, and Howrah Bridge showcase the city’s pulse, while Kumartuli’s artisans and College Street’s bookshops reflect its deep cultural roots. The Howrah and Sealdah railway stationscapture the daily rhythm of millions. A city of art, literature, and tradition, Kolkata is an unforgettable experience, where every street is a story and every moment a photograph.

VARANASI

Varanasi is one of India’s oldest and holiest cities, located along the sacred Ganges River. Hindus from around the world flock to Varanasi, as the Ganges is considered divine and purifying. Life in the city revolves around its 84 ghats—the stone steps stretching along the seven-kilometer riverbank. While most ghats are used for ritual bathing, some serve as cremation sites, playing a vital role in Hindu traditions. The most significant and sacred ghats include Assi Ghat, Dasashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Panchganga Ghat. Bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges, especially at these revered locations, is considered a spiritual necessity for Hindus before departing this world.

ITINERARY

16-22 OCTOBER 2026

During the journey, Steve McCurry will hold lectures, provide tips and advice, and in the evenings, assist with image editing and evaluation. The exact days and times will depend on India’s famously unpredictable traffic and the time dedicated to photography.

Steve will, of course, be present during all photo sessions, offering on-the-spot guidance and insights to help refine your skills and enhance your photographic experience.

DAY 1, (16/10) – ARRIVAL TO KOLKATA
Welcome to Kolkata! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to our charming hotel, The Elgin Fairlawn****. After check-in and a brief introduction with Steve McCurry, we embark on our first photo excursion in the heart of the city. We will document the vibrant atmosphere of Esplanade, a historic and bustling area teeming with people and commerce. Our journey continues through Bara Bazaar, one of India’s largest wholesale markets, where thousands of traders sell everything from spices to textiles.

We will also visit the iconic railway stations of Howrah and Sealdah, capturing the daily lives of commuters and the city’s constant movement. The day concludes at the magnificent Howrah Bridge, where we will photograph the evening light and reflections on the Hooghly River.

This will be our first photo session, offering us the opportunity to photograph side by side with one of the world’s most renowned photographers. Throughout the journey, Steve will be available to provide personal advice, tips, and inspiration.

Back at the hotel, we will enjoy a welcome dinner, reflecting on the day’s experiences and discussing the exciting photography adventure ahead. (Lunch & dinner)

DAY 2-3, (17-18/10) – COLORFUL KOLKATA
These two days are dedicated to exploring the city’s vibrant life and rich culture. We will start our mornings at Mallick Ghat Flower Market, capturing the colorful garlands and vendors preparing for the day’s trade. We then visit Maidan, Kolkata’s vast open field, where locals gather to play cricket, take morning walks, and enjoy the tranquil start to the day.

We continue to Kumartoli, a fascinating district where skilled artisans craft impressive deity statues for Durga Puja. Here, we will have the opportunity to document the entire process – from raw clay to the finished idol – and engage with the artists who dedicate their lives to this traditional craft.

Next, we explore College Street, known as the “Paradise of Booksellers,” where we capture the ambiance of tiny, crowded bookstores and the lively intellectual discussions among students and scholars. In the afternoon, we visit Hatibagan Market and New Market, two iconic shopping areas where Kolkata’s energy is at its peak.

Throughout these days, Steve will challenge us with photo assignments that inspire us and push our photography skills to the next level. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

DAY 4, (19/10) – KOLKATA TO VARANASI
During the morning we continue to explore the trilling street life of Kolkata.

After lunch, we continue with flight to Varanasi, where we check in at Hotel Hindusthan International**** right in the city center.

In the evening, we participate in the magical Ganga Aarti ceremony at the riverbank, where burning lamps and sacred chants create a mesmerising atmosphere. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

DAY 5-6, (20-21/10) – THE BUSTLING STREETLIFE IN VARANASI
During these days, we will explore the bustling life around Varanasi’s 84 ghats, the stone steps stretching along the seven-kilometer riverbank, including Manikarnika Ghat, the famous cremation site. This area offers some of the most compelling visual narratives, making it an exceptional location for capturing the essence of life and spirituality in India.

