2026 Venice, Dolomites, and Tuscany Photography Tour II

Travel Plan

Accommodations

Helpful Information

Explorer Testimonials

• 2026 Venice, Dolomites, and Tuscany Photography Tour II Travel Plans

  Monday, May 4

  Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport and transfer to the Albergo San Marco, a boutique hotel in the heart of Venice. Get settled in and relax, or enjoy a leisurely walk through this iconic city’s charming streets and canals. We’ll gather for a group welcome dinner at a traditional Venetian trattoria to treat ourselves to the local flavors and ambiance. Overnight at Albergo San Marco or similar

  Tuesday, May 5

  We’ll have a full day to explore and photograph Venice, focusing mainly on sunrise and sunset photography at iconic locations. Enjoy some free time today and take in all that Venice has to offer, including St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and its bell tower, and the city’s interesting canals, bridges, and churches. You might want to include Burano Island on your Venice bucket list for a chance to capture its colorful buildings, small canals, and charming details.

  Overnight at Albergo San Marco or similar

  Wednesday, May 6

  Depart Venice in the morning for the Dolomites, a scenic three-hour drive. Upon arrival, we’ll check in at a cozy mountain lodge in Cortina d’Ampezzo, which will serve as our base for the next few days. In the evening, head out for a photography session to capture the dramatic mountain scenery that surrounds us as the day winds down. Overnight at Park Hotel Franceschi or similar

  Thursday, May 7 – Saturday, May 9

  Over the next three days, we will explore and photograph the stunning views of Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” and the surrounding areas.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  We can drive up high mountain passes such as Passo Giau and Passo Gardena. Capture stunning sunrises and sunsets at Cinque Torri (five towers), Lago di Misurina, Lago Antorno, and other hidden gems. Explore picturesque alpine villages like San Candido and Dobbiaco, blending cultural experiences with photography. Optional scenic hikes and gondola rides provide elevated perspectives of the majestic peaks.

  A highlight for us in this area will be a visit to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo. These three dramatic Dolomite peaks are famous worldwide for their unique charm—nature at its best!

  When not shooting the beautiful scenery that surrounds us, take the opportunity to stroll around Cortina’s old town and drink an Italian coffee or Aperol Spritz. You won’t be in Cortina d’Ampezzo for too long before you’re aware of the town’s proudest moment: hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics. Cortina is a dream destination for skiers and nature enthusiasts alike.

  Keep your eyes peeled—this mountain retreat is a popular vacation spot for celebrities, intellectuals, poets, and other aristocrats from around the world. James Bond fans may find interest in the 100-year-old Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel and several other locations in the area that were featured in the 1981 Bond film For Your Eyes Only. For those attentive to the industry, Cortina is also home to some of the most prestigious names in fashion, including Gucci, Bulgar, and Geox.

  Evenings are for relaxation, editing sessions, and enjoying delicious local cuisine at the lodge. Overnight at Park Hotel Franceschi or similar

  Sunday, May 10

  This morning, we bid farewell to the Dolomites and embark on a five-hour drive to Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia region. Upon arrival, check into a luxurious private villa complete with a pool and spa. Unwind with an evening of wine tasting and dinner featuring local specialties, setting the tone for your time in this idyllic region. Overnight at Relais Osteria dell’Orcia or similar (4-star)

  Monday, May 11 – Wednesday, May 13

  Spend these three days exploring and photographing the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany. Begin each day with breathtaking sunrises at locations like Podere Baccoleno and the Chapel of Vitaleta. Visit charming villages such as Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for street photography and indulge in a pecorino cheese tasting. The pecorino cheese of Pienza is one of the best in Italy, especially the version “sotto cenere” or “under ashes.” Pecorino cheese is thought to have been produced in the area since people first settled there.

  Participate in a mid-morning cooking class to learn authentic Tuscan recipes. Afternoons offer time to relax at the villa’s spa or pool, while evenings are reserved for indulging in fine Tuscan wines and local cuisine. Each moment is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s beauty and culture. Overnight at Relais Osteria dell´Orcia or similar

  Thursday, May 14

  If our flight schedules allow it, we’ll take time for a sunrise shoot to capture one last memory of this unforgettable journey. Depart from Venice or Florence in the late afternoon or evening.

  If you want to extend your stay in Florence, our local guide recommends the Grand Hotel Baglioni.

  • Guest Limits

    10 Guests Maximum

  • Trip Cost

    8,770 pp, based on double occupancy

    Single supplement: 1,300

    Pricing in USD

  • Deposit

    $1500 Per person due at time of booking
    Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check accepted

    Deposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.

  • Installments

    May 15, 2025: $5,000 pp first installment
    December 1, 2025: Final installment

    Installments are payable by check only. Please make checks payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:

    Natural Exposures
    810 N. Wallace, Suite E
    Bozeman, MT 59715

  • Included

    • Private small group travel with European professional photographer and guide Luka Esenko, assisted by NE host Tanya Cox
    • Entrance fees and local taxes for itinerary activities
    • Transportation in private vans
    • Breakfast is included daily. Lunches or dinner daily as a group along with some meals on your own.
    • Accommodations for 10 nights
    • Airport transfers on scheduled itinerary days

  • Not Included

    • International airfare
    • Airport transfers pre/post tour
    • Miscellaneous personal expenses such as laundry, Internet, some meals and beverages
    • Attractions/activities not listed on the itinerary
    • Gratuities for guide/van driver
    • Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance

  • Flights to Book

    May 4, 2026
    Arrive in Venice (airport code VCE) at any time of the day. Group welcome dinner this evening

    May 14, 2026
    Depart VCE or Florence (airport code FLR). We suggest booking an afternoon flight, or you can extend your stay in Florence. Recommended hotel in Florence: Grand Hotel Baglioni

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is affordable and can be purchased for each trip or an entire year and can even be bundled with your regular travel insurance! We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:

    Global Rescue
    (use code natexp)

    Allianz Global Assistance 
    (use travel agency ID F203564)

    Insure My Trip

  • Terms & Conditions

    Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.

