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Venice Photo Tour 2022
Comprised of more than 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea, Venice is the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. It has no roads, only canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare. Lined with Renaissance and gothic palaces this destination is a photographer’s paradise. The central square is Piazza San Marco and boast many attractions including St. Mark’s Basilica. Saint Marks is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile Bell Tower is next to it offering 360° views of the city’s ancient red roofs. Everywhere you look you’ll find impressions of the Renaissance period and views that will capture your imagination! We will be sure to explore the city both day and night. Besides the romantic compositions found in every direction you’ll also be delighted with some of the best culinary delights in the world. Oh and the gelato, let’s just say you better save room for desert! A couple of the days we’ll plan to travel to the less crowded islands like Burano. Rather than fight the crowds during the day we will enjoy photographing the deserted streets of Venice either in the early morning hours, or after dark, when it is quiet and the water is calm for reflections. If you’ve been longing to photograph Venice, but the crowds have kept you away, this is the trip for you!
ITINERARY
Venice Photo Tour 2022
* In order to provide participants with the best photographic opportunities the itinerary is subject to change based on weather, lighting and other variables.
DAY 1: April 23rd, 2022 – VENICE
After your arrival into Venice Marco Polo International Airport you will transfer to the Courtyard Marriott Hotel. We will meet at 6:00 p.m. in the lobby of our hotel. I’ll have a Nature Odyssey Worldwide Tours (NOWtours) sign on the table to help you locate our group. There we will get to know each other and discuss our itinerary and the exciting days ahead. Overnight in Venice.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Minimum ☆☆☆ Hotel
DAY 2: April 24th, 2022 – VENICE
– Breakfast Provided
Today we will transfer via water taxi to the picturesque island of Venice and make our way to the Ruzzini Palace Hotel. This will be our home base for the tour. Our hotel will be conveniently located within a short walking distance to San Marcos Square in one direction and the Rialto Bridge in the opposite direction. There is a bustling square directly in front of our hotel that affords endless photographic opportunities just outside the hotel entrance. After dinner you can either retire for the evening, or continue to explore the streets with Nathaniel until well after dark when we will capture breathtaking reflections of the city in the canal. Overnight in Venice.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Minimum ☆☆☆ Hotel
DAY 3: April 25th, 2022 – VENICE
– Breakfast Provided
Today we will enjoy the sights of the waters edge from San Marco’s Square for sunrise and watch the city slowly come to life. Following a breakfast on the square we will make a plan for the day that will take us to the island of Burano where we’ll photograph the vibrant colors and ancient architecture of this quiet island. We will return to Venice in time to capture sunset from an overlook of the Grand Canal from a rooftop vista. After dinner you will again have the option to either retire for the evening, or continue to explore the streets with Nathaniel when they are devoid of the mid-day crowds. Overnight in Venice.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Minimum ☆☆☆ Hotel
DAY 4: April 26th, 2022 – VENICE
– Breakfast Provided
After a couple late lights out photographing Venice you may choose to sleep in, but if your strength is still up then Nathaniel will lead you out to capture more incredible views of Venice as the first rays of the sun kiss the city walls. Today we will walk to a number of shops in Venice including a local gondola builder and the oldest shop in town that makes handmade masks for the annual, colorful celebration of Carnival. After dinner you will have a final opportunity to explore the streets with Nathaniel until after dark. Overnight in Venice.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Minimum ☆☆☆ Hotel
DAY 5: April 27th, 2022 – VENICE
– Breakfast Provided
Today we will leave the ancient alleyways and iconic buildings of Venice and transfer back to the airport via water taxi. You’ll depart with a new group of friends, wonderful experiences and memory cards loaded full of image files to remember it all by. Upon arrival into Venice Marco Polo International Airport you can check in for your flight home, or continue on to your next destination. Bon Voyage!
CANCELLATION POLICY
Venice Photo Tour 2022
This cancellation policy protects our business losses and as such is strictly adhered to. Exceptions will not be made. We strongly encourage participants to purchase travelers insurance through an agency like Global Rescue so that you’ll have coverage should you unexpectedly need to cancel your trip. At his discretion, Nathaniel may lead the tour even if it does not meet the minimum number of participants required.
1). Cancel more than one year prior to the original tour start date:
Full refund, minus any initial deposit and all PayPal transaction fees. Refunds will be paid via PayPal and processed within 72 hours of the request being approved.
