Leica Photo Adventure: Dolomites | Oct 9-15, 2026
$8,395 ($2,495 Deposit)
Workshop at a Glance
Physical Activity
Photographic Intensity
Classroom Instruction
Climate/Weather Severity
Food and Accommodations
Cultural Immersion
Good for Non-photographers-
Join us for an immersive autumn photography adventure in Italy’s Dolomites, a mountain range defined not by sheer size alone, but by extraordinary form, texture, and light. This UNESCO World Heritage landscape of jagged limestone peaks, rolling alpine meadows, tranquil valleys, and jewel‑like lakes offers one of Europe’s most rewarding environments for landscape photography.
In autumn, the Dolomites take on a quieter, more contemplative mood. Larch forests glow gold, mist settles gently into valleys at dawn, and soft directional light reveals the sculptural character of the mountains. From iconic locations to lesser‑known viewpoints, we’ll work patiently with changing weather and light, returning to the same scenes at different times of day to build thoughtful, portfolio‑worthy images.
Led by photographic location experts and guides Vincenzo Mazza and Alex Cantarelli, as well as Leica experts Colin McKinley and David Farkas, this small‑group workshop is designed for photographers who want to deepen their connection to the landscape while refining their technical and creative skills. Daily shoots are complemented by image reviews, post‑processing guidance, and relaxed downtime, allowing space to learn, create, and simply enjoy one of the most beautiful regions in the Alps.
This workshop balances iconic locations with thoughtful pacing, allowing you to photograph the Dolomites in depth while refining your creative vision in one of Europe’s most extraordinary mountain landscapes. While other cameras are certainly allowed on this trip, the focus is on Leica camera systems and learning how to use them to their full potential. Current owners as well as those wanting to try Leica gear out for a week of real shooting are encouraged to attend. We’ll share our favorite tips and tricks so you can get the most out of this exceptional gear.
What to Expect
- Capture images of epic mountainous landscapes of the Dolomites as we visit Alpe di Siusi, Baita Segantini, Cinque Torri, Lago Antorno, Tre Cime, Lago Fedèra & Lago di Brais and more.
- Chase the light and pack in as much photography as we can.
- Enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded Leica enthusiasts in a small group setting.
- Receive in-field photography instruction, as well as post-processing and review sessions during downtime.
- Capture images of epic mountainous landscapes of the Dolomites as we visit Alpe di Siusi, Baita Segantini, Cinque Torri, Lago Antorno, Tre Cime, Lago Fedèra & Lago di Brais and more.
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Dates:
Friday, October 9 - Thursday, October 15, 2026
Cost:
$8,395 - Double occupancy lodging (Single room available for $1000)
Size:
Limited to 10 attendees
Included in the cost of the trip:
- Double occupancy lodging (Single room available for $1000)
- All meals
- Airport pickup and drop off
- All ground transportation (in two vans)
- All park access fees
- Gratuities for our guides Vincenzo & Alex
- In the field photography instruction
- Adobe Lightroom post processing and review sessions
- Loaner Leica equipment (*limited availability)
Not included:
- Airfare
- Alcoholic beverages and snacks
- Additional hotel nights
- Travel Insurance (required)
- Visas (if necessary)
Fitness & healthBecause of the altitude and light hiking involved in this trip, it is essential that you are actively fit and healthy. All hiking will be done at a relaxed pace, as we will have plenty of time to get to our locations.
Safety
Most locations we visit involve few difficulties to those with even low levels of fitness. Where walking over uneven terrain, slippery rocks or when standing near cliff edges is required, you will be properly briefed on the potential hazards.
Travel Insurance (required)
It is a requirement of booking that guests provide evidence of personal travel insurance that specifically covers medical and emergency expenses (including medical evacuation - we suggest $500,000 in evacuation coverage), personal accident, injury, etc. Whether you choose to have full cancellation coverage, etc. is up to you.
