THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Explore Italy in autumn through seasonal landscapes, historic architecture and artistic heritage, photographing cities, countryside and mountains.
The Dolomites' autumn peaks, forests and lakes offer color contrasts and reflections, with opportunities for dawn, dusk and night photography. Alpenglow, star visibility and foliage depend on weather and season.
Cinque Terre and Sicily
Photograph coastal villages, historic sites and streets from Cinque Terre to Agrigento, Syracuse and Taormina.
Malta and its islands
Explore Valletta and the Three Cities, with boat journeys to Gozo and Comino for architecture and island scenery.
Tuscan hills and Venice
Photograph Tuscan hills and rural scenery, then explore Venice and Burano at sunset and after dark.
Dolomites landscapes
Photograph Tre Cime, Lake Braies, Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi and mountain passes, adjusting viewpoints to conditions.
Rome city and evening scenes
Explore the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps for historic architecture and changing city light.
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
Director of Education at the organizing team Agency, Head of Post-production and Submission Department at the organizing team Agency, National Senior Photographer, Creative Contracted Photographer for Visual China. Graduated from the Department of Photography at South China Normal University. Specializes in landscape photography, documentary photography, mobile phone photography, drones, etc. Has led multiple groups to Turkey, the Balkans, Japan, Eastern Europe, Semporna, Israel, Cuba, Iran, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Spain, Namibia, Bangladesh, Russia, Chiang Mai (Thailand), Myanmar, Italy, Portugal, Morocco, etc., for photographic projects.
Photography enthusiasts, photo friends
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Oct 9 · Europe/RomeGather and depart from domestic airports from various locations
Gather and depart from domestic airports from various locations
Locations:Domestic Airport
Accommodation:Airport or flight
DAY 02Oct 10 · Europe/RomeMilan - Cinque Terre
After picking up in Milan, photograph the sunset in Cinque Terre
Locations:Milan / Cinque Terre
Photo subjects:Cinque Terre Sunset
Accommodation:Cinque Terre area; hotel to confirm
Transport:3.5H drive
DAY 03Oct 11 · Europe/RomeCinque Terre - Leaning Tower of Pisa - Ferry from Dock - Palermo
Cinque Terre - Leaning Tower of Pisa - Ferry from Dock - Palermo
Locations:Cinque Terre / Leaning Tower of Pisa / Palermo
Accommodation:Overnight crossing to Sicily; service to confirm
Transport:Ferry from Dock
DAY 04Oct 12 · Europe/RomePalermo - Agrigento
Upon arriving in Palermo early in the morning, stay briefly in the city centre to photograph the light and shadow of Palermo Cathedral in the early morning and experience its unique Arab-Norman architectural style. Then drive to Agrigento. Upon arrival, go to the Valley of the Temples to photograph the magnificent scenery of the ancient Greek temple complex at sunset. The setting sun gilds the ancient stone columns with a layer of gold, which is visually striking.
Locations:Palermo / Agrigento
Photo subjects:Palermo Cathedral / Valley of the Temples
Accommodation:Agrigento; hotel to confirm
Transport:Driving
DAY 05Oct 13 · 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 / Malta
Photo subjects:Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps) / Ragusa Town
Accommodation:Malta; hotel to confirm
Transport:Take a shuttle bus
DAY 06Oct 14 · Europe/RomeMalta Full Day
Malta Full Day: Visit the old town cathedral in Valletta, the capital of Malta, tour the Three Cities, and the Triton Fountain.
Locations:Malta
Photo subjects:Valletta Old Town Cathedral / Three Cities / Triton Fountain
Accommodation:Malta; hotel to confirm
DAY 07Oct 15 · Europe/RomeMalta Full Day
Take a boat to the outer islands: Gozo and Comino to visit the salt pans, Blue Lagoon, and Blue Grotto.
Locations:Gozo / Comino Island
Photo subjects:Salt Pans / Blue Lagoon / Blue Grotto
Accommodation:Malta; hotel to confirm
Transport:Take a boat
DAY 08Oct 16 · Europe/RomeMalta - Syracuse
Travel by boat from Malta to Sicily and continue to Syracuse for the cathedral square, streets and waterfront of Ortigia.