2). Cancel less than one year prior to the original tour start date:
A refund will only be issued if your vacated spot on the tour is filled by another participant signing up. This refund would exclude your initial deposit, single supplement payments and any PayPal transaction fees.
* Should you fail to complete the payments as scheduled for this tour you will forfeit your deposit, all payments and your spot on this tour.
** You’ll be promptly notified and provided a full refund (including your deposit) should the tour be canceled by Nature Odyssey Worldwide Tours.
TRAVEL PLANNING
Venice Photo Tour 2022
• Participants must arrive in Venice, Italy prior to 6pm on April 23rd, 2022!
• We strongly encourage participants to purchase travelers insurance through an agency like Global Rescue so that you’ll have coverage should you unexpectedly need to cancel your trip.
• Traveling in remote locations can present challenges that may require slight changes to the itinerary. We will always try to run the tour as the initial itinerary. In the event, beyond our control, such as political unrest, natural disasters, over bookings by the lodge, where a change is required, we will do our best to keep you close to the original shooting location. It is our intention for you to have the best possible experience. We will try to notify you of any changes as soon as we are made aware of them. If, however these changes cause an increase to the price, the increase will be passed on to the participant.
PAYMENTS & REGISTRATION
Venice Photo Tour 2022
April 23rd, 2022 – April 27th, 2022
Only 8 Spots! (Maximum 8 Participants)
3,600 USD – Based On Double Occupancy- $1,500 Non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot
- $600 Single Supplement charged to any participant not sharing
* A late fee of $250 may be added to the balance for any payments not received by the due date.
INCLUDED
1. Pick up in Venice Airport Marriott Hotel
2. Accommodations for 5 Days and 4 Nights (Double Occupancy)
3. Reservations at best hotels available (Minimum ☆☆☆)
4. Breakfast included daily
5. Pro Photographer Mentoring by Nathaniel Smalley
6. Tips and Techniques for creating stunning cityscape photographs
7. Water taxi to Venice and back
8. Paid transfer to Burano and back
9. Farewell dinner at Nathaniel’s favorite restaurant in Venice
10. Return to Venice Marco Polo International Airport
11. Great images and lifelong memories
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EXCLUDED
1. Airline Flights
2. Hotel accommodations not listed in itinerary
3. Airport transfers at the beginning or end of the trip
4. Meals not listed in daily itinerary
5. Snacks, Water, Beverages or additional Alcohol
6. Travel, Equipment or Health Insurance
7. Visas and passport fees (where applicable in preparation for your travel)
8. PayPal Transaction Fees
9. Gratuities for hotel staff and local guide/driver
10. Items of a personal nature
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WHAT TO BRING
1. Camera with manual mode capability
2. Extra camera batteries & charger
3. Camera Flash
4. Wide Angle, Mid-Range Zoom and Short telephoto
5. Lens filters of your choice (ND, CPL, GRAD, etc.)
6. Sturdy tripod
7. Warm weather clothes (Highs can reach 70°F with low temperatures of 38°F)
8. Rain Jacket and compact umbrella in case of an unexpected shower
9. Comfortable walking shoes
10. Sunhat & Sunscreen
DIFFICULTY
This is an outdoor nature photography tour, so being fit and in good health will allow you to enjoy the trip more comfortably. However, our planned activities should be within the ability of most people in moderate to good shape. Conditions can be cold and wet rocks can sometimes be unstable and slippery, so please pack appropriate clothing for the conditions.
Participants are required to sign a standard medical and waiver of liability form. Every effort is made to keep participants safe during all stages of the tour, but each person is solely responsible for avoiding personal injury or damaging their equipment during the trip.
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TESTIMONIALS
“I’m an old hand at photography-themed trips and have seen it all – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and so I consider myself a fair-minded judge of quality and value. I can say without hesitation that my trip to Tuscany (June 2019) with Nathaniel Smalley was hands-down my favorite photography trip to date. And the funny thing is that it wouldn’t matter if I were talking about a trip to Tuscany or a jaunt through my own state of Massachusetts. Nathaniel Smalley runs a company that, in my opinion, is the standard bearer that all other outfits should follow.
As a person, Nathaniel is extremely intelligent, organized, efficient, conscientious, not to mention clever and fun. As a trip organizer and leader, his knowledge and desire to create the best trips possible are incomparable. Finally, as photographer, he is truly gifted and serves not only as an exciting inspiration to have on a trip from a creative standpoint, but also as an extremely generous and patient mentor who doesn’t hold back when sharing his tips, tricks, and hard-won techniques, unlike other professionals, who might.