Climate
October in the Dolomites is ideal for for photography as the crowds thin out and fall foliage appears. However, due to the varying altitudes, there will be a wide range of temperatures to endure. During the daytime at lower levels, it can be pleasantly warm in the sunshine. At higher altitudes early in the mornings, it may be around freezing point, with snow possible.
Getting there
The pickup and drop off point for this trip will be Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). We'll meet at about 11:00 am on October 9th at or near the airport - location TBD, load the vans and head north. The workshop will end on October 15th, and we'll arrive back at the airport at about 2:00pm. For those departing home on this day, please schedule your flights for after 5:00pm, in order to accommodate for any possible delays. Of course, you're welcome to extend your stay to explore Venice or perhaps travel elsewhere in the region.
Signing Up
To sign up for the photo adventure, just pay the deposit, and single room supplement if you so choose, here on our website, email us (workshops@leicastoremiami.com) or call 305-921-4433. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
We look forward to seeing you in Italy!
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ITINERARY
Friday, October 9th: Meetup and Drive to Val di Funes
The group will meet at Venice Airport at 12:00 noon. Please be sure to eat lunch beforehand or bring something with you, as we’ll depart promptly with no stops along the way. From Venice, we’ll drive north into the heart of the Dolomites, arriving in Val di Funes; a picture‑perfect alpine valley often likened to a scene from The Sound of Music.
After checking into our accommodation, we’ll head out for our first afternoon and sunset shoots at St. Johann Church and Santa Maddalena, photographing classic compositions of churches framed by dramatic peaks and autumn fields. We’ll stay overnight in the village.
Accommodation: Hotel Fines, Val di Funes
Saturday, October 10th: Val di Funes Sunrise & Alpe di Siusi Sunset
We’ll begin the day with an early sunrise shoot in either Val di Funes or Passo delle Erbe, depending on conditions. Morning mist and first light often create beautifully layered scenes here. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll slow things down with time to rest, enjoy the surroundings, and participate in a post‑processing and workflow session.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest alpine meadow. In autumn, the crowds thin and the landscape feels expansive and serene. Rolling hills, wooden huts, and golden larches provide endless compositional opportunities as we photograph through sunset, before returning to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Hotel Cosmea, Ortisei (subject to change)Sunday, October 11th: Alpe di Siusi Sunrise & Baita Segantini
We’ll rise early again to photograph sunrise over Alpe di Siusi, capturing sweeping panoramas, glowing ridge lines, and dramatic silhouettes as the peaks catch first light. With favorable conditions, low clouds and mist may drift through the valley, adding atmosphere and depth to our images.
Later in the day, we’ll continue photographing in the region, including time around Baita Segantini, working with both intimate details and wide scenes as the light evolves.
Accommodation: Franceschi Park Hotel, Cortina D'Ampezzo (subject to change)Monday, October 12th: Lago Fedèra Sunrise & Cinque Torri Sunset
Our morning begins at Lago Fedèra, where calm waters often mirror the surrounding peaks at sunrise. We’ll focus on reflections, minimal compositions, and subtle tonal transitions as the light builds. After the shoot, we’ll return to the hotel for rest and image review.
In the evening, we’ll head to Rifugio Scoiattoli and the dramatic rock formations of Cinque Torri. This area, dotted with remnants of World War I fortifications, offers a powerful combination of history and landscape. We’ll photograph the towers as they glow in warm evening light before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation: Franceschi Park Hotel, Cortina D'Ampezzo (subject to change)Tuesday, October 13th: Lago Antorno Sunrise & Tre Cime di Lavaredo
At sunrise, we’ll photograph Lago Antorno, one of the most recognizable lakes in the Dolomites, offering multiple compositions with reflections, leading lines, and changing skies.
After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the most iconic trio of peaks in the region. We’ll hike beneath the Three Peaks in the afternoon and photograph through sunset, capturing the raw, sculptural essence of the Dolomites at golden hour and beyond.
