Five days of nature photography in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park with a full-inclusive package: accommodations, meals, and transfers to/from Rome included, from September 16 to 20, 2026, to discover the wildest and most pristine nature of the central Apennines. During this period, ideal for the deer’s bellowing, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot other magnificent animals in the park, such as wolves, bears, and wildcats. A unique photography workshop, designed and organized by the JustExplorers team. You’ll be guided by professional photographers Jonathan Giovannini, Michele Bavassano, and Sharon Vanadia, who will share their experience and expertise with you.
DATES AND PARTICIPANTS
DURATION
5 Days and 4 Nights
DATES
September 16-20, 2026
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
6 Participants
DETAILS AND ACTIVITIES
DIFFICULTY
? Medium
PREPARATION AND EQUIPMENT
Hikes with elevation gains of up to 500m can be planned, so good physical condition and fitness are required.
MODALITY
Itinerant photography and stalking photography
Cost and Tour Leader
TOUR LEADER
Jonathan Giovannini
Michael Bavassano
Sharon Vanadia
STARTING FROM
€1490
PAYMENT
€500 deposit upon registration and balance due 60 days before departure
HOW TO BOOK?
Scroll to the bottom of the page and fill out the contact form, asking for more information on the event or confirming your participation. You will be quickly contacted on Whatsapp.
Destination:
The Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park is Italy’s oldest protected area and one of the most biodiverse in Europe. Located in the heart of the central Apennines, it offers vast, pristine landscapes of ancient beech forests, high-altitude meadows, deep valleys, and wild rivers.
This extraordinary ecosystem is home to iconic and rare species such as the Apennine wolf , the Apennine chamois , the golden eagle and the Marsican brown bear , a critically endangered species that lives only here.
In mid-September , the park becomes the stage for one of Europe’s most intense natural events: the bellowing of deer fills the valleys with deep echoes, as males battle for supremacy and access to the harem. For nature photographers, it’s a unique opportunity to capture authentic behavior in the warm autumn light.
Beyond its wildlife, the park preserves a rich cultural heritage, with timeless villages, stone houses, and a way of life still deeply rooted in nature. It’s not just a photographic destination, but a place to reconnect with wild nature and discover one of Italy’s last great unspoiled areas.
Event Description:
This five-day nature photography tour is designed to offer a complete and immersive experience in the wild nature of Abruzzo. From dawn to dusk, every moment is organized to ensure you have the best chance to observe and photograph animals in their natural habitat.
Our base will be a welcoming 3-star hotel located in a historic mountain village within the National Park. Accommodation includes half board , with early breakfasts and Italian dinners adapted to our schedules in the field.
All transfers are included , including private transfers to and from Rome Fiumicino Airport , as well as all transportation within the park. You’ll be accompanied by a team of professional nature photographers and biologists , who combine technical support with ecological knowledge.
This experience combines intense photography sessions, comprehensive logistical support, and the opportunity to grow as a photographer and nature observer. Before departure, you’ll receive a detailed PDF guide with all the travel information and useful packing tips.
Photographic Activities and What You Will Learn:
Each day begins at dawn with photo sessions in a hide, using 3D camouflage equipment in the most promising areas. The main focus will be the deer rutting season, but we’ll also look for wolf, bear, and chamois tracks . After the morning sessions, there will be time to rest and review the shots.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore new areas of the park with guided hikes to scenic viewpoints or quiet valleys. The sunset light will offer ideal conditions for backlit compositions and potential close-up sightings. You’ll be constantly supervised by professionals who will help you improve your technique, light reading, and visual storytelling .
During the tour you will also develop field awareness : you will learn to read animal behavior , interpret tracks , choose the best locations and practice ethical and respectful wildlife photography.
Before your trip, you will receive a comprehensive PDF guide with a recommended gear list and preparation checklist.
Hotel and Transfers:
During the workshop, you’ll stay in a 3-star hotel located in one of the National Park’s most charming villages. The location is quiet and scenic, perfect for quick access to the photography areas and for relaxing after intense days in the field.
The hotel offers half-board with generous traditional Italian meals and flexible hours to accommodate your photography schedule. All rooms have Wi-Fi, and essential services such as a pharmacy, convenience store, and ATMs are nearby.
A private transfer to and from Rome Fiumicino Airport is included, so you won’t need to rent a car or arrange transportation . All transportation between hotels and photo locations will be handled by our team.
Before the event, you will receive a comprehensive information kit by email, including accommodation details, airport transfer instructions, and useful contact information.
DAILY PROGRAM
Day 1
- 3:00 PM – Meet up at Terminal 3 for a group meeting and departure with a private transfer to the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park .
- 6:00 PM – Arrival at the hotel, check-in , and workshop presentation by the team of professional photographers and biologists who will accompany the entire experience.
- 8:00 PM – Welcome dinner with traditional Abruzzo specialties. Overnight stay at the hotel .
- ? Those who wish can reach the Albergo del Lago in Villetta Barrea independently in the afternoon of the first day, in time for the presentation and dinner.
Day 2
- We’ll wake up early in the morning and head to a selected location for our first stalking session at dawn . Using 3D camouflage gear, we’ll track the roaring deer and, with a bit of luck, spot wolves or bears .
- Return to the hotel for breakfast and free time to rest or review the images you took.
