fbpx
Select Page

CINQUE TERRE & LIGURIA

Genoa, Portofino, Portovenere, Cinque Terre and more

TUSCANY

CINQUE TERRE

SICILY

NAPLES & AMALFI

PUGLIA

VENICE CARNIVAL

Village Hopping in Cinque Terre & Liguria. 

Join our 6-day Cinque Terre & Liguria Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure for a journey along the northwest coast of Italy filled with colorful villages, charismatic people, and charming coastal life. The southern Ligurian coast, better known as the Riviera di Levante, boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes in Italy, with deep blue and tranquil waters and tiny communes nestled between dramatic jagged cliff faces.

Our photo trip starts in the region’s capital city of Genoa. From the beginning of the 12th century, Genoa’s great ship-owning families made the city into a Mediterranean power, touching every ocean around the globe, and was once considered one of the maritime capitals of the world. Our lenses will encapsulate the visual tales of the city’s past, where trade flourished and wealth abounded.

We often hop from village to village via boat, allowing us to photograph these locations from different perspectives, whether at sea or on dry land. The main chunk of our trip will be dedicated to visiting each of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Prepare for clusters of brightly colored communes that seem to have sprung up from the sheer cliffs, with rolling verdant hills and vineyards beckoning in the distance. As boats bob along the marinas’ still waters and lines of laundry billow in the gentle winds, we will attempt to encapsulate this region’s soft and timeless allure. As the sun sets, Liguria’s villages light up with glowing streetlights and the twinkling of stars above, creating the most romantic of atmospheres where we will revel in producing long-exposure shots of their golden reflections rippling in the midnight waters. A trip to Italy would not be complete without sampling the regional cuisine, from mouthwatering seafood and homemade pasta to its specialty – pesto, all of which you will be tucking into in charming trattorias and rustic restaurants. 

Each village here, has its own unique charm to capture. Snap Monterosso’s sunbathers lounging under orange and turquoise striped umbrellas on the local seafront, or head to the San Giovanni Battista church with its equally stripey black and white gothic facade. In Riomaggiore, buildings cascade down the hillside to meet the sea, while just above the humble harbor of Vernazza, often considered the most photogenic of the Cinque Terre villages, perches a centuries-old belltower that stands proudly as a village guardian. 

This 6-day Cinque Terre photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. 

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Whether you’re exploring the rugged coastline, absorbing yourself in village life, or simply basking in Mediterranean bliss, Cinque Terre & Liguria promises an Italian treasure trove of photographic memories. Your visual odyssey starts here! 

Our photo trip starts in the region’s capital city of Genoa. From the beginning of the 12th century, Genoa’s great ship-owning families made the city into a Mediterranean power, touching every ocean around the globe, and was once considered one of the maritime capitals of the world. Our lenses will encapsulate the visual tales of the city’s past, where trade flourished and wealth abounded.

We often hop from village to village via boat, allowing us to photograph these locations from different perspectives, whether at sea or on dry land. The main chunk of our trip will be dedicated to visiting each of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Prepare for clusters of brightly colored communes that seem to have sprung up from the sheer cliffs, with rolling verdant hills and vineyards beckoning in the distance. As boats bob along the marinas’ still waters and lines of laundry billow in the gentle winds, we will attempt to encapsulate this region’s soft and timeless allure. As the sun sets, Liguria’s villages light up with glowing streetlights and the twinkling of stars above, creating the most romantic of atmospheres where we will revel in producing long-exposure shots of their golden reflections rippling in the midnight waters. A trip to Italy would not be complete without sampling the regional cuisine, from mouthwatering seafood and homemade pasta to its specialty – pesto, all of which you will be tucking into in charming trattorias and rustic restaurants. 

Each village here, has its own unique charm to capture. Snap Monterosso’s sunbathers lounging under orange and turquoise striped umbrellas on the local seafront, or head to the San Giovanni Battista church with its equally stripey black and white gothic facade. In Riomaggiore, buildings cascade down the hillside to meet the sea, while just above the humble harbor of Vernazza, often considered the most photogenic of the Cinque Terre villages, perches a centuries-old belltower that stands proudly as a village guardian. 

This 6-day Cinque Terre photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. 

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Whether you’re exploring the rugged coastline, absorbing yourself in village life, or simply basking in Mediterranean bliss, Cinque Terre & Liguria promises an Italian treasure trove of photographic memories. Your visual odyssey starts here! 

Group Size

4-8 Guests

 

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • All cameras and camera phones are welcome
  • Busy schedule
  • Travel by train, ferry, car and minibus
  • Considerable elevation changes and lots of walking
  • (non-photographers also welcome)

 

Weather | Sun

April/May – Temps 67/51 F  19/11 C  Sunrise 6:30 | Sunset 8:14 (20:14)

 

Includes

  • 6 Days
  • Travel, landscape, seascape, architecture, and people photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Small group size (4-8 guests)
  • Premium hotels
  • Breakfasts
  • 2 Dinners
  • Local transportation

 

Travel Information

Suggested Arrival Airport: Genoa, Italy (GOA) – Transfer time to hotel 30min
Suggested Departure Airport: Pisa, Italy (PSA) – Transfer time to the airport by train 1hr
You may also select Milan Malpensa, Italy (MXP) – Transfer time to the airport by train 2+hrs
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to iVisa to find out.

