Size isn’t everything in the world of photography, and although the Dolomites aren’t exactly small, this cluster of jagged peaks is more about form, about stature of a different kind. This autumn photography tour bears witness to a mountain range that’s a work of art in itself. The Dolomites are a unique piece of natural architecture, and are even thought to have been included in the background of one of the most famous paintings of all time – the Mona Lisa. If these majestic Italian peaks were good enough for Leonardo Da Vinci, then they’re good enough for us…
From a distance the Dolomites are dramatic and imposing, but as we travel around this scenic part of northeastern Italy, we will discover an area with an unexpected soft side. Under the aggressive peaks, peaceful rivers flow through valleys that are home to charming settlements. Cottages emerge from the mist and still, turquoise lakes lie in the shadows of the mountains.
Clearly, there’s an abundance of opportunities for fantastic photography here! In the autumn light we will venture out to capture the rugged peaks from plenty of angles, while always having an eye on the spectacular colours of the fall scenery all around us in this photogenic part of Italy.
On the first day of our Dolomites adventure, the group will meet at the airport in Venice at 12pm noon. You might want to arrive a few days before to enjoy the city - if so, we can also arrange to pick you up at the train station of Bolzano. Once we’ve all got together in the afternoon, the trip will begin. Please make sure to have your lunch beforehand, or to bring a packed lunch with you as there will be no time to stop for food along the way.
From Venice, we will drive north towards the Dolomites, arriving in time for an incredible sunset photo shoot at the Passo Rolle and Baita Segantini. As the sun goes down, we will capture the mountainous landscapes, before driving onwards for another hour to our hotel perched near the Carezza lake.
Overnight accommodation in Carezza.
As morning views go, the lake of Carezza is pretty hard to beat. It takes the classic combination of jagged mountains and tranquil water to a whole new level, and we’ll be sure to capture it at sunrise. The Carezza sits at the base of the imperious Dolomites and is lined by graceful pine trees and spectacular, golden larches.
After an early start, we’ll have breakfast at the hotel, before packing up and heading towards our next base: Val di Funes. The area looks like a scene straight out of “The Sound of Music” and, as alpine settlements go, takes some beating. We will spend the next two nights enjoying the sights of St Maddalena, and will have the afternoon and sunset session at St. Johan church and St Maddalena church.
We will eat and stay in the village.
On day three the group will enjoy another memorable sunrise shoot, either in the valley of Val di Funes or in Passo delle Erb. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll take the time to rest, enjoy the views and go through a post-processing tutorial.
After a delicious lunch, the plan is to drive to La valle Wengen, to capture a chapel that is in one of the finest photographic locations you will see. After enjoying the dying light of the day and another sunset, we will return to our hotel in Santa Maddalena.
Once again, day four will begin with a sunrise shoot in Val di Funes or Passo delle Erbe. After lunch, we will head towards the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest alpine meadow and a popular mountain resort with stunning scenery. In the autumn months the place is quiet and still - perfect for another sunset shoot to remember. Here, the rolling green hills meet the earthen hues of larches and pine, bathed in the warm autumn sun. We will stay here until sunset, before heading back to our accommodation for the night.
On the fifth day of this Dolomites photography tour, the group will rise early to take in the sunrise over the Alpe di Siusi. We will capture the panoramic landscapes and imperious peaks as the sun touches them for the first time. If we’re lucky, the crisp autumn morning will leave the area covered in blanket of misty, so we can shoot the valley as it emerges for the day ahead.
After breakfast, the plan is to pack up and head off the plain, onwards to the eastern part of the Dolomites. There we will find Tre Cime, the most famous three peaks in all of Italy, and the mountains that best express the Dolomites reputation as a place of unique natural architecture.
Our sunset shoot will be at Passo Giau.
For the following three nights, we will stay at Cortina D’Ampezzo.
Our sunrise location on day six will be the stunning lake of Lago Antorno. This is one of the most recognisable locations within the Dolomites, presenting a multitude of stunning opportunities for landscape photography.