Locations:Malta / Sicily / Syracuse
Photo subjects:Ortigia Island, Old Town of Syracuse
Accommodation:Syracuse; hotel to confirm
Transport:Take a boat
DAY 09Oct 17 · Europe/RomeSyracuse - Catania - Taormina
In the morning, head to Catania, photographing the Sicilian countryside scenery along the way. After arriving in Catania, photograph city landmarks such as Catania Cathedral and the Fountain of the Elephant. In the afternoon, head to Taormina, visit the best-preserved ancient Greek theater, and photograph the night view of Taormina town, with ancient buildings dotted with lights and the distant sea.
Locations:Syracuse / Catania / Taormina
Photo subjects:Sicilian Countryside Scenery / Catania Cathedral / Fountain of the Elephant / Ancient Greek Theater / Taormina Town Night View
Accommodation:Taormina; hotel to confirm
DAY 10Oct 18 · Europe/RomeTaormina–Cefalù–Palermo–overnight ferry
After breakfast, drive to Cefalu to photograph this beautiful seaside town. The white sandy beach, colorful houses, and ancient city walls are all excellent subjects. Stroll through the town's streets to record the local cultural charm. In the afternoon, continue to Palermo. Upon arrival, photograph the Palermo city centre, such as the Quattro Canti and Pretoria Fountain. Then head to the port to take a boat, staying overnight on a cruise to Rome.
Locations:Taormina / Cefalu / Palermo / Rome
Photo subjects:Cefalu Seaside Town / Palermo City Centre / Quattro Canti / Pretoria Fountain
Accommodation:Overnight crossing to mainland Italy; service to confirm
Transport:Driving, Taking a boat
DAY 11Oct 19 · Europe/RomeRome Full Day
Arrive in Rome in the early morning, tour the city centre, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Square, etc.
Locations:Rome
Photo subjects:Colosseum / Trevi Fountain / Spanish Square
Accommodation:Rome; hotel to confirm
DAY 12Oct 20 · Europe/RomeRome - Vatican - Civita di Bagnoregio (City in the Sky)
After breakfast, head to the Vatican for 3-4 hours of sightseeing and photography. In the afternoon, head to Civita di Bagnoregio (City in the Sky) to photograph the sunset and stay at a nearby hotel.
Locations:Rome / Vatican / Civita di Bagnoregio (City in the Sky)
Photo subjects:Vatican / Civita di Bagnoregio (City in the Sky) Sunset
Accommodation:Civita area; hotel to confirm
DAY 13Oct 21 · Europe/RomeCivita di Bagnoregio (City in the Sky) - Tuscany
After breakfast, depart for Tuscany, photograph the sunset, and stay at the hotel.
Locations:Civita di Bagnoregio (City in the Sky) / Tuscany
Photo subjects:Tuscany Sunset
Accommodation:Tuscany; hotel to confirm
Transport:4h drive
DAY 14Oct 22 · Europe/RomeTuscany - Venice
After breakfast, go directly to Venice. Take a water taxi to Burano for aerial photography, then tour the main island, sunset, and night view.
Locations:Tuscany / Venice
Photo subjects:Burano / Venice Main Island Sunset / Venice Night View
Accommodation:Venice area; hotel to confirm
Transport:Approx. 4h drive, Water Taxi
DAY 15Oct 23 · Europe/RomeVenice - Dolomites
After breakfast, drive into the Dolomites mountains. Photograph at the Olympic Stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo and the Cortina d'Ampezzo viewpoint.
Locations:Venice / Dolomites
Photo subjects:Cortina d'Ampezzo Olympic Stadium / Cortina d'Ampezzo Viewpoint
Accommodation:Dolomites area; hotel to confirm
Transport:Approx. 2h drive
DAY 16Oct 24 · Europe/RomeDolomites Full Day Photography
Hike to the classic Lord of the Rings photo spots and Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks). Photograph the sunset at Passo di Giau.