 

Accommodations

Genoa – Melia Genova, Bristol Palace Hotel, NH Marina or similar
Santa Margherita or Rapallo – Grand Hotel Miramare, Excelsior Palace, Grand Bristol Resort & Spa or similar
Monterosso (or La Spezia) – Punta Mesco Hotel or similar
La Spezia – NH La Spezia or similar.

 

Helpful Links

> How to Visit Cinque Terre – by Roman Martin

Cinque Terre Prices & Dates

Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Roman Martin

April 27 – May 2, 2025
April 26 – May 1, 2026

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

CINQUE TERRE | LIGURIA 6 DAYS

Day 1 | Genoa

We meet at our hotel in Genoa, where we’ll discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” and our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique. During a group lunch, we will have informal discussions on what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles, and techniques. From here we will set out for a pleasant day of photography throughout this old yet charming port city.

In the evening we celebrate with our Welcome Dinner in the caverns of a hidden Italian restaurant on one of the side streets. (D)

Day 2 | Rapallo - Santa Margherita - Portofino - San Fruttuoso

We depart Genoa in the morning by train for the coastal village of Rapallo where we will be staying at one of the city’s magnificent grand resorts, the Excelsior Palace. Once in Rapallo, we will set sail by ferry to explore the romantic seaside villages of Portofino, Santa Margherita, and San Fruttuoso (which is only accessible by boat). Our vantage point from the sea will allow for many great photographic opportunities of these beautiful villages. We will lunch in Santa Margarita and dine in Rapallo at night. (B)

Day 3 | Camogli - Rapallo

In the morning, we take a short ride to the opposite side of the Portofino Peninsula and visit the seaside village of Camogli. In the late Middle Ages, Camogli was a considerable seaport. In its heyday, the fleet consisted of hundreds of Camogli’s Tall Ships. It was even called the “city of a thousand white sails”. In the late afternoon, we return to our hotel to do our first photo review of the workshop. Afterward, you are free to take a break and enjoy the amenities of our hotel. Our seaside resort hotel is located in a perfect location allowing us access to the city and the sea and some magnificent photography. In the evening we explore Rapallo for some long exposure sunset, twilight and night photography. (B)

Day 4 | Monterosso* - Vernazza - Corniglia

On day four we set out early to capture the early morning light. After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and prepare for our journey to Cinque Terre. We travel by train from Rapallo to Monterosso where we will be staying for the remainder of our stay in Cinque Terre. Our hotel, the recently remodeled Punta Mesco is considered one of the nicer family-run hotels. We will be located in the heart of Monterosso where you can enjoy the nightlife as well as the beauty of the village. After we explore the village of Monterosso and break for lunch, we depart by rail to explore the Cinque Terre villages of Vernazza and Corniglia. The stunning landscape and colorful houses make for countless beautiful photos. (B)

*If accommodations are not available in Monterosso we will be staying in La Spezia.

Day 5 | Monterosso* - Portovenere - Riomaggiore - Manarola

We begin with a morning review of our photos to date and discussions about post-processing. On day five we head south by ferry to the small port of Portovenere which lies at the base of the rocky cliffs that overlook the Golfo della Spezia. Hidden behind this fortified fishing village are narrow streets that lead to the 11th-century church of San Pietro and a 16th-century Castello. Portovenere is considered one of the highlights of our trip. Pesto lunch in Portovenere.

From here, we head back north by ferry to the most southern village of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore. Traveling by ferry gives us the opportunity to photograph these villages from the sea. Once ashore in Riomaggiore, we will explore the village and hike the cliff trail (easy hike) to Manarola. We arrive in Manarola in the late afternoon. After a photo tour of this unique fishing village, we prepare to enjoy a wonderful Farewell Dinner overlooking the sea, with great fun and laughter as we discuss all the highlights of the trip. Afterward, we’ll photograph the sunset as it falls upon this quaint village. Here we will make good use of our tripods as we study low-light long exposure photography. Finally, we take the last train back to Monterosso and rest up for our final day. (B) (D)

*If accommodations are not available in Monterosso we will be staying in La Spezia.

Day 6 | Monterosso*

On day six, we awake to our final group discussion, review our past week’s photos, trade contact information and bid you farewell. From here you can depart by train to Pisa, Florence, Milan, Genoa, or anywhere else in Italy. We urge you to extend your stay in Cinque Terre or elsewhere in Italy and make good use of everything you will learn on our Photo Workshop Adventure. (B)

*If accommodations are not available in Monterosso we will be staying in La Spezia.

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion

 

May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

 

OPTIONS AND BENEFITS

Pricing

All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

Private Guided Adventures

We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.

The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.

Rewards Program

Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!

How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.

ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.

GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.

Additional Gold Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers

VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).

Additional VIP Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
  • Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
  • Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*

Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.

THINK ORANGE Magazine

Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!

Gift Cards

Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo  Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This