Dates May 7–15, 2008
Leaders Terry Eggers
and Adam Jones
Fee $5,195 from Venice, Italy
Deposit $400
Limit 12
Terms and Conditions

Every photographer can envision idyllic images of Venice—sleek gondolas plying the Grand Canal, the magnificent open square of the Piazza San Marco, the intricate detailing on the Ponte di Rialto, and a sun-washed ornate cityscape under a sky of Venetian blue.

Venice, an opulent and picturesquely decaying city—with a serpentine network of 150 scenic canals crisscrossed by 400 graceful bridges and laced together by 2,000 winding alleyways—is sinking slowly into the waters of the Venetian Lagoon. For countless years Venice has been a delight for artists and, later, for photographers. Once the domain of hunters and fishermen living
on the mudflats of the lagoon as distant as 2,000 years ago, Venice grew as a place of refuge from the ravaging of Attila the Hun, who drove many to seek shelter among these tiny islands in the fifth century. A century later the march of invading Lombards into northern Italy saw more settlement here. By then the city was ruled by Byzantium, but by 726 AD the Venetians had elected their own leader, commencing the slow rise of Venice as the legendary city of art, music and commerce in the Renaissance. Today, much of its lavish patina still shines on and, in many respects, Venice looks remarkably as it did in the 15th and 16th centuries. Venice is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities—presenting a veritable feast for the photographic eye.

Everywhere there is water. Famous among artists and photographers for its reflected, shimmering light, there is no shortage of impressive architecture on which to capture this warm undulating glow with your camera.

Bring your most comfortable walking shoes! With a centrally-located hotel as our base, we focus our lenses on a trove of colorful and historical landmarks as we make our way around the island city on foot and by boat. The Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) is nearby, as is the Basilica of San Marco. Built in the eleventh century, the Basilica combines elements of Byzantine, Romanesque and Arabesque styles for the most unique architecture of any church in Italy—a blend of east and west. The square itself—two football fields in length—is also home to the towering Campanile (bell tower), which, in turn, is surrounded by shops, musicians and open-air cafés. During our stay we will create intriguing images of the Doge’s (Duke’s) Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, iconic Rialto Bridge, and the canals and unique watercraft that ply them.

After four full days of photography throughout the city, we cruise to the nearby islands. Burano, a quiet island of winding streets and tranquil canals, offers a refreshing counterpoint to some of the
tourist bustle of the city. It is justly famous for its brightly-colored houses and fishing boats, as well as the handmade lace seen hanging almost everywhere— from clotheslines to shop windows. Murano is the renowned glassmaking center of Venice, where artisans still employ century-old techniques to create an array of classic and contemporary Venetian glass.

As we explore Venice and glimpse its glorious past, we’ll take time to sit and relax with a cappuccino or a prosecco in the Piazza San Marco, and drink in one of the world’s most complex, diverse, beautiful and romantic cities.

Continue your travels in Italy and join us on our Tuscany tour, May 14–23, 2008, directly following the Venice trip.



Day 1
Depart on flights from the US.

Day 2 (May 8)
Arrive in Venice and enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation. (D)

Days 3–6
We begin by exploring Piazza San Marco, along with its Basilica and towering Campanile. We climb the Campanille for incredible views of Venice and its surroundings. We visit the bustling and colorful Rialto vegetable and fish market, palatial buildings and beautiful cathedrals, and Venice’s famous bridges. We wander on foot through Venice, capturing many diverse images of the city’s characterladen streets, alleys and waterways. (BLD)

Days 7–8
We depart by boat across the northern lagoon to the island of Burano, known for its lace shops and houses suffused in bright colors. Burano is a quiet back-water of winding streets and canals lined with fishing boats colorfully reflected in the water. Next we visit the island of Murano, famous for its unique handblown glass. With time, we expand our options to other islands or to evening locations within the city for dramatic photography as the lights are lit. (BLD)

Day 9 (May 15)
Depart for home. (B)





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