Possibly the most photogenic mountains on earth, this is a dream tour for landscape photographers. 

Just north of Venice, this region is infused with Italian-Austrian foods and wines, along with Alpine lodge hospitality.

This tour has a minimum group size of 6. If the minimum is not met at least 90 days before the departure date, the trip will be canceled and refunds will be sent.  You will receive a notification. 

You can check the DOLOMITES PAGE to see if the minimum has been met and who's going.  Or you can inquire here. 

Carl Sandquist - Landscape Specialist and Adobe guru 

Mauro Riva - Professional guide and Travel Designer

Your journey begins in Venice, where we leave the canals behind and travel by comfortable minivan into the heart of the Italian Alps. Over the next four days, we’ll explore some of the most iconic and photogenic locations in the Cortina d’Ampezzo area—each a masterpiece of light, color, and texture.

From the sweeping curves of Passo Giau, where every turn reveals a new dramatic vista, to the towering stone sentinels of the Cinque Torri, these landscapes seem made for a photographer’s lens. We’ll capture the mirror-like reflections of Lake Misurina, framed by peaks and forests, and experience the awe of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, whose jagged silhouettes are among the most recognized in the Alps.

We’ll also visit the Lago di Braies, a stunning alpine lake with crystal-clear emerald waters set against a backdrop of steep, forested mountains, a true jewel for both photography and quiet reflection.

Mornings and evenings will be dedicated to the golden hours, chasing perfect light across ridges and valleys. Between shoots, there will be time to enjoy the warm atmosphere of alpine villages, taste local specialties, and immerse yourself in the unique rhythm of mountain life. These first days set the tone for an unforgettable photographic adventure, where every frame tells a story of the Dolomites’ grandeur.

Today unfolds as a journey through two of the Dolomites’ most iconic landscapes, each offering a very different visual and emotional rhythm.

Our morning and early afternoon are dedicated to the legendary Cinque Torri. Rising from alpine meadows at 2,236 meters (7,336 feet), these monumental rock formations create a natural open-air stage framed by the peaks of Averau and Nuvolau. We’ll explore a network of scenic trails and remarkably preserved World War I trenches, where history, scale, and strong graphic lines come together to create compelling photographic opportunities. This slower, exploratory pace allows time to work compositions, details, and wide perspectives as the light shifts across the landscape.

In the late afternoon, we’ll leave the Cinque Torri behind and make our way to Passo Giau, one of the most breathtaking high mountain passes in the Dolomites. As the sun lowers, the surrounding peaks gradually ignite with warm tones of gold, rose, and deep crimson, offering an entirely different mood, wide, open, and profoundly cinematic. The expansive views and ever-changing light make this sunset session one of the most memorable photographic moments of the journey.

After sunset, we’ll descend back to the valley and return to our hotel in San Vito di Cadore, where a relaxed dinner and a comfortable night’s rest await, closing a day rich in contrast, light, and inspiration.

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.

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.

Finally, we visit the enchanting Santa Maddalena, a picture-perfect village with small chapels nestled in the forest at the foot of the Odle peaks. This area, with its delicate interplay of light, shadow, and iconic alpine architecture, creates a truly fairytale-like setting to close our Dolomites adventure.

Each day 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.

Alternatively, extend your experience with us for three more days exploring the charming villages of South Tyrol: Bressanone, Vipiteno, and Merano, where relaxation, culture, and gentle alpine scenery await, offering the perfect complement to 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.

Meet Carl Sandquist, a landscape photographer who has a passion for capturing the beauty and wonder of nature. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to quality, Carl travels the world and creates stunning landscape images that not only captivate the viewer, but also inspire the senses.

See Carl's Portfolio

Mauro is a travel professional and passionate photographer with a love for nature and exploration. Born in the heart of the Dolomites, he has an intimate knowledge of their majestic landscapes, traditions, and culture. His true passion lies in uncovering places and stories that inspire, connect, and transform.

See Mauro's images