Book Your Seat on the PhotoPills Expedition to Tuscany before May 26th and Get €500 Off (Only 3 Spots Left)
We’re going to Tuscany (Autumn)...
Are you in?
Around the Supermoon...
From October 13th to October 19th 2024, Neil Tapman and Ramiro Torrents (PhotoPills Masters) will travel across Tuscany to photograph the beautiful Autumn Colors, the Sun, the Golden Light and the Supermoon along with lush rolling hills, misty valleys, ancient chapels, picturesque villages and lone cypress trees...
Luxury private villa and private Italian chef included!
The perfect combination of photography, good food and comfort... 100% Italian.
Of course...
We’ll be taking photos all day long...
But...
Can you imagine it?
To photograph the Autumn golden colors, Tuscany's unique golden light, the Sun and the Supermoon with lush rolling hills, misty valleys, ancient chapels, abandoned ruins, iconic serpentine roads, picturesque villages and lone cypress trees...
We’re dreaming about it!
To achieve it, we’ll use the planning power of PhotoPills and the expert knowledge of Neil Tapman and Ramiro Torrents to always be at the right place at the right time.
Top secret: we have quite a few legendary photos planned already... including a few cool Sun and Supermoon alignments ;)
The Deal (only 3 spots left)
Since you subscribed to the Priority Access list...
We're offering you a €500 discount on the regular price!
All you have to do is to book 1 of the 3 spots available before Sunday May 26th.
Read carefully all the details of this unique adventure.
And when you’re ready, click here to book your spot.
Please, book as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.
The Adventure
12 PhotoPillers | 2 PhotoPills Masters | Tuscany | Endless legendary photos
Warning! This is not a honeymoon... but it almost is!
We’ll stay in a luxury private villa located among the most beautiful hills of Tuscany...
With a private Italian chef preparing delicious meals everyday!
Long story short...
We’re recruiting 12 brave PhotoPillers (PhotoPills and photography nerds) to join us on a 7-day expedition to photograph Tuscany’s beautiful Autumn Colors, the Sun, the Golden Light and the Supermoon along with the essence of this enchanting italian paradise.
This is an adventure to chase legendary photos and you are a key asset!
We have planned tons of photos...
¡Including a few special Sun and Supermoon alignments! :)
And we’ll travel a few kilometers to capture them...
But we also want to maximize our flexibility in terms of itinerary and schedule in order to take advantage of all the opportunities that the changing weather will surely put in our way.
If we see something interesting happening in the sky, we’ll pick the best location possible, stop and take advantage of the occasion.
You are about to embark on a PhotoPills’ style journey. And it’s not going to be a honeymoon precisely... :P
You’ll be a true photographer!
Are you in?
Day 1. Sunday, October 13th - Welcome to Tuscany
It’s early Sunday afternoon...
And you land in Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region, Italy.
Although, I recommend you to arrive the day before to have an extra day to decompress and enjoy Florence’s culture, Renaissance art and architecture... like the magnificent Duomo Cathedral, with its massive red dome dominating the city’s skyline.
1:00 pm
Tuscany is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, ancient farmhouses, and the unique soft light that has captivated artists for centuries.
After picking you up at the airport we’ll drive directly to our private “Podere”, an idyllic villa perched upon the hills of the beautiful Tuscan countryside overlooking the picturesque landscape of Val d’Orcia.
The word “Podere” is quintessentially Tuscan, often referring to a farmhouse or estate.
This will be our basecamp for the entire week.
3:30 pm
Expedition briefing...
Neil and Ramiro will go over the expedition itinerary, logistics, equipment and safety instructions for the week.
It’s also time to get to know each other more and answer all your questions.
4:00 pm
We will gather for some local delicacies - delightful cakes and refreshing beverages - a warm welcome into the heart of Tuscany.
5:00 pm
Nestled beneath the bridge, we find our sunset vantage point at “Boschetto dei Cipressi”. If the heavens are in our favor, the sky begins to dance with colors.
As we stand before the vast expanse of Tuscan hills, the lone cypress trees in the distance beckon us.
