Photo by: Kathy Adams Clark
Location: Florence Italy

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PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Italy from Florence to Tuscan Hilltowns

  • Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, with its rich tapestry of history depicted in its architecture, sculptures, and paintings.
  • A stay in the Tuscan countryside, with its grapevines and cypress trees.
  • Tuscany’s medieval hilltowns Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, Volpaia, Radda in Chianti, and others.
  • Departure limited to 12 participants to optimize your photographic experience.
  • Evening photo walks to capture cities and countryside in twilight.
  • Optional extension to the amazing architecture, history, and canals of Venice.
  • By joining Kathy on this amazing journey, a donation is made to the Houston Audubon Society.
Region

Europe

Destination

Italy

Dates

September 10-20, 2023

Duration

10 days

Available Post-Trip Extension

The Canals of Venice

$3995

per person, double occupancy*

All spots are currently taken for this tour.

*U.S. dollars based upon minimum of 8 participants. There is a small group surcharge of $500 if 5-7 participants. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested (subject to availability), or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, there is a single room surcharge of $795.

Tour Overview

The Strabo Photo Tour Collection is proud to announce a special tour to Italy, led by accomplished photographer Kathy Adams Clark. Kathy will take you to her favorite locations in Florence, the hilltowns of Tuscany, and the canals of Venice. We always welcome tour companions who are not photographers. The trip’s leisurely pace will provide ample opportunity to wander through Tuscany, and feast on the renowned regional foods and wines.

This departure is limited to a maximum of twelve participants....

The Strabo Photo Tour Collection is proud to announce a special tour to Italy, led by accomplished photographer Kathy Adams Clark. Kathy will take you to her favorite locations in Florence, the hilltowns of Tuscany, and the canals of Venice. We always welcome tour companions who are not photographers. The trip’s leisurely pace will provide ample opportunity to wander through Tuscany, and feast on the renowned regional foods and wines.

This departure is limited to a maximum of twelve participants. It is intended for people of all photo interests and levels of accomplishment in digital photography. While the emphasis will be on photography, this is also a cultural journey, which we believe will enhance your ability to capture the essence of Tuscany in your images. Your photography expert and leader, Kathy Adams Clark, has been leading photo tours for years. Along with the local guide, Kathy will take you to photo locations you could not access on your own, including monasteries, churches, and vineyards. In Florence, there will be quiet, pre-dawn photo walks. She will take you to premier photographic locations to capture the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Corridor, and the Duomo. If you are participating in the Venice Extension, early morning shoots will take you along the Grand Canal or wander with Kathy on the narrow pathways with bridges connecting you to unique photo opportunities. While we have specific itineraries, you will have the flexibility to take advantage special events along the way.

Photo Leader

Kathy Adams Clark

The workshop was wonderful, and hard and fulfilling and really fun! As usual, you were brilliant, prepared, encouraging, insightful and organized. Thanks again for your passion and for all the fun and knowledge you continually put in my life.

— Carol

I got the impression that Strabo Tours is an excellent organization. Congratulations on running things so well.

— S & J Dark

Tour Itinerary

September 10: Home

Depart on your overnight flight to Florence, Italy. (Meals on plane)

September 11: Florence

You can arrive at any time today at Florence Airport (FLR), take a taxi to the hotel. There will be an introductory meeting at 6PM in the hotel lobby, followed by a welcome reception. Overnight Florence

September 12-14: Florence

The next three days will be spent exploring Florence. Prior to breakfast, your leader may organize a sunrise walk for those that want to walk through the deserted streets to photograph the city before it awakens. After breakfast each day, the local guide will outline the daily activities.

Being in the heart of Florence, your hotel affords you a perfect location so that daily excursions can be done easily on foot. The famous Ponte Vecchio, the most popular and oldest bridge that spans the Arno River, is a fifteen-minute walk away.

Take time to photograph Florence’s Duomo, a magnificent cathedral whose massive dome was designed by Brunelleschi. The cathedral offers endless facets and details to explore. If you feel adventurous, climb to the dome’s cupola or to the top of the adjacent bell tower — the four hundred steps are truly breathtaking!

Florence’s town square, the Piazza della Signoria, has been the heart of political life since the fourteenth century. The spacious Piazza and adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi contain numerous sculptures that hold an important place in Florentine art. The Piazza is also home to the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, where many of the world’s great art treasures are housed.

