THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Photograph coastlines, countryside, historic cities and mountains from Milan and Cinque Terre through Tuscany, Florence and Venice to the Dolomites.
Milan and Cinque Terre
Begin with Milan's cathedral and city streets, then photograph colorful buildings, the coast and evening light in Cinque Terre.
Tuscany and Florence
Combine morning light over Val d'Orcia and Pienza with Florence's Renaissance cityscape.
Venice and Burano
Explore Venice's lanes, St Mark's Square and Burano for waterfront architecture, color and everyday life.
Dolomite valleys and lakes
Photograph mountain landscapes around Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi, Seceda and Lake Carezza, returning to Milan via Lake Como.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Ling Zi →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Ling Zi
Specializes in filmmaking, writing and directing, production, planning, documentary photography, portraiture and landscapes. Gold award in the folk customs category of the 4th Asia-Pacific Cup International Photography Art Exhibition. She has extensive experience directing and producing promotional films and documentaries, and leads photography trips within China and overseas each year. Her photography post-production training has included more than 400 sessions and 20,000 participant attendances for organizations including the Futian urban management bureau, the water group, the Nanshan publicity department, the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration, Peking University's MBA program, the Hangcheng, Xixiang, Yutang and Taoyuan community offices, the Guangming New District Photography Association and the Shenzhen Senior Photographers Association.
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Oct 11 · Europe/RomeDay 1: China–Milan
An airport transfer, hotel check-in and city photography are planned on arrival in Milan. The reference flight arrives on October 12, while day one is dated October 11. The meeting date, first hotel night and photography schedule await operator confirmation.
Accommodation:Milan; the first-night date and hotel await operator confirmation.
DAY 02Oct 12 · Europe/RomeDay 2: Milan–Cinque Terre | 3.5-hour drive
Rise early to visit Milan’s iconic cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and one of its most exquisite. Admire it from the square in the beautiful morning light. After lunch, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre, five colorful fishing villages known as the ‘rainbow fishing villages.’ On arrival, take the local train to Manarola, the second village. It is most beautiful in the evening, so head to the viewpoint to admire its dusk scenery.
Accommodation:Cinque Terre
DAY 03Oct 13 · Europe/RomeDay 3: Cinque Terre–Tuscany | Three-hour drive
Today, mainly use the local train to explore Cinque Terre’s other villages. The most worthwhile are the first village, Riomaggiore; the second, Manarola; and the fourth, Vernazza. Explore them at leisure, then return by train to La Spezia. After lunch, drive to Tuscany’s picturesque, fairytale countryside. Check in on arrival, then enjoy sunset scenery nearby.
Accommodation:Tuscany
DAY 04Oct 14 · Europe/RomeDay 4: Tuscany
Rise early and reach Tuscany’s most beautiful area, Val d’Orcia, before dawn for its famous sunrise. Drive to viewpoints according to the weather; with luck, morning mist will appear. Return for breakfast and rest, then visit distinctive small towns by car. Watch sunset in Pienza in the evening.
Accommodation:Tuscany
DAY 05Oct 15 · Europe/RomeDay 5: Tuscany–Florence | Two-hour drive
Rise early again for sunrise at the famous ‘Little Ears Chapel’ viewpoint. Return for breakfast and a rest at the hotel, then drive to Florence, the City of Flowers and heart of the Renaissance. Check in, then travel up to Piazzale Michelangelo to admire Florence’s beautiful panorama in the evening light.
Accommodation:Florence
DAY 06Oct 16 · Europe/RomeDay 6: Florence–Venice | Three-hour drive
This morning, visit the exquisite Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the world’s four great cathedrals. Continue to Piazza della Signoria in the old town centre, with sculptures by many masters, then enjoy free time wandering and photographing the old town. After lunch, visit the Uffizi Gallery and its extensive Renaissance collection. Alongside many paintings by the three great Renaissance masters, see its celebrated treasure, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. Afterwards, walk to the Arno and explore the old bridge in lovely afternoon light. Then drive to Venice, the ‘City of Water,’ and check into a hotel on the main island.
Accommodation:Venice
DAY 07Oct 17 · Europe/RomeDay 7: Full-day sightseeing and photography in Venice
Explore Venice’s main island together on foot, with beautiful photogenic lanes everywhere, plus St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs, Ca’ d’Oro and more. You may also take a boat to admire both banks of the Grand Canal. After lunch, visit Burano, ‘the world’s most colorful place,’ where countless brightly painted houses look best in afternoon sunlight. Return to the main-island hotel after dark.