Locations:Dolomites
Photo subjects:Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) / Passo di Giau Sunset
Accommodation:Dolomites area; hotel to confirm
DAY 17Oct 25 · Europe/RomeDolomites Full Day Photography
After breakfast, head to Lago di Braies (Lake Braies). In the afternoon, spend about 4 hours visiting Val di Funes (Funes Valley). Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), and Sassolungo (Langkofel) are the essence of the Dolomites.
Locations:Dolomites
Photo subjects:Lago di Braies (Lake Braies) / Val di Funes (Funes Valley) / Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) / Sassolungo (Langkofel)
Accommodation:Dolomites area; hotel to confirm
DAY 18Oct 26 · Europe/RomeDolomites: Alpe di Siusi–Seceda–Gardena Pass
Sunrise at Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) - Sassolungo (Langkofel) - Passo Gardena.
Locations:Dolomites
Photo subjects:Sunrise at Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) / Sassolungo (Langkofel) / Passo Gardena
Accommodation:Dolomites area; hotel to confirm
DAY 19Oct 27 · Europe/RomeDolomites - Milan
After breakfast, depart for Milan. If time permits, visit and photograph Milan Cathedral. Transfer to the airport according to flight time.
Locations:Dolomites / Milan
Photo subjects:Milan Cathedral
Accommodation:Return journey; flight to confirm
Transport:5-hour drive
DAY 20Oct 28 · Europe/RomeReturn to China
Return to China
Locations:China
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Xavi Zhuang
- Up to 10 travelers
- IncludedService fee for excellent local Chinese-speaking driver-guides for the entire trip
View trip staffing details
Photography leader · Xavi Zhuang Up to 10 travelers Included · Service fee for excellent local Chinese-speaking driver-guides for the entire 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
- IncludedArrange 1-2 9-seat business vehicles for the entire trip based on the number of registrants
- ExcludedAir tickets for the entire trip
- 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 · 2026-10-10 3.5H drive Day 3 · 2026-10-11 Ferry from Dock Day 4 · 2026-10-12 Driving Day 5 · 2026-10-13 Take a shuttle bus Day 7 · 2026-10-15 Take a boat Day 8 · 2026-10-16 Take a boat Day 10 · 2026-10-18 Driving, Taking a boat Day 13 · 2026-10-21 4h drive Day 14 · 2026-10-22 Approx. 4h drive, Water Taxi Day 15 · 2026-10-23 Approx. 2h drive Day 19 · 2026-10-27 5-hour drive Included · Arrange 1-2 9-seat business vehicles for the entire trip based on the number of registrants Excluded · Air tickets for the entire trip Excluded · Additional transport and overtime services outside the itinerary. The planned service day is 10 hours; overtime arrangements and charges require confirmation. Excluded · Admission tickets, ferry tickets, cable cars, mini trains, etc., for the entire trip
Photography
- Cinque Terre and Sicily
- Malta and its islands
- Tuscan hills and Venice
Photography details
The Dolomites' autumn peaks, forests and lakes offer color contrasts and reflections, with opportunities for dawn, dusk and night photography. Alpenglow, star visibility and foliage depend on weather and season. Cinque Terre and Sicily Photograph coastal villages, historic sites and streets from Cinque Terre to Agrigento, Syracuse and Taormina. Malta and its islands Explore Valletta and the Three Cities, with boat journeys to Gozo and Comino for architecture and island scenery. Tuscan hills and Venice Photograph Tuscan hills and rural scenery, then explore Venice and Burano at sunset and after dark. Dolomites landscapes Photograph Tre Cime, Lake Braies, Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi and mountain passes, adjusting viewpoints to conditions. Rome city and evening scenes Explore the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps for historic architecture and changing city light. Day 2 · 2026-10-10 Cinque Terre Sunset Day 4 · 2026-10-12 Palermo Cathedral / Valley of the Temples Day 5 · 2026-10-13 Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps) / Ragusa Town Day 6 · 2026-10-14 Valletta Old Town Cathedral / Three Cities / Triton Fountain Day 7 · 2026-10-15 Salt Pans / Blue Lagoon / Blue Grotto Day 8 · 2026-10-16 Ortigia Island, Old Town of Syracuse Day 9 · 2026-10-17 Sicilian Countryside Scenery / Catania Cathedral / Fountain of the Elephant / Ancient Greek Theater / Taormina Town Night View Day 10 · 2026-10-18 Cefalu Seaside Town / Palermo City Centre / Quattro