2020 Photo Contest Entries and Winners
The 2020 contest was open to everyone who participated in one of our 2019 trips to Cornwall, the Luberon, Chianti, Alsace, the Périgord, the Cotswolds, or The European Christmas Experience.
We received 82 entries from 40 people. (Several people joined us for two trips in 2019 and were able to submit photos from each trip.) Thanks so much to everyone who entered!
This slide show includes all the photos entered in our 2020 contest, along with the description provided by the traveler. Each person could submit up to two photos, but only one could be selected as a winning photo. The 15 winning photos are included first, and then the other photos follow, organized randomly.
Instructions for viewing the slide show: You can move through the slide show manually, using the arrows on the left and right of each photo. The caption will appear after a brief delay. You can also “hover” over a slide to pause the show.
The Chianti Experience
"I love the random messiness of this old wooden door in Greve, the concrete stones revealed under the crumbling pink stucco and the roses climbing up the side. It all combines to create such rustic kind of beauty, which I love."
Luberon Walking Week
"The Colorado Provençal colors astound! From my vantage point to view the trail ahead, there are slices of breathtaking yellows, oranges and reds rising up to the brilliant blue sky."
Luberon Walking Week
"Walking along a road just outside of Bonnieux on a September afternoon. This photo is the one I show people when they ask me what my trip was like. No words necessary."
The Cornwall Experience
"Mousehole was once a prosperous fishing town. I thought this view captured the relationship between the village and the harbor. Also, I liked the way the night lights were reflected in the water."
Return to the Cotswolds
"How can you not feel joyful when looking at these 3 fabulous women? Seeing Jo and Sandra again from The Lygon Arms when I “Returned To The Cotswolds” was like seeing family. Learning how to make Sticky Toffee Pudding with Jane at our barbecue was the “sweetest”! The Lygon Arms will always have a special place in my heart."
The Chianti Experience
"This late afternoon view from our hotel window shows the subtle verdant beauty of the Tuscan hills, in the heart of Italy, which has charmed so many over the millennia."
The Cornwall Experience
"Cape Cornwall -- Not far from touristy Land’s End, we found Cape Cornwall with its sturdy buildings, lonely hilltop monument, and the vast stretch of the Irish Sea beyond. Cornwall is built to last."
The Chianti Experience
"While wonderful food and wine, charming villages, and breathtaking views were the hallmarks of our week in Chianti, the Florence American Cemetery offered a profound reminder that 4,393 Americans found their final rest here following World War II. Some crosses are inscribed simply, 'Here Rests in Honored Glory a Comrade in Arms Known But to God.' I was grateful for this visit to reflect and remember."
The Luberon Experience
"From lone red poppies bobbing beneath grapevine rows to a jaw-dropping (Stop the van!) solid crimson carpet in one poppy field, to purple irises at our picnic near the gray cliff of Lioux, to purple, pink, and white flowers arcing upward from rocky ruins at Abbaye de Saint Hilaire, to pastel sweetpea and bright zinnia bouquets at marchés, we enjoyed the Luberon’s flowers. Apparently, the Saignon resident who lives here appreciates the beauty of flowers as well."
The Perigord Experience
Le Jardin fleuriste - This lovely cutting garden is one of the many gardens of the Eyrignac Manor Gardens. Wandering through the different gardens was a JOY. Le Jardin Fleuriste particularly charmed me with the riot of color and variety of blossoms. To realize that for 500 years the same family has owned the property is a testament to the meaning of French Heritage. "
The Chianti Experience
"We were delighted to share in the color and liveliness of the weekly market in Panzano. A great opportunity to see the vibrant culture of the area, and of course the bounty of local food and products!"
The Cotswolds Experience
"Sudeley Castle: I loved the garden bench facing the garden gone wild, while the sculpted, tended garden is in the opposite direction."
