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VENICE CARNEVALE

A Grand Venetian Party of Fairytales and Fantasies

TUSCANY

CINQUE TERRE

SICILY

NAPLES & AMALFI

PUGLIA

VENICE CARNIVAL

Join us for an amazing week of color, mystery and artistic fun.

Our small group Venice Carnevale photography tour offer you a chance to combine a spectacular vacation with a wonderful creative learning experience. Join us as we photograph the world’s best-known baroque fancy-dress party. It’s as extravagant as Rio’s Carnevale is riotous, celebrating the approach of spring with refined gusto. The Carnevale (Carnival) of Venice is guaranteed not to disappoint.

The Carnevale of Venice is an annual festival, held in Venice, Italy. The Carnevale ends with Lent, forty days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday or Martedì Grasso), the day before Ash Wednesday. It is said that the Carnevale of Venice was started from a victory of the “Serenissima Repubblica” against the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrico in the year 1162. In honor of this victory, the people started to dance and celebrate in San Marco Square. Apparently, this festival started during that period and became official in the Renaissance. However, under the rule of the King of Austria, the festival was outlawed entirely in 1797 and the use of masks became strictly forbidden.

After a long absence, the Carnevale returned in 1979. The Italian government decided to bring back the history and culture of Venice, and sought to use the traditional Carnevale as the centerpiece of its efforts. Reintroduction of the masks began as the pursuit of some Venetian college students for the tourist trade. Today, approximately 3 million visitors come to Venice every year for Carnevale. One of the most important events is the contest for la maschera più bella (“the most beautiful mask”), decided on the last weekend of the Carnevale and juried by a panel of international costume and fashion designers.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. What better location to express your creativity than the fairytale setting at the Carnevale of Venice.

The Carnevale of Venice is an annual festival, held in Venice, Italy. The Carnevale ends with Lent, forty days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday or Martedì Grasso), the day before Ash Wednesday. It is said that the Carnevale of Venice was started from a victory of the “Serenissima Repubblica” against the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrico in the year 1162. In honor of this victory, the people started to dance and celebrate in San Marco Square. Apparently, this festival started during that period and became official in the Renaissance. However, under the rule of the King of Austria, the festival was outlawed entirely in 1797 and the use of masks became strictly forbidden.

After a long absence, the Carnevale returned in 1979. The Italian government decided to bring back the history and culture of Venice, and sought to use the traditional Carnevale as the centerpiece of its efforts. Reintroduction of the masks began as the pursuit of some Venetian college students for the tourist trade. Today, approximately 3 million visitors come to Venice every year for Carnevale. One of the most important events is the contest for la maschera più bella (“the most beautiful mask”), decided on the last weekend of the Carnevale and juried by a panel of international costume and fashion designers.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. What better location to express your creativity than the fairytale setting at the Carnevale of Venice.

Group Size

4-8 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
  • Moderate schedule
  • Travel by walking and boat taxi
  • No elevation changes and a moderate amount of walking
  • (non-photographers also welcome)

Weather | Sun

February – Temps 47/34 F  9/1 C  Sunrise 7:16 | Sunset 5:33 (17:33)

Includes

  • Travel, landscape, seascape, architecture and people photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Small group size (4-8 guests)
  • 4 or 5-star hotels
  • Breakfasts
  • 2 Dinners
  • Gondola Ride
  • Water buses
  • Local transportation

Travel Information

Arrival & Departure Airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) – Travel time to hotel 1hr
You can also use Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Verona (VRN) and transfer via train, bus or car.
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 Visa Map to find out.

Accommodations

Venice – Hotel Papadopoli MGallery, Hotel Ai Due Principi, Hotel Savoia & Jolanda or similar

Helpful Links

> Attending Carnevale in Venice – by Ena Escallier
> Venice Carnevale – by Roman Martin
> Hotel Papadopoli Venice – by Roman Martin
> Top 7 Attractions in Venice – by Team Think Orange
Venice Essentials – by Roman Martin
> Coffee Around the World – by Ian Robert Knight
> 7 Must-See Festivals in 2020 – By Erika Suban

Venice Carnevale Prices & Dates

Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Roman Martin

February 28 – March 6, 2025
February 13-19, 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

VENICE CARNEVALE 7 DAY PHOTO TOUR

Early Arrival

We suggest arriving one or two days early. You can book early arrival rooms with us.

