September 24th - October 5th, 2019

Join Dan and Tanya on a 10-night photo adventure in the awe-inspiring Italian Dolomites! We’ll start in old town Venice, exploring this city of waterways and color before continuing on to the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Dolomites form part of the Southern Limestone Alps in northeastern Italy and are regarded as one of the most attractive alpine landscapes in the world. Autumn is the time of year when the larches and maples turn to gold. Eighteen peaks rise over 9,800 feet (3,000 meters). The dramatic pinnacles, spires, and steeples of these mountains offer a striking contrast to the colorful meadows, tranquil forests, and gentle foothills below. The towering, light-colored rocky cliffs and pristine lakes reflect mesmerizing rose-tinted hues for unforgettable sunsets. Rivers meander through valleys dotted with small, peaceful villages. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to capture vibrant photos in the majestic Dolomites!

Meet Daniel and Tanya Cox
  • Daniel Cox
Travel Plan
Accommodations
Helpful Information
Explorer Testimonials

  • 2019 Venice & Dolomites Landscape Photography Tour Travel Plans

    Tuesday, September 24

    Fly from U.S. to Venice, Italy.

    Wednesday, September 25 (D)

    Arrive in Venice. You’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to our hotel in the old town of Venice. Tonight we’ll make the five-minute walk from our hotel to St. Mark’s Square, locally known as Piazza San Marco. Here we’ll enjoy a group welcome dinner at a fine Venetian restaurant followed by a sunset and blue hour shoot at one of the classic locations in the square. Overnight at The Ala – Venice or similar

    Thursday, September 26 (B, D)

    We’ll have a full day to explore and photograph Venice, with the main focus being sunrise and sunset photography at iconic locations. Enjoy some free time today and take in all that Venice has to offer, including St. Mark’s Square and its bell tower, and the city’s interesting canals, bridges, and churches. You might want to include Burano Island on your Venice bucket list for a chance to capture its colorful buildings, small canals, and charming details. In the evening, we’ll gather for a fine seafood dinner and some Italian wine. Overnight The Ala – Venice or similar

    Friday, September 27 (B, D)

    Morning photography in Venice, and after breakfast we’ll head to the Dolomites. We have a long drive today and will arrive in Alpe di Suisi—the largest high-altitude alpine plateau in all of Europe—in the afternoon. Tonight will be our first sunset shoot of the splendid Dolomites. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Rosa or similar

    Saturday, September 28 (B, D)

    We’ll hope for a mist to create dramatic scenes during our sunrise shoot this morning. After, we can head back to the hotel for a hearty breakfast.

    We have a full day to explore the legendary Alpe di Suisi. Get a glimpse of local culture and tradition as we wander around capturing wooden farmhouses and incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks—Italian countryside at its finest.

    You’ll have some leisure time in the afternoon before we meet up for a sunset shoot. Visit the hotel’s spa, relax in your room, or sit outside and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Overnight Hotel Rosa or similar

    Sunday, September 29 (B, L, D)

    A final sunrise shoot in the alpine meadows of Alpe di Suisi followed by breakfast before we head north.

    On our way to Funes Valley, land of the “pale” mountains, we’ll make a stop at Ortisei. Ortisei, a small mountain village, has an inviting pedestrian area and is famous beyond its borders for ornate woodcarving. If we’re lucky to have good weather, we can take the Seceda gondola for spectacular views of the Odles massif.

    Continue on our journey to Funes Valley where we’ll check into our family run hotel. A sunset shoot of the famous St. Johann Church and the jagged Geisler mountain peaks is on the menu for this evening. Overnight Hotel Ranuimüllerhof or similar

    Monday, September 30 (B, L, D)

    Sunrise shoot at St. Johann Church this morning. After breakfast, we’ll have a full day to capture the magnificent Dolomites (and hopefully its golden larch trees too!) as we travel throughout the fantastic alpine country of Funes Valley.

    We’ll visit two additional churches in the area: Santa Maddalena, a picturesque medieval church, and also the quaint St. Jacob’s Church, one of the oldest churches in the valley. Overnight at Hotel Ranuimüllerhof or similar

    Tuesday, October 1 (B, L, D)

    Today will be a delightful travel day. If road conditions allow, we’ll drive through the scenic mountain pass, Passo delle Erbe, and visit another amazing church before we return to Brunico and Lago di Braies on the main road. Sunset shoot at Lago di Braies, known as the “pearl of the Dolomites” and arguably the most beautiful lake in all of Italy. Dinner and overnight at our hotel, Hotel Pragser Wildsee or similar

    Wednesday, October 2 (B, D)

    Photograph sunrise lakeside and then back to the hotel for breakfast. There are a few ways you can spend your day today—venture on a hike around the lake, or hop into a wooden boat and paddle on the lake. Or you could simply relax and soak up the serenity and splendor of your surroundings. Overnight Hotel Pragser Wildsee or similar

     Thursday, October 3 (B, L, D)

    We’ll gather for a sunrise shoot and breakfast before we depart the enchanting Lago di Braies. Today we travel toward our final destination, Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as “Queen of the Dolomites.” Along the way, we can make a stop or two to capture the grandeur of the Dolomites and its serene reflections on the alpine lakes.

