Tuscany Photography Tours: Capture the Beauty of Italy's Heart

Depart from North America or from other home ports on a day that allows you to arrive in Florence, Italy (airport code FLR), on this date. Take a taxi for the short ride to the hotel, settle in, and rest after the long flight. We meet as a group for the first time at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the hotel for a meet and greet, an orientation to the tour, and any photography questions you may have can be answered at this time. We then enjoy a welcome dinner, followed by twilight photography. Overnight Florence.

After breakfast we drive to the heart of Tuscanny and arrive at 13th century San Gimignano. Its skyline is comprised of medieval stone towers. The quaint streets, so artfully constructed, are a photographer’s delight. We’ll have lunch here, and then in the afternoon we’ll have more time to explore this ancient town. We will then drive to our hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, we drive into the heart of Tuscany, arriving at the 15th-century town of Pienza. This is our first exposure to the classic Tuscan rolling hills, beautiful farmhouses, stands of cypress trees, and Medieval architecture. Hilltop views offer fantastic photographs. We will explore the town, and then drive a short distance to San Quirico d’Orcia. This is a small village surrounded by stunning landscapes. We'll have lunch here. In the afternoon, we photograph one of the classic shots in Tuscany -- the Belvedere farmhouse. Within walking distance is another classic picture of a farmhouse used in the film, Gladiator.

In the early morning we photograph sunrise on a beautiful farm in Asciano with a classic S-curve driveway flanked by cypress trees. Following breakfast, we drive to the beautiful city of Siena. Built in the 13th century, Siena is Italy’s medieval heart and soul. The impressive Piazza del Campo is the site of the imposing gothic town hall and the Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower that offers sweeping views of the countryside. The huge cathedral in the center of the town is nothing less than spectacular. It opened in 1215, and its dramatic interior is something you’ll never forget. The photography here is amazing. Siena is also a center for food lovers, and you will especially love the incredible creations in chocolate. This will be a wonderful day!

This morning we drive to Montalcino, another beautiful Tuscan town, to take part in a cooking class. You will learn to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes so you can impress your friends and family back home with your culinary prowess.

Afterwards, we explore Montalcino, including the beautiful 11th century Sant Antimo abbey. This evening, we’ll photograph sunset lighting on the lovely Tuscan landscape.

We get up early this morning to photograph sunrise at the 16th-century Chapel Vitaleta, a small, lone building surrounded by rolling hills. It’s an award-winning shot. We then return to the hotel for breakfast. In the middle of the of the morning, we drive to Montepulciano to photograph this charming village known as the City of Renaissance. At the base of the village is spectacular San Bioagio church, and we'll be able to take shots from stunning perspectives. After lunch, we will have a wonderful wine tasting experience where you'll be able to sample Tuscany's finest wines. This will be followed by our farewell dinner.

This morning, after breakfast, we drive back to Florence for our return flight home.
Please plan to leave FLR airport for your afternoon flight anytime after 2 pm

Tour cost: $4850
Single supplement: $800
Limited to 6 participants
Includes: all lodging based on double occupancy, all breakfasts, welcome dinner, farewell dinner, entrance fees, all ground transportation, cooking class, wine testing, and an English-speaking guide.

Not included: International airfare, all lunches, dinners not mentioned above, travel cancellation and medical evacuation.insurance required,,

tips to local driver, and items of a personal nature.

Physical activity and skill level:

Easy walking everywhere we go.

All of skills iPhones are welcomed.

Autumn in Tuscany for Beginning Photographers Nov.1- 7, 2028