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Five days in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park, during the peak of the red deer rut — a full photographic and natural experience in wild Italy.
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€ 500,00
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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 untouched landscapes of ancient beech forests, alpine 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 critically endangered Marsican brown bear, found nowhere else in the world.
In mid-September, the park becomes the stage for one of the most powerful natural events in Europe. The red deer rut fills the valleys with echoes of roaring males fighting for dominance and access to harems. For wildlife photographers, this is a unique opportunity to capture raw behavior in golden autumn light.
Beyond wildlife, the park preserves a deep cultural heritage with timeless villages, traditional stone houses and a rhythm of life still linked to the natural world. This is not just a destination for photography. It is a place to reconnect with wild nature and witness one of Italy's last great wildernesses.
4 nights in a double room
Michele Bavassano
Sharon Vanadia
Jonathan Giovannini
This five-day wildlife photography tour is designed to offer a complete and meaningful experience in the Abruzzo wilderness. From dawn to dusk, every moment is carefully planned to give you the best chances to observe and photograph wild animals in their natural habitat.
You'll be based in a 3-star hotel located in a historic mountain village inside the national park. The accommodation offers half board with Italian cuisine, early breakfasts and evening meals adapted to our schedule in the field.
All transfers are included, including a private round-trip transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport and all transportation within the park. You will be guided throughout by a team of professional nature photographers and biologists, combining technical support with ecological knowledge.
This experience blends intense photographic sessions, full logistical support and the chance to grow as a photographer and nature observer. All participants will receive a detailed PDF guide before departure with updated travel details and packing tips.
Each day starts early with sunrise hide sessions using 3D camouflage gear in selected wildlife zones. The focus is on the red deer rut but we will also search for signs of wolves, bears and chamois. Morning sessions are followed by time to rest and review your images.
In the afternoon we will explore new areas with guided hikes leading to high advantage points or quiet valleys. The sunset light offers excellent conditions for backlit compositions and close encounters. You'll be constantly supported in the field by professionals who help you refine your technique, your awareness of light and your approach to storytelling.
A complete post-production course is included and takes place at the hotel. You'll learn how to manage color, contrast and sharpness, reduce noise and export images properly for web and print.
In addition to technical work you will develop field awareness. You'll learn how to read animal behavior, interpret tracks, choose the right locations and practice respectful wildlife photography.
Before the tour, you'll receive a full PDF guides with a detailed equipment list and preparation checklist to help you pack exactly what you need.
During the workshop you will stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel located in one of the most charming villages within the national park. The setting is peaceful and scenic, offering fast access to the best wildlife areas and a relaxed atmosphere after long days in the field.
The hotel provides halfboard with generous Italian meals and flexible dining hours to match our photography schedule. Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and basic services such as pharmacy, grocery and ATM are available nearby.
Private round-trip transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport is included, and you won't need to rent a car or arrange any transport. All local transfers between hotel and field locations are organized by our team and included in the package.
A complete information pack will be sent by email before the event, including hotel details, airport pickup instructions and useful contacts.
Find out how the days will unfold and what activities make up the tour
Arrival and transfer to the National Park
Arrival at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino – Rome).
3:00 PM – Meeting point at Terminal 3, where the group will gather for the private transfer to Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.
6:00 PM – Arrival at the hotel, check-in, and workshop presentation with the photographers and biologists leading the tour.
8:00 PM – Welcome dinner featuring traditional local cuisine. Overnight stay.
First full day in the field – Deer rut and large mammals
Early morning wake-up and transfer to a selected location for the first hide session at dawn. Using 3D camouflage equipment, we will stalk red deer, and with luck, observe wolves or bears.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and time to rest or review your images.
After preparing packed lunches, we'll head back into the field for an afternoon excursion of 2–2.5 hours, with 500–700 meters of elevation gain, reaching a new observation area.
Evening hide session until sunset, followed by descent and return to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay.
High-altitude session and behavior observation
Wake up at first light and move to the valley for a mobile session focused on deer behavior and early morning activity.
Return for breakfast, rest, and opportunity to back up and review your shots.
In the afternoon, after preparing packed meals, we will hike to a new location with elevation gain (2–2.5 hours). Extended hide session until dusk.
Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Predator tracking and park exploration
Pre-dawn wake-up and short hike at sunrise, searching for large mammals such as wolves and bears using stealth and camouflage.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and a few hours of relaxation.
Free time for lunch.
Afternoon exploration of lowland valleys and wildlife corridors, with a focus on spotting both large and small mammals and practicing on-the-go photography techniques.
Return to the hotel in the evening, followed by dinner and overnight stay.
Post-production and departure
Breakfast and final group session.
8:00 AM – Complete post-production course led by the photography team: from raw files to export for web and print, including noise control, contrast, color grading, and image refinement.
10:30 AM – Farewell greetings and private group transfer to Fiumicino Airport, with Estimated arrival by 2:30 PM.
Our private group transfer will depart from Fiumicino Airport (Rome) on Day 1 at 3:00 PM. We recommend booking any flight that arrives in Rome no later than 2:00 PM on September 10 to ensure you have time to join the group comfortably.
For the return on September 14, we suggest booking your outbound flight no earlier than 5:00 PM, allowing time for the estimated arrival at the airport around 2:30 PM.
If you plan to arrive earlier or depart later, there are multiple accommodation options near the airport, and we will be happy to assist you with planning additional overnight stays or transfers if needed.
After registration, you will have access to our dedicated support service to help you coordinate your flights and logistics.
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.
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.
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.
Discover all the places and views that you can admire during this trip. All the material shown here comes from our trips
Simply click on the “Book Now” button and fill in the registration form. A deposit is required to confirm your participation; the remaining balance will be requested according to the payment terms listed on the page (usually 60 days before departure). A confirmation email will be sent once your booking is processed.
You will also receive a detailed PDF guide closer to the departure date, with all updated information and useful tips.
We recommend a DSLR, mirrorless, or bridge camera with at least a 300mm lens (ideally 400–600mm). A tripod or monopod is useful for hiding sessions. Please bring spare memory cards and batteries.
If you don't have the required gear, we offer a rental service with a selection of professional camera bodies, telephoto lenses, and camouflage equipment. Rental must be requested in advance and is subject to availability.
Click here to know our Rental Service!
A complete gear checklist will be provided in the PDF info pack prior to the tour.
The weather can vary significantly, especially in mountainous areas. We suggest layered clothing suitable for both cold early mornings and warmer afternoons. Waterproof hiking boots are essential, along with thermal layers, a windproof jacket, and neutral or camouflage-colored clothing. Bright colors should be avoided. If you do not have suitable camouflage gear, we can provide 3D ponchos for rent or purchase.
You'll receive a full clothing and gear checklist in the PDF guide that will be sent to you before the trip.
Our private group transfer will depart from Fiumicino Airport (Rome) on Day 1 at 3:00 PM. We recommend booking any flight that arrives in Rome no later than 2:00 PM on September 10 to ensure you have time to join the group comfortably.
For the return on September 14, we suggest booking your outbound flight no earlier than 5:00 PM, allowing time for the estimated arrival at the airport around 2:30 PM.
If you plan to arrive earlier or depart later, there are multiple accommodation options near the airport, and we will be happy to assist you with planning additional overnight stays or transfers if needed.
After registration, you will have access to our dedicated support service to help you coordinate your flights and logistics.
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.
We will reply to you by email as soon as possible
JUST EXPLORERS SRLS
VAT number: 01708500556
Address: Via G. Verdi 86 Castel Viscardo 05014
PEC: just.explorers@pec.it
+39 328 856 6896
info@justexplorers.com
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