Luberon Walking Week
"The last afternoon and last walk of the week was in the Alquebrun Valley/Silvergues area.. There were numerous surprizes along the path, and the massive mountain walls and breathtaking vistas were my favorite. In this photo the vertical and horizontal layers of rock and vegatation were subtly highlighted by the later afternoon light and was a fitting culmination of this unforgettable week."
The Luberon Experience
"View from our bedroom window at Le Clos du Buis, welcoming us each morning to another exciting and glorious day in the Luberon!"
European Christmas Experience
"Salzburg is beautiful anytime. However, at night in winter looking across the River Salzach towards the old town, the City seems to glow. This view captures the Hohensalzburg Fortress as well as many of the church steeples, all landmarks of the City."
Luberon Walking Week
"I was overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment, having walked up, and across, the dramatic Falaise de Lioux. The views from above were spectacular, and this photo was taken at finish, looking up the steep cliffs where we’d walked."
The Luberon Experience
"This picture, taken in L'isle-sur-la-Sorgue on September 8, 2019, captures the festive atmosphere of the town's market Sunday along with the tranquil beauty of the waterways that make the "Venice of Provence" an ideal place to begin a week in the Luberon. Here we can also see the light shimmering in the water's reflection that illustrates why so many Impressionists traveled to Provence in search of dazzling sun and vibrant color."
The Chianti Experience
"This brings me back at once to our lovely lunch at Nora’s Chianti Cashmere farm-and it reminds me of the numerous singular moments of magic mixed in with the many wonderful prearranged experiences."
Luberon Celebration
"Slow travel in Provence can take many forms in time and place! We happened upon this gentleman one morning in Bonnieux as he was carefully restoring his treasured automobile-a nearly century old French Peugeot! Perhaps on a future visit to Provence we might see this car once again on the roads of the Luberon....at least I hope so."
The Chianti Experience
"This is representational to me of quintessential Chianti countryside. This is what I came to see!!"
The Luberon Experience
"This photo, taken in Lacoste on September 9, 2019, highlights the ancient walls of this small unspoiled hilltop village with a hint of modernity shown with the hanging lamp. The valley below is framed by the Luberon Mountains capped by the blue sky of Provence."
The European Christmas Experience
"'In Central European folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure described as "half-goat, half-demon", who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved. This contrasts with Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts.' (From Wikipedia) You would think one should be afraid of these creatures! Not my roommate! In Salzburg, Austria, she hugged several of them, danced with them, looked lovingly at them and even told them she was bad! This reminded me of Martin Luther King’s quote: 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.'"
The Cornwall Experience
"I loved the lushness of spring flowering bluebells at Lanhydrock House in Cornwall and how they contrasted with the charm of an old wooden fence that has withstood many a harsh winter. Perhaps a metaphor for Cornwall itself."
Return to the Cotswolds
"The gardens of Bourton House are spectacular in July! There are so many garden “rooms” to explore, with different color schemes set apart by walls or whimsical features. I was especially struck by this composition of spires of electric blue delphinium pointing up to the large stone house. It would be so easy to spend more time sipping tea, strolling, and just sitting in the gardens."
European Christmas Experience
"Salzburg was first stop on Kathy and Charley’s European Christmas trip. Our walking tour of Salzburg the first night took us across the Stattsbruecke Bridge into Old Town, Salzburg. This is the view from that bridge as the sun was setting over the city."
The Luberon Experience
"One aspect of Luberon Experience I particularly enjoyed was that we often had opportunity to participate in one of France’s favorite pastimes: la flânerie. Here, in Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt we toured a bit, learned about the town and its World War II Résistance history, bought bright scarves and linens and yummy nougat at the marché, and then relaxed in a café to casually chat with each other and leisurely watch people such as these two flâneurs. This café is also where Charley taught me how to order coffee I will like: “café allongé noir.”"
The Chianti Experience
"Beyond JUST seeing, the Chianti Experience was about DOING, in this case turning flour, egg and water into pasta that once filled, became Tuscan soul food, hand made ravioli."
Luberon Celebration
"As we were coming down the hill in the lovely village of Cucuron, we spotted these two furry friends that looked like they were enjoying their day as much as we were."