    You won’t be in Cortina d’Ampezzo for too long before you’re aware of the town’s proudest moment: hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics. Cortina is a dream destination for skiers and nature enthusiasts alike.  Autumn is the time of year the Ampezzo Valley explodes with color as the larches spread their vivid shades of red, gold, and yellow.

    Tonight we’ll have dinner at our hotel for the next two nights, Boutique Hotel Villa Blu or similar

    Friday, October 4 (B, D)

    We have a full day to explore and photograph the stunning mountain views of this area.

    We can drive up high mountain passes such as Passo Giau and Passo Falzarego. If weather permits, we can take cable cars to the nearby mountain hut at Lagazuoi and to the impressive rock formations of Cinque Torri (five towers).

    A highlight for us in the Cortina area will be a visit to the iconic Tre Cime. These three dramatic Dolomite peaks are famous worldwide for their unique charm—nature at its best!

    When not shooting the beautiful scenery that surrounds us, we can take the opportunity to stroll around Cortina’s old town and drink an Italian coffee or Aperol Spritz. And keep your eyes peeled—this mountain retreat is a popular vacation spot for celebrities, intellectuals, poets, and other aristocrats from around the world. James Bond fans may find interest in the 100-year-old Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel and several other locations in the area that were featured in the 1981 Bond film For Your Eyes Only. For those attentive to the industry, Cortina is also home to some of the most prestigious names in fashion, including Gucci, Bulgar, and Geox.

    Overnight Boutique Hotel Villa Blu or similar

    Saturday, October 5 (B)

    If our flight schedules allow it, we’ll take time for a sunrise shoot before heading back to Venice for our flights home. Depart Venice (after 1:00pm) and fly home today.

    NOTE: You should be in good general health and be able to walk reasonable distances, sometimes over uneven terrain. The activity level will be moderate on this trip, though not strenuous—there is no serious hiking or much elevation gain, but being able to walk on the tracks and trails will help a lot. All guests should prepare prior to trip time. Also we will be on cable cars in different locations. This trip is not for those who have a fear of heights!

    *With international trips being booked so far in advance, we are at the mercy of the constantly changing exchange rate from year to year.  If there is a dramatic change from 2017 – 2019 in the Euro, we may have to add a small surcharge to help cover overall costs. Natural Exposures will share in any extra costs if there is an influx but we want to make sure all guests know prior to booking this may or may not happen.

    • Tour Extensions Available

    • Guest Limits

      13 Guests Maximum

    • Trip Cost

      EXPLORER RATE
      5750 per person, based on double occupancy

      NON-EXPLORER RATE
      ADD 200 per person, based on double occupancy

      Single supplement: 850

      Pricing in USD

    • Deposit

      $1000 Per person due at time of booking
      Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check accepted

      Deposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.

    • Installments

      September 1, 2018: $2500 per person first installment
      April 1, 2019: Final installment

      Check only for first and final installments. Please make your check payable to Natural Exposures and mail it to our office:

      Natural Exposures
      810 N. Wallace, Suite E
      Bozeman, MT 59715

    • Included

      • Private small group travel with professional photographer Daniel J. Cox plus local photography guide
      • Entrance fees and local taxes for activities in itinerary
      • Transportation in private vans
      • Meals where indicated on itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
      • Bottled water throughout the tour
      • Accommodations for 10 nights
      • Airport transfers on scheduled itinerary days

    • Not Included

      • International airfare
      • Airport transfers pre/post tour
      • Miscellaneous personal expenses such as laundry, Internet, some meals and beverages
      • Attractions/activities not listed on the itinerary
      • Gratuities for guide/bus driver
      • Travel/emergency evacuation insurance

    • Flights to Book

      September 25, 2019
      Arrive in Venice, Italy at Venice Airport Marco Polo (VCE)

      October 5, 2019
      Depart Venice, Italy (VCE) after 1:00pm

    • Travel Insurance

      Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:

      Global Rescue
      (use code natexp)

      Allianz Global Assistance 
      (use travel agency ID F203564)

      Insure My Trip

    • Terms & Conditions

      Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.

      By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY

  • Accommodations for 2019 Venice & Dolomites Landscape Photography Tour

    September 25 and 26, 2 Nights
    The Ala – Venice, Venice (or similar)
    The Ala, an ideal location to experience Venice, away from the most crowded areas but just a few steps from St. Mark’s Square, La Fenice Theater, shopping areas, fine restaurants, the vaporetto (waterbus) stop, gondolas, and the Grand Canal.

