“An adventure through the Italian Alps, where rugged peaks meet blooming valleys and starry skies”
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a paradise for landscape photographers, with stunning peaks, alpine lakes, and vibrant summer landscapes.
On this six-day tour, we’ll explore the most stunning locations, from dramatic peaks to crystal-clear lakes and wildflower-covered valleys. Staying in strategically chosen hotels, we’ll be perfectly positioned to capture spectacular sunrises, glowing sunsets, and even nightscapes under the starry sky.
With endless opportunities for creative compositions, this tour is designed to elevate your landscape photography skills while immersing you in the raw beauty of one of the world’s most iconic mountain ranges.
Highlights
- Photography Focus: Majestic mountains, moody landscapes, wildflowers, starry skies, lakes, and rivers.
- Night Sky: Night sessions in the most stunning locations.
- Aerial shots: Capture epic views with the drone.
- Exclusive Small Group: Maximum of 10 participants (5 per pro guide) for a personalized experience.
- Premium Accommodations: Stay in top-rated hotels with private double rooms and bathrooms.
- Enhance Your Photographic Skills: Enhance your skills, both day and night, with personalized field guidance and hands-on training.
- Post-Processing Masterclass: Learn how to elevate your photos with editing lessons led by our professional photographers, including recorded sessions for future learning.
Wanna join?
What to expect from this journey?
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in this Alpine paradise, ideal for both landscape and night photography lovers.
This week is the ideal time to witness the Dolomites in full bloom, with vibrant wildflowers creating stunning foregrounds for breathtaking compositions. Photograph breathtaking sunrises, fiery sunsets, and magical night skies above majestic peaks and tranquil alpine lakes.
Stay in strategically located hotels for easy access to top photo spots, with personalized field guidance to refine your skills. Post-processing sessions will help you enhance the stunning images you capture.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, this small-group tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, learning, and inspiration in one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
Photography tour itinerary
Join us in an epic journey through these iconic mountains — where rugged mountains, silent lakes, and glowing skies create scenes you’ll never forget.
Please Note: The itinerary is flexible and may change based on weather conditions. Our goal is to adapt and ensure you have the best possible experience in these mountains.
Meeting point: July 9th – Venice airport (Marco Polo), not later that 11 AM
Departure: July 14th, in the morning we will bring the group back to the Venice airport (Marco Polo). Please the departure from Venice no earlier than 3PM.
Ready for an unforgettable adventure!
📍 Day 1: Iconic Peaks & Nightscapes – Tre Cime di Lavaredo & Cadini di Misurina – Frst sunset session at a lake reflecting the fiery Tre Cime di Lavaredo, followed by a night photography session at Cadini di Misurina.
📍 Day 2: Epic Mountain Hike & Stargazing – Drei Zinnen Hike – A scenic 4-hour hike to the best viewpoints of Tre Cime di Lavaredo National Park, capturing sunset and the night sky over this iconic landscape.
📍 Day 3: Sunrise Views & Editing Mastery – Giau Pass & Gardena Pass – Sunrise at Giau Pass, an afternoon editing session, then sunset at Gardena Pass surrounded by towering peaks.
📍 Day 4: Reflective Lakes & Milky Way – Braies lake (Pragser Wildsee) – Sunset at the stunning Lake Braies, where we’ll also capture the Milky Way mirrored in its tranquil waters.
📍 Day 5: Towering Summits & Night Sky – Pale di San Martino & Rolle Pass – We’ll move to another enchanting area of these mountains and face the sunset session in front of the Pale di San Martino. After dark, we’ll capture the starry sky over Cimon della Pala.
📍 Day 6: Farewell to the UNESCO World Heritage site – Departure from Venice airport – After breakfast, we head back to Marco Polo Airport, concluding an unforgettable journey.
Day 1
Capturing the Fiery Tre Cime & Milky Way Magic
Meeting Point: Venice Airport (Marco Polo Airport) by 11 AM.
