THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
An in-depth photography tour of Italy and Malta in Autumn 2027, covering the Dolomites, Tuscan countryside, Venice, Roman ancient sites, and the scenery of Sicily and Malta, led by instructor Xavi Zhuang.
Alpenglow and starry skies in the Dolomites in autumn; classic Tuscan countryside, churches, and Milky Way; cultural vibes and film locations in Cinque Terre and Sicily; Malta's Blue Grotto and outer island scenery; night scenes and aerial shots in Rome, Venice, and the Dolomites.
Autumn Wonderland in the Dolomites
The Dolomites' rocky peaks contrast with golden autumn trees. Planned locations include Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lake Braies and Val di Funes, with opportunities for dawn, dusk and night photography.
Tuscan Pastoral Idyll
Photograph Tuscan cypress trees, farmhouses and rolling hills.
Sicily Film Trail
Visit Syracuse to check out the main filming locations of 'Malèna', stroll through Ortygia Island, and experience ancient Greek ruins and strong Sicilian atmosphere.
Nights in Rome and Venice
Explore Rome’s historic sites and photograph Burano, Venice sunsets and night scenes.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Xavi Zhuang →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Xavi Zhuang
Languages: Chinese
Director of Teaching at the organizing team (i She) Agency, Head of Retouching and Submission Department, National Senior Photographer, and Creative Contracted Photographer for Visual China. Graduated from the Department of Photography at South China Normal University, specializing in landscape, cultural, mobile, and drone photography.
Photography enthusiasts; fans of landscape and cultural photography
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Oct 11 · Europe/RomeGather and depart from domestic airport
Gather and depart from domestic airport
Locations:Domestic Airport
Accommodation:Airport or flight
DAY 02Oct 12 · Europe/RomeMilan - Cinque Terre
After picking up at Milan airport, shoot the sunset in Cinque Terre
Locations:Milan / Cinque Terre
Photo subjects:Cinque Terre Sunset
Accommodation:Cinque Terre area; hotel to confirm
Transport:Drive time: 3.5H
DAY 03Oct 13 · Europe/RomeCinque Terre - Leaning Tower of Pisa - Civita di Bagnoregio (City in the Sky)
Cinque Terre - Leaning Tower of Pisa - Civita di Bagnoregio (City in the Sky)
Locations:Cinque Terre / Leaning Tower of Pisa / Civita di Bagnoregio (City in the Sky)
Accommodation:Civita area; hotel to confirm
DAY 04Oct 14 · Europe/RomeCivita di Bagnoregio - Naples
Shoot sunrise at Civita di Bagnoregio, then head to Naples at an appropriate time to board the overnight ferry
Locations:Civita di Bagnoregio (City in the Sky) / Naples
Photo subjects:Sunrise at Civita di Bagnoregio
Accommodation:Naples–Palermo overnight crossing; service to confirm
DAY 05Oct 15 · Europe/RomeNaples - Agrigento
After arriving in Palermo in the early morning, stop briefly in the city centre to shoot the morning light and shadow of Palermo Cathedral and experience its unique Arab-Norman architectural style. Then drive to Agrigento. Upon arrival, visit the Valley of the Temples to shoot the magnificent sunset views of the ancient Greek temple complex, with the setting sun gilding the ancient stone columns, creating a visually striking scene.
Locations:Palermo / Agrigento
Photo subjects:Morning light and shadow of Palermo Cathedral / Sunset at Valley of the Temples
Accommodation:Agrigento; hotel to confirm
DAY 06Oct 16 · Europe/RomeAgrigento - Malta
Photograph the Turkish Steps near Agrigento, then visit Ragusa. Continue to Malta; the sea crossing, service and overnight arrangements require confirmation.
Locations:Agrigento / Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) / Ragusa Town / Malta
Photo subjects:Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks)
Accommodation:Malta; hotel to confirm
Transport:Shuttle Bus
DAY 07Oct 17 · Europe/RomeFull Day in Malta
Full day in Malta: Visit the Valletta Cathedral in the capital, tour the Three Cities, and see the Triton Fountain.