Accommodation:Venice
DAY 08Oct 18 · Europe/RomeDay 8: Venice–Val di Funes, Dolomites | 3.5-hour drive
Set out early to photograph near St. Mark’s Square before the crowds arrive, then return for breakfast and rest. After checkout, drive north into the Dolomites, celebrated as an ‘earthly paradise.’ First take a gentle hike in Val di Funes, the ‘pearl of the Dolomites,’ to the postcard viewpoint overlooking the village in the valley. Afterwards, stroll nearby and admire the dusk scenery enclosed by mountains.
Accommodation:around Ortisei
DAY 09Oct 19 · Europe/RomeDay 9: Full day in the Dolomites (Alpe di Siusi–Seceda)
Today features the highlights of the Dolomites. Drive to Ortisei and take cable cars to two of the region’s most beautiful mountains, Alpe di Siusi and Seceda. Alpe di Siusi’s beautiful alpine meadows are a paradise for gentle hiking. Seceda, another Dolomites icon, is renowned for its enormous blade-like peaks and spectacular beauty.
Accommodation:around Ortisei
DAY 10Oct 20 · Europe/RomeDay 10: Ortisei–Lake Carezza–Lake Como–Milan | Eight hours
Rise early and drive first to Lake Carezza, known as the ‘maiden’s eye,’ to admire it in soft morning light. Continue to Lake Como, called ‘the greatest lake’ by the ancient Roman poet Virgil. This glacial lake beneath the Alps is among Italy’s most beautiful. Visit a lakeside monastery estate in the finest afternoon light, then drive back to Milan.
Accommodation:Milan
DAY 11Oct 21 · Europe/RomeDay 11: Milan–Home
Today’s arrangements depend on flight times. Explore Milan’s old town if time permits; this fashion capital still has much to discover. Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. End of trip.
DAY 12Oct 22 · Europe/RomeDay 12: Arrive back in China
Arrive back in China at the end of the trip. Arrival time awaits operator confirmation.
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Ling Zi
- IncludedServices of an excellent local Chinese-speaking driver-guide throughout;
- ExcludedGuide and driver tips are paid separately; details await operator confirmation.
Transport
- IncludedOne or two eight-seat minivans throughout, according to the number of participants;
- ExcludedAll flights (the organizing team can book them on your behalf);
- ExcludedAll admission tickets, boat tickets, cable cars, local trains, etc.;
Travel details and reference schedules
Reference flights for the instructor: Outbound: October 12, 2027 | CX233 Hong Kong–Milan | 00:50–08:00 Return: October 21, 2027 | CX234 Milan–Hong Kong | 11:55–06:30+1 Before booking transport, please confirm the departure and travel arrangements through this website. These services are for reference and do not constitute confirmed group transport. Final services and meeting times await operator confirmation.
Photography
- Milan and Cinque Terre
- Tuscany and Florence
- Venice and Burano
Photography details
Milan and Cinque Terre Begin with Milan's cathedral and city streets, then photograph colorful buildings, the coast and evening light in Cinque Terre. Tuscany and Florence Combine morning light over Val d'Orcia and Pienza with Florence's Renaissance cityscape. Venice and Burano Explore Venice's lanes, St Mark's Square and Burano for waterfront architecture, color and everyday life. Dolomite valleys and lakes Photograph mountain landscapes around Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi, Seceda and Lake Carezza, returning to Milan via Lake Como. Milan and Cinque Terre Tuscany and Florence Venice and Burano Dolomite valleys and lakes Included · Three- to four-star hotels or distinctive guesthouses relatively close to photography locations throughout. Some hotels may offer only double beds; a single-room supplement is required for a private room. Please discuss this with customer service in advance. Hotel rooms in Italy are generally small (15–20 m²); thank you for your understanding. Included · Photography instruction and services from the accompanying instructor throughout. Excluded · The photography tour operates ten hours per day; overtime is charged at EUR 60 per hour;
Accommodation
- 11 nights
- ExcludedA single supplement applies if a roommate is unavailable or a private room is requested. The amount awaits operator confirmation.
Accommodation details
Day 1: Milan; the first-night date and hotel await operator confirmation. Day 2: Cinque Terre Day 3: Tuscany Day 4: Tuscany Day 5: Florence Day 6: Venice Day 7: Venice Day 8: around Ortisei Day 9: around Ortisei Day 10: Milan Final hotels and stay arrangements await operator confirmation. Day 1 · 2027-10-11 Milan; the first-night date and hotel await operator confirmation. Day 2 · 2027-10-12 Cinque Terre Day 3 · 2027-10-13 Tuscany Day 4 · 2027-10-14 Tuscany Day 5 · 2027-10-15 Florence Day 6 · 2027-10-16 Venice Day 7 · 2027-10-17 Venice Day 8 · 2027-10-18 around Ortisei Day 9 · 2027-10-19 around Ortisei Day 10 · 2027-10-20 Milan 11 nights Included · Three- to four-star hotels or distinctive guesthouses relatively close to photography locations throughout. Some hotels may offer only double beds; a single-room supplement is required for a private room. Please discuss this with customer service in advance. Hotel rooms in Italy are generally small (15–20 m²); thank you for your understanding. Excluded · A single supplement applies if a roommate is unavailable or a private room is requested. The amount awaits operator confirmation.