Introduction to Your Adventure: Overview of the week’s photography journey.
Travel: 3-hour drive to our first hotel near Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Sunset & Night Photography: Capture the fiery Tre Cime di Lavaredo reflected in a lake during sunset. Then, capture the night sky above Cadini di Misurina.
Rest: After the night session, return to the hotel to relax.
Day 2
Tre Cime Hike, Breathtaking Sunset Views & Night Photography
Morning: Free time to rest and prepare.
Tre Cime Complete Loop Hike: A 2-hour one-way scenic hike to Locatelli Hut, where we’ll capture some of the most stunning photographic locations in the Italian mountains, surrounded by breathtaking views, lakes, and caves.
Sunset: Capture stunning shots of flowers, caves, and lakes near the Locatelli Hut.
Night session: Capture the Galaxy over the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Return to Hotel
Day 3
Majestic Passes & Starry Skies
Morning: Relax and prepare for the day.
Travel: Depart for Cortina d’Ampezzo, check-in at a new hotel.
Image Review and Editing Lesson: First post-processing lesson in the afternoon.
Sunset: Capture the stunning beauty of Giau Pass, surrounded by flowers, lakes, and towering mountains.
Starry sky: Photograph the Milky Way either at Passo Giau or Passo Gardena, depending on sky conditions.
Rest: Return to the hotel to rest.
Day 4
Serenity at Lake Braies & Stars Reflections
Morning: Travel to Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee), one of the most iconic lakes in this alpine paradise
Photo Editing Lesson: During the afternoon we’ll focus on the second editing session. Learn how to enhance your Milky Way and landscape shots with advanced editing techniques using software like Photoshop, Lightroom, and PTGui.
Sunset: Capture the serene beauty of Lago di Braies at sunset.
Dinner: Enjoy a delicious meal in San Martino di Castrozza.
Night Photography: Photograph the Galaxy reflected in the vibrant turquoise waters of the Braies lake.
Return to Hotel
Day 5
Sunset & Starry sky Over Pale di San Martino
Morning: Depart for San Martino di Castrozza, with stops at Lago di Carezza and a hidden waterfall spot.
Sunset Photo session: Capture the stunning Pale di San Martino and the iconic Cimon della Pala at sunset, surrounded by flowers and lakes.
Dinner: Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local Italian restaurant.
Milky Way session: We’ll photograph the night sky above these breathtaking alpine landscapes.
Rest: Return to the hotel
Day 6
Morning: After breakfast, we’ll depart for Marco Polo Airport (Venice) to conclude an unforgettable adventure.
Additional information
- We will change hotels four times to always be in the right place at the right time, optimizing the schedule and minimizing travel. Nights 1 & 2: Hotel near Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Night 3: Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Night 4: Hotel near Braies Lake. Night 5: Hotel near San Martino di Castrozza
- Weather-Optimized Itinerary – The schedule adapts to weather conditions. On clear nights, we’ll photograph the Milky Way and rest in the morning. On cloudy nights, we’ll rest early and capture stunning sunrises.
- Hiking & Photography – Day 1: 45-minute one-way hike to Tre Cime for sunset photos, followed by a short walk to a night photography spot. Day 2: A 2-hour one-way scenic hike to Locatelli Hut for sunset and night session, followed by a return hike. In the remaining days, we will only have easy walks to reach the most beautiful locations.
- Meals – Dinners at local restaurants (not included). Some packed lunches for better photographic time management.
- Travel Insurance: We recommend purchasing private travel insurance for non-refundable fees and flights.
- Cash: Please bring cash, as some restaurants and mountain huts don’t accept cards.
Photo tour leaders
Giulio Cobianchi is a professional landscape photographer, expert and specialized in night photography with 10 years of experience. Aurora and Milky Way are his great passions. Being an outdoor enthusiast, since he was a child he loved immersing himself in the beauties of these mountains. The Dolomites are his photographic cradle, where he took his first photos. With him, you will be in the right place at the right time!