Luberon Celebration
"Surrounded by nature, hiking with old friends and new ones, and strolling down the trail to another Luberon adventure, this scene near Cucuron captures how the whole week felt to me."
Return to the Cotswolds
"Did I get transported through a time machine back to the days of Steam Engine train travel? It appears so here at the Toddington GWSR platform. The “old timey” feel with vintage luggage and aged brick walls certainly gave me a sense of what it was like “back in the day”. What a fun experience we had on our adventure to Cheltenham."
The Luberon Experience
"Our garden lunch at Domaine Faverot was abundant with fresh, delicious food and charming, picturesque surroundings."
The Cornwall Experience
"The Isles of Scilly are a stunning place, so near the Cornish coast yet seemingly as remote as Easter Island. This photo captures the wildness of the open sea surrounding the Isles, a stark contrast to the tranquil waters and lush fields that greet one upon sailing into the archipelago."
The Chianti Experience
"As one walks up the steps from the parking, one enters the village of Panzano with its small but wonderful street market and one is greeted by this beautiful private garden."
The Cornwall Experience
"In the spring, life is good for cows on St. Martin in the Isles of Scilly: warm weather, plenty of green grass, and even the occasional walker if you’re a bit tired of your herd mates and want to make a new friend."
The Luberon Experience
"The building with the blue shutters is part of the current patient quarters of the Saint-Paul Asylum. Capturing this photo struck me with a feeling of somber and tranquil beauty. The shadows and the drooping leaves evoking sadness, the roses and light glittering throughout bringing forth beauty and transformation."
The Chianti Experience
"Having a quiet reflective moment just taking in the charm of the little Village. Our congenial group were beginning to assemble, engaging in easy animated conversation together, ready for another adventure into the countryside. The small restaurant just outside our Hotel always looked so inviting. I could sit here for hours!"
:Luberon Celebration
"Whatever town or village you find yourself in, you can always rest assured that you will find Charley sitting peacefully somewhere nearby watching all that’s going on around him. Sometimes alone, waiting, and sometimes with others that are watching along with him."
The Cornwall Experience
"This photo was taken at the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden/museum in St. Ives. This piece of sculpture was highlighted and framed by the blooming tree. For me the sculpture was a fitting visual metaphor for the fascinating story of Mrs. Hepworth that we were told that morning."
The Chianti Experience
"The old village of Castellina-en-Chianti was a perfect base for our group- quiet, yet very much alive with great choices for shopping and eating in the beautiful Chianti hills."
Luberon Celebration
"As we were leaving the market at Cucuron to walk back to the vehicles, I spotted these two dogs peaking under the fence to try and get a glimpse of what was going on beyond their world."
The Chianti Experience
"Cooking with Charley at Stefania's"
Luberon Celebration
"Pure joy! On a beautiful day while we were visiting the Chateau La Coste, we discovered a wonderful music pavilion which was a brilliant work of architecture built by Frank Gehry. In our time alone in the pavilion, we tested its perfect acoustic qualities. It was a WOW moment!"
"The simple beauty of lobelias on a Bonnieux street."
European Christmas Experience
"While in Munich on the European Christmas Trip, Charley took a group of us to visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. This first concentration camp was established in 1933 and was originally intended for political prisoners. This picture is of the cells in the building which housed prisoners designated to receive special treatment. The emptiness I experienced here evoked a piercing sadness that remained with me long after the visit."
Luberon Walking Week
"Quiet Shade -- The Luberon Walking week was full of unexpected scenery from amazing vistas to quiet paths. This was an especially delightful section of our route back to Vaugines. It was not only beautiful but offered much appreciated shade from unusually hot temperatures in the region. "
The Chianti Experience
"In Siena. I’ve always loved the small European markets and in this photo I love the fact that the little “boot bottles” and the raffia covered bottles tell the viewer just where they are."
