01 / 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 Zhuang Xiaowen.
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 reach their peak beauty in autumn, with white rocky peaks surrounded by golden forests, perfect for shooting alpenglow and starry skies. Visit essential spots like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lake Braies, and Val di Funes.
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
Leading photographers: XAVI Zhuang →
Destination illustrations · select a photo to explore
02 / IN GOOD COMPANY
A different way of seeing.
Leading photographers
XAVI Zhuang · View photographer profile →
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
03 / THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light.
Shooting locations, accommodation and transport are subject to confirmation before departure and may change with the weather.
Itinerary dates and text times without their own zone use: Europe/Rome。Exact times use your selected timezone; dates alone and descriptions such as “morning” are not converted.
DAY 01Oct 11 · Europe/RomeGather and depart from domestic airport
Gather and depart from domestic airport
Locations:Domestic Airport
Accommodation:Airport or flight
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 05Oct 15 · Europe/RomeNaples - Agrigento
After arriving in Palermo in the early morning, stop briefly in the city center 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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 center, 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 Center / Quattro Canti / Pretoria Fountain
Accommodation:Overnight crossing to mainland Italy; service to confirm
Transport:Driving, Boat
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 12Oct 22 · Europe/RomeFull Day in Rome
Arrive in Rome in the early morning, tour the city center, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, etc.
Locations:Rome
Photo subjects:Colosseum / Trevi Fountain / Piazza di Spagna
Accommodation:Rome; hotel to confirm
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 20Oct 30 · Europe/RomeReturn to China
Return to China
Locations:China
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefWhere we stay
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
Getting there
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.
04 / A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included.
Platform service fee to be confirmed
Deposit USD 4,479.19 Original CNY 30,000 · Reference rates 2026-09-18 · Frankfurter / person
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.
Service fees, supplements, taxes and the final total are subject to written confirmation.
05 / BEFORE YOU GO
Clarity before departure.
Cancellation and Modification Policy
Cancellations more than 120 days before departure: neither party bears liability for breach (if the participant cancels, visa/flight refund fees will be deducted). Cancellations within 120 days: the canceling party bears liability for breach. Participant breach business loss fee standards: 119-90 days: 10% deduction; 89-60 days: 40% deduction; 59-30 days: 70% deduction; 29-1 days: 100% deduction.
Contract and Registration
A written travel contract may be signed before departure. Booking is confirmed on receipt of the agreed deposit; confirm the amount and payment deadline.
Activity Guidelines and Safety Tips
Leaving the group without permission during team shooting is not allowed. Leaving midway is considered a breach of contract; fees for unattended parts of the itinerary are non-refundable, and participants bear full responsibility for any accidents occurring while off-group. If force majeure such as typhoons or heavy snow causes itinerary changes, additional or reduced fees will be settled based on actual expenses.
Itinerary Adjustment Notice
expenses arising from force majeure or uncontrollable situations such as strikes, weather, road closures, and flight cancellations are not included. The specific shooting leader will appropriately adjust the itinerary based on local weather, scenes, and other factors to achieve the best shooting results.
Cancellation boundary to confirm
The listed cancellation intervals cover days 119–90, 89–60, 59–30 and 29–1. Confirm the rule for exactly 120 days before departure and the departure date itself.
Fitness, equipment and conditions
Equipment:The original text does not provide a photography equipment list or requirements.