Tour Overview
Day 1-2
We’ll meet outside of customs at Venice Airport and transfer by van to gorgeous Val Gardena. Introductions, trip orientation and welcome dinner will be in our hotel that evening. The following day we will have a short hike (or a van transfer for those that prefer) to Vallonga, where we’ll explore the ancient Wolkenstein Castle. In the afternoon we’ll continue on to the small village of Ortisei, nestled in the heart of the Dolomiti, where we will photograph the art of excellent wood carving tradition.
Day 3-4
Our morning photo workshop will be right after breakfast in the hotel. We’ll then drive to Selva and take the chairlift up to Rifugio Comici, followed by a hike to Sassolungo. At almost 10,000 ft. where we will hike and have a sunset photo shoot. The following day we’ll have a brief photo editing session before driving through the picturesque alpine valley to the Novacelle Abbey for a guided tour and lunch. We’ll continue on to the fairytale town of Bressanone in the afternoon with a guided tour of the town as well as some free time to explore the street and visit shops.
Day 5-6
An early awakening gets us out for a sunrise photo shoot in Vallonga. We’ll then return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast, followed by a photo editing session and lunch. This afternoon we have a cooking lesson. The following day we’ll have a photo workshop and editing session. Today is a free day which can be used for your special interests: working on photos, hiking, or visiting some of the nearby towns. After an early dinner, we’ll take an evening drive to Passo Gardena and hike to Passo Cir to photograph the dramatic landscape at sunset.
Day 7-8
Today we’ll visit Bolzano, the largest city in South Tyrol. On our way we’ll stop outside of town to photograph the unique and bizarre Earth Pyramids of Renon. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological museum to marvel at the incredible mummy Ötzi the Iceman. The following day we will have a full day trek to visit three ancient Castles near Missiano. Our walk will be made all the more enjoyable for the wineries and local restaurants we encounter along the way!
Day 9-10
This morning after breakfast we’ll drive to Passo Falzarego, from which we’ll hike up to Rifugio Lagazuoi where we’ll spend the night at the welcoming mountain hut, seemingly perched on top of the world, where we can photograph the golden light and the stars over the mountain peaks.
This morning we transfer back to the Venice airport for flights home, or to the train station for personal travel extensions. Arrivederci! Come back to explore and photograph more of Italy with us soon!