Luberon Walking Week
"Before the first hike began 10 hikers stood in a circle, each hiker with a unique type of hiking shoe. by the end of the week we had walked several kilometers over rocky trails, dusty paths, through forests, from village to village, from valleys to mountaintops with amazing views and sights along the way. By the end of the week our shoes were a little dustier but our bodies and friendships had grown stronger."
The Luberon Experience
"Bonnieux is designed to allow oneself to get lost in its beauty. Each turn offered a new pathway, stairway, nook, tunnel or door. Some doors seemingly leading to nowhere. The architecture is awe-inspiring with every piece falling together like a complex puzzle. Sprinkled throughout the village is a juxtaposition of old stone and the new growth of colorful wildflowers. It was one of the most beautiful places I have been. Strolling along these stone streets I caught the sound of Für Elise being played on piano and I was overcome with peace."
The Cornwall Experience
"Under the Bell Tower -- Our day on the Penwith Peninsula included a visit to the centuries old parish church of Zennor, St Senara. My photo shows two of the six bell pulls used by the bell ringers to make the church bells ring out. On the wall we see plaques listing the bell ringers in attendance and details of their performance on two special church occasions. Being in that room under the bell tower was particularly meaningful to me because my father rang bells in his parish church in England before emigrating to Canada."
The Cornwall Experience
"An added bonus to the Cornwall trip was the three day visit to the Isles of Scilly. I came upon this fantastic soaring sculpture there in the Tresco Abbey Gardens. The light seemed just right and added to the theme of the sculpture. Throughout the garden there was a blend of historical charm and craftsmanship with scenes like this of more modern works; treats for the eyes!"
The Chianti Experience
"Visiting this authentic, hardworking Italian family on their farm, conversing and hearing their story, sharing a home cooked meal, and enjoying a taste of their Chianti Classico was an exceptional highlight. What a treat to be welcomed into this wonderfully rustic property set in an amazing Chianti landscape. Bellissimo!"
Luberon Walking Week
"The church at Bonnieux. Patiently waiting for the return of his mistress and her dog. We watched them ride away along the street below."
Luberon Walking Week
"After an invigorating day of biking and exploring the villages of the Luberon, we were treated to a relaxing evening at the beautiful home of Jenny and Jonathan in Bonnieux. We enjoyed cocktails, delicious food and a birthday celebration for Kathy. This setting sun photo was taken from their terrace which overlooks part of the village and the countryside. The whole experience was like soaking in a warm tub of water with candles and champagne!"
Luberon Celebration
"The dazzling light displays and vivid musical selections at the Carrieres de Lumieres Van Gogh extravaganza are like seeing the northern lights for the first time. I was mesmerized!"
The Cotswolds Experience
"St. Philips Church, Little Rollright: A charming, quiet little church in need of tending. Caretaker's love shown in sweet local flower cuttings."
The European Christmas Experience
"In Munich Germany, the delicate features of Neo-Gothic Town Hall are complemented by the wispy clouds above. The Marienplatz, the big square in front of the town hall, houses a large Christmas Market that bustles with the many and varied booths, people, food, drink, lights and decorations. What struck me about this photo was how the people in the foreground were as powerful as the scenery. The interaction between the couple, the expression on her face contrasted with the man eating. The Christmas Markets were a mecca for people watching!"
Luberon Celebration
"Breakfast at Le Clos du Buis is always amazing and a delicious way to start your adventures for the day. And this is where you find the itinerary for the day."
The Chianti Experience
"This picture is more for humor in the same shop where the man behind the counter decided to get in on the photo. It strikes me as a great way for him to humor the tourists constantly clicking their cameras."
The Périgord Experience
"I took this photo on one of my early morning walks from our hotel. I loved the stillness those warm summer mornings offered. It gave me the opportunity to open my eyes to things I might otherwise overlook — true treasure hunts! This simple garden spoke to me. I found ‘awakening’ in the statue—peace in the fallen petals—and invigoration from the scent and colors of the flowers. Such a simple garden but much more than that. The Dordogne - simplicities but yet much much more!"