Accommodation: Franceschi Park Hotel, Cortina D'Ampezzo (subject to change)Wednesday, October 14th: Lago di Braies Sunrise & Passo Giau Sunset
We’ll depart well before dawn for a sunrise session at Lago di Braies. Here we’ll photograph the emerald water, classic wooden boats, boathouse, and towering cliffs as first light illuminates the scene.
After returning to the hotel for breakfast and rest, we’ll spend time reviewing and editing images, with guidance on composition, processing techniques, and workflow.
In the late afternoon, we’ll head to Passo Giau, one of the most scenic mountain passes in the Dolomites. From rolling foregrounds to jagged peaks, this location offers exceptional variety as the landscape glows in evening light. We’ll move between viewpoints as conditions evolve, finishing with twilight before returning for dinner.
Accommodation: Franceschi Park Hotel, Cortina D'Ampezzo (subject to change)Thursday, October 15th: Final Sunrise & Departure
On our final morning, we’ll head out for one last sunrise shoot, making the most of our final moments in the Dolomites.
We’ll return to the hotel, check out by 11:00 am, and begin the drive back to Venice Airport, arriving shortly after 2:00 pm. From here, you can catch your flight home or extend your stay to enjoy time in Venice. For those departing home on this day, please schedule your flights for after 5:00pm, in order to accommodate for any possible delays.
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Payment
A $2495 deposit, along with the single supplement room fee if you choose it, is due at the time of registration. The balance will be due on July 9, 2026.
Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Enrollment is limited to 10 participants, and once you sign up, we are counting on your attendance. If you need to withdraw from this workshop, please notify us in writing (email is acceptable) as soon as possible. This is our refund policy:
If you cancel and we find someone to fill your seat, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $250 service charge. If you cancel and we cannot find someone to fill your seat, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule:
At least 90 days before the start of the workshop: Full refund minus $250 service fee.
Between 89 and 60 days before the start of the workshop: 75% refund
Between 59 and 45 days before the start of the workshop: 50% refund
Less than 45 days from the start of the workshop: No refundCourse Cancellation and Other Terms
Leica Store Miami reserves the right to cancel a reservation if full payment has not been received by 90 days prior to the start of the workshop.
In the event that this workshop must be canceled due to inadequate enrollment, all fees and deposits will be refunded in full or may be transferred to another workshop within 24 months.
In the unlikely event of illness, accident or injury to one of the instructors, Leica Store Miami reserves the right to replace that instructor with a comparable instructor.
In the event of a natural disaster or severe weather event, Leica Store Miami reserves the right to postpone or cancel the workshop.Travel Insurance (required)
It is a requirement of booking that guests provide evidence of personal travel insurance that specifically covers medical and emergency expenses (including medical evacuation - we suggest $500,000 in evacuation coverage), personal accident, injury, etc. Whether you choose to have full cancellation coverage, etc. is up to you.
Leica Store Miami is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or personal emergencies so we highly recommend that you protect your investment. Companies like Travelex and Allianz Global Assistance are reputable but you can choose any vendor you like. Leica Store Miami is not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets in the event of a workshop cancellation.Camera Gear Insurance (STRONGLY recommended)
We advise all of our workshop attendees to insure their camera gear against damage, theft, loss, etc. If your gear is not already insured, check with your home owner's insurance to see if they offer coverage. There are several photo specific insurance policies out there as well.
Communicable Illness Protocols
Our main goal on all of our tours is to keep everyone safe. To that end, we ask that everyone do their best to avoid exposure to communicable diseases like Covid-19, influenza, RSV, etc before and during our trip. If someone in our group becomes ill on the trip and we deem it to be harmful to the group, we reserve the right to remove them from group activities where social distancing is not possible.
Single Room Policy
If you sign-up for double occupancy room sharing and there are no other attendees to pair you with, you will be responsible for paying the single room supplement.Transfers
If for any reason you wish to transfer your deposit or workshop fee, please notify us by email. You must register and complete a new workshop within 24 months of the withdrawal. We reserve the right to accept or deny any transfer.There are no exceptions to our Cancellation and Transfer Policy.
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