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Wild Italy – Abruzzo National Park II

Five days of nature photography in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park in search of the wildest and most uncontaminated nature of the central Apennines with two biologists and professional photographers.

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Wild Italy – Abruzzo National Park II

Days

18-22 September 2024

Max participants

6 participants

Price

 500,00

1490€

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Destination

In the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, among ancient beech forests, mountains and high altitude prairies, nature occupies every environment making this place one of the wildest in Europe.

This park, among the oldest in Italy, is home to a rich biodiversity, with a thriving population of wolves and above all the emblem of the park, the Marsicano brown bear, an endemic species of these lands. In this period, the violent bellowing of the deer echoes through the valleys of the park, creating a surreal atmosphere. In fact, we are in the midst of the mating season, giving life to one of the most magical periods of the year. You will also be able to spot Apennine chamois, wild boars, roe deer and, if lucky, the rare wild cat. With over 200 species of birds, including the golden eagle, the park is a true paradise for nature and ornithology lovers.

Explore the centuries-old beech forests, prairies and rocky mountains, immersing yourself in a breathtaking natural environment. The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is one of the most beautiful and fascinating naturalistic destinations in Italy, where fauna, flora and cultural heritage blend harmoniously.

Dates and participants

Duration

5 Days and 4 Nights

Dates

18-22 September 2024

Number of participants

6 participants

Activity details

Overnight stay and meals

4 nights in a double room

breakfast, dinner

Photographic activities

Difficulty

🟡 Medium

Preparation and equipment

Excursions with a difference in altitude of up to 300m may be planned, therefore good physical condition and fitness is required.

Modality

On walk photography – Stakeout photography

Costs and Tour leader

Tour leader

Michele Bavassano

Sharon Vanadia

Jonathan Giovannini

Starting from

1490€

Payment

€500 deposit upon registration and balance 60 days before departure

Details of the tour

We will spend five days of nature photography in the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. It will be a total immersion in the wild nature of the central Italian Apennines. Two expert professional photographers will guide you around this place, making the most of the light conditions, capturing the essence of the park's fauna.

During the evocative hours of dawn and dusk, optimal for photography, we will focus not only on sighting the Red Deer in full breeding season, but with a good dose of luck we will also have the opportunity to see the Marsican Bear, active due to hyperphagia in view of winter hibernation, and the wolf, which in this period is particularly active together with the cubs of the year. During the three days of activity, there will be time to try to spot more common species, roe deer, wild boars, foxes and perhaps the beautiful Apennine chamois.

The photographic sessions will take place in the morning and at sunset, alternating stakeouts with traveling photography activities. We will explore the most iconic places of the Park, immersing ourselves in an experience in harmony with nature. The intense days will keep us in the field from dawn to dusk, with practical sessions on basic and advanced shooting techniques to obtain creative and unique images. In addition to capturing beautiful photographs and having an unforgettable experience, the focus of this workshop is to showcase the field approach of experienced professional photographers, revealing the secrets of stalking and wildlife photography.

We will sleep in a structure with a strategic position and in full local style. We will be able to enjoy homemade food and often spot animals just a few meters from the hotel. It will be a perfect logistical base, at the foot of the mountains, to live an authentically Abruzzo experience, with local food, a splendid view of the greenery and the sounds of roars that will accompany us just by opening the windows. You will reach the hotel with our direct transfer from Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci airport. It will be the best chance for you to get to know this area considered the wildest in Italy.

Detailed plan

Find out how the days will unfold and what activities make up the tour

Day 1

◦ Arrival at the “Leonardo Da Vinci” International Airport of Fiumicino (Rome).

◦ 3:00 pm: Meet at Terminal 3 for the transfer to the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise.

◦ 6:00 pm: Hotel check-in and workshop presentation with the photographers of the team.

◦ 8:00 pm: Group dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2

◦ Wake up before dawn and move to a designated location within the park for stalking large mammals (deer, wolves, bears) using camouflage equipment.

◦ Return in the morning for breakfast and a few hours of relaxation.

◦ Prepare packed lunches and depart for the afternoon session, featuring a 2 to 2.5-hour excursion with 500 to 700 meters of elevation gain. Continue stalking with camouflage equipment until dark.

◦ Descend after sunset and return to the hotel.

◦ Group dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3

◦ Wake up and head to the valley at first light in search of deer.