    Rooms are designed for your comfort, some in a sleek, contemporary style and others in a more traditional, classic Venetian. All rooms have modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, telephone, and hair dryer.

    September 27 and 28, 2 Nights
    Hotel Rosa, Alpe di Suisi (or similar)
    The hotel is surrounded by an astonishing alpine panorama on the Sassolungo, Sassopiatto, and Sciliar mountains and thus becomes the ideal place to breathe the most healthy mountain air.

    The Gabloner family welcomes you with luxury hospitality, comfort, and elegance in a tradition respecting atmosphere of a place decorated with perfectly matched precious modern materials and handcraft works in stone, glass, and non-varnished wood.

    September 29 and 30, 2 Nights
    Hotel Ranuimüllerhof, Val di Funes (or similar)
    Experience the nature and culture of Val di Funes… Breath in the silence and peace of the Dolomites… Rooms provide an intimate and familiar atmosphere. Experience complete relaxation in the pine wood sauna or Turkish bath with mountain herbs.

    October 1 and 2, 2 Nights
    Hotel Pragser Wildsee, Lago di Braies (or similar)
    The rich natural setting of this historic house is in the middle of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags nature reserve on the shore of a beautiful alpine lake at an elevation of 4,900 feet in the South Tyrolean Dolomites. Now a registered landmark and still a family business, the hotel was founded in 1899, and its architecture is still largely in its original state. Most of the rooms in the hotel are furnished with the original pieces from the turn of the century and feature breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The luxurious Mediterranean cuisine makes every stay at the historic Hotel Pragser Wildsee in Alta Pusteria a memorable experience.

    October 3 and 4, 2 Nights
    Boutique Hotel Villa Blu, Cortina d’Ampezzo (or similar)
    The wonderful peaks of the Dolomiti surround the Boutique Hotel Villa Blu Cortina, an elegant 4-star quality hotel with an amazing view. You will be welcomed by a professional and friendly staff who will drop you in the warm atmosphere of your mountain residence. Rooms combine modern comfort and elements of tradition.

  • Helpful Information for 2019 Venice & Dolomites Landscape Photography Tour

    ACTIVITY LEVEL

    You should be in good general health and be able to walk reasonable distances, sometimes over uneven terrain. The activity level will be moderate on this trip, though not strenuous—there is no serious hiking or much elevation gain, but being able to walk on the tracks and trails will help a lot. All guests should prepare prior to trip time. Also we will be on cable cars in different locations. This trip is not for those who have a fear of heights!

    PASSPORT and VISA

    Your passport must have at least six months validity beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. Two blank pages are required for the Italy entry stamp. A visa is not required for stays under 90 days.

    Please visit the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up-to-date entry requirements for Italy.

    VACCINATIONS

    There are no vaccinations required to enter Italy.

    CURRENCY

    Italy’s currency is the Euro. Most likely you will find the best exchange rates if you wait to get Euros at an ATM upon arrival in Italy.

    ELECTRICITY

    230-volt,  Schuko Type F (CEE 7/7), which also works with Type C Europlug (CEE 7/16)—the plug used in most other European countries. Also Type L, which also works with Type C Europlug. Plug adaptors will be sufficient for most laptops, cell phone chargers, and digital cameras. A voltage converter/transformer would be needed for appliances such as a hair dryer or electric shaver.

    GENERAL INFO

    • The Dolomites form part of the Southern Limestone Alps and are located in northeastern Italy.
    • Dolomite is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of the mineral dolomite.
    • Dolomite is commonly used in a variety of products including antacids, face creams, baby powders, toothpaste, fertilizer, and nutritional supplements for humans and animals (calcium and magnesium).
    • At least eighteen peaks rise over 9,800 feet, and the highest peak is Punta Penia, of the Marmolada range, at 10,968 feet.
    • The Dolomites were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
    • The Dolomites region is famous for several sporting activities, including skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, and paragliding.
    • The Dolomites were used as a battlefield during World War I. In fact, the most treacherous battle of World War I—between Italy and Austria—took place here. You can still walk through the trenches, fortifications, and tunnels which will tell you of the battle that took place here.
    • People who live in the Dolomites typically speak Italian, German, and their own language called Ladino.

    Have a question?

    Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.

  • Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers

    • "Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."

      Linda Henry, Oregon

    • "What a trip
      What a group
      What a fabulous everything
      To our next encounters with nature"

      Maud and Leon Soriano, Florida

    • "I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."

      Sue Wolfe, Texas

    • "If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"

      Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts

For additional information please contact Tanya at info@naturalexposures.com or by telephone at (406) 556-8212

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