During Carnevale we will spend our mornings and days capturing Venice when the light is best. From the Grand Canal to the many secret and hidden spots throughout this colorful and romantic city. But capturing Carnevale guests dressed in the decadent costumes will be our favorite moments. Some of these shoots may be pre-arranged while others will be spontaneous. The last days of Carnevale are the Grandest.

Day 1 | Piazza San Marco - Enchanted Palace Grand Ball

We meet at our hotel in Venice where we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” as well as 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 magical day of photography in Venice including the famous Piazza San Marco, the Basilica San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the bell tower and the clock tower. In the evening we focus on capturing of the guests arriving at the Enchanted Palace Grand Ball at the Palazzo Flangini. Afterward we celebrate with our “Welcome Dinner” at one of our favorite Venetian restaurants. (D)

Day 2 | Rialto Markets - St Valentine's Grand Ball

We set out in the early morning hours and explore the smaller canals of Venice. Cross the famous 16th-century bridge and walk to the centuries-old open-air fish and produce markets checking out the meat, cheese, and specialty-food shops.

Afterward, we’ll take a Traghetto (gondola ferry) across the Grand Canal. In the evening we will photograph those arriving to the glamorous St Valentine’s Grand Ball at the Palazzo Flangini. This beautiful 15th century Palace overlooks the left bank of the Grand Canal. Its Renaissance facade displays the distinctive elegance of an important Venetian palazzo. Views from this palace are stunning, particularly by night. Happy Valentine’s Day! (B)

Day 3 | Gondola’s - Grand Canal - Mascheranda Grand Ball

Today we set out for a gondola tour of Venice. Yes a “tour”, and a very touristy thing to do, but a must when visiting Venice. Later we will have the opportunity to focus on photographing the gondolas of Venice. We’ll also use this time to explore the more photographic opportunities along the Grand Canal.

In the late afternoon and evening our focus will once again turn to the decadent costumes arriving at the Mascheranda Grand Ball at the Grand Palace, Palazzo Pisani Moretta. Afterwards we will photograph Venice at night. (B)

Day 4 | Authentic Venice - Cannaregio - San Pietro di Castello

Today we wander without an itinerary away from the main sights to see authentic Venice. We’ll explore the long, sunny expanses of Cannaregio, the boatyards and neighborhood shops of San Pietro di Castello, the warren of narrow streets in Santa Croce. Cross some of the hundreds of bridges (each with a name); spot commemorative emblems on houses; pass through lanes so narrow you have to walk sideways. In the afternoon we take a well deserved rest. (B)

Day 5 | San Giorgio Maggiore - Minuet Grand Ball

San Giorgio Maggiore is the island opposite St. Mark’s Square. It offers breathtaking views (the bell tower vista is incredible, with no lines); Palladian church contains Tintoretto’s “Last Supper.” We’ll explore and capture San Giorgio Maggiore in it’s best light.

In the evening we look to capture more decadent costumes as ball-goers make their way to the Minuet Grand Ball for the final night of Carnival. This Ball is located on the Piano Nobile in an authentic 14th century Palace, the Ca’ Pesaro Papafava. With its precious gothic facade and its elegant quadriform gothic windows overlooking the canal of the Misericordia. The palace will be illuminated entirely with candlelights to create a memorable atmosphere. (B)

Day 6 | Burano and Torcello

With the Carnevale festivities behind us, we venture to Burano and Torcello. These tiny adjacent islands are worth the hour-long boat trip. Burano is a fishermen’s village and a photographer’s dream with its brightly colored houses. Torcello, steeped in Venetian history, was home to one of the swampy region’s first settlements; features a Byzantine church, bell tower with lagoon views, and a small museum.

Upon our return to Venice we will enjoy a wonderful “Farewell Dinner” at one of our favorite Venetian restaurants. (B) (D)

Day 7 | Venice

On our final day we get together after breakfast for our final group discussion, review our past weeks photos and trade contact information and bid you farewell. We urge you to extend your stay in Italy and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. (B)

(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.

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