Luberon Celebration
"One afternoon while Charley was driving, I was fortunate to be able to snap a photo of these Roman Monuments. The monuments are called Les Antiques and are located in Glanum, St. Remy. They are the Triumphal Arch of Glanum and the Mausoleum of the Julii. On one of my previous Bonnieux trips, I was able to visit the Roman Theater of Orange."
The Chianti Experience
"The views from this ancient home are typically spectacular of the Tuscan countryside. This picture reminds me not only of the views, but also of the intimate style of the hospitality we enjoyed. Well prepared banquets lovingly presented in the homes of fantastic character."
The Luberon Experience
"The 'New Church' at Bonnieux is joy to behold at the end of a day."
Luberon Celebration
"You will quite often find Kathy and Charley off to the side, discussing what’s next for the day, while they wait for all of us to finish exploring or shopping."
The Perigord Experience
"Marché Nocturne -- Held each Monday from June 24 to August 26 the Montignac night market brings town inhabitants into the convivial spirit of community - wandering the food and beverage booths and sharing stories and laughter. I enjoyed the festive evening where young and old mingled and selected their dinner entrees, wines and delicious sweets."
The Chianti Experience
"The live inspiration for the symbol of Chianti region in Tuscany - taken at a small family winery where we learned about the multiple generations of one family who with love, hard work and dedication made wine for the rest of the world."
Luberon Walking Week
"The Luberon Walking Week was wonderful and fun but sometimes required a little extra energy and balance. While we did have challenges along the way there was always someone nearby, whether fellow traveler or one of the leaders, who would help us over the rough spots."
The Cornwall Experience
"On the walk up the long (and beautiful) path from the car park to Lanhydrock House we encountered this stand of dense leafy trees on a carpet of Bluebells. The contrast and richness of the colors was kind of breathtaking."
Luberon Walking Week
"On our last big walk, we hiked up and down some amazing ridge lines and saw very few inhabitants. I never would have imagined finding a tree that had been yarn bombed. What’s yarn bombing? Well, it’s a type of graffiti and is most often seen in urban areas. It’s purpose is simple though--to create something fun and beautiful just because it might make someone else's day. And that it did! I love to knit so I was particularly excited to see this and share it with my fellow hikers."
The Chianti Experience
" I found this charming site in a window in the village of Radda. This picture was the only reference I saw to Pinocchio on the trip. Since Pinocchio is from a small village in Tuscany, I was charmed by this photo. It is a reminder of something so simple, yet universal. "
The Perigord Experience
"Food, food and more food. The trip in the Dordogne was amazing = lovely towns, prehistoric remains to be explored, gardens filled the gorgeous flowers and manicured hedges, markets overflowing with French goodies. The cave paintings took my breath away, those little ponies.
But it was the food – foie gras, duck, duck confit and the breads. Food, food and more food. The wines were wonderful, full of the taste of sunshine. But the luncheons were what I keep wanting more of … the composed salads full of the freshest greens tomatoes and flavorful fish. "
Luberon Walking Week
"On the way to walk in La Foret des Cedres we stopped to look down at Bonnieux and the beautiful Luberon mountains in the background. From this vantage point we could clearly see two of the landmarks of Bonnieux, the “old church” on which construction began in the 10th Century and the “new church” built in the 1870’s."
Luberon Celebration
"Experiencing the complexity of truffle cultivation and harvesting in addition to tasting the culinary expression of these unique fungi was a highlight of our tour. We were treated to tastings of shaved truffles with butter and cheese accompanied by the estate champagne. The grand finale of the day was ice cream topped with truffle infused caramel! The fusion of creamy sweetness with the subtle truffle essence is a taste I will never forget."
The Cornwall Experience
"The Captain and His Crew -- Boarding the MV Princessa in Falmouth for a boat trip into the Helford River we noticed many framed photos of former ships’ dogs in the lounge. I had come to realize the love Cornish people have for their dogs. Every boat or ferry seemed to have at least one dog in the crew. As we disembarked the Princessa, the Captain and his two “mates” came out to bid us farewell. To me, this photo of the captain and his dogs is an example of the persona presented by the people of Cornwall."
