Piemonte & Italian Riviera Photo Workshop

A special week in Northern Italy - May 30 - June 6, 2011

The Langhe is a hilly area in the province of Cuneo in Piedmont, northern Italy, famous for its wines, cheeses, and truffles—particularly the white truffles of Alba. South of Torino, site of the 2008 Winter Olympics, this region is rich with history and charm.

Hosted by local pro photographer Luigi Barbano in his own back yard, this limited workshop and tour is designed by Luigi to show you his favorite places and create a true local experience. Luigi is a true "foody", so you will experience the finest food and authentic flavors of the Piemonte and Langhe regions.

Workshop Cost

May 30-June 6, 2011
$3495 (ask about discount partners) Includes Tuition, 7 nights hotel, breakfasts and 2 dinners, all ground travel from Turin to Turin.

June 6-9, 2011
Italian Riviera retreat (optional extension)
Cost TBA

Our Travel Itinerary

Day One
Meet at the airport in Turin and nearby town of Saluzzo with free time for photographing and lunch on your own. An afternoon visit to ancient Straffarda Abbey before we settle in at our 4 star "home" for the week.

Day Two
In the morning we'll hold an intensive workshop on Photoshop technique for personal fine art interpretations. We'll visit a beautiful 16th century villa near the city where you can photograph models provided, or just explore the grounds with your camera.

Day Three
Today we'll visit the smallest town in Italy, Elva, then find lunch Saretto, a little village in the mountains. There we'll have lunch together tasting the local Polenta e Cinghiale. A walk near the lake after lunch, then a visit to the monastery of San Constanzo and the largest crypt in all Europe.

Day Four
In the morning we'll workshop, reviewing our images on-screen, then off to Monserrato, a nice little Sanctuary with a good view and a nice fast outdoor restaurant. Then to Limone Fortress by cable car or the Limone town, depends on weather.

An optional trip over the border into France and the town of Saorge may is a great place for sunset and a French dinner.

Day Five
Photography Workshop and lunch in Cuneo, then we'll drive up to the Langhe region to visit wine producers and a vineyard there. Sunset photography in Langhe before returning late.

Day Six
Morning Workshop. Leave about 11:30 for Sambuco, a wonderful small village in the Alps. Then the Vinadio fortress as we meander back home, stopping for mountain vistas along the way.

Day Seven
Luigi is still thinking about this day. Stay tuned for details. (If we're truly experiencing Italian lifestyle, we won't be worried about this far into the future.)

Day Eight (June 6)
Return to Turin airport at 11AM
(OR)
Join us for a very special retreat to the Italian Riviera

Italian Riviera Retreat (Optional)
June 6-9, 2011

3 nights / 4 days stay at a luxury hotel on the beach, in the fishing village of Camogli.
Cost TBA

The get-away includes:

• Private beach for your use.
• Organized night shooting of the coastline and village
• Visit by boat the 13th century monastery of San Fruttuoso, where you can eat, swim, and hike in this protected bay.
• Bus up the hill to San Rocco with lunch overlooking the sea. An walk back to town provides great shooting locations as the sun sets on the coastline.
• An afternoon in famous Portofino with it's perfect harbor and colorful buildings.
• Plenty of free time to photograph life in this perfect fishing village.

Departure note:

Camogli is just north of the Cinque Terre, a short train ride away if you want to extend your stay on the Riviera. Train tickets will be arranged for you from Camogli to whatever departure destination you have in mind. Genova International Airport is just 30 minutes away. Rome 4 hours. Venice 4 hours. Florence 3 hours.