We experiment with our frames, perhaps introducing an interesting forefround or waiting for the sun to cast its last golden rays on the horizon.
¡Make sure to capture the fading light as it moves across the hills!
So open PhotoPills and check where exactly the Sun is about to set.
Golden hour begins at 5:55 pm, Sunset is at 6:34 pm, golden hour ends at 6:51 pm and blue hour ends at 7:02 pm.
8:00 pm
The day, filled with traversing the countryside and chasing the perfect shot, culminates with a drive back to the villa.
As we arrive, tantalizing aromas wafted from the kitchen, signalling the start of a well-deserved feast.
The dinner, curated by a local chef, features Tuscan specialties, allowing us to savor the region's culinary delights...
Meals change everyday, with a mix of Italian and international food.
10:00 pm
Our first day in Tuscany is not just about capturing beautiful images but also about experiencing the rhythm of the land, understanding its history, savoring its flavors, and being in the moment.
Time to go to bed... Tomorrow we will photograph a cool Sun alignment!
Photographic pills:
- Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Boschetto dei Cipressi.
Day 2. Monday, October 14th - The Oak Tree and the Sun
6:30 am
Our next stop is just a short drive away, where a beautiful oak tree awaits.
This tree, with its gnarled branches and expansive canopies, provides a different texture and mood.
We'll be photographing the solitary Oak tree atop a hill. But that's not all – we've planned a shot where the Sun aligns perfectly with the tree.
When captured from a distance, the size comparison between the Sun and the tree will be 16 m (52.5 ft).
And in case we're out of luck due to obstructive clouds, we have a Plan B!
There is always a Plan B ;)
While it won't be an alignment, we'll still have the opportunity to capture some wonderful wide-angle shots of the oak tree.
Let’s be creative!
Blue hour begins at 6:57 am, golden hour begins 7:08 am, Sunrise is at 7:26 am and golden hour ends at 8:04 am.
8:35 am
Over a sumptuous breakfast, we share our experiences, discuss our captures, and reenergize for the adventures ahead.
10:30 am
PhotoPills Class!
Ramiro and Neil will show you how to plan your photos with PhotoPills... sharing lots of tips on the way!
12:30 pm
Lunch specially prepared by our chef.
1:45 pm
Siesta time (nap time)!
3:00 pm
Our afternoon excursion leads south of San Quirico. Here, vast fields sprawl with geometric patterns etched by plows and time, and lone trees punctuate the horizon — their silhouettes offering stark contrasts against the gold and green.
A journey of mere minutes transports us to a spot that feels like another world...
A lone tree stands sentinel between two hills, its shadow long and dramatic under the waning sun.
On days when the sky is peppered with cumulus clouds, this tableau becomes ethereal, as light and shadow play a captivating dance.
Plan & Pray!
4:00 pm
Culture meets cuisine as we enter Pienza. Cobblestone streets, Renaissance-era buildings, and bustling piazzas tell tales of history.
Our sojourn is sweetened at Buon Gusto Gelateria, where flavors burst with traditional Italian flair.
5:30 pm
The iconic Podere Terrapille awaits as evening approaches. This path, immortalized in the movie Gladiator, stretches ahead, bordered by wheat fields that sway to nature's rhythm, cypress trees that reach skyward, and a villa that stands as a silent guardian of stories past.
The distant mountains, bathed in the evening glow, serve as a majestic backdrop.
Golden hour begins at 5:53 pm, Sunset is at 6:31 pm, golden hour ends at 6:49 pm and blue hour ends at 7:00 pm.
7:00 pm
With twilight's embrace, we make our way back, hearts full and cameras richer.
8:30 pm
The day culminates in the comfort of our villa. As we gather for dinner, the clinking of glasses celebrates not just the day's success, but the promise of more Tuscan tales awaiting discovery.
10:00 pm
Bed time! Tomorrow another Sun alignment awaits!
Photographic pills:
- Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour with an oak tree.
- Sun alignment with an oak tree (if clear skies).
- Afternoon shots of isolated trees at San Quirico and Palazzo di Geta.
- Ancient streets and architecture at the beautiful village of Pienza.
- Sunset, golden hour and blue our at Podere Terrapille (Gladiator’s villa).