Christian Høiberg – Arctic & Wild Landscape Photographer International landscape photographer and founder of CaptureLandscapes. Passionate about wild landscapes, he guides photographers to capture breathtaking scenes and improve their skills on high-impact images in remote environments across Iceland, the Arctic and other extreme natural locations around the world.

Participation
In order to offer the best quality, the maximum of attendees has been limited, so that we can follow each participant closely and in the best way possible. A minimum is also been set for the tour to be confirmed.
Minimum: 5 participants
Maximum: 10 participants (two 9 seaters van + 2 profesional photographers)
Please note: 5 participants with one 9 seaters van + 1 pro photographer or 10 participants with two 9 seaters vans + 2 pro photographers (5 participants each photo guide)
Difficulty: Easy / Medium
Payment
To reserve your seat, you can pay a deposit at the moment of the booking and the remaining part within 60 days before departure.
Total cost: 2990 €
Deposit: 700 €
Tour dates: July 9th – 14th, 2026
Single room supplement: 800€
The cost include
- Two professional landscape photographers
- All the accomodations in private double rooms in good hotels (private single room available by booking at the time of photo tour registration and paying the supplement of 800 euros at the balance)
- All breakfasts
- All transfers by van
- Fuel
- Tolling of private roads / parking lots and any lifts used to reach spots
- Transport to and from the Venice airport
- Support Whatsapp private group
- Photo editing lessons with registrations
The cost doesn’t include
- International flights
- Lunches and drinks (which will sometimes be packed)
- Medical health insurance
- Travel insurance
- Theft / damage insurance
- Everything that is not included in the item “The fee includes”
FAQs
What will you learn on this photo tour?
On this unforgettable journey through this iconic mountain range in Northern Italy, you will not only immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes but also sharpen your photography skills, creating impactful images you’ll cherish forever.
Our goal is to ensure that you leave with not just memories, but photographs that truly reflect the magic of this natural paradise. We’ll teach you essential photographic techniques and share our passion for photography, helping you feel the same excitement we do when capturing nature with a camera.
You will learn…
- Mastering your equipment: Learn how to manage your camera gear in both simple and challenging conditions, ensuring you’re ready for any situation.
- Planning your shots: Use apps and websites to plan your shoots effectively, making sure you capture the best possible composition.
- Understanding the histogram: Learn how to read and interpret the histogram during shooting and post-processing for perfect exposure.
- Composition techniques: Master the art of creating compelling, impactful images with compositional rules and creative techniques.
- Using filters: Understand how to select and use filters for various lighting conditions, from dramatic skies to long exposures.
- Managing light: Capture stunning photos at sunrise, sunset, and during long exposure shots by learning how to manage different lighting conditions.
- Perfecting white balance: Learn how to set the right white balance for any scene, from daylight to Milky Way photography.
- Focusing techniques: Learn about focus, hyperfocal distance, focus stacking and depth of field for sharper, more detailed images.
- Aperture control: Understand the importance of aperture and how it affects your photos, especially in challenging lighting.
- Optimizing exposure settings: Choose the right camera settings—ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation—based on the scene.
- Post-processing skills: Learn how to use masks and layers, dodge and burn, and choose the right color profiles (sRGB, Adobe RGB, ProPhoto RGB) in editing.
- Night Photography: Learn how to recognize and capture the night sky, including constellations and the Milky Way, without relying on apps.
- Advanced shooting techniques: Learn professional techniques like focus stacking, mean stacking, perspective blending, multi-exposure, and time blending to create “wow” images.
- Panoramic photography: Master both day and night panoramic photography, from camera setup to post-processing for seamless merges.
- Milky Way photography tips: Learn specialized techniques to capture the ethereal beauty of the Galaxy in the night skies.
- Workflow optimization: Gain tips and tricks specific to our tour’s workflow, ensuring you’re prepared to get the best out of every shot.
