May 1-13, 2020
$9,750 USD per, person double occupancy, International Airfare INCLUDED
TOUR POSTPONED
Due to the still developing Corona virus situation in Italy and in the rest of the world, this tour has been postponed to a future date.
We are confident that the situation will return to normal soon, but at the moment it is impossible to guarantee the accessibility of the region in the short term and the safety of our guest.
We will update this page as the situation develops, but if you want to be notified right away, please fill the form below to sign up for my newsletter.
In collaboration with M&M Photo Tours, Inc.
Join me on an extensive tour of the best locations Italy has to offer: Milan, Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and Rome.
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
A perfect opportunity for first-time visitors of Italy to take in as much of its beauty as possible on a two-week trip. Return visitors will also be happy to rediscover already visited locations under a new light and with the guidance of an expert photographer who knows the terrain.
This tour is organized in collaboration with M&M Photo Tours, a leader in the photo tour industry. Thanks to a decade of experience in running photo tours, they know how to make things run smoothly and comfortably for everyone. I will be the guest pro on this tour, putting my knowledge of the places and my skills as a photographer and as an educator at your service during the whole time.
This tour is open to photographers of any skill level. My aim, during the entirety of the tour, will be to create the best conditions for you to get the images of Italy that you've been dreaming of. I love my country and all it has to offer, have been photographing it for decades and learned what it takes to make it really shine. Now it's your turn to capture your everlasting memories of Italy.
I am also passionate about the culture and history of Italy. Ask me about it and you might discover some historical facts that few people know about.
Find all the details and get your booking in at M&M Photo Tours Best of Italy tour page.
Rome
Who is this for?
This tour is recommended for every kind of photographer. Beginners and advanced amateurs will have lots of opportunities to learn new techniques, while even seasoned professional photographers will be able to take advantage of my knowledge of the country.
Those who are visiting Italy for the first time, have been here many years ago, or have only seen a small part of it, will appreciate the breadth of this tour and the large number of locations included, giving them a taste of many different parts of my beautiful country.
If you'd like to be taken care of by a team skilled professionals throughout your journey and pampered so that you don't have to worry about lodging and transportation hassles, then this tour is for you.
Florence
Itinerary
May 1st
American guests leaving the US on a flight bound for Milan.
May 2nd
Arrive in Milan and transfer to Venice via train. After arrival in Venice and a brief time to relax, meet for our first photo shoot: an afternoon walk along the many canals of Venice and environs. Tonight we’ll enjoy an evening shoot at one of several pre-selected locations (St. Mark’s, etc.,) working Blue Hour shots. Hotel in Venice (at least 3 or 4 star locations for entire trip).
May 3rd
Today we’ll spend time working shots in Venice in the AM and again in the later day but in between we’ll take a vaporetto to Burano to enjoy the charm of the colorful island village.
May 4th
We'll spend another full day photographing the charm and gems of Venice.
May 5th
After breakfast we’ll head to the mainland and take a train to Florence. In Florence we’ll wander the narrow side streets, shoot the Duomo (Cathedral), visit awesome interiors of chapels, and work the Blue Hour from Piazzale Michelangelo, which overlooks Florence and the Duomo. Hotel in Florence.
May 6th
We'll head to the charming landscapes and vineyards or Chianti today. Stay at a resort in the countryside.
May 7th-8th
We'll spend our time concentrating on the awesome landscapes of the Tuscan heartland and pay visits to classic villages of Siena, San Gimignano and other locations.
May 9th-10th
After breakfast we’ll catch our train to Monterosso al Mare and our adventure on The Cinque Terre begins! The Cinque Terre is a collection of 5 main towns/villages that hug the coast line and are connected by milk run trains. Over the next 2 days and nights we’ll shoot the best of Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and more. Blue Hour, sunrises, sunsets, street scenes, and landscapes are the order of the day. Hotel in Monterosso al Mare.
May 11th-12th
We will take the train to Rome and take up our rooms in The Eternal City. For the next two days we’ll wander Rome taking in all her piazzas, alley-ways, world-class sites, and just soak in and photograph all that is Rome. Hotel in the heart of Rome.
May 13th
Departure from Rome airport.
Optional Extension (NOT Included in main tour cost): 3 Days along Amalfi Coast
We'll help you arrange for a 3 day extension along the Amalfi Coast where you can enjoy the coast, visit secret gardens, venture to the island of Capri for a half day, and take photo stops in Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi city. The Amalfi Coast dazzles with craggy cliffs, with picturesque villages clinging to them and shimmering bays. Hotel and meals on your own.
Gondolas in St. Mark's Square, Venice
Customer Testimonials
Imagine having an opportunity to photograph some of the most incredible locations and people in the world’s most romantic city, Venice. And, during Carnevale! It was wonderful in every way. From the first email with Ugo, I could tell he was a caring, highly professional and experienced photographer and tour guide for us. He knew this city well and shared a lot before we were there.
I am so glad we chose Ugo and it was very special – my husband is still talking about it. There was so much to learn and interspersed with seeing a boat builder (gondolas), meeting the only professional puppet maker in Venice – and seeing how glass jewelry is made. Photo shoots were morning and night – you have to appreciate and be patient with the models. They are stunning.
The food also was wonderful – Ugo knew the best places. The group was small and allowed for intimate discussion and ease. We are so grateful for a truly immersive and learning experience in a magical city.
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.
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.
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.
I had a wonderful experience in Venice with Ugo. I learned new things while enjoying the wonderful city. I have some special needs which he was able to accommodate perfectly. I highly recommend his company for photo tours.
I have done 3 photo tours with 3 different guides and locations, this has been the best of the three. Ugo was definitely the best of the three guides. His attention to detail with setting the scene and location with models, suggestions on camera settings were helpful for me, a novice with portrait photography. I would definitely recommend any tour with Ugo, he is an excellent photographer willing to share his knowledge, experience and secrets of special places he knows to make the entire photography experience a lifetime memory.
What an extraordinary experience to participate in a photography tour and workshop with Ugo Cei Photography Tours, in Venice, Italy during the Venice Carnival. His knowledge of Venice along with the right place to be at the right time made this perfect. Add to that his technical and lighting knowledge and then to top it off the perfect local eateries and local interests. It was days full from daylight to evening at a manageable pace with likeminded new international friends. So glad I took the leap and participated.
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!!!
The Forum, Rome