Day 3. Tuesday, October 15th - The Infinite Line
7:00 am
A short drive away, the Poggio Covili viewpoint beckons. A famed spot for its enchanting cypress trees, Podere Covili stands majestically, ready to be lensed.
From our elevated vantage point, we aim our telephoto lenses to catch the trees, backlit by the slowly rising sun, their shadows elongating and dancing on the Tuscan floor.
Be ready!
Because the Sun will rise right behind the line of cypress trees, offering us a great opportunity to photograph such a beautiful alignment.
Blue hour begins at 6:58 am, golden hour begins at 7:10 am, Sunrise is at 7:27 am and golden hour ends at 8:06 am.
9:00 am
Sumptuous breakfast at the villa and down time!
12:30 pm
Hearty lunch at the villa
2:00 pm
Siesta time (nap time).
03:00 pm
The afternoon light paints the landscape with a different brush. We head to Quinciano, where towering cypress trees await our lenses.
As we journey on, a solitary tree against a backdrop of undulating hills invites us to stop and capture. We position ourselves on the gravel road, seeking the perfect frame.
3:40 pm
On the way to Asciano, we’ll stop again to photograph the beautiful rolling hills featuring lone trees at their base. You can isolate the trees with a telephoto lens.
4:30 pm
Do you fancy a gelato?
Asciano "Parcheggio Le Fonti" offers a brief respite. This is a toilet and snacks stop.
Sunset awaits!
5:00 pm
Our day's final destination, Agriturismo Baccoleno, beckons.
A brief hike takes us to the planned spot where the road, lined with cypress trees, leads the eye towards the Podere.
The scene is set for a mid-range shot, with the golden hour light casting a warm glow over everything.
Golden hour begins at 5:51 pm, Sunset is at 6:30 pm, golden hour ends at 6:47 pm and blue hour ends at 6:58 pm.
8:00 pm
The day culminates with a delicious dinner.
10:00 pm
Bed time!
Photographic pills:
- Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Podere Covili.
- Sun alignment with cypress line (if clear skies).
- Afternoon streets and architecture shots in Asciano "Parcheggio Le Fonti".
- Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with Agriturismo Baccoleno.
Day 4. Wednesday, October 16th - The Moon and the Bell Tower
7:00 am
Our Sunrise spot is located on the road that leads to Castiglione d'Orcia.
From this elevated vantage point, we'll enjoy a stunning view over the expansive rolling hills of Tuscany.
Exploring the scene with your telephoto lens reveals hidden treasures like solitary farmhouses, 'poderi' on the hills, lone trees, and more.
When the Sun begins to rise, depending on the subject you choose to focus on, you may have side or backlighting".
And if the morning is misty, we’ll take advantage of it too!
Blue hour begins at 7:00 am, golden hour begins at 7:11 am, Sunrise is at 7:29 am and golden hour ends at 8:07 am.
9:00 am
We return to our villa, its stone walls and verdant gardens a quiet testament to Tuscan architecture and flora. A hearty breakfast spread awaits us.
10:00 am
Down time!
12:30 pm
Lunch calls!
3:00 pm
Montalcino here we go!
A short drive leads us to this historical town, where cobbled streets and mediaeval structures offer a journey back in time. As we stroll and explore, the town unveils its tales and treasures.
4:15 pm
Leaving Montalcino behind, we drive towards a very nice place... towards our first Moon alignment.
On the way, we’ll stop to photograph 2 trees that are strategically placed. And a grove of Cypress trees with a cross in the middle, a renowned spot near San Quirico.
Note that we'll shoot from the gravel road as trespassing onto the field is prohibited.
5:30 pm
And we get to our Moonrise shooting spot.
From this vantage point, we'll enjoy views of the hills and capture the fading light as it traverses the landscape.
While the views are stunning, the main focus of this session is to capture the rising almost full Moon (99%) behind the Bell Tower of Pienza Cathedral.
Very cool!
The shot occurs when the elevation of the Sun is 3º. It’s golden hour, but the Sun will be still above the horizon.
