Discover the heart and soul of the Dolomites.

Possibly the most photogenic mountains on earth, the Dolomites are a dream destination for landscape photographers and nature lovers alike. Towering limestone peaks glow in shades of pink and gold, while alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and timeless villages create a scenery that feels almost otherworldly. Just a few hours north of Venice, this region blends Italian flair with Austrian tradition, offering a rich mix of fine wines, hearty Alpine dishes, and warm lodge-style hospitality.

Over the course of eight nights, this Grand Tour is designed to reveal the Dolomites from east to west at the perfect pace, with time to capture every landscape in its best light. More than a journey through mountains, it’s an immersion into a culture both rustic and refined, an experience that stays with you long after you return home.

Secure your booking with a $500 deposit. The balance payment is due 120 days prior to your trip departure.

We recommend, June 30th or July 1st.

By Water from Marco Polo Airport to Venice

Step onto a boat and let the shimmering waters of the Venetian lagoon welcome you, as the city slowly emerges like a living painting. The Alilaguna water bus takes you past glimmering reflections, colorful rooftops, and historic palaces, bringing you to iconic stops like San Marco, Rialto, or Fondamenta Nuove in about 1 hour. For a more intimate experience, a private water taxi glides directly to your destination in 30–40 minutes, offering your first taste of Venice framed by breathtaking views and unforgettable light, perfect for photographers from the very first moment.

These are a few hotels we’ve loved that are close to the historic center and within easy reach of the city’s main attractions:

Hotel Belsito

Palazzina Fortuny

Hotel Firenze

From Piazzale Roma, your journey to Pieve di Cadore aboard a comfortable minivan winds through the breathtaking landscapes of the Veneto and Dolomites, with rolling hills, charming villages, and dramatic mountain peaks unfolding outside your window, a scenic prelude to the adventure ahead.

In the heart of the Dolomites, Pieve di Cadore welcomes you with its historic streets and timeless charm, birthplace of the Renaissance master Titian. Just beyond, Cibiana di Cadore bursts into color with its famous mural-covered houses, set against dramatic mountain peaks. Together, these villages offer a glimpse of the region’s artistic soul and breathtaking landscapes, a perfect introduction to the photographic journey ahead.

Hotel Fiori di San Vito – Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, in the peaceful village of San Vito surrounded by nature, this charming family-run hotel offers cozy rooms with authentic alpine décor and stunning mountain views. Guests can delight in the hotel’s own pastry shop, where freshly baked treats add a sweet touch to every morning. Warm, attentive, and welcoming, the family management ensures a memorable stay, combining comfort, local charm, and breathtaking scenery at every turn.

During our journey, we’ll visit breathtaking locations like Passo Giau and the Cadini di Misurina, where the jagged peaks are bathed in golden and pink light at sunset. These stops give us the perfect opportunity to capture spectacular evening landscapes, turning every moment into a frame-worthy photograph.

We’ll capture the mirror-like reflections of Lake Misurina, where the tranquil waters perfectly mirror the surrounding peaks and dense forests, creating scenes of serene beauty at every turn. From there, we’ll experience the awe-inspiring Tre Cime di Lavaredo, whose jagged silhouettes rise dramatically against the sky, among the most iconic and photographed in the Alps, offering endless opportunities to explore composition, light, and perspective for truly unforgettable images.

Our workshop takes you both into the field and into the classroom. On location, you’ll capture stunning images through hands-on assignments, then return to the classroom to share your shots, explore each other’s work, and learn practical editing techniques that bring your vision to life.

One of the most iconic lakes in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies captivates photographers with its crystal-clear emerald waters reflecting the surrounding pine forests and jagged peaks. The charming boathouse on the shore offers a perfect foreground for striking compositions, while a rowboat ride on the lake lets you explore its mirrored surface from new perspectives. From misty mornings to golden sunsets, every moment here is a chance to capture unforgettable alpine imagery.

Today is dedicated entirely to one of the Dolomites’ most celebrated landmarks: the Cinque Torri. From their base at 2,236 meters (7,336 feet), these monumental rock towers dominate the landscape, surrounded by sweeping alpine meadows and framed by the peaks of Averau and Nuvolau. We’ll explore the network of trails and historic sites here, including the remarkably preserved World War I trenches, which offer both a fascinating glimpse into history and unique photographic perspectives.