Canti / Pretoria Fountain Day 11 · 2026-10-19 Colosseum / Trevi Fountain / Spanish Square Day 12 · 2026-10-20 Vatican / Civita di Bagnoregio (City in the Sky) Sunset Day 13 · 2026-10-21 Tuscany Sunset Day 14 · 2026-10-22 Burano / Venice Main Island Sunset / Venice Night View Day 15 · 2026-10-23 Cortina d'Ampezzo Olympic Stadium / Cortina d'Ampezzo Viewpoint Day 16 · 2026-10-24 Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) / Passo di Giau Sunset Day 17 · 2026-10-25 Lago di Braies (Lake Braies) / Val di Funes (Funes Valley) / Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) / Sassolungo (Langkofel) Day 18 · 2026-10-26 Sunrise at Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) / Sassolungo (Langkofel) / Passo Gardena Day 19 · 2026-10-27 Milan Cathedral Cinque Terre and Sicily Malta and its islands Tuscan hills and Venice Dolomites landscapes Rome city and evening scenes Included · Photography guidance and service fee for the photography instructor for the entire trip Included · Complimentary 30 professional retouched photos
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: Overnight crossing to Sicily; service to confirm Day 4: Agrigento; hotel to confirm Day 5: Malta; hotel to confirm Day 6: Malta; hotel to confirm Day 7: Malta; hotel to confirm Day 8: Syracuse; hotel to confirm Day 9: Taormina; hotel to confirm Day 10: Overnight crossing to mainland Italy; service to confirm Day 11: Rome; hotel to confirm Day 12: Civita area; 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 · 2026-10-09 Airport or flight Day 2 · 2026-10-10 Cinque Terre area; hotel to confirm Day 3 · 2026-10-11 Overnight crossing to Sicily; service to confirm Day 4 · 2026-10-12 Agrigento; hotel to confirm Day 5 · 2026-10-13 Malta; hotel to confirm Day 6 · 2026-10-14 Malta; hotel to confirm Day 7 · 2026-10-15 Malta; hotel to confirm Day 8 · 2026-10-16 Syracuse; hotel to confirm Day 9 · 2026-10-17 Taormina; hotel to confirm Day 10 · 2026-10-18 Overnight crossing to mainland Italy; service to confirm Day 11 · 2026-10-19 Rome; hotel to confirm Day 12 · 2026-10-20 Civita area; hotel to confirm Day 13 · 2026-10-21 Tuscany; hotel to confirm Day 14 · 2026-10-22 Venice area; hotel to confirm Day 15 · 2026-10-23 Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 16 · 2026-10-24 Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 17 · 2026-10-25 Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 18 · 2026-10-26 Dolomites area; hotel to confirm Day 19 · 2026-10-27 Return journey; flight to confirm
Meals
- ExcludedMain meals listed for the entire trip and admission tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary
Visa
- ExcludedItaly Schengen tourist visa and visa service fee
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
Hotels or distinctive guesthouses near photography locations; hotel categories and names require confirmation.
Arrange 1-2 9-seat business vehicles for the entire trip based on the number of registrants
Service fee for excellent local Chinese-speaking driver-guides for the entire trip
Photography guidance and service fee for the photography instructor for the entire trip
High-coverage international travel insurance
Complimentary 30 professional retouched photos
Not included
Air tickets for the entire trip
Italy Schengen tourist visa and visa service fee
Main meals listed for the entire trip and admission tickets to 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.
Admission tickets, ferry tickets, cable cars, mini trains, etc., for the entire trip
expenses arising from force majeure or situations uncontrollable by the travel agency, such as strikes, weather, road closures, flight cancellations, delays, etc., are not included
Other unlisted extra service fees and personal consumption
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
Travel contract
Before departure, participants and the organizing team may sign a written travel contract or submit a written request to cancel the trip arrangements. The contract is legally binding.
Travel insurance
International travel insurance with a high level of cover is included.
Trip guidelines
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. 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 solely responsible for your own safety while not taking part in the itinerary.
Optional activities
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.
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.