May 28th - June 9th, 2027
$8,500 USD per, person double occupancy
In collaboration with M&M Photo Tours, Inc.
The Best of Northern Italy tour combines the top iconic locations of Milan, Genoa, Florence, The Cinque Terre, Bologna, and Verona while introducing you to several hidden gems of each area and more. The time we'll spend in each location will you leave you desiring to come back often and explore more.
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 Northern Italy photography tour page.
Porta Nuova, Milan
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.
Itinerary
May 28
This day will be spent on the plane traveling to Italy.
May 29, Arrival in Milan
After checking in at our hotel in the center of Milan and enjoying a light lunch, we start our tour of Milan with a visit to the Duomo square, where we will have a chance to admire the city from on high, either from the roof of the cathedral or from the newly opened High Line, above the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. We will also have a chance to admire the Galleria from below when we traverse it to reach Piazza della Scala where the famous opera theater is. From La Scala we will move to the neighboring Brera district, where we’ll enjoy some drinks at one of the many bars with tables on the ancient cobblestone streets.
We will conclude the day with dinner in a restaurant in the Navigli neighborhood, where we will also have a chance to photograph the sunset or the blue hour from one of the bridges spanning the canal. (L,D)
May 30, Milan
The day will be dedicated to exploring the city, starting with a visit to the Cimitero Monumentale, arguably the most spectacular cemetery in the world. Its quiet tree-lined lanes host an incredible variety of sculptures spanning one-and-a-half centuries. We will then move to Porta Nuova, a recently renovated business and residential district showcasing some of Milan’s most exciting examples of modern architecture, including the Bosco Verticale and the Unicredit Tower, Italy’s tallest building. From there, we will walk down Corso Como and Corso Garibaldi, two elegant streets full of stores, restaurants, and bars, where the Milanese like to stroll and shop after a long day’s work. After having dinner in a typical restaurant, we will photograph Piazza Duomo during the blue hour. (B,L,D)
Piazza Duomo, Milan
May 31, Genoa
In the morning, we take a high-speed train that, in about one hour and a half will take us to Genoa. We will start our tour of the city from its most central square, Piazza De Ferrari, lined with elegant buildings, including the Carlo Felice opera house, and sporting a magnificent fountain in its center. From Piazza De Ferrari, we walk down to the old city center, a daedalus of narrow streets surrounding the medieval cathedral of San Lorenzo and reaching as far as the old port. We will then walk across the Strade Nuove area, home of the Palazzi dei Rolli, a collection of palaces dating to the 500’s and 600’s that constitute a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We will conclude the day with a visit to Boccadasse, a charming fishing village that has retained its character, despite being now surrounded by a modern city. (B,L,D)
Boccadasse, Genoa
June 1, Cinque Terre
In the morning, we take an Intercity train to the city of Monterosso al Mare (1h 10m) and begin our exploration of the Cinque Terre. Our tour of the Cinque Terre starts from Monterosso, the largest of the five villages. From there, we will transfer to Vernazza for more exploration and a change to photograph the sun setting over the harbor. (B,L,D)
Vernazza, Cinque Terre
June 2, Cinque Terre
We will continue our exploration of the five villages of the Cinque Terre looking for landscapes, seascapes, and village images. Our second day in Cinque Terre will take us to another charming village: Riomaggiore. We will then board a boat to reach the town of Portovenere, at the entrance of the Gulf of La Spezia.
On the way back from Porto Venere, we will disembark at Manarola, for dinner and a sunset or blue hour photography session. (B,L,D)
Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy
June 3, Pisa
We will transfer to Pisa by train (about 1 h 15m) and explore the city sites and hidden gems. Our tour of Pisa will of course include the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, notable not only for the Leaning Tower, but also for the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Cemetery, all stunning examples of medieval religious architecture.
The historical center of Pisa also offers many other opportunities for photography, especially along the Arno River. (B,L,D)
Santa Maria della Spina, Pisa
June 4, Florence
This morning we'll take a 1-hour train ride to Florence and begin our exploration of this magnificent city and all she offers. After checking in, we will start exploring Florence and its many monuments, starting in Piazza della Signoria with Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Giotto’s bell tower, Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, and more. At the end of the day, we will move to Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy a vista over the city at sunset. (B,L,D)
Florence
June 5, Florence
We'll continue with our Florence adventure and fill our time with as many possible locations as possible. The day will also include a trip to the Chianti region to explore one of its many charming villages and do some wine tasting. We will then return for Florence in time to photograph Ponte Vecchio across the river at sunset and at the blue hour. (B,L,D)
Ponte Vecchio, Florence
June 6, Bologna
This morning we'll take a 45-minute train ride to Bologna and begin our exploration of the city, her sites, and the images that await. We will have ample time to photograph some of its most notable monuments, like the Piazza Maggiore, with the cathedral of San Petronio, the Fontana del Nettuno, and the medieval towers of Garisenda and Asinelli. (B,L,D)
June 7, Verona
This morning we'll take a train to Verona (50m). We will spend the rest of the day visiting the city of Romeo and Juliet and its many Roman and medieval monuments. We start our tour of Verona from Piazza Bra, with a visit to the Arena, the ancient Roman amphitheater that is still used for concerts and operas. We will then move to Castelvecchio, the medieval castle overlooking the Adige River, Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori, and Ponte di Pietra, before climbing the hill of Castel San Pietro (on foot or with a funicular) for a view over the city across the river at sunset. (B,L,D)
June 8, Return to Milan
Today we'll train back to Milan (1h 15m). For our final day, we will explore some parts of Milan that we might have missed during our previous visit, like Via Montenapoleone and the Quadrilateral of Fashion, the basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, San Lorenzo, or the Castello Sforzesco. Our farewell dinner as a group is tonight. (B,L,D)
June 9, Flights home
Depending on the time of your flight, there might be still some time to photograph other locations in Milan. (B)
Verona
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!!!