◦ Return to the hotel for breakfast and a few hours of relaxation, during which you can review pictures and charge batteries.

◦ Prepare packed lunches and depart for the afternoon session. This will include a 2 to 2.5-hour excursion with 500 to 700 meters of elevation gain to reach a new location. Continue stalking with camouflage equipment until dark.

◦ Descend after sunset and return to the hotel.

◦ Group dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4

◦ Wake up before dawn and a short hike before the sunrise, stalking with
camouflage equipment, attempting to spot large mammals, in particular
bear and wolf.

◦ Return in the morning with breakfast and a few hours of relaxation

◦ Free time for lunch

◦ Afternoon in search of large and small mammals in the valley by exploring
the park.

◦ Back to the hotel

◦ Dinner with the group and overnight stay

Day 5

◦ Wake up and breakfast

◦ 8.00 am Session of photographic post-production (complete post-
production course)

◦ 10.30 am Greetings with the group and transfer to the “Leonardo Da
Vinci” International Airport of Fiumicino (Rome) with expected arrival by 2.30 PM

Which flights to buy?

Our transfer from Leonardo da Vinci airport in Rome-Fiumicino will depart at 3.00 pm. Any flight arriving within this time on day 1 will be compatible with the tour. For the return journey, we recommend flights in the late afternoon after 5pm, as arrival at the airport is estimated at around 2.30pm.
You have the flexibility to choose flights that respect these times and, if necessary, land or depart even earlier or later. Near the airport, you will find several options for additional overnight stays, offering you a convenient solution should you need it. If necessary, after your registration, you will be able to access our dedicated assistance to also receive help with purchasing flights.

Tour leader. Find out who will accompany you on the tour

Michele Bavassano

Passionate about nature, he travels in search of the perfect shot, exploring pristine areas around the world. Through his camera he tries to share moments and emotions. Michele defines his photography as “A search for art in nature”. He works as a professional photographer and proposes events in the most interesting and important destinations in Italy and abroad. His images have been used by Discovery, BBC, ENEL and have been published in numerous magazines around the world.

Sharon Vanadia

Born in Rome in 1994, she showed a strong sensitivity towards nature from a young age. Graduated in Biological Sciences, she specialized in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management. Having become a professional photographer, she leads nature workshops and tours around the world, fusing her passion for biology with nature photography. With years of experience in the field, she is an internationally followed photographer.

Jonathan Giovannini

Graduated in computer engineering but his true passion has always been the mountains and photography. Over the years, his interest in exploring nature and capturing its beauty has transformed into a necessity. Always searching for the perfect moment, he strives to capture the magic of sunsets, wildlife encounters and the essence of the natural environment. He works as a professional photographer specializing in landscape and nature photography.

What's included

Assistance from two professional nature photographers for the entire duration of the workshop
All nights in a 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

What is not included

Lunches
Single Room (200 euro supplement)

Frequent questions

Signing up will be very simple! Simply follow the booking procedure by clicking on "Book Now". Once you have entered your personal data and completed the payment of the deposit, your registration will be confirmed. You will then receive a confirmation email once the procedure is completed.

For this event we recommend a reflex, mirrorless or bridge camera with a lens that reaches at least 300 mm. If necessary, you can also rent Canon, Nikon or Sony equipment directly from the organization.

Boots (preferably waterproof), rain cape and ground stakes, hiking poles (if usually used), a camouflage net or tarp if available, otherwise they will be provided by the organizer.
More detailed information will be communicated shortly
of the event.

Our transfer from Fiumicino airport will depart at approximately 3.00 pm. Any flight arriving within this time on day 1 will be compatible with the tour. For the return journey we recommend flights in the late afternoon after 5pm.
You have the flexibility to choose flights that respect these times and, if necessary, land or depart even earlier or later. Near the airport, you will find several options for additional overnight stays, offering you a convenient solution should you need it. If necessary, after your registration, you will be able to access our dedicated assistance to also receive help with purchasing flights.

By booking via bank transfer to the organizers you accept the following clauses:
1. Since this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible change in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of around 5% is highly probable. In relation to potential changes in the prices of ground services (for example changes influenced by fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and more).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid by advance bank transfer or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers.
3. In the event that 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, the registration fee will be retained as a reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons 60 days before departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.

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Wild Italy – Abruzzo National Park II

1490€

Sold Out