Tuscany Photography Tour
9 days Tuscany Photography Tour
Tour departure dates upon request
Whether you are already a keen photographer, or simply would like to learn how to take more artistic photos of your once in a lifetime adventure, this all-inclusive tour is for you.
Capture and create a visual diary of your adventure through this beautiful region. Capture each unique moment through the lens and take your memories home to appreciate and reminisce.
Your photographer and host will guide you through each Tuscan town sharing the history and how to capture a truly unforgettable image in each photo you take. Unleashing your inner creativity you will be taught how to turn your vision into reality with camera techniques, capturing the best light and understanding the artistic nature of photography.
Group Size
Our tour groups have been designed for a group of no more than 12 people per week to ensure that client needs and enjoyment is always our top priority.
Accommodation
Our various accommodations are nearby the historical centre of Cortona and set on wonderful grounds which include a swimming pool. The apartments within the villa comprise one/two/three bedrooms, living area, kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, comprising air-conditioning and WI-FI. Our accommodation options provide everything the traveller requires for a truly memorable Tuscan escape.
Located in the valley approximately 10km from the historical centre of Cortona, the accommodations, which are restored Tuscan farmhouses with old world rustic charm, become home base for the duration of the tour, allowing the traveller to settle into their own private apartment and commence their Tuscan experience.
Getting There
The tour begins near the historical centre of Cortona (100km south of Florence – 200 km north of Rome).
Arrival to Camucia-Cortona is easily accessible via train from either Rome (Roma Termini) or Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) stations. Either of these two major cities are a good option for your arrival into Italy and then travel to our location.
Upon arrival we will meet you at our local train station Camucia-Cortona and will transfer you, via vehicle to the villa, which is a short drive into the countryside. Private vehicle transfers can be arranged from the Airports/Hotels and transfer you directly to the accommodation. Quote upon request.
Check In / Check Out
Check In is from 3:30pm Check Out is at 10am.
As we are unable to store luggage, it is essential this be taken into consideration when making travel arrangements for arrival and departure days.
SAT / ARRIVAL
We transfer you from our local train station to your accommodation and allow you to settle in and familiarise yourself with your new surroundings which will be “home” for the next 8 days.
At our Welcome Dinner this evening the photographer & his assistant will give a presentation of the exciting week that lies ahead. This will include an analysis of the territory/locations we will visit during the week, basic concepts of photography, from technique to landscape photography and architecture and Photoshop.
Welcome Dinner in Cortona.
SUN / SIENA, MONTERIGGIONI, CHIANTI
This morning we travel to Siena. A visit to the spectacular Piazza del Campo, where the famous bareback horse race is held. Visit to Il Duomo and The Mangia Tower or simply stroll the streets and enjoy the ambiance and the various delights Siena offers, from the little food stores which offer lots of tempting treats to the beautiful stores offering hand painted ceramics and leatherware.
After lunch, we will take a short drive to Monteriggioni, a medieval village built between 1213-1219 as a defensive fortification. We will spend some time exploring this small township.
Late afternoon we will head into the Chianti area where we will visit an organic winery, meet the wine makers and learn about the ageing & harvesting process.
Dinner at the Vineyard.
MON / CORTONA
Today we will spend the day in the local Medieval township of Cortona, the setting for the movie and book ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’.
We will begin the day by visiting the Chiesa di Santa Margherita from where we will walk down into the township through all the back residential streets. Over a cappuccino & brioche, true Italian style we will discuss the best places to photograph around the township of Cortona. You will then have some time to explore Cortona on your own before meeting again for lunch at a local Trattoria.
After lunch, we will spend some time taking landscape shots around Cortona.
Late afternoon we will return to the accommodation where you will have some time to relax by the pool prior to dinner.
Dinner will be at the Villa this evening, prepared by a local chef. We enjoy local culinary delights while sharing in discussion of the day that has been.
TUE / VAL D’ORCIA – MONTEPULCIANO, MONTICCHIELLO & PIENZA
This morning we will travel to Montepulciano, this township is a true gem, great shopping, wonderful Trattorias, Cantinas and Sulumerias for wine and cheese tastings. Pienza, a world heritage site, is the birth place of Pope Pius II, a small township situated not too far from Montepulciano famous also for the Pecorino cheese. Here we will spend the afternoon visiting & photographing the wonderful views surrounding the township as well as the many beautiful buildings & churches this town offers.
Dinner in Pienza overlooking the Val D’Orcia.
WED / FREE DAY
You may choose to ‘stay in’ enjoy the pool and relax, spend the day with the Photographer’s assistant at a nearby location shooting, or choose from one of our many additional activities on offer.
Dinner in Cortona.
THU / ORVIETO
This morning we travel to Orvieto in Umbria. Visit Il Duomo (Cathedral), Saint Patricks Well, dating back to 1537, 62 metres deep with double spiral staircase; a tour of the underground city/caves; wonderful shopping. We will spend most of the day here exploring this wonderful city.
Dinner at Villa.