Visit local markets and artisan shops and spend time photographing sunsets or the streetlights lining the bridges across the Arno. Each day you will have lunch at one of the many restaurants, trattorias, or bars in the area. In the evening, you can go to a restaurant with the group, or go out on your own. Overnights Florence (Breakfast daily)

Please note:  The art of enjoying an Italian meal can take time, if you prefer to grab a light bite and meet with the group later, feel free to request time and place from your guides.

September 15-19: Tuscany Hilltowns

The next five evenings will be spent at a Villa located in the heart of Chianti. The contrast between the city and the Tuscan countryside is striking. Today, more than sixty percent of Chianti remains forested, as there are strict limits on how much land can be cultivated.

The village of San Leolino has a beautiful little church that has a commanding view of the town of Panzano and surrounding countryside. The hamlet of Monterenaldi is nearby on a quiet country road that winds through vineyards and farms. Day trips allow you to visit a number of Tuscany’s most picturesque towns, such as Radda in Chianti, Volpaia, Montefioralle, Greve in Chianti, Castellina, Monteriggioni, one of the most perfectly preserved fortified villages in all of Italy.

San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque of the Italian hilltowns, known as the “city of the beautiful towers”. Fourteen of the seventy original towers remain, giving the town a striking appearance. Near Pienza, we may visit the Monastery of Sant’ Antimo, a splendid Romanesque abbey and church built around the year 1100, set in quiet, unspoiled surroundings. Overnights Tuscany (Breakfasts and dinners daily, one lunch is included at a local vineyard)

September 20: Tuscany - Home - or Venice Extension

After breakfast you will depart for Florence. Those on the extension will continue onto Venice via vehicle or train with your photo leader. If you are not a part of the extension you can be taken to the Florence airport. Flight times recommended noon or after, otherwise a private taxi may need to be arranged. Please verify with Strabo Tours for more specific details prior to booking. (Breakfast)

Post-Trip Extension

Extension Name

The Canals of Venice

Price

$2195*

Dates

September 20-24, 2023

Duration

4 days

* Based upon minimum of 4 participants. Single room surcharge is $645.


Continue on the optional Venice Extension. This legendary city of art is built on an archipelago of more than 100 small islands separated by a dense network of canals and joined by arched bridges. Water is everywhere, shaping the life of the city, and reflecting its compelling beauty. Venice is a wonderful city to explore on foot, and via the amazing water ferry system. Take a day trip to the tiny colorful island of Burano.

September 20: Venice

Arrive this afternoon in Venice where you will be transferred to the hotel for check in. After getting settled, meet (time to be announced) in the hotel lobby with Kathy and your local guide for the next two days. You will have an introductory walk around the hotel and the San Marco Square. You will photograph and tour the interior of the Ducal Palace, one of the city’s most significant monuments. Other highlights include the Piazza San Marco, and the Basilica and its towering Campanile or bell tower. The Piazza is flanked by arcades of shops and open-air cafés and was built in 1340 to be the home of the Duke – the head of the Venetian State. Nearby, the famous Bridge of Sighs arches over a narrow canal. Overnight Venice(Breakfast, Dinner)

September 21-23: Venice

Given appropriate weather conditions, your photo leader will plan sunrise photo shoots along the Grand Canal and in other scenic locations, then enjoy breakfast back at the hotel. Meet your local guide again in the lobby for your next photography walk and session. Get you acquainted with some of the less frequented, yet equally fascinating areas of the city. Cross the Grand Canal to reach the Rialto, once the commercial heart of the city. You will walk through a maze of alleyways that once defined the “red-light” district to reach the Church of San Polo.

One day you will explore several islands in the lagoon with your photo leader. The boat ride to Burano gives a unique vantage point from which you can enjoy the beauty of Venice’s lagoon. What makes the island especially picturesque are the tiny houses washed in bright colors, resembling something from the pages of a storybook. Those interested in glassware may stop at the island of Murano, famous for its unique and colorful selections.

Across the waters of the lagoon to the domes and bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore, a Benedictine Monastery that has been in operation since the tenth century. It will offer great views from which to photograph the busy waterfront.

If time permits, a group outing to San Michele, the island cemetery of Venice may be arranged. Studded with dark cypresses and enclosed within high terracotta walls, the island is worth a visit. The cemetery itself rambles over most of the island; with its carved tombstones and chapels, it has a curious fascination.

You can enjoy time at leisure, going for a gondola ride, shopping, or visit the museums. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection features twentieth century works, displayed in her lavish apartments. (Breakfast each day, Farewell Dinner)

September 24: Venice - Home

Depart late morning* or after for your flight home, from VCE, Venice Airport. (Breakfast)

* Please verify with Strabo Tours prior to booking for more specific information on timing of flights and options for getting to the airport.