Locations:Valletta
Photo subjects:Valletta Cathedral / Three Cities / Triton Fountain
Accommodation:Malta; hotel to confirm
DAY 08Oct 18 · Europe/RomeFull Day in Malta
Take a boat to the outer islands: Visit Gozo and Comino Island to see salt pans, the Blue Lagoon, and the Blue Grotto.
Locations:Gozo / Comino Island
Photo subjects:Salt Pans / Blue Lagoon / Blue Grotto
Accommodation:Malta; hotel to confirm
Transport:Boat
DAY 09Oct 19 · Europe/RomeMalta - Syracuse
Travel by boat from Malta to Sicily and continue to Syracuse for the cathedral square, streets and waterfront of Ortigia.
Locations:Sicily / Syracuse
Accommodation:Syracuse; hotel to confirm
Transport:Boat
DAY 10Oct 20 · Europe/RomeSyracuse - Catania - Taormina
Head to Catania in the morning, with opportunities to shoot the Sicilian countryside scenery along the way. After arriving in Catania, shoot city landmarks like Catania Cathedral and the Fountain of the Elephant. In the afternoon, head to Taormina to visit the best-preserved ancient Greek theatre, and shoot the night view of Taormina town, with ancient buildings illuminated by lights against the distant sea.
Locations:Catania / Taormina
Photo subjects:Sicilian countryside scenery along the way / Catania Cathedral / Fountain of the Elephant / Ancient Greek Theatre / Night view of Taormina town
Accommodation:Taormina; hotel to confirm
DAY 11Oct 21 · Europe/RomeTaormina–Cefalù–Palermo–overnight ferry
After breakfast, drive to Cefalù to shoot this beautiful seaside town, where white sandy beaches, colorful houses, and ancient walls are excellent subjects. Stroll through the town streets and record the local cultural atmosphere. Continue to Palermo in the afternoon. After arrival, shoot the Palermo city centre, such as Quattro Canti and Pretoria Fountain, then head to the port to take a boat for an overnight ferry to Rome.
Locations:Cefalù / Palermo / Rome
Photo subjects:Seaside Town / Palermo City Centre / Quattro Canti / Pretoria Fountain
Accommodation:Overnight crossing to mainland Italy; service to confirm
Transport:Driving, Boat
DAY 12Oct 22 · Europe/RomeFull Day in Rome
Arrive in Rome in the early morning, tour the city centre, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, etc.
Locations:Rome
Photo subjects:Colosseum / Trevi Fountain / Piazza di Spagna
Accommodation:Rome; hotel to confirm
DAY 13Oct 23 · Europe/RomeRome - Tuscany
Depart for Tuscany after breakfast, shoot the sunset, and check into the hotel.
Locations:Tuscany
Photo subjects:Sunset
Accommodation:Tuscany; hotel to confirm
DAY 14Oct 24 · Europe/RomeTuscany - Venice
Go directly to Venice after breakfast. Take a water taxi to Burano Island for aerial shots, then tour the main island, shoot the sunset, and capture night scenes.
Locations:Venice
Photo subjects:Aerial shots of Burano Island / Sunset on the main island / Night View
Accommodation:Venice area; hotel to confirm
Transport:Drive time approx. 4h, Water Taxi
DAY 15Oct 25 · Europe/RomeVenice - Dolomites
After breakfast, drive into the Dolomites mountains. Go to the Olympic Stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo and shoot from the Cortina viewpoint.
Locations:Dolomites / Cortina d'Ampezzo
Photo subjects:Olympic Stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo / Cortina d'Ampezzo Viewpoint
Accommodation:Dolomites area; hotel to confirm
Transport:Drive time approx. 2h
DAY 16Oct 26 · Europe/RomeFull Day Shooting in the Dolomites
Hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, visiting the classic 'Lord of the Rings' photo spots and Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Sunset at Passo Giau.
