Many photographers call Bologna their favorite Italian city for its colorful architecture, miles of arcades covering bustling sidewalks.
It’s a place a photographer can escape mainstream tourism and be immersed in a vibrant and metropolitan town.
Bologna is also the place to savor famous delights of the Emilia Romagna region: prosciutto, parmigiano and balsamico.
Le Marche is a central Italian region known as "All of Italy in one" for its blend of stunning Adriatic beaches, rolling hills, and Apennine mountains.
This region offers a delightful mix of art cities like Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, medieval towns, rich history, unique cuisine (such as Verdicchio wine), and authentic, less-crowded experiences.
Non-photographer partners are welcomed on this tour, designed as a relaxed holiday where culture and food meet photography.
Begin and end in Bologna and travel by private car. No more than 6 people in a 9-passenger van for your comfort.
9 nights / 10 days. 2 nights in Bologna, 2 nights in Urbino, 5 nights in a privately owned castle.
Included is breakfast each day, plus lunch or dinner each day, meals carefully chosen by Gabriele to represent authentic foods and wines from his native region.
Wine, beer and soft drinks are always included with meals
Excursions, entrance fee, and any tips are all included
In the field and in the classroom, one-on-one guidance and inspiration by a world-class photographer to create your best images.
Please get travel insurance. You can purchase it when you book with us or choose your own insurer.
We recommend you arrive a day or two early to acclimate to the time zone.
You can fly directly into Bologna International Airport (BLQ) just a 10 min taxi ride from the city center. Nearby Florence and Venice airports are also options, both just an hour or two away by train.
We’ll be happy to suggest hotels and travel tips for your pre and post workshop days.
This tour has a minimum group size of 6. If the minimum is not met 90 days before the departure date, the trip will be changed to a private tour or canceled and refunded, your choice. You will receive notification.
You can check the BOLOGNA & LE MARCHE PHOTO TOUR to see if the minimum has been met and who's going. Or you can inquire here.
Please consider waiting to book flights until the tour is confirmed.
Gabriele lives in the neighboring town of Imola (think Formula One ). He taught at University of Bologna and as a photographer / publisher created multiple books about Bologna.
We couldn't ask for a better host. His passion for street photography is infectious and it’s a pure pleasure to shoot alongside him. The first thing you’ll notice is his big smile and his unbridled enthusiasm for his homeland.
Drake Busath
Drake founded Italy Workshops in 1999. He has visited Italy frequently over five decades, even living near Bologna for a time. He speaks Italian and possesses a deep affection for the country .
Join us at a classic Romagnola trattoria, a favorite of Gabriele and other locals.
4-star hotel in Bologna Historic Center
09:30 short introduction to the workshop
10:30 visit and photograph in the city.
Lunch in the oldest "osteria" of the city
Bologna Historic Center
09:30 check out and drive to Urbino
San Marino is a tiny, independent country completely surrounded by Italy. It sits on the side of Mount Titano, near the Adriatic Sea. Founded in 301 AD, it is the oldest republic in the world.
04:30 Check in to our workshop hotel in Urbino’s historic center.
05:00 walking tour with a local guide
Urbino's historic center
07:00 optional early shooting with Gabriele
08:00 - 10:00 Breakfast at hotel.
07:30 meeting for a group shoot of city view from the fortress.
Urbino's historic center
Short visit at San Vittore alle Chiuse.
06:00 Chech in at Villa and free time to relax in the garden.
08:00 dinner together
11:00 leaving to San Savino, and experience at Cocci Grifoni farm with lunch
03:00 leaving for landscapes and architecture photos on the way
05:00 visit Fermo
07:30 dinner together in Torre di Palme
We'll visit the enchanting city, renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture. Our journey will take us to the magnificent Duomo, a true architectural marvel that dominates the skyline. We'll explore the vibrant and colorful San Francesco's market, where the sights and sounds create a lively ambiance filled with local flavors. At the iconic Piazza del Popolo, we’ll soak in the lively atmosphere and historical significance of this beautiful square. Finally, we’ll unwind at Caffè Meletti, a charming café where we can savor delicious treats and breathe in the atmosphere of another time, feeling as if we've stepped back into history.
Lunch together
03:30 back to Villa (25 min).
Free time
09:30 Workshop time for post-production at the Villa.
Learn tips to add impact to your images.
"Working" picnic lunch on the patio
04:00 leaving to Offida (15 min), visit the city and meeting with a testimonial / portrait (to define)
07:30 leave to Piana di Castelluccio (1:20 hr).
Breakfast on the way
03:00 back to Borgo Antico.
Free time to pack and relax
Breakfast at Villa
Time for photos bin the village and on the beach
12:30 lunch at "Le Grotte", on the beach (included).
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.
