Three romantic lakes in northern Italy – Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta where artists and royalty have vacationed for inspiration since medieval times. This workshop is a favorite of our regular workshop attendees. Spilling from the Italian Alps, these freshwater lakes are dotted with quaint villages that blend Italian and Swiss history.
As a photographer, there’s no more image-rich location in Italy.
We’ll begin with 3 nights on famous Lake Como, exploring and photographing its small villages and spectacular villas. Our next 4 nights are spent in one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, the village of Orta San Giulio on picture-perfect Lago d’Orta, with a day trip to Lake Maggiore.
SMALL GROUP: 6-12 Guests
This tour has a minimum group size of 6. You will receive a notification when the trip is confirmed. Or you can inquire here.
Secure your booking with a $500 deposit. The balance payment is due 120 days prior to your trip departure.
Lock in today’s rates before they change. Space is limited and your dream trip isn’t reserved yet. Please proceed to guarantee your spot now, with a fully refundable deposit.
Accommodations
Accommodations in waterfront hotels 7 nights
Meals
All breakfasts plus 4 special meals
Master Photographer instruction
Full time guide
Transportation
Comfortable private minivan transfers and picturesque ferry journeys across the lakes
Departure Airport Transfer
Air Travel
Arrival and departure from Bari, Italy
Meals
Marked as "on own" on the trip schedule. For these meals you'll have some free time each day to explore on your own but we'll give you good recommendations everyday.
Travel Insurance
Hotel Incidentals
Oct 14-17 Piedmont Extension (available from $2450, double occupancy)
Randy Collier, Master Photographer
Randy is an award-winning fine-art photographer and exceptional instructor, celebrated for his breathtaking landscapes and his patient, welcoming teaching style. He founded EarthLight Gallery in Park City, UT, and Master Your Workflow, a digital coaching program for photographers. Randy has played a key role in over a dozen Italy Workshops events across Italy and France, collaborating with Drake, his friend of over 30 years. His extensive career includes running a successful studio in Idaho, teaching college classes in photography and Photoshop, and mentoring hundreds of photography enthusiasts through his Meet Up group. Randy’s vast knowledge and gentle humor make his lessons engaging and enjoyable, helping every student feel comfortable and inspired as they learn.
Gabriele Angelini, Instructor and Guide
Gabriele Angelini, Italian photographer and publisher from Imola, near Bologna, is known for his big smile, infectious passion for street photography, and deep knowledge of Italian photographic history. Former photography instructor at the University of Bologna, he has worked extensively on assignments around Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, capturing their unique light and atmosphere. He enriches every journey with unique cultural insights, local connections, and a love for Italy’s traditions. Living in Emilia Romagna, the heart of classic Italian cuisine, he’s the perfect guide to pair unforgettable images with equally unforgettable food and wine.
We recommend, October 3rd or 4th.
There's a train station in Terminal One of the Milan Malpensa airport. English speaking agents can sell you tickets for continuously run trains. You can purchase tickets online or wait until you arrive to the airport.
Here's a good website to show other arrival options. Rome2Rio
Como is an elegant little town, great for strolling. . Saturdays the street markets are expansive and beautiful. A funicular takes you from the town to a spectacular view of the lake.
Here are some hotels we've enjoyed near the historic center and convenient to our meeting point:
Borgo Antico Hotel (10 min walk to the center but a nice neighborhood)
Explore villages on the lake by ferry including famous Bellagio and charming Varenna, both with wonderful lakefront photographic opportunities.
Visit the elegant Villa Balbianello, a place you may recognize from James Bond and Star Wars films. Soak in the peaceful village of Lenno.
We'll workshop at times in the field, giving you assignments to fulfill, and the classroom as we view each other's images and demonstrate editing techniques.
Perched on the shores of Lake Orta, Hotel Leon d’Oro captivates guests with stunning views of the magical Isola di San Giulio. Its charming rooms and warm hospitality make it the perfect retreat to wander the quaint streets of Orta San Giulio and soak in the lake’s serene, timeless beauty.
Stay right on the lakefront in the charming Orta San Giulio as we explore this village, known as Little Venice due to its car-free streets. Discover the enchanting island of San Giulio, home to a monastery founded in the 4th century, as legend has it.
Day trip to Lake Maggiore and visit two of it's islands, Isola Bella with its grand Palazzo Borromeo and the quiet Isola dei Pescatori (fishermen island)
Workshop sessions in the field will discuss waterscape, architectural still-life and street photography. Editing sessions at the hotel will show you new ways to make your images reach their potential.
As is our tradition, the last day is relaxed with time to explore on your own. Taxi boats await for another cruise to the island or a neighboring village.
Take a walk up the hill to Sacro Monte, home to 20 chapels dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. From this vantage point, enjoy a stunning view over the lake followed by a delightful lunch.
Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner as we celebrate the end of our journey. We will spend our final night at our charming hotel in the heart of the piazza, offering breathtaking views of Lake Orta. The ambiance will create lasting memories as we reflect on our experiences and toast to new adventures ahead.
One more inspiring morning as we capture the village waking up along the lakefront. Then a final breakfast as we reluctantly prepare to say goodbye.
Book your departure flights after 2:00 PM to be safe. Since most US flights leave early, you may choose to stay another night near the MXP airport or take the Express Train into Milan for the evening.
Spend three enchanting days with Mauro and Gabriele, your passionate guides, discovering the hidden treasures and timeless traditions of Piedmont. Beyond the familiar sights, you’ll wander through rolling vineyards, charming medieval villages, and elegant castles, breathing in the scents of blooming fields and tasting the flavors of the region’s finest wines and artisanal delicacies. Meet local winemakers, cheesemakers, and artisans who carry centuries-old traditions forward, and capture unforgettable moments with Mauro’s photography tips.
This journey is more than sightseeing, it’s a sensory immersion into Piemonte’s heart, culture, and picturesque landscapes, leaving memories that linger long after you return home.
Stroll through vineyards and idyllic countryside villages
Visit historic castles and grand estates
Meet talented local winemakers, cheesemakers, and artisans
Capture Piemonte’s most photogenic spots at the optimal times of day
Savor regional specialties in cozy, authentic settings
Book your departure flight from Milan Malpensa airport.
We will arrange your transfer to the airport Oct 18th arriving by 12:00 AM. Please book your flight after 2:00PM.
In Italy, eating well, or "mangiare bene," is essential to the travel experience. Each region boasts its own specialties, so we take the extra time to discover the best little trattorias where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine.
Dining family-style and asking for a variety of the chef's recommendations is a favorite way to share meals with our groups. Everyone gets to taste everything and enjoy as much as they like.
Of course, wine and soda are included with our meals.
Immersing yourself in a local region's culinary traditions enhances your photography, making it more informed and authentic.