Perched at the base of the dramatic Cinque Torri, the Rifugio Scoiattoli is a quintessential alpine refuge known for its warm hospitality and hearty mountain cuisine. Here, we’ll enjoy a memorable dinner while photographing the Dolomites at one of their most magical moments, the sunset, when the towers and surrounding peaks glow in hues of gold and crimson. As evening settles, the combination of breathtaking views and authentic alpine flavors makes this stop a highlight of the journey.

After the dramatic peaks of the Cinque Torri, we turn west to discover another side of the Dolomites, equally spectacular but with a distinct character. Over the next three days, we’ll immerse ourselves in sweeping alpine panoramas, charming villages, and iconic viewpoints that feel almost otherworldly.

Our journey begins with the Passo Pordoi, accessible via a scenic cable car that brings us to the Terrazza delle Dolomiti. From this vantage point, the surrounding peaks stretch endlessly, offering unparalleled photographic opportunities and a chance to truly appreciate the scale and grandeur of these mountains.

In the heart of Selva Val Gardena, the Laurin Small & Charming is a boutique hotel that combines alpine elegance with warm, family-style hospitality. Recently renovated, it features stylish rooms and suites—many with balconies overlooking the Dolomites and a 400 m² Dolce Vita Spa with heated pool, saunas, and relaxation areas. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind in comfort, savor refined South Tyrolean cuisine, and enjoy an intimate atmosphere that makes every stay feel special.

Next, we explore Ortisei, the heart of Val Gardena. Here, the majestic landscapes of the Seceda and the rolling meadows of the Alpe di Siusi provide endless frames for your lens, from dramatic ridgelines to soft, pastoral scenes dotted with traditional alpine huts. As the light shifts across the peaks and valleys, every angle offers a new composition, golden sunlight illuminating the ridges, morning mist hovering over the meadows, and the village’s colorful houses and artisan details adding texture and charm to your shots.

Finally, we visit the enchanting Santa Magdalena, a picture-perfect village with small chapels tucked into the forest at the foot of the Odle peaks. Wandering through its quiet streets, framed by towering mountains and lush meadows, you’ll find endless opportunities to capture the delicate interplay of light and shadow on the traditional alpine architecture. This magical setting, with its timeless charm and fairytale-like atmosphere, provides the perfect conclusion to our Dolomites adventure, leaving lasting memories and stunning images to treasure.

Each day of the Dolomites Grand Tour balances exploration with moments to savor the alpine atmosphere, pause for coffee in mountain cafés, enjoy local specialties, and let the breathtaking scenery leave its mark on both your camera and your memory.

As our Dolomites adventure comes to a close, you have two options. You can return to Venice (or continue to other Italian destinations) to conclude your journey, taking with you unforgettable memories and a rich collection of photographs.

At the end of the tour, we’ll transfer guests to Bolzano train station, where you can board a direct first-class train back to Venice, either to continue your journey in Italy or to catch your flight home. Relax and enjoy the scenic journey through the Alps as you reflect on the unforgettable experiences and photographs captured during your Dolomites adventure.

Perfectly designed to unwind after an 8-day Dolomites journey, this three-day South Tyrol extension offers a leisurely exploration of alpine charm. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Bressanone and Vipiteno, discovering quaint villages steeped in unique local culture and traditions distinct from those experienced on the Grand Tour.

Enjoy panoramic views from the Plose mountains, gentle alpine pastures, and the elegant town of Merano, with its promenades, botanical gardens, and soothing thermal baths. This escape blends scenic beauty, cultural richness, and pure relaxation, letting you recharge while still uncovering hidden gems of the South Tyrolean Alps.

• Wander through medieval towns rich in charm and history

• Discover ancient monasteries, baroque churches, and hidden courtyards

• Relax in the alpine spa culture of South Tyrol

• Photograph colorful villages framed by mountain peaks and valleys

• Taste regional delicacies in traditional inns and local cafés

Hotel Elephant in Bressanone is a historic residence that has been welcoming travelers with elegance and charm for over 450 years. Surrounded by a beautiful private park, it offers refined rooms and suites that combine timeless style with modern comfort. Just a short walk from the medieval center, it is the perfect base to explore the city and its surroundings, while its long tradition of hospitality and serene atmosphere make every stay truly memorable.

Book your departure flight from Venice VCE airport.

We will arrange your transfer to Venice Train Station, July 13th arriving by 3:00 PM.