FRI / LAKE TRASIMENO
This morning we head to Lago Trasimeno where we will set up our cameras in time to get some stunning photographs of the sunrise. After which we will have a picnic breakfast by the Lake. A short drive back to Cortona late morning we will visit Le Celle & the Fortress ‘Girifalco’ at the top of Cortona. From there we will head back down into the township for some lunch.
After lunch, there will be the option to spend the rest of the afternoon in the township with the photographer or head back to the accommodation for some relaxation before heading back into Cortona for dinner.
SAT / FREE DAY
You may choose to ‘stay in’ enjoy the pool and relax, spend the day with the Photographers assistant at a nearby location shooting, or choose from one of our many additional activities on offer.
Dinner will be at the Villa where we will have a presentation of the weeks’ photos prior to dinner.
SUN / DEPARTURE
After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer you to our local train station for your onward travels.
Checkout is at 10am.
TOUR FREE DAY OPTIONS
Cooking Class
Hands on cooking experience of various dishes including pasta, main course, side dishes, dessert. Meal is then enjoyed together with the Chef, accompanied by local wine. Vehicle transfers included.
Duration 4 - 5 hours Min 2 people
Painting Class
Half day class with professional painter. Choice of difference techniques & location. All levels welcome. (Full day option available). Vehicle transfers included.
Duration 4 hours Min 4 people
Cheese Making Class
From raw milk to various cheese, you will learn the rennet techniques & produce your own Pecorino & Ricotta. After that you will taste various seasoned Pecorino & Ricotta with artisan marmalades combined with red wine. Vehicle transfers included.
Duration - 4 hours Min 2 people
Gelato Making Class
The class provides both a theoretical part with the issuing of a ‘Manual’ and that of practical demonstrations. We will explain the basic principles in the preparation of Gelato and we will illustrate the essential techniques to prepare many personalized recipes. At the end of the class, you will obtain a training/participation certificate. Vehicle transfers included.
Duration - 4 hours Min 2 people
Vintage Fiat 500 Tour
Explore Tuscany and all the secluded backroads in a Vintage Fiat 500. (Driver license required).
Wellness Day
Take some time out from sightseeing & have a relaxing day at the Spa. A wellness package including 30min massage, Turkish Bath, Finnish Sauna, Salt Room & Pool area. Lunch & vehicle transfers included.
Duration - 4 hours Min 2 people
Half-Day Boat Tour
Private boat trip on Trasimeno Lake visiting two of the islands, where you will be served an Aperitivo with local finger foods, drinks, wine & sparkling. English speaking guide & Captain.
Duration 4 hours Min 4 people
Hot Air Ballooning
Experience an uncommon perspective on Tuscany, standing in a basket thousands of feet up in the air, looking down at forests, vineyards and historic towns. A hot air balloon tour is something you and your loved ones will never forget. Then delight your senses with a glass of Prosecco and breakfast after your flight.
Duration - Dependent of weather Min 2 people - 5:30am start
Horse-Back Riding
A ride between Umbrian and Tuscan hills, enjoying the beautiful landscapes, rich in history and charm.
Duration - 2 hours Min 2 people
Vespa Tour
What better way to see Tuscany than zipping around on a Vespa! Cortona Countryside, Cortona to Lake Trasimeno, Cortona to Montepulciano Option to ride pillion also available. All tours include guide, Vespa, helmet, light lunch.
Duration - All day Min 2 people
*Driver license required *Vespa’s 125cc
Cycling Tour & Winery
Cycle your way through the Tuscan Countryside exploring the gorgeous surrounds of Cortona before stopping for lunch at a local winery.
Duration - 4 hours Min 2 people
INCLUSIONS
Tour cost includes:
- Accommodation for 8 nights in a Tuscan villa with all modern facilities and a fantastic swimming pool with stunning views of the surrounding countryside
- Free access to Wi-Fi at the villa
- Bi-Lingual Hosts for the duration of your tour
- Professional Photographer & assistant for duration of the tour
- Open forum at dinners with photographer
- Day tours to itinerary locations
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches and all dinners (a-la-carte) at a local trattoria or restaurant; wine included.
- Complimentary bottle of wine
- All travel to and from tour locations as detailed on itinerary
- Wine tasting at selected vineyards/ establishments
- Transfers to and from the local train station on your arrival and departure days
PRICING
Prices shown are per person, twin share
Single supplement of $300 applies
$5,850 AU p/p twin share
Single Occupancy $300 AU
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Tours and tariffs are subject to change.
- 25% deposit of the overall tour cost is required at the time a booking is confirmed.
- Balance of the payment will be due within 30 days of booking confirmation.
- If your booking is made within 56 days of the departure date the full amount is payable at the time of booking.
- All tours, travel arrangements and accommodations are secure from the time of confirmation of booking. Consequently, a fee will apply on all cancellations.
- If you cancel your tour for any reason, your first deposit of 25% is non-refundable.
- If you leave a tour for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make refunds for unused services, if you fail to join a tour or join it after its departure or leave it prior to its completion no refund will be made.
- In the unlikely event that we would cancel your tour, you would be entitled to a 100% refund within 2 weeks of the tour cancellation date.
- Single travellers are provided a private apartment. The additional single supplement cost will apply.