    By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY

• Accommodations for 2026 Venice, Dolomites, and Tuscany Photography Tour II

  May 4-5 (2 nights)
  Albergo San Marco (Venice) or similar
  The Albergo San Marco occupies a historic building dating back to 1207 AD, completely renovated in 2024 in a style that combines Venetian charm and modern lines. Here, every smile conveys a love for attentive and authentic hospitality. Consider Albergo San Marco your home away from home. Amidst all the luxury, the most luxurious thing is to feel like you are at home.

  The hotel is located right next to Piazza San Marco, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Venice’s vibrant and romantic atmosphere. Historical attractions, luxury shops, and renowned restaurants are just a few steps from the hotel. A variety of amenities are available to make your stay comfortable and convenient, including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

  May 6-9 (4 nights)
  Park Hotel Franceschi (Cortina d’Ampezzo) or similar (4-star)
  Park Hotel Franceschi enjoys a strategic location for enjoying all the beauty of Cortina, Queen of the Dolomites. It’s a short walk to Corso Italia, Cortina’s renowned and vibrant town center. The hotel’s charming towers immediately catch the eye, set amidst enchanting scenery and surrounded by the largest private grounds in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Park Hotel Franceschi is a hotel steeped in history and tradition where guests can relax and unwind amid the breathtaking Dolomites.

  Hotel Franceschi is decorated in flawless mountain style, right down to the tiniest detail. The premises, from the spacious lounges with refined furnishings and fine majolica tiled stoves to the rooms with every possible comfort, are designed to be exclusive and convey warmth and well-being. Combined with the courtesy and professionalism of the Franceschi Family, it all makes for an elegant yet familiar environment, perfect for a holiday that regenerates body and soul.

  At Hotel Franceschi you will be able to enjoy all the delights of traditional Italian cuisine. Let yourself be tempted by the mouth-watering, wholesome creations of the hotel’s restaurant, which starts every day with a lavish, delicious buffet breakfast. In the evening, you can relax in the spa and enjoy a classic aperitif in the hotel bar before dinner, ensuring you fully immerse yourself in the Italian “dolce vita” experience and leave your everyday routine far behind.

  May 10-13 (4 nights)
  Relais Osteria dell´Orcia (Castiglione d’Orcia) or similar (4-star)
  Relais Osteria dell’Orcia is a charming countryside hotel located in Tuscany, Italy. Set in the picturesque Val d’Orcia region, it offers a blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort. Guests can enjoy stunning views of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The onsite restaurant specializes in traditional Tuscan cuisine, highlighting local ingredients and wines. With its peaceful ambiance and proximity to charming medieval towns, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing and authentic Tuscan experience.

• Helpful Information for 2026 Venice, Dolomites, and Tuscany Photography Tour II

  ACTIVITY LEVEL

  You should be in good general health and able to walk reasonable distances, sometimes over uneven terrain. The activity level on this trip will be moderate, though not strenuous—there is no serious hiking required or much elevation gain, but being able to walk on the tracks and trails will help a lot. All guests should prepare before the trip time. Also, we will be on cable cars in different locations. Some European villages have cobblestone streets.

  PASSPORT and VISA

  Six months of passport validity is recommended for Italy, and at least three months of validity beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area is required. Two blank pages are required for the entry stamp.

  Beginning in 2025, US citizens may be required to have an ETIAS travel authorization to enter most European countries, including Italy.

  Please visit the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up-to-date entry requirements for Italy.

  VACCINATIONS

  All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please visit the CDC for the latest vaccination recommendations and health notices for travel to Italy.

  CURRENCY

  Italy’s currency is the euro. Most likely, you will find the best exchange rates if you wait to get euros at an ATM upon arrival in Italy.

  ELECTRICITY

  The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.  Schuko Type F (CEE 7/7), which also works with Type C Europlug (CEE 7/16)—the plug used in most other European countries. Also, Type L, which also works with Type C Europlug. Plug adaptors will be sufficient for most laptops, cell phone chargers, and digital cameras. A voltage converter/transformer would be needed for appliances such as a hair dryer or electric shaver. For full details, please click here.

  GENERAL INFO

  • The Dolomites form part of the Southern Limestone Alps and are located in northeastern Italy.
  • Dolomite is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of the mineral dolomite.
  • Dolomite is commonly used in a variety of products, including antacids, face creams, baby powders, toothpaste, fertilizer, and nutritional supplements for humans and animals (calcium and magnesium).
  • At least 18 peaks rise over 9,800 feet, and the highest peak is Punta Penia, of the Marmolada range, at 10,968 feet.
  • The Dolomites were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
  • The Dolomites region is famous for several sporting activities, including skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, and paragliding.
  • The Dolomites were used as a battlefield during World War I. The most treacherous battle of World War I—between Italy and Austria—took place here. You can still walk through the trenches, fortifications, and tunnels, which will tell you of the battle that took place here.
  • People who live in the Dolomites typically speak Italian, German, and their own language called Ladino.

  Have a question?

  Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.

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• Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers

  • "Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."

    Linda Henry, Oregon

  • "I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."

    Sue Wolfe, Texas

  • "Tanya/Dan are a dynamic duo! There are not enough adjectives in the dictionary to cover the entire breath of their combined strengths. Fair, attention to detail, supportive of everyone’s needs, ability to get things done, did I mention down right good people, and on and on. We hope there will be a trip in the future that we could take advantage of."

    Corbett Alley, Arizona

  • "If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"

    Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts

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