Description
Tuscany: Layers of History
May 31 to June 7, 2026
There are few places on earth like Tuscany. Its landscape was painted by the great artists of the Renaissance. Its architecture is known for its sense of proportion, beauty and attention to minute detail. This experience will explore the very best parts of this famed region of Italy.
On the morning of Sunday, May 31, our driver will pick us up in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and the capital of the region of Tuscany. We’ll head south, with a stop in the Chianti area to have lunch and taste some great wines before wending our way to the magnificent hilltop town of Cortona, our home base for the week, where we’ll stay at the beautiful and historic Hotel San Michele.
Subsequent days will find us in our private van, exploring and photographing spectacular locations like Arezzo, Anghiari, Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, Montepulciano, and the Val d’Orcia, working to express the nuances of each of these important Tuscan towns and landscapes with our cameras.
Of course Cortona will be our photographic constant, as we investigate its many churches, stunning views, interesting museums and winding streets. We’ll also venture out into the surrounding rustic countryside, finding our way to Le Celle, where, in 1211, St. Francis built a small hermitage – his first. Our critique sessions will take place in my apartment right in the center of town and just steps from our hotel.
Cortona epitomizes the staggering layers of history of this region. The powerful and technologically advanced Etruscans were among the original inhabitants of this hilltop stronghold, making it one of the original 12 Etruscan cities around 700BC. The Romans followed, and, despite a defeat of the Roman army by Hannibal and the Carthaginians, it was a Roman town for several centuries after which the Ghibellines and then the Medici held sway. More recently, Frances Mayes’ book and movie Under The Tuscan Sun has reinvigorated interest in this “off the track” town.
On the morning of June 4 we’ll have a private van transfer to Florence, where you can head back home or on to other destinations.
Mixed in with our explorations will be time spent on photographic instruction – both in the field and back at our hotel, where we’ll critique images, learn nuances of technique and vision and discuss our photographic intentions and how they inform your personal sense of the places we’ll explore together. Through ample time for image making, a blend of formal and field instruction and time for discussion and critique, we will work to uncover themes and lines of vision that may not have been previously evident to you. I limit my groups to a maximum of 6 photographers to ensure a high level of personal instructional attention.
Non-photographer companions are welcome and warmly invited to attend – contact me for details.
Tuscany: Layers of History
May 31 to June 7,2026
Land Cost: USD $5,900 per person
Your non-refundable deposit of $1000 reserves your workshop – Balance of $4,900 is due by April 20, 2026. See our Terms and Conditions here.
Questions? Contact Jeff: jeff@jeffcurto.com or call 630.202.3635
What’s Included:
- Expert instruction by Jeff Curto, including small group field instruction, plenty of one-on-one time & critique sessions
- Maximum of 7 participants
- Extensive pre-trip planning documents for both photography and Italian culture
- Travel and instructional materials during the workshop
- All ground transportation during the workshop
- Admissions for all Included sightseeing
- All lodging during the workshop – single occupancy
- Local expert guides
- All included Gratuities, Taxes and Fees
- Breakfast daily
- Some lunches
- All dinners (including wine)
What’s NOT Included:
- Airfare: Airfare to and from the pickup/dropoff point not included in the trip cost.
- Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is not included in the trip cost, but I highly recommend its purchase in case your plans unexpectedly change. I recommend Travel Guard International Insurance.
Important Notes:
Physical Activity:
All of the Italy Photography Workshop destinations require a fair amount of walking, hill-climbing and physical activity. You should be comfortable with being on your feet for up to three hours, often walking on uneven and possibly slippery surfaces. A typical day involves walking 3 to 5 miles and climbing/descending the equivalent of 10 to 20 flights of stairs. If you have any questions about the physical activity level of this workshop, please ask.
Exchange Rate:
The land cost is based on current exchange rate between the Euro and US dollar. Should these rates change significantly, there may be an adjustment in the trip price.