As for trip logistics, I never had to worry about a thing. Nathaniel is a true leader, who does a yeoman’s job of making sure that everything runs smoothly—and without being a parent-like task master, which can get annoying eventually. He does an outstanding job of looking after a group to ensure that everyone is set up to enjoy themselves. His uncanny ability to instill confidence in everyone, whether pro or amateur, to shoot at their best is what makes his trips stand out. The bottom line is that Nathaniel always puts his clients first—a real test of discipline, given how tour leaders can easily forget why they’re on a trip, wander off, and prioritize for themselves.
Under Nathaniel’s guidance, Tuscany, a first for me, was AMAZING. We were treated to so many special destinations, and every day was filled with fresh subject matter under an atmosphere of easy camaraderie and more than enough laughs to go around. (Although sometimes it’s the luck of the draw when it comes to the personalities of trip attendees, it’s ultimately the tour leader who sets the tone for how things go.) From the trip’s beginning to its end, I had the best, most memorable time, walking away not only with wonderful memories and newfound friendships, but with improved photography skills. This is why I’m looking forward to my next trip with Nathaniel. Please book quickly, because I’m right behind you!
Mary K. | Massachusetts, USA
“I have been looking for a photography professional that conducted workshops and/or tours of international locations that I have long had on my bucket list. I have been on a great number of workshops in North America with some of best professionals that I have met. Finding a ‘fresh face’ that measured up to my previous experiences was a concern, but Nathaniel met my high expectations with flying colors. His knowledge of photography is amazing and his interactions with the participants is outstanding. He creates a great camaraderie with his participants and does it while having a very fun atmosphere. I have been shooting for over 40 years and I still learned a lot from Nathaniel. The biggest testimony that I can give Nathaniel is that I will be attending more workshops of his in the future.”
~ Len S. | Connecticut, USA
“I just returned from discovering and photographing Tuscany with Nathaniel. In addition to being an absolute pleasure to be around, Nathaniel is a patient and thorough teacher, always there if anyone has a question or needs help. He’s very open and available. Everything on his trips is well planned and functions easily, but also leaves enough flexibility for the participants. I would definitely travel with him again, and recommend you do, too.”
~ Lisa T. | Washington, USA
“I am a veteran of dozens of photo trips. Â This was my first to include instruction. I was very pleased with the balance and field work provided by NOW tours. It was just perfect. The locations and accommodations were first rate. Nathaniel had it worked so we arrived at shooting spots at the exact best light. Most importantly, the people attracted to this type of trip were all experienced photographers, so we worked well together. I highly recommend Nature Odyssey Worldwide Tours.”
~ Michael L. | Oklahoma, USA
“The 2019 Icelandic Summers Night Dream Workshop was a dream come true! It was my first international photo tour. Nathaniel demonstrated professionalism, provided a structured itinerary that included flexibility for weather conditions, gave hands on instruction for complete understanding for an inexperienced photographer, and exhibited contagious enthusiasm that motivated our group to engage in a meaningful and fun experience. I’ve already signed up for my next international Nature Odyssey Worldwide tour to Norway. Thank you, Nathaniel!”
~ Connie G. | Texas, USA
“I just got back from Iceland after attending Nathaniel Smalley’s summer workshop, what an incredible experience! He turned day to night, only shooting after 9pm and out until 4 or 5am, thanks to the midnight sunset and 3am sunrise – what sweet light we had!! We had the added bonus that no one else was there despite hundreds of tourists. We had every kind of weather from bright sun to “you can’t leave the hotel” 50mph wind gusts. However that day turned out to be a gift of extra sleep and editing time. We were rewarded for not whining with glorious weather and light the next day.
The beauty was overwhelming… miles and miles of lupine, a personal favorite, that has been planted to prevent erosion. It turns out the Vikings came and clear cut everything to plant crops – restoration will take decades, but is has begun. There were no trees until we moved farther north and east. Geothermal steam provides the majority of their power and it rises here and there all over the country with large pipes carrying it to where it’s needed. Sheep were very abundant and usually curious enough to stand still for photos. We saw Icelandic horses just outside Keflavik and again out far east – so beautiful! Churches are almost as abundant as the sheep.
