Spring in Tuscany
There is something in the air in Tuscany, and something in the earth, that creates incredible experiences unlike anywhere I have ever traveled. The food, the wine, the people, all make this yearly journey so special for all that come together and photograph. We will stay in the heart of Tuscany in the most beautiful and photographable area of Val d'Orcia. Our stay is in the heart of the rolling hills, just outside the gates of the medieval town of San Quirico d'Orcia where we will awake to beautiful views to inspire us. Join us on this 7-day and 6-night journey as we explore and photograph under the Tuscan sky.
Includes 6 nights at a beautiful boutique hotel overlooking the Tuscan hillside, with wonderful amenities (may included in workshop cost)
Includes daily Italian breakfast
Includes Welcome Dinner at the highly rated, onsite restaurant, including wine tasting, charcuterie, dinner, and dessert
Includes airport transfers from Florence to San Quirico
Includes transportation to photo sessions
Includes visits to local medieval villages
Includes the rare opportunity to photograph the ‘Gladiator’ house on private property with local friends & a 5-course lunch
OVERVIEW
DATES: May 3-9, 2026
INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer King
COST: $7800 USD (inclusive - see below)
GROUP SIZE: 8 Participants
EXPERIENCE: Beginner*, Intermediate & Advanced
FITNESS LEVEL: Easy to Moderate (see details below)
*Beginners should have a working knowledge of their camera & settings.
TUSCAN HILLSIDES
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MEDIEVAL VILLAGES
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LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS
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PRIVATE PHOTO OPS
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TUSCAN HILLSIDES 〰️ MEDIEVAL VILLAGES 〰️ LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS 〰️ PRIVATE PHOTO OPS 〰️
ITINERARY
DEPARTURE MAY 2
- Depart the US for FCO, Rome, Italy
DAY 1 MAY 3
Most international flights that depart from the US and Canada are overnight flights with early morning arrivals. You will be transferred from your arriving flight in (FCO) Rome, Italy to your accommodation in San Quirico. The afternoon is at your leisure. You may choose to enjoy the hotel pools and sauna, or simply take a 5-minute walk to the gates of a medieval town. WELCOME DINNER at 7pm with a sampling of Prosecco, red and white wines, finest meats and cheeses, plus the dinner of your choice, desert (gelato or tiramisu) and finish up with a limoncello. The restaurant is on the hotel property and overlooks some of the most photographed views in the region.
DAY 2 MAY 4
Sunrise photo session followed by return to hotel for delicious Italian breakfasts. We will have a short class on "CAPTURING ITALY THROUGH YOUR CAMERA." Each day, we will choose a medieval village to visit and photograph and enjoy local cuisine in. Afternoon break followed by sunset photo session.
DAY 3 MAY 5
Sunrise photo session followed by return to hotel for delicious Italian breakfasts. Each day, we will choose a medieval village to visit and photograph and enjoy local cuisine in. Afternoon break followed by sunset photo session.
DAY 4 MAY 6
Sunrise photo session followed by return to hotel for delicious Italian breakfasts. Today, we will visit the Caparzo Winery in Montalcino and enjoy a Tuscan lunch with wine tasting. We will have the afternoon to photograph the wine cellar and the vineyards. Afternoon break followed by sunset photo session.
DAY 5 MAY 7
Sunrise photo session followed by return to hotel for delicious Italian breakfasts. Each day, we will choose a medieval village to visit and photograph and enjoy local cuisine in. Afternoon break followed by sunset photo session.
DAY 6 MAY 8
Sunrise photo session followed by return to hotel for delicious Italian breakfasts. Today we will be treated to an afternoon and 5-course dinner at the Gladiator Villa. After many years of traveling to Tuscany, we have become friends with the owners of the property that the movie GLADIATOR (with Russell Crowe) was filmed. Enjoy incredible food and wine, then take your camera and photograph and explore the beautiful landscape. Sunset photo session.
DAY 7 MAY 9
Breakfast followed by transport to the Rome, Italy (FCO) airport.
PROCESSING IMAGES: We will process images when possible throughout the workshop. We have learned after 8 years of workshops in Tuscany, that most people prefer to explore rather than sit in class. If we do not process during our time in Tuscany, we will have a remote processing class online after our return home for all who attend.
INCLUDES
Lodging - 6 nights at a luxury boutique hotel (overlooking the Tuscan hillside) included, based double occupancy. Private room available for additional $1600 USD
Lodging Amenities including Spa Deluxe with use of indoor pool (including sauna and hydro massage), outdoor pool (with views that look over Tuscany), billiards room and fitness room
Transportation - Group transportation is provided throughout the workshop
Welcome Dinner - highly rated on-site restaurant, includes wine tasting and charcuterie, dinner of your choice, and dessert
Breakfasts* - Breakfast daily
All other meals are not included in the workshop fee, but we like to dine as a group to discuss the day’s events and be on hand for any questions.
Private Photo Session & Lunch at the famous ‘Gladiator’ house and property - includes 5 course Pronzo (lunch)
Winery Tour with lunch included, and photo sessions in vineyards and wine cellar
Historic Medieval Village visits
Sunrise & sunset photo sessions
Professional Instruction during field sessions
Processing Class on site or via Zoom after the workshop
*Breakfast is included with your lodging. However, if we photograph longer than breakfast hours, breakfast will be your financial responsibility.
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare to Rome, Italy
Meals - Meals not noted in Inclusions
Passport or Visa Fees - please note that Visas are not currently required for US citizens
Trip Insurance - Please read our full Cancellation and Refund Policy prior to registration
Gratuity - While lodging is included, you are responsible for gratuity paid to housekeeping, guides, and drivers (including the driver gratuity for airport transfer)
Specific Spa Treatments - massages and facials are available, but are not included in your cost. Please arrange these services directly with the concierge
Incidentals
Cancellation Policy
Please review our full cancellation and refund policy prior to registration as there are non-refundable and non-transferrable fees associated with each workshop.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our workshops are designed for all skill levels and involve photographing sunrise and sunsets as well as other field sessions. While workshop locations vary, you should expect to walk relative distances with your equipment and feel comfortable navigating on uneven and loose stone. Some workshops are more strenuous than others. If you have any health issues or concerns, please reach out to us prior to registration.
FITNESS LEVEL
EASY > MODERATE
You should be able to walk relative distances and navigate yourself on uneven stone paths or fields, including steep streets. You must also be able to carry your equipment comfortably.
Season is spring, and temps usually mild.
FLIGHTS & ARRIVAL
FCO - Rome, Italy
The above airport is the closest airport to our workshop location. You are always welcome to arrive early or depart later and settle in and explore before the workshop begins/ends!
EQUIPMENT
DOWNLOAD HERE
While we recommend certain equipment for our workshop, it’s not necessary for you to participate. Check out what our trip leaders suggest & plan ahead for rentals, borrowing, etc.
IMPORTANT DEPARTURE NOTE
Please plan your return flight from FCO to the U.S. after 12 pm on May 9, 2026. If your flight schedule requires, there are several hotels near the airport.
