This was an extraordinary trip! Drake and his team, Gabrielle and Mauro, organized the best locations for our workshop. Our accommodations were unique (even a cave in Matera!) Drake’s review and coaching of our photography was really helpful - and kind. With a range of skill among the travelers, that was great. The experiences in small towns, were beautifully thought out. Meals were excellent! We had a small group, so we could be flexible in making small adjustments to the itinerary if needed or a better opportunity presented itself. This is our second time to travel with Italy Workshops and it won’t be the last!

When our very good friends suggested we join them on a photography trip to southern Italy, my wife and I loved the idea of seeing Southern Italy for the first time, but we were concerned about the photography part of the trip. We are photography novices. We asked if we could use our cell phone cameras and were assured that we could and indeed others already had on previous trips. Then our friends offered to loan us their old cameras, an offer we accepted. The first day of the tour our apprehensions were quickly dispelled by Drake, the tour operator and owner, and by our tour leader, Gabrille, who walked with us and gave us suggestions, answered our many questions, and even explained how to use our loaner cameras. I should add that Drake and his colleagues, Gabriele and Mauro, are truly an exceptional team of tour leaders, photography educators, and, by the end of the trip, friends. The trip included wonderful and historic accommodations (Trulli houses and cave rooms!) as well as unique experiences with the local community (a cheese making farm, for instance). And, of course, the food was excellent. If you go on this trip, you will see a beautiful, seldom seen part of Italy with excellent leaders and a group of similarly interested participants who will likely become friends by the end of your tour. You will also enjoy increasing your photography skills.

My mother and me joined the Dolomites workshop in 2019, so our expectations were high. Puglia didn't let us down. This workshop was (again) unforgetable. The atmosphere, the places we visited, the food, the other 'students' (who we had so much fun with), the hotels (absolutely unbelievably beautiful) and the way Drake and Gabriele (and later on also Mauro) arranged everything for us. We come from the Netherlands and my mother had to go back to Holland (and return to Italy again) for a funeral and they did everything they could to help us arranging everything. Very helpful! Drake is the best to lead a photoworkshop: he's a very experienced and extremely good photographer and besides he's a man with a good social sensor who can get along with everybody, who makes you feel at ease. Add an overdose Adobe-software experience to that and a vast knowledge of the Italian country, the language and local customs and the result is the perfect host to lead tours like the ones Italy Photoworkshops arrange. Thank you Drake, Gabriele and Mauro, for everything. Thanks to you my mother and me were able to make some unforgettable memories.

My trip to the Tuscia region of Italy with Gabriele as my guide was unforgettable. We explored the medieval charm of Viterbo, the ancient Etruscan tombs and roads, and the stunning grandeur of Villa Lante and Villa Farnese—each brought to life by Gabriele’s deep historical knowledge, engaging storytelling, and outstanding photo spots. His passion for the region, attention to detail, and warm personality made the experience special. I highly recommend him to anyone wanting to discover the authentic heart of central Italy!

My first trip to Rome was unforgettable, thanks to Gabriele! A native Italian and an accomplished photographer and historian, he brought the city’s history and culture to life with passion and insight. Every day of the tour, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems like the Roman aqueducts, felt special. I highly recommend Gabriele for anyone looking to experience the real Rome!