Italy Is Opening Again!

After months of lockdowns and restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has hit hard our beautiful country, we are again getting ready to welcome travelers from many different countries.

These long months have changed a lot of things, but some have remained the way they used to be: our gorgeous landscapes, our inimitable art, our delicious food, but most of all our warm hospitality.

With travel restrictions still in place for many countries and fewer people wanting to travel, this is a great opportunity to start planning to enjoy all of the above without having to contend with huge throngs of tourists.

What is the Covid-19 situation in Italy?

At present, we are slowly but steadily coming out of our second wave of infections, which started in October 2020. In June 2021, activities in most regions have reopened, including bars, restaurants, and museums. About half of the country is in "white" status, which basically means very few restrictions remain and mostly concern large gatherings of people. The other half is "yellow", with more restrictions, but expected to turn "white" soon.

Italy Coivd-19 cases

The coming of warmer and longer days will certainly do much to accelerate the improvement, like it did last year. However, this time we have one more weapon that we are confident will ensure there won't be a third wave as we approach the fall: vaccinations.

Our government is planning to fully vaccinate at least 70% of the population by the end of summer. All of the EU member states have vowed to do the same.

As of June 6th, more than 25 million Italians have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 13 million have received two. The total number of administered doses corresponds to 64% of the population. These vaccinations are starting to make a real impact, but the pace of vaccinations is increasing and we are now vaccinating more than half a million people per day. Click here to find more data about vaccinations.

Covid Vaccinations in Italy as of May 1st

Since May 16, visitors from the EU, UK, and Israel can visit Italy as long as they have a recent negative Covid test, with no quarantine requred.

On April 25, according to the New York Times, the president of the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, declared that vaccinated US tourists will be able to visit Europe this summer.

What About Photo Tours?

Lago di Misurina

While we can reasonably hope for a return to normality before the end of summer, there are still a lot of unknowns. As long as there is such uncertainty, it's difficult for me to plan long tours in the immediate future. In any case, feel free to browse this site and discover what's already planned.

My response to the current state of affairs is to be flexible and nimble.

What this means in practice is that I'm offering private, bespoke, short photo tours for singles and small groups.

If you love photography and are thinking of taking a vacation in Italy in the coming months, this might be right for you. Let’s say you are traveling to Italy and would like to include the Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Venice, Rome, the Dolomites or some other beautiful destinations in your itinerary. You want to be sure you will be taking home the best photographs of those locations, for your personal collection or to show your friends.

This is what you will get from me. I will bring you to the best spots at the best times and teach you how to get those amazing photos you’ve always dreamed of taking.

Depending on the location and the number of days you have, we will design together the best program that works with your schedule.

Here are some of the locations I have visited many times and that I consider myself an expert of, but I would be happy to accompany you elsewhere. I have traveled across all of my home country, so there will be hardly a place I don't know well.

Cinque Terre

Five colorful villages on a beautiful stretch of pristine coastline. Ideal for a two-day tour. Options for hiking and boat excursions. Getting around by train or boat.

Tuscany

Medieval towns, enchanted landscapes, stunning works of art. Truly the heart of Italy. Ideal for one day or more. Getting around by car. Very accessible.

The Dolomites

One of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. Tons of photo opportunities in a limited area. Green meadows in Spring and Summer, foliage in the Fall, snow in WInter. Very accessible. Ideal for two days or more.

Venice

Venice is a city with many well-known photo spots, but you should let me take you to some of its secret ones. Ideal for one day or more. Very accessible if you enjoy long walks.

Rome

All the roads lead to Rome, they say, and a visit to Italy wouldn't be complete with it. A photo tour of Rome could keep you busy for a week, but even one or two days will make you want come back for more.

Milan

Once considered a dreary industrial town, it actually has a lot to offer, especially if you enjoy modern architecture and always fashionable people. Ideal for a one or two day tour and very accessible.

Your Safety

Ensuring that my guests are safe at all times is of primary importance to me, with respect to Covid-19 or any other risks.

This means strictly following all the rules imposed by the government, including the wearing of face masks when required and whenever we cannot maintain a sufficient distance  between members of the group, proper hand sanitation and frequent temperature checks.

In order to join one of my tours, proof of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or a recent negative test is required.

100% Money Back Guarantee

I offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee on private tours. If for any reason you weren’t satisfied with my skills as a tour leader, I will refund 100% of my fees, as long as you provide a motivation and do it within 30 days from the end of the tour.

Interested? Use the form below or email me. I will get back to you as soon as possible with some proposals and we'll discuss them together.

Private Tour Request Form (reopening)

What People Say

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We had an unforgettable weekend with Ugo in Cinque Terre. He took us around the 5 villages and showed us the good vantage points for photography and gave us very useful tips. I went home with beautiful photos. Highly recommended.

Funda Inceer - Istanbul, Turkey

My wife and I just returned home from the trip of a lifetime with Ugo and Mike Gulbraa. 7 cities in 15 days photographing the most amazing places in Italy! Ugo was the perfect Italian host and photography pro! Can't say enough about how great he was. Looking forward to touring with him again. Recommend VERY highly

Glen Zalkin - St. Augustine, FL

I contacted Ugo for a private two day tour of Cinque Terre. He immediately responded and we met up in Monterosso. Ugo is an easy going and likeable guy and, as can be seen in his website, a good photographer. He knows Cinque Terre very well since he lives nearby and has conducted several tours in the area. If you have only a few days in Cinque Terre, it makes great sense to contact Ugo and he can take you right away to the good spots and at the right time of the day. I had a great time with Ugo in Cinque Terre and would recommend taking his tours.

Manolo Roxas - Manila, Philippines

To travel and work with Ugo is a delight. He is resourceful and knows his destination, so no matter what weather awaits you, Ugo will always suggest a way to make the most of the day. He is energetic, non-stop, productive. A travel/work experience with Ugo motivates you to become a better photographer. Must mention that he is very fun company, and loves good food!

Cristina Piva - São Paulo, Brazil

As I was spending my vacation in the Dolomites I arranged a one day private workshop with Ugo. Although I was a four hour drive from Ugo's home base he willingly made the journey — even though he was heading off to Barcelona first thing the next morning for another commitment. 

Not having any transport or knowledge of the best locations to shoot having someone like Ugo was fantastic — and when you add his knowledge of photography and ability to impart that to his pupil it all added up to an outstanding day. 

I recommend Ugo without reservation.

Peter Wade - Sydney, Australia

If you are planning to travel and love photography at any level Ugo can plan a personal tour to fit in with your itinerary! He has a wealth of knowledge to share with you on any subject of photography. Apart from photography (my passion) Ugo provides a total travel experience looking at Italy through the eyes of a local. A life changing trip leaving me totally hooked to book another! Thank you Ugo and yes I will be returning my dilemma is choosing a destination.

Sharon Jackson - Gold Coast, Australia

My husband and I did a workshop with Ugo in Cinque Terre. It was fantastic. Ugo is not only a great photographer, but he is generous with his knowledge, and he offers a great workshop. The group was international, which made the experience even richer.

Gail Ginder - Healdsburg, CA

After two photo tours with Ugo in Italy, I cannot recommend the experience highly enough – the local knowledge of Italy, partnered with photographic expertise and guidance made for an extremely rewarding photo tour! Ugo guides and mentors you according to your skills, regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced enthusiast. I have come away with greater understanding of the craft and confidence to build my skill set. I am inspired to continue my learning journey to create beautiful images. Thank you Ugo!!!

Kerri Clark - Canberra, Australia