Locations:Tre Cime di Lavaredo / Passo Giau
Photo subjects:Hiking at Tre Cime di Lavaredo / 'Lord of the Rings' Photo Spot / Sunset
Accommodation:Dolomites area; hotel to confirm
DAY 17Oct 27 · Europe/RomeFull Day Shooting in the Dolomites
After breakfast, head to Lake Braies. In the afternoon, spend about 4 hours touring Val di Funes. Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi, and Sass de Putia are the essence of the Dolomites.
Locations:Lake Braies / Val di Funes / Alpe di Siusi / Sass de Putia
Photo subjects:Lake Braies / Val di Funes / Alpe di Siusi / Sass de Putia
Accommodation:Dolomites area; hotel to confirm
DAY 18Oct 28 · Europe/RomeDolomites: Alpe di Siusi–Seceda–Gardena Pass
Sunrise at Alpe di Siusi - Sass de Putia - Passo Gardena.
Locations:Alpe di Siusi / Sass de Putia / Passo Gardena
Photo subjects:Sunrise at Alpe di Siusi / Sass de Putia / Passo Gardena
Accommodation:Dolomites area; hotel to confirm
DAY 19Oct 29 · Europe/RomeDolomites - Milan
Depart for Milan after breakfast. If time permits, visit and shoot Milan Cathedral. Transfer to the airport based on flight times.
Locations:Milan
Photo subjects:Milan Cathedral
Accommodation:Return journey; flight to confirm
Transport:Drive time 5 hours
DAY 20Oct 30 · Europe/RomeReturn to China
Return to China
Locations:China
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Xavi Zhuang
- IncludedService fees for excellent local Chinese driver-guides throughout the trip
- ExcludedDriver and guide tips; currency, amount and chargeable days require confirmation with the operator.
View trip staffing details
Photography leader · Xavi Zhuang Included · Service fees for excellent local Chinese driver-guides throughout the trip Excluded · Driver and guide tips; currency, amount and chargeable days require confirmation with the operator. Excluded · Additional transport and overtime services outside the itinerary. The planned service day is 10 hours; overtime arrangements and charges require confirmation.
Transport
- Included1-2 nine-seater business vans arranged throughout the trip based on registrant count
- ExcludedRound-trip international flights (can be purchased via the organizing team (i She) agency)
- ExcludedAdditional transport and overtime services outside the itinerary. The planned service day is 10 hours; overtime arrangements and charges require confirmation.
Travel details and reference schedules
One or two nine-seat vans are planned according to group size. Sea crossings connect Sicily, mainland Italy and Malta; ports, services, transfers and ticket inclusion require confirmation. Day 2 · 2027-10-12 Drive time: 3.5H Day 6 · 2027-10-16 Shuttle Bus Day 8 · 2027-10-18 Boat Day 9 · 2027-10-19 Boat Day 11 · 2027-10-21 Driving, Boat Day 14 · 2027-10-24 Drive time approx. 4h, Water Taxi Day 15 · 2027-10-25 Drive time approx. 2h Day 19 · 2027-10-29 Drive time 5 hours Included · 1-2 nine-seater business vans arranged throughout the trip based on registrant count Excluded · Round-trip international flights (can be purchased via the organizing team (i She) agency) Excluded · Additional transport and overtime services outside the itinerary. The planned service day is 10 hours; overtime arrangements and charges require confirmation. Excluded · All entrance tickets, ferry tickets, cable cars, mini-trains, etc.