- After preparing packed lunches , we will return to the camp for a 2–2.5 hour afternoon hike , with an altitude difference of between 500 and 700 metres , until we reach a new observation point.
- Evening stalking session until sunset , followed by descent and return to the hotel.
- Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3
- Wake up before dawn and go on a short hike at dawn , in search of large mammals such as wolves and bears , using camouflage techniques and a silent approach .
- Free time for lunch.
- In the afternoon , exploration of the valley floors and wildlife corridors , with particular attention to the sighting of large and small mammals , practicing itinerant photographic techniques.
- Return to the hotel in the evening, followed by dinner and overnight stay .
Day 4
- Wake up before dawn and go on a short hike at dawn , in search of large mammals such as wolves and bears , using camouflage techniques and a silent approach .
- Return to the hotel for breakfast and a few hours of relaxation .
- Free time for lunch.
- In the afternoon, exploration of the valley floors and wildlife corridors , with particular attention to the sighting of large and small mammals , practicing itinerant photographic techniques .
- Return to the hotel in the evening, followed by dinner and overnight stay .
Day 5
- 8:00 – Complete post-production course led by the photography team: from the RAW file to export for web and print, with a focus on noise reduction , contrast management , color correction and final image optimization .
- 10:30 AM – Final greetings and private group transfer to Fiumicino Airport, with arrival expected by 2:30 PM.
INCLUDED
- Assistance from two professional nature photographers for the entire duration of the workshop
- All nights in double room
- Discussions on basic and advanced nature photography techniques
- 7 photo sessions (4 sunrises and 3 sunsets)
- Breakfast and dinners
- Transfers to and from Rome Fiumicino Airport
- Introductory lessons on the biology and ethology of the species present in the Park
- Frontal post-production course dedicated to nature photography in the central hours of the day
- All transfers in the Park
- English language support
NOT INCLUDED
- Lunches
- Single room (supplement of 200 euros)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions ❓
What photography equipment will I need?
A DSLR, mirrorless, or bridge camera with at least a 300mm lens is recommended. A tripod, extra memory cards, and a camera backpack are also useful.
A rental service for Canon, Nikon, and Sony camera bodies and lenses is available, which can be booked in advance through the organization.
Click here to find out about rentals!
Closer to the event, you’ll receive a PDF with all the latest details on recommended photography gear!
Is rental service available?
Do you think you don’t have the right equipment for this event?
No problem: you can rent a complete Nikon, Canon, or Sony camera kit (DSLR or mirrorless with super-telephoto lenses) to participate in the event and make the most of this experience.
Some of the products currently available
Camera bodies
Canon R6, Canon 70D, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon D7100, Nikon Z8, Nikon Z9, Sony A6000
Optics
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Canon and Nikon), Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR, Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR,
Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR II, Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
If you are looking for a specific product not listed, please contact us : we will do our best to help you find the camera or lens that best suits your needs.
Rental conditions
The rental service is simple and without constraints :
- no deposit required
- no credit or prepaid card
- no insurance
The equipment is delivered directly to your location .
This service was created to allow anyone to participate in an experience like this, offering every photographer the opportunity to shoot in the best possible conditions .
? Contact us for information on availability and prices.
What clothing will I need?
Layered clothing, waterproof boots, a rain poncho, and neutral or camouflage clothing are recommended. A 3D camouflage poncho is recommended for stalking sessions (available for rental or purchase on-site, with advance reservation).
What is included in the price?
The tour price includes all the essential services for a complete and worry-free photography experience within the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park.
– 4 nights in a 3-star hotel in one of the most charming villages in the park, with rooms equipped with all comforts
– Breakfast and dinner included every day , with Italian cuisine and flexible times to fit the photo sessions
– Private transfer to/from Rome Fiumicino Airport at the start and end of the tour
– All local transfers in the park , organized by our staff to easily reach the photographic areas
– Photo sessions every day , at dawn and dusk, accompanied by professional photographers and expert biologists
– Field assistance to improve photographic technique, ethical approach and light reading
– Complete pre-departure guide in PDF , with logistical information, recommended equipment list and practical advice
You won’t have to worry about a thing: from logistics to photography assistance, everything is included to offer you an authentic immersion in the wild nature of central Italy.
Will there be a dedicated Whatsapp group?
Yes, a Whatsapp group will be created for all official communications in view of the event.
The group will remain open even after the Workshop, so that we can all keep in touch and receive support in the future.
Terms and conditions
By booking by paying a deposit to the organizers, you accept the following clauses:
1. As this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible changes in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of approximately 5% is highly likely if the booking is made more than a year in advance. in relation to potential variations in the prices of ground services (for example variations influenced by the fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and others).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid through the payment methods offered by the organizing body, such as bank transfer, PayPal, credit card or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers, taking charge of the transaction costs.
3. In case the tour does not take place due to the organizer, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4. In case of cancellation for personal reasons of any kind and in any case not dependent on the organizer, the deposit and any other registration fees will be retained as reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons within 60 days of departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.
By registering, paying the deposit and sending your personal data, you accept clauses 1,2,3,4,5 again.
Di seguito alcuni scatti realizzati nel parco nazionale d’abruzzo lazio e molise
Request the full program or confirm your registration by filling out the form below
You will be contacted on Whatsapp with all the information about the event
Available places:
4
Cost:
€1490
Fill out the form to request the full program and reserve your place!
You will be contacted on Whatsapp with all the information about the event