As Vijayadashami (the tenth and final day of Durga Puja) falls on one of these days, we will have a unique opportunity to document the grand procession, where deity statues are carried to the river and ritually immersed in the water—a spectacular event filled with color, joy, and emotional farewells.

We will also visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where we will photograph men covered in sacred white ash, the revered holy cows, and much more. Varanasi’s narrow alleyways further enrich our photographic experience, providing authentic street photography moments at every turn.

Another aspect that makes street photography in Varanasi so unique is the thousands of devoted Hindus who visit one of the city’s holiest temples to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

One of the days, we will embark on a boat tour along the sacred Ganges River, allowing us to capture incredible images of daily life by the water, where pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy river. We will also visit Varanasi Railway Station, where we can document the hustle and bustle of travelers rushing to and from the trains, India’s lifeline.

In the evenings, we will witness the Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges. This is a deeply spiritual ritual performed by a group of priests, involving flaming torches and rhythmic movements. The combination of fire, devotion, and dance creates a striking visual spectacle, adding yet another dimension to our photographic journey. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

DAY 7, (23/10) – VARANASI TO DELHI
After a final day of photography in this fascinating city, we head to the airport for home. (Breakfast & lunch)

Read more about the day to day itinerary for the trip.

OCTOBER 16-22 2026

During the journey, Steve McCurry will hold lectures, provide tips and advice, and in the evenings, assist with image editing and evaluation. The exact days and times will depend on India’s famously unpredictable traffic and the time dedicated to photography.

Steve will, of course, be present during all photo sessions, offering on-the-spot guidance and insights to help refine your skills and enhance your photographic experience.

DAY 1, (16/10) – ARRIVAL TO KOLKATA
Welcome to Kolkata! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to our charming hotel, The Elgin Fairlawn****. After check-in and a brief introduction with Steve McCurry, we embark on our first photo excursion in the heart of the city. We will document the vibrant atmosphere of Esplanade, a historic and bustling area teeming with people and commerce. Our journey continues through Bara Bazaar, one of India’s largest wholesale markets, where thousands of traders sell everything from spices to textiles.

We will also visit the iconic railway stations of Howrah and Sealdah, capturing the daily lives of commuters and the city’s constant movement. The day concludes at the magnificent Howrah Bridge, where we will photograph the evening light and reflections on the Hooghly River.

This will be our first photo session, offering us the opportunity to photograph side by side with one of the world’s most renowned photographers. Throughout the journey, Steve will be available to provide personal advice, tips, and inspiration.

Back at the hotel, we will enjoy a welcome dinner, reflecting on the day’s experiences and discussing the exciting photography adventure ahead. (Lunch & dinner)

DAY 2-3, (17-18/10) – COLORFUL KOLKATA
These two days are dedicated to exploring the city’s vibrant life and rich culture. We will start our mornings at Mallick Ghat Flower Market, capturing the colorful garlands and vendors preparing for the day’s trade. We then visit Maidan, Kolkata’s vast open field, where locals gather to play cricket, take morning walks, and enjoy the tranquil start to the day.

We continue to Kumartoli, a fascinating district where skilled artisans craft impressive deity statues for Durga Puja. Here, we will have the opportunity to document the entire process – from raw clay to the finished idol – and engage with the artists who dedicate their lives to this traditional craft.

Next, we explore College Street, known as the “Paradise of Booksellers,” where we capture the ambiance of tiny, crowded bookstores and the lively intellectual discussions among students and scholars. In the afternoon, we visit Hatibagan Market and New Market, two iconic shopping areas where Kolkata’s energy is at its peak.

Throughout these days, Steve will challenge us with photo assignments that inspire us and push our photography skills to the next level. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

DAY 4, (19/10) – KOLKATA TO VARANASI
During the morning we continue to explore the trilling street life of Kolkata.

After lunch, we continue with flight to Varanasi, where we check in at Hotel Hindusthan International****.