Luberon Celebration
"Old Friends: These trees reminded me of two old friends standing guard with each other. They have weathered the storms over the years and stand with arms intertwined and ready for whatever lies ahead."
Luberon Celebration
"Traveling with European Experiences tours provides exposure to historic, educational, cultural, and culinary experiences. So much to be seen, taste, hear, smell, touch. My heart is filled with memories of it all. Moments of quiet reflection, dappled light, friendships gained, life well lived. Thank you for creating this canvas for us to paint our lives into."
Luberon Walking Week
"After Johann and Jean-Marc taught us the rules and art of Pétanque, a game similar to Boules, we divided into four teams to play. At times when the ruling was in dispute, it was necessary to get out a measuring tape. Here Jean-Marc has just made the call in favor of Jonathan’s team over Jennifer’s. The snacks, drinks and prizes only added to the fun."
European Christmas Experience
"Each Christmas Market had its own personality. However, in addition to the typical food, wine and shopping, interspersed among the market stalls in Colmar were many fun activities for children that we had not seen elsewhere. This ferris wheel near our hotel was just one of several rides which added to festive atmosphere in Colmar."
Luberon Celebration
"Someday We'll be Gone: When I saw these empty benches I wondered to myself, "who was sitting there 50 years ago?100 years ago?" It reminded me of just how fleeting our years are and how important it is to appreciate every moment we have."
Perigord Experience
"Great meals and AH! the desserts. Yummy meals and I don’t usually eat lunch."
We (Kathy and Charley) judged the contest together. Our daughter Kelly Wood managed the contest, which allowed us to judge “blind.” We didn’t know who entered or who submitted each photo until after we made our decisions. We considered the photo along with its description, selecting a final portfolio of winners that we felt represent our different destinations and the many different aspects of the European Experiences trips.
And the Winners are…
Grand Prize for Best Photograph
The prize is a $500 discount on a future European Experiences trip.
Marguerite fron California, USA
Grand Prize Runners-Up
Our four runners-up will each receive a $250 discount on a future European Experiences trip.
Freda, from North Carolina, USA
Jerry from Tennessee, USA
Keith from California, USA
Mindy from Massachusetts, USA
Special Recognition Awards
These 10 photographers were also recognized for their photos. They each won a $50 Amazon gift certificate or a $50 discount on a 2020 or 2021 trip.
Alan from California, USA
Cheryl from Illinois, USA
Dan from Maryland, USA
Jane from Illinois, USA
Joan from Massachusetts, USA
Linda from Illinois, USA
Maura from Montana, USA
Patti from Tennessee, USA
Peggy from Virginia, USA
Sarah from Missouri, USA
Participation Prizes
Everyone else who participated in the contest will receive a special gift from us to thank them for sharing their memories and being part of our contest.
Becky from Tennessee, USA
Cathy from Virginia, USA
Cheryl from Alberta, Canada
Christine from California, USA
Cindy from Florida, USA
Colin from South Africa
Dale from Tennessee, USA
Ginger, from Wisconsin, USA
Heather from South Africa
Helene from Massachusetts, USA
Jess from Pennsylvania, USA
Jill from Illinois, USA
Linda from California, USA
Lisa from Queensland, Australia
Mary Lee from Maryland, USA
Michelle from Tennessee, USA
Mike from Maryland, USA
Pam from Maine, USA
Pauline from Manitoba, Canada
Ron from Alberta, Canada
Roy from Delaware, USA
Sandy from Tennessee, USA
Sheryl from West Virginia, USA
Stacy from Iowa, USA
Wendy from Maryland, USA
We’ll feature these photos on our websites, in our newsletters, on our Instagram page, and on our Facebook page over the next year and in the future.
Thanks to everyone for sharing their special photos and memories with us!