The apparent size of the Moon will be 47m (155 ft), pretty big considering that the Bell Tower has a height of 35 m (114 ft).
Shooting distance is 4.8 km (3 mi).
Golden hour begins at 5:50 pm, Moonrise is at 5:56 pm, Sunset is at 6:28 pm, golden hour ends at 6:46 pm and blue hour ends at 6:57 pm.
7:30 pm
The day culminates with a succulent Italian dinner.
9:30 pm
Bed time! Tomorrow is the Secret day (and a very cool shot awaits).
Photographic pills:
- Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour with Tuscany’s rolling hills.
- Afternoon streets and architecture shots in Montalcino.
- Late afternoon shots at a really beautiful place.
- Sunset, golden hour and blue hour near Pienza.
- Moon aligned with the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Pienza.
Day 5. Thursday, October 17th - The Secret
I’ve been giving you lots of details of this amazing expedition to Tuscany.
Maybe far too many...
But on October 17th we’ll do something very special...
Including a super cool photo of the Supermoon we’ve specially planned for you.
What will that be?
Well, you'll have to be there, with us, to figure it out :P
Day 6. Friday, October 18th - Mist of Gold
6:45 am
In the heart of Tuscany lies a landscape replete with artistry. Every hill, every tree, every villa whispers tales of timeless beauty.
On our sixth day, our expedition delves deeper into these narratives, aiming to capture not just sights, but the soul of the region.
Podere Belvedere is revered for its rustic charm, this spot is nestled amidst rolling fields, offering a splendid view of traditional Tuscan villas framed by the meandering patterns of early morning fog...
The golden mist!
As we station ourselves, the grandeur of the location unfolds. The blue hour casts a mystical sheen over the villas, their windows shimmering with the remnants of night.
The approach of golden hour, however, promises clarity — revealing intricate details of the landscape, from the textured terracotta rooftops to the emerald quilt of fields below.
Aside from Podere Belvedere, using your telephoto lens will unveil hidden gems such as solitary farmhouses, lone trees, and castles.
Blue hour begins at 7:02 am, golden hour begins at 7:13 am, Sunrise is at 7:31 am and golden hour ends at 8:09 am.
9:00 am
Breakfast is served at the villa.
12:30 pm
Lunch at the villa.
2:00 pm
Siesta time (nap time)!
3:30 pm
In the afternoon, we'll make multiple stops to photograph unique views east of Siena.
This includes capturing beautiful rolling hills, villas, layers of cypress trees with Siena in the background, as well as various vistas over the countryside and solitary cypresses.
3:45 pm
Our next destination promises a different kind of visual treat. As we hike to our planned spot, the landscape unfolds, the undulating hills, and the prominent villa poised perfectly for a wide or mid-range shot.
The fading light casts a golden sheen on the hills, a moment we aim to immortalise.
The textured hills and side light will emphasise the abandoned house, making it stand out in the landscape.
4:20 pm
A brief drive later, we find ourselves amidst an enchanting landscape – layered cypress trees with the silhouette of Siena in the distance. We catch the land bathed in the glow of the setting sun.
The topography demands longer focal lengths, and our tripods stand tall, ensuring we capture the full breadth of the scene beneath.
Golden hour begins at 5:46 pm, Sunset is at 6:25 pm, golden hour ends at 6:42 pm and blue hour ends at 6:54 pm.
7:45 pm
As we arrive at our villa, aromas of a delectable dinner waft through the air, drawing us in.
10:00 pm
Bed time! Tomorrow we will wake up again to photograph our last Sunrise in Tuscany :)
Photographic pills:
- Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Podere Belvedere.
- Afternoon shots at Podere Staffolino and Mucigliani.
- Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with a secret villa.
Day 7. Saturday, October 19h - The Farewell
7:00 am
Before the world awakes, in the tranquillity of the Tuscan predawn, we’ll get ready to take our last shot of this adventure.
As the Sun rises in the east, the beautiful landscape in front of us is filled with golden light.
A nostalgic feeling invades us.
If only we could stop time.
Do you hear that?
Click, click...
The cameras are singing one last time.
Blue hour begins at 7:03 am, golden hour begins at 7:14 am, Sunrise is at 7:33 am and golden hour ends at 8:11 am.