Photography
- Autumn Wonderland in the Dolomites
- Tuscan Pastoral Idyll
- Sicily Film Trail
Photography details
Alpenglow and starry skies in the Dolomites in autumn; classic Tuscan countryside, churches, and Milky Way; cultural vibes and film locations in Cinque Terre and Sicily; Malta's Blue Grotto and outer island scenery; night scenes and aerial shots in Rome, Venice, and the Dolomites. Autumn Wonderland in the Dolomites The Dolomites' rocky peaks contrast with golden autumn trees. Planned locations include Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lake Braies and Val di Funes, with opportunities for dawn, dusk and night photography. Tuscan Pastoral Idyll Photograph Tuscan cypress trees, farmhouses and rolling hills. Sicily Film Trail Visit Syracuse to check out the main filming locations of 'Malèna', stroll through Ortygia Island, and experience ancient Greek ruins and strong Sicilian atmosphere. Nights in Rome and Venice Explore Rome’s historic sites and photograph Burano, Venice sunsets and night scenes. Day 2 · 2027-10-12 Cinque Terre Sunset Day 4 · 2027-10-14 Sunrise at Civita di Bagnoregio Day 5 · 2027-10-15 Morning light and shadow of Palermo Cathedral / Sunset at Valley of the Temples Day 6 · 2027-10-16 Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) Day 7 · 2027-10-17 Valletta Cathedral / Three Cities / Triton Fountain Day 8 · 2027-10-18 Salt Pans / Blue Lagoon / Blue Grotto Day 10 · 2027-10-20 Sicilian countryside scenery along the way / Catania Cathedral / Fountain of the Elephant / Ancient Greek Theatre / Night view of Taormina town Day 11 · 2027-10-21 Seaside Town / Palermo City Centre / Quattro Canti / Pretoria Fountain Day 12 · 2027-10-22 Colosseum / Trevi Fountain / Piazza di Spagna Day 13 · 2027-10-23 Sunset Day 14 · 2027-10-24 Aerial shots of Burano Island / Sunset on the main island / Night View Day 15 · 2027-10-25 Olympic Stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo / Cortina d'Ampezzo Viewpoint Day 16 · 2027-10-26 Hiking at Tre Cime di Lavaredo / 'Lord of the Rings' Photo Spot / Sunset Day 17 · 2027-10-27 Lake Braies / Val di Funes / Alpe di Siusi / Sass de Putia Day 18 · 2027-10-28 Sunrise at Alpe di Siusi / Sass de Putia / Passo Gardena Day 19 · 2027-10-29 Milan Cathedral Autumn Wonderland in the Dolomites Tuscan Pastoral Idyll Sicily Film Trail Nights in Rome and Venice Included · Photography guidance and service fees for the photography instructor throughout the trip Included · Includes 30 professional photo retouching services
Accommodation
- Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator.
- IncludedHotels or distinctive guesthouses near photography locations; hotel categories and names require confirmation.
- ExcludedSingle supplements for solo occupancy or when room sharing is unavailable; the amount requires confirmation with the operator.
Accommodation details
Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator. Day 1: Airport or flight Day 2: Cinque Terre area; hotel to confirm Day 3: Civita area; hotel to confirm Day 4: Naples–Palermo overnight crossing; service to confirm Day 5: Agrigento; hotel to confirm Day 6: Malta; hotel to confirm Day 7: Malta; hotel to confirm Day 8: Malta; hotel to confirm Day 9: Syracuse; hotel to confirm Day 10: Taormina; hotel to confirm Day 11: Overnight crossing to mainland Italy; service to confirm Day 12: Rome; hotel to confirm Day 13: Tuscany; hotel to confirm Day 14: Venice area; hotel to confirm Day 15: Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 16: Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 17: Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 18: Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 19: Return journey; flight to confirm Day 1 · 2027-10-11 Airport or flight Day 2 · 2027-10-12 Cinque Terre area; hotel to confirm Day 3 · 2027-10-13 Civita area; hotel to confirm Day 4 · 2027-10-14 Naples–Palermo overnight crossing; service to confirm Day 5 · 2027-10-15 Agrigento; hotel to confirm Day 6 · 2027-10-16 Malta; hotel to confirm Day 7 · 2027-10-17 Malta; hotel to confirm Day 8 · 2027-10-18 Malta; hotel to confirm Day 9 · 2027-10-19 Syracuse; hotel to confirm Day 10 · 2027-10-20 Taormina; hotel to confirm Day 11 · 2027-10-21 Overnight crossing to mainland Italy; service to confirm Day 12 · 2027-10-22 Rome; hotel to confirm Day 13 · 2027-10-23 Tuscany; hotel to confirm Day 14 · 2027-10-24 Venice area; hotel to confirm Day 15 · 2027-10-25 Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 16 · 2027-10-26 Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 17 · 2027-10-27 Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 18 · 2027-10-28 Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 19 · 2027-10-29 Return journey; flight to confirm
Meals
- ExcludedAll main meals listed in the itinerary and entrance fees for attractions listed in the itinerary
Visa
- ExcludedItalian Schengen tourist visa and visa service fees (can be handled by the organizing team (i She) agency)
A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included
Platform reservation deposit
per travelerThis deposit is credited toward your trip total. It is the first payment when booking through this platform; the balance is shown at checkout.