Meals
- ExcludedListed lunches and dinners are paid separately.
Visa
- ExcludedItalian Schengen tourist visa and visa service fees (the organizing team can arrange processing);
A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included
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
Three- to four-star hotels or distinctive guesthouses relatively close to photography locations throughout. Some hotels may offer only double beds; a single-room supplement is required for a private room. Please discuss this with customer service in advance. Hotel rooms in Italy are generally small (15–20 m²); thank you for your understanding.
One or two eight-seat minivans throughout, according to the number of participants;
Services of an excellent local Chinese-speaking driver-guide throughout;
Photography instruction and services from the accompanying instructor throughout.
Complimentary travel accident insurance is specially provided for every participant.
Not included
All flights (the organizing team can book them on your behalf);
Italian Schengen tourist visa and visa service fees (the organizing team can arrange processing);
Listed lunches and dinners are paid separately.
Guide and driver tips are paid separately; details await operator confirmation.
A single supplement applies if a roommate is unavailable or a private room is requested. The amount awaits operator confirmation.
The photography tour operates ten hours per day; overtime is charged at EUR 60 per hour;
All admission tickets, boat tickets, cable cars, local trains, etc.;
expenses arising from strikes, weather, road closures, flight cancellations or delays, and other force majeure or circumstances beyond the travel agency’s control are excluded. The agency may adjust the itinerary accordingly and charge any resulting additional expenses;
Other unspecified additional service fees and personal expenses;
Tax is excluded; the applicable invoice tax must be paid additionally if an invoice is required.
Single-room supplements, additional local expenses and the final total must be confirmed in writing.
BEFORE YOU GO
What to know before you go
Availability and booking
Let us know if you’re interested in this trip. Availability is not updated in real time, so please contact us to check whether the trip is confirmed, how many places are available, and the final total and booking terms.
Trip information
[Transport] 1. Flights arranged by the organizing team use economy-class group tickets. Before tickets are issued, check the airline's rules for changes and refunds. 2. Flight, road and boat journey times may vary with conditions on the day. 3. The airlines and flight times listed are for guidance only. Flight changes may require minor adjustments to the itinerary. Please follow the final trip details sent before departure. [Accommodation] Accommodation is arranged for two people sharing a room. We'll try to match solo travelers with a roommate of the same gender. If you prefer not to share, or no roommate is available, you must pay a single supplement for your own room. [Group meals] We aim to serve meals suited to Chinese tastes. We make sure everyone has enough to eat. [Photography] 1. Photography sessions follow the itinerary, but conditions on the day may affect how long we spend at each location. 2. Read the itinerary carefully and choose a trip that suits your health and circumstances. Skipping part of the itinerary for health or other personal reasons, or choosing not to use the arranged accommodation or transport, counts as voluntary withdrawal from those arrangements. You are responsible for your own safety while not taking part in the itinerary. 3. Stay with the group during photography sessions unless you have permission to leave. This does not apply during free time. The organizing team is not responsible for accidents that occur while you are away from the group. 4. Typhoons, blizzards or other events beyond our control may require changes to the itinerary. [Fuel surcharges] The organizing team reserves the right to adjust the amount payable if fluctuations in global oil markets lead to a substantial rise in fuel surcharges. If the team can absorb the increase, the amount payable will remain unchanged. [Before departure] 1. We'll send your final trip details no later than the day before departure. If arrangements are confirmed sooner, we'll let you know as soon as possible. 2. If the online itinerary differs from the final trip details sent before departure, the final trip details take precedence. [Optional activities at your own expense] Under the Tourism Law provisions prohibiting travel agencies from arranging optional paid activities, please contact the provider directly for details, charges and bookings if you wish to take part. If you need language assistance from a guide or tour leader, any help is provided in a personal capacity, whether paid or unpaid. It is not provided on behalf of the organizing team or the local tour operator. The organizing team is not involved in the payments, transactions or service standards for activities during free time. You are responsible for the outcome of those arrangements.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
Day one is October 11 but the reference flight arrives in Milan on October 12. The meeting time, day-one activities and first hotel night await operator confirmation.
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.