8:40 am
At the villa, breakfast awaits.
Amidst the aroma of fresh brews and baked goods, there's a touch of nostalgia. The final Tuscan morning is filled with the sounds of laughter, reminiscing, and the clinking of glasses.
9:45 am
A drive to Florence marks the final journey of our expedition.
As the landscapes roll by, it feels like a moving gallery of all the places we've visited, the moments we've captured, and the memories we've created.
11:35 am
As we reach Florence airport, it's time for goodbyes. The drop-off isn't just about ending the trip; it's about sending off new friends with hearts full of gratitude and memories.
Throughout these seven days, we've not only explored the heart of Tuscany but also discovered the artistry in each one of us. From blue hours to golden hours, from hilltops to cypress-lined pathways, each frame we captured is a testament to the beauty of this land and the camaraderie we shared.
As we part ways, remember that while the expedition concludes, the journey of exploration and creativity never ends. Here's to the horizons we've witnessed, the moments we've frozen in time, and to the many more horizons awaiting our lenses.
Until our paths cross again, arrivederci and safe travels.
Book now and save €500 (only 3 spots left)
To book your spot to join the expedition to Tuscany at a reduced price of €6,500 (the official price is €7,000), a €2,000 deposit is required by Sunday, May 26th.
Payment in full is required by June 2nd, 2024.
Please, finalize your booking as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.
What’s included in the price
- PhotoPills Welcome Pack.
- A 7-day expedition photographing Tuscany along with the Autumn colors, the golden light, the Sun and the Supermoon (including a few cool Sun and Moon alignments).
- 7 days of learning, fun and adventure with Neil Tapman, Ramiro Torrents (PhotoPills Masters) and the funniest geek community – the PhotoPillers.
- Full immersion in the PhotoPills method (Imagine.Plan.Shoot!).
- 6 nights of lodging, sharing a double room with another PhotoPiller (Optional 1,000€ Single Room supplement - only 2 single rooms available).
- Breakfasts, lunch and dinner at the villa.
- Private chef.
- All activities on the Secret Day.
- 1 Cooking show with Italian chef.
- Private transportation.
What’s not included
- Flights.
- Medical and travel insurance coverage (recommended).
- Visa.
- Snacks, alcohol and beverages.
- Anything not mentioned in the “included” list.
Do you want an example of how huge this will be?
This is a glimpse of what happened in the PhotoPills Expedition to Iceland... But we had so many adventures and it was so much fun... We can’t wait for Tuscany!
But you don’t have to take our word for granted. Here’s what some PhotoPillers say about the PhotoPills adventures:
“I went to Iceland expecting to have the opportunity to photograph the marvelous landscape and master nightscapes. What I encountered was so much more – 14 kindred souls from across the globe who share a passion for photography. Together we expanded our creative boundaries, learned from one another and had an insane amount of fun in the process. I am confident that everyone came away from the experience a better photographer.”
“From the very moment the guys from PhotoPills announced the expedition to Iceland... I didn’t think it twice! I was using PhotoPills but not at its full capacity, so I had no better chance to learn from the creators of this amazing app. The experience was even more amazing than anything I could have imagined. In Iceland, I discovered a bunch of folks as crazy about photography as I am. I had a blast!
Photography is a continuous learning process, you always find something new that motivates you to improve. And this adventure made me improve more than I could imagine.”
"The PhotoPills guys know how to create a fantastic experience. They bring an infectiously fun energy and are always willing to drop some handy photography knowledge on you that you will take with you. You take their trip and you'll for sure have a good time, get some amazing pics and leave a better photographer."
“During my experience in Iceland I lived wonderful moments and had surprises that were beyond the expected. It completely exceeded my initial expectations! Sharing knowledge, experiences and ways of working and living photography with such a great group has been one of the most enriching life experiences I have ever had.
Who he said that learning and knowledge sharing can not be wonderfully fun?”
“I can't say enough about what a fantastic time I had during the PhotoPills Iceland photo tour! The guys from PhotoPills and Donal Boyd were so knowledgeable, accommodating, and