We travelled many miles, moving almost every day to see it all. We ate delicious meals – they typically have two kinds of restaurants, gourmet and fast food, so of course we did gourmet and always dessert! I am jet lagged, but less than you would expect with a 7 hour time difference. My theory is that my body never knew what time it was! Of course, I’m exhausted, but still smiling from one of the best photography experiences I have ever had, and I have been blessed with many! Thank you Nathaniel!”
~ Joyce H. | California, USA
“Nathaniel combined his vast knowledge of photography with his experience in Iceland making this a trip of a lifetime one that did not disappoint. He is personable and professional. Upon review of my 5,000+ pictures, it was amazing to me how many shooting locations we visited. I felt like we really experienced the entire island. This was my second trip with Nathaniel and I already have another one on the books!”
~ Heathre B. | Texas, USA
“The Icelandic Summer Night’s Dream Photo Tour was fantastic! Nathaniel has built a balanced itinerary that has a lot of flexibility to adjust to weather and other factors. I sincerely appreciated the dedicated time and great coaching given to my son, who was participating in his first photo tour. The entire trip went very smoothly thanks to Nathaniel’s superb planning efforts and his passionate energy every day. I am sure it was a very memorable experience for everyone in our group. I look forward to another Nature Odyssey Photo Tour!”
~ Michael M. | Arizona, USA
Nathaniel’s Iceland workshop is one of the best I’ve ever taken. The trip was very well organized and with enough flexibility to modify our schedule to be at places when the light was beautiful and the crowds weren’t there. With Iceland being such a popular destination, the ‘must see‘ places get completely overrun with visitors. The times Nathaniel arranged for us to be at many of our spots was when we could capture images of these places looking pristine.
We also visited some more remote, off the beaten path locations, which I appreciated very much. Our accommodations were also good selections – from clean and comfortable to luxurious. I don’t think I could have had a more enjoyable experience with any one else and gotten the amazing images I took on this trip. Nathaniel is also very helpful with all levels of photographers and I believe that everyone improved their skills in his workshop. I plan to take another workshop with Nathaniel.”
~ Beverly H. | California, USA
“I recently returned from Nathaniel’s 2018 Icelandic Summer Night’s Dream Photo Workshop. What an adventure! Because of Nathaniel’s thorough knowledge and planning, we were able to experience Iceland in a very special way. There were no crowds to prevent our detailed photographic exploration of the island because we were out taking advantage of the gorgeous light at night! I started the trip as a novice. Thanks to Nathaniel’s skill and knowledge I now feel much more comfortable and capable as a photographer. I would highly recommend Nathaniel as a guide and instructor and this trip in particular as a very special experience.”
~ Lisa M. | Michigan, USA
“I would genuinely be surprised if there were anyone better equipped to lead this tour than Nathaniel. In addition to his endless technical and local knowledge, he’s a gifted teacher, dedicated guide, and a lot of fun to be around. The kind of person that can get along with anyone at all, and definitely the kind of person you want at the head of an intense trip like this.”
~ Sean M. | Arizona, USA
“If you want to see the classic Iceland locations without the usual crowds, then take the trip with Nature Odyssey Worldwide. We had easy access to all the photo opportunities with help from Nathaniel whenever we needed it. Glorious weather and an awesome group of people made it a fabulous trip, I’d recommend it in a heartbeat!”
~ Jackie H. | Texas, USA
“The trip was well thought out without feeling rigid. The itinerary was great and the photo instructions were spot on. Nathaniel not only understands photography but communicates that understanding well to his participants. Truly enjoyable trip.”
~ Becky J. | Texas, USA
“My wife and I had a great time in Iceland and we definitely made the right choice to go with Nathaniel, not only for his insights and photographic knowledge, but also for his kindness and caring about his participants. I will forever treasure the photographs and life experiences from this Iceland tour!!!”
~ Gene N. | New Jersey, USA
“Wow, what a place!! I was delighted to be able to join one of Nathaniel’s tours for my first trip to Iceland. We got to photograph a variety of incredible places, including glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and the coastline, in the amazing Arctic light. Nathaniel is a well-organized, fun, creative and professional tour leader whose tours I highly recommend. Thanks Nathaniel!”
~ Arwen D. | Tasmania
“Despite challenging weather conditions we had many chances to create beautiful landscape photo during winter tour. It was really good tour, I felt lucky to meet all other lovely members. Nathaniel was really good to us. Thank you again.”
~ Keiko S. | Japan.