After breakfast, we'll make our way back to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, where we'll hike beneath the peaks of the Three Sisters for an amazing sunset shoot. It will take us about 1.5 hours to get there by foot, though the scenery is stunning and we will take our time making our way up the slopes comfortably.
After sunset, we will hike back to our cars and make our way back to the hotel for dinner.
This will be our final day in the Dolomites. We'll rise early and head to Rifugio Scoiattoli, for a sunrise shoot at the Cinque Torri - the five stone towers. In the vicinity is an open-air museum dedicated to Italian troops who fought in World War I. We'll spend our time capturing the area before heading back to the hotel for breakfast.
We will then check out from the hotel at 11am, commencing the journey back to Venice airport and arriving after 14:00. There you can catch a plane home or stay for a few days in a city with architecture to match the incredible rock formations we have enjoyed over the past week. For those departing home on this day, please schedule your flights for after 17:00, in order to accommodate for any possible delays.
We highly recommend that you get a travel and medical insurance. Your own domestic medical insurance and private health scheme will not cover you whilst you are overseas. The tour will always dependent on weather, as the weather can be highly unpredictable.
18-24 Oct 2021: Guided by Daniel Kordan & Iurie Belegurschi 18-24 Oct 2022: Guided by Daniel Kordan & Iurie Belegurschi
Daniel was born in the Moscow area, Russia.
After graduating from art school he studied at Moscow’s institute of Physics and Technology, which pointed him toward a career as an optics physicist. During his studies he developed expertise not only in physics, but in mountain climbing and hiking.
He regularly led tourist groups during the holidays through the Russian mountains. Right after graduation he became a guide of photo workshops and chief editor of Continent Expedition magazine, a publication about travel and adventures all over the world.
Daniel has received several awards in photography: Golden Turtle’ 13 Nature nomination winner, National Geographic Russia contest 2013 and 2014 finalist, Best of Russia ’13 and ’14 winner, Best Photographer ’13 finalist, among others. He currently spends most of his time in Norway, scouring the Lofoten islands and in Tuscany, guiding groups of keen photographers.
Daniel was born in the Moscow area, Russia.
After graduating from art school he studied at Moscow’s institute of Physics and Technology, which pointed him toward a career as an optics physicist. During his studies he developed expertise not only in physics, but in mountain climbing and hiking.
He regularly led tourist groups during the holidays through the Russian mountains. Right after graduation he became a guide of photo workshops and chief editor of Continent Expedition magazine, a publication about travel and adventures all over the world.
Daniel has received several awards in photography: Golden Turtle’ 13 Nature nomination winner, National Geographic Russia contest 2013 and 2014 finalist, Best of Russia ’13 and ’14 winner, Best Photographer ’13 finalist, among others. He currently spends most of his time in Norway, scouring the Lofoten islands and in Tuscany, guiding groups of keen photographers.
Iurie Belegurschi is an award-winning fine art nature and landscape photographer, as well as the founder of Iceland Photo Tours.
Born in Moldova, Iurie developed an interest in photography from an early age after his uncle converted the family bathroom into a darkroom.
Iurie moved to Iceland in 2006. Drawn in by the incredible light and landscapes, he began traveling the country, with the camera in hand, in search of inspiration and honing his skills. Continually winning awards in international photography competitions, his images have been published and put on display in a number of leading publications and exhibitions.
In 2012 Iurie founded Iceland Photo Tours, with the ambition of sharing the many wonders Iceland has to offer with passionate photographers from around the world.
Iurie Belegurschi is an award-winning fine art nature and landscape photographer, as well as the founder of Iceland Photo Tours.
Born in Moldova, Iurie developed an interest in photography from an early age after his uncle converted the family bathroom into a darkroom.
Iurie moved to Iceland in 2006. Drawn in by the incredible light and landscapes, he began traveling the country, with the camera in hand, in search of inspiration and honing his skills. Continually winning awards in international photography competitions, his images have been published and put on display in a number of leading publications and exhibitions.
In 2012 Iurie founded Iceland Photo Tours, with the ambition of sharing the many wonders Iceland has to offer with passionate photographers from around the world.
Travel the world to capture the most incredible landscapes