By the end of this immersive experience, you’ll have gained not just technical knowledge but also the creative skills to capture unforgettable images, especially the stunning Milky Way and the dramatic landscapes of the Italian Dolomites.
Meeting Point & Travel Information
📍 Where and when does the tour start?
The tour begins at Venice Marco Polo Airport on July 9th, with a meeting time no later than 11:00 AM.
📍 When does the tour end?
On July 14th, we will drop the group back at Venice Marco Polo Airport in the morning. Please schedule your departure flight no earlier than 3:00 PM to allow sufficient time for travel and check-in.
📍 How do I get to Venice Airport?
You can fly directly to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) from many international destinations. If you prefer to arrive a day early and spend a night in Venice, we’d be happy to recommend accommodations based on your preferences.
📍 Can you pick me up from a hotel?
Yes! If you are staying in a hotel near the airport, we can arrange to pick you up directly before departure.
✈️ Need help planning your arrival? Feel free to contact us for travel tips and hotel recommendations!
What photography skill level is required for this workshop?
This Dolomites Photography Tour is open to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced photographer, you’re welcome to join.
The only requirements? A passion for landscape photography and a willingness to immerse yourself in nature, spending full days and nights outdoors to capture the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomites. From golden sunrises over jagged peaks to star-filled night skies above alpine lakes, you’ll experience and photograph the magic of these mountains at the best possible moments.
What level of physical fitness is required for this journey?
No special physical preparation is required, as most locations are easily accessible with short walks.
The only moderately challenging hike is on Day 2, when we trek from Rifugio Auronzo to Rifugio Locatelli—a 2-hour one-way hike leading to some of the most breathtaking photo spots in the Dolomites. The trail is wide, well-maintained, and free of exposed or dangerous sections, making it manageable for most participants.
We take plenty of breaks along the way to capture the stunning scenery, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
What weather conditions can I expect during this week?
The weather in this iconic mountain range in Northern Italy can be unpredictable, offering a mix of warm days and chilly nights. In summer, daytime temperatures typically range between 25°C and 30°C, while at night—especially during night sessions at high altitudes—temperatures can drop close to 0°C.
Thunderstorms are common in the summer, often forming in the afternoons, even on otherwise clear days. Being prepared with layers, waterproof gear, and rain protection will help ensure you stay comfortable while capturing breathtaking landscape shots in any condition.
What clothing and gear do I need for this adventure?
The Dolomites’ weather can change quickly, so it’s essential to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures. During the day, temperatures can reach 25–30°C, especially while hiking, but at night—especially during Milky Way sessions at high altitudes—temperatures can drop close to freezing.
Clothing Recommendations:
✔ Light, breathable layers for daytime hikes
✔ Warm, thermal layers for evening and night photography
✔ Waterproof and windproof jacket for sudden weather changes
✔ Thermal socks and insulated clothing for cold nights
✔ Hat and gloves (especially if you get cold easily)
Footwear Recommendations:
✔ Waterproof hiking boots with good grip for rocky and uneven trails
✔ Non-slip soles to navigate gravel and slippery surfaces
Being properly dressed and equipped will allow you to focus on capturing the stunning landscapes of these mountains without discomfort! If you have questions or need more specific recommendations, feel free to ask!
Recommended Camera Gear for this Adventure
To make the most of your landscape and night photography in these mountains, we recommend bringing the following gear:
Essential Equipment:
✔ Digital Camera (DSLR or Mirrorless)
✔ Sturdy Tripod for long exposures and night photography
✔ Remote Shutter Release for exposures longer than 30 seconds
Recommended Lenses:
✔ Fast Wide-Angle Lens (f/2.8 or faster) – Ideal for capturing the Milky Way and vast landscapes (e.g., 14-24mm, 15-30mm)
✔ Versatile Zoom Lens (24-70mm or 24-120mm or 70-200mm) – Perfect for composing a variety of landscape shots
Optional but Useful Gear:
✔ Photo Filters – GND, ND, and Polarizer filters for creative effects
✔ Star Tracker – If you want to take your astrophotography to the next level, we will teach you how to use it
Additional Tips:
✔ Extra Batteries – Cold temperatures at night drain batteries quickly
✔ Lens Cleaning Cloths – To keep your gear free from dust and moisture
If you have any questions about your equipment, feel free to reach out—we’ll be happy to help you choose the best gear for this epic journey.
