5 DAYS PHOTOGRAPH&NATURE BREAKS IN ITALY-MARCHE
Would you like the opportunity to improve your photographic skills in the company of a professional photographer, whilst exploring the stunningly picturesque scenery of the Sibillini Mountain National Park, in Italy’s Marche region? Or perhaps you would like to get something more out of your holiday here, including a Photography & Nature Break as a part of your week’s or fortnight’s stay, without having to change your accommodation... These short Breaks are designed to introduce those with an interest in photography, of whatever level, to the beautiful landscapes of our National Park, while having on-hand advice available from a professional photographer. They will also enable you to learn about the fantastic nature of the area and what the Park has to offer. Excursions will take you to the famous high plains of Castelluccio, the breathtaking Mount Sibilla, shrouded in mystery and legend, and the Gola Infernaccio, or Hell’s Gorge, which leads through ancient beech woodland to a little church hidden high up in the mountains.
When? The timing of the breaks, in May, June, September and October, has been designed to take advantage of seasonal opportunities, for example, the explosion of colour in Spring, the famous lentil crops at Castelluccio in Summer, the observation of migrant birds, the spectacular Autumn shades...
Giorgio Tassi is a professional photographer, born in the historic town of Amandola and has recently produced the widely-acclaimed book ‘The Sibillini Mountains’. Amongst his long list of accomplishments he has: acted as in-house photographer for a large editing house, producing photos for books on ‘Olives and Oil of the Marche’, ‘Vineyards and Wine of the Marche’ and ‘Olive Oils of Italy’; he has been photographer for three historical and artistic volumes for the Provinces of Fermo and Ascoli; he has produced photographic archives for the National Park of the Sibillini Mountains and several other regional organisations; he has been photographer for several of the annually-produced National Park calendars as well as for calendars of various other local organisations; he has 30 years mountain experience with the Italian Alpine Club; • he is a professional mountain guide and National Instructor of crosscountry skiing. Giorgio speaks English and will be accompanied by his English wife, Susy. They are knowledgeable enthusiasts of the nature of the region, particularly of the birds and mammals. With them you can discover some of the most beautiful and enchanting locations in the Sibillini Mountain National Park.
The Accommodation:
You will stay in one country houses or b&b or Villas . Your accommodation will be self-catering and you will be expected to bring a packed lunch or other provisions when you go out on excursion. We can of course advise you where to shop for food, drink, local produce, arts and crafts, books and anything else you might want to know, including the best restaurants, if you wish to venture out for dinner.
The Programme:
You can choose to arrive on a Saturday to begin one of our Breaks and depart the following Wednesday, or extend your stay until the following Saturday and enjoy a few days of relaxing and doing your own thing. Day 1 Saturday: Each Break begins on a Saturday afternoon. On arrival you will be welcomed with refreshments in your accommodation, followed by an introductory briefing. The rest of the day you are free to unwind and settle in.
Day 2 Sunday: 1 hour photography lesson / question & answer session Excursion in the National Park Free visit to the Anthropological Museum in Amandola
Day 3 Monday: 1 hour photography lesson / question & answer session Excursion in the National Park
Day 4 Tuesday: 1 hour photography lesson / question & answer session Excursion in the National Park At the end of each day there will be a summation of the days activities with viewing and discussion of photographs
Day 5 Wednesday: Depending on departure time there will be a breakfast buffet or brunch followed by a debriefing. Travel to and from activities will be via own transport / shared transpor
In case of bad weather alternative options will be decided, which could include a visit to the beautiful historic city of Ascoli Piceno, the provincial capital, and visits to the renowned art gallery of Montefortino along with its museums of sacred art and of the native birds of the National Park, and to Montefalcone, a beautiful hill town with a famous fossil museum.
Spring / early Summer Breaks 2009: MAY: Sat 9th- Wed13th Sat 23rd – Wed 27th JUNE: Sat 6th – Wed 10th
Autumn Breaks 2009: SEPTEMBER: Sat 12th – Wed 16th Sat 26th – Wed 30th OCTOBER: Sat 24th – Wed 28th
A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 13 people can attend each Break.