Deposit in the operator’s published information
per personThis amount reflects the payment terms in the operator’s published information. When booking through this platform, follow the payment schedule shown at checkout.
Public prices may change. Checkout quotes expire at a stated time; your confirmed order records its price and payment deadlines.
Included
Hotels or distinctive guesthouses near photography locations; hotel categories and names require confirmation.
1-2 nine-seater business vans arranged throughout the trip based on registrant count
Service fees for excellent local Chinese driver-guides throughout the trip
Photography guidance and service fees for the photography instructor throughout the trip
High-value international travel insurance
Includes 30 professional photo retouching services
Not included
Round-trip international flights (can be purchased via the organizing team (i She) agency)
Italian Schengen tourist visa and visa service fees (can be handled by the organizing team (i She) agency)
All main meals listed in the itinerary and entrance fees for attractions listed in the itinerary
Driver and guide tips; currency, amount and chargeable days require confirmation with the operator.
Single supplements for solo occupancy or when room sharing is unavailable; the amount requires confirmation with the operator.
Additional transport and overtime services outside the itinerary. The planned service day is 10 hours; overtime arrangements and charges require confirmation.
All entrance tickets, ferry tickets, cable cars, mini-trains, etc.
expenses arising from force majeure or uncontrollable situations such as strikes, weather, road closures, flight cancellations, or delays are not included. The travel agency may adjust the itinerary accordingly; if expenses increase, the travel agency may add the corresponding incurred fees.
Other unlisted extra service fees and personal expenses
Invoice-related taxes are additional; confirm the applicable amount with the operator.
Single-room supplements, additional local expenses and the final total must be confirmed in writing.
BEFORE YOU GO
What to know before you go
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, the USD 100 deposit per traveler is nonrefundable. The percentages below apply to the rest of the amount you paid.
The deposit is charged immediately and counts toward your total. Your 72-hour balance window starts when both the departure and third-party availability for your order are confirmed. Authorize the balance by the deadline shown on your order. Repeated confirmations or notifications do not extend it. Your card is charged after a 48-hour cooling-off period. Cancellation during that period releases the authorization; the deposit is nonrefundable. If no places are available, confirmation times out or the operator cancels, all amounts charged are refunded.
- At least 120 days before departure: 100% refund.
- At least 90 days before departure: 90% refund.
- At least 60 days before departure: 60% refund.
- At least 30 days before departure: 30% refund.
- At least 0 days before departure: 0% refund.
Days before departure are calculated in the destination time zone. The highest day threshold you qualify for determines the refund percentage. Cancellations on the departure date and no-shows receive no refund. If the operator cancels the departure, all amounts charged for active bookings are refunded.
Availability confirmation deadline: 2027-10-09 22:00:00 (UTC · UTC+00:00)
Policy version: reservation-v2Contract and booking
A written travel contract may be signed before departure.
Trip guidelines and safety
Do not leave the group during photography sessions without permission. You are fully responsible for any accidents that occur while you are away from the group. Typhoons, heavy snow or other events beyond our control may require itinerary changes.
Itinerary changes
Expenses arising from events beyond our control, such as strikes, weather, road closures or flight cancellations, are not included. The photography leader may adjust the itinerary to make the most of the weather and shooting conditions at each location.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
Itinerary dates use Europe/Rome. Flight, transfer and other times follow the time zone stated for each location. Please confirm any time without a stated time zone before departure.
Fitness and photography equipment
Equipment:Photography equipment and requirements are to be confirmed.