How Should I Organize My Backpack and Gear for this Journey?
For the first two days, we’ll need to carefully organize our backpacks to ensure we’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead. Here’s a breakdown:
Day 1: Auronzo Hut, Sunset & Night session
We will travel by van to the Auronzo Refuge parking lot and then embark on a 45-minute walk to reach our sunset photo spot. After the session, we’ll enjoy a picnic dinner and prepare for our night photography shoot.
What to bring on Day 1:
– Camera: Mirrorless or DSLR
– Lenses: Bright wide-angle lens (e.g., 14-24mm f/2.8 or 16-35mm f/2.8)
– Tripod: Essential for long exposure shots
– Remote Shutter Release: To capture shots longer than 30 seconds
– Headlamp: For night photography
– Clothing: Warm layers for the night shoot (temperatures can drop)
– Water: Stay hydrated during the hike
– Snacks: Sandwiches and light snacks (we’ll stop by a market before heading to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo)
Day 2: Tre Cime Complete Loop Hike, Locatelli Hut
On the second day, we’ll start from the same parking lot and hike to the Locatelli Refuge (approximately a 2-hour walk one way). It’s important to pack carefully as this will be the longest hike of the tour.
What to bring on Day 2:
– Camera: Mirrorless or DSLR
– Lenses: Bright wide-angle lens (e.g., 14-24mm f/2.8 or 16-35mm f/2.8) and a medium telephoto lens (e.g., 24-120mm or 70-200mm) for versatile shots
– Remote Shutter Release: To shoot long exposures for the Milky Way
– Headlamp: For the night session
– Clothing: Warm clothing for the night shoot (especially after sunset)
– Water: Hydration is key for the hike
– Snacks: We’ll stop by a market before heading to Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Days 3-6: Nearby Photography Locations
On the remaining days, we will be close to our van, and the locations will be easily accessible. We’ll be dining at local restaurants, so there’s no need to pack a lunch or worry about heavy gear.
Tip: Pack light but prepare for varying conditions. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, and gear will ensure you’re ready for every shot, from sunrise to sunset.
This organized approach will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the landscape and optimize your photographic experience in the Dolomites!
What meals can I expect during this trip?
During this Dolomites adventure, all breakfasts are included at the hotels. For lunch, we’ll stop for quick meals along the road, and dinner will be at a restaurant. Based on the photo schedule, we’ll decide whether to have a packed dinner while waiting for the Milky Way or dine at a restaurant. We will definitely try both options.
The itinerary will be flexible to provide the best and most relaxing experience, taking into account the weather, clouds, and your personal preferences.
How should I manage my suitcases?
Each participant must bring a rigid hold suitcase (not a bag) and a photographic backpack.
This is to optimize the spaces in our vans, to make everyone feel more comfortable.
Documents and Currency for the Italian Dolomites trip
– Passport or ID card: You will need a valid passport or ID card for travel within the Schengen Area (Italy is part of the Schengen Zone).
– Currency: The local currency is the Euro (€).
– Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most places, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Cash Payments: Please note that some mountain huts (rifugi) and certain restaurants in the Dolomites only accept cash payments. We recommend bringing sufficient cash with you for meals and other expenses in more remote areas where card payments may not be available. ATMs are accessible in most towns, so you can withdraw cash before heading into the mountains.
ATMs: You can withdraw Euros at any ATM using your debit card. ATMs are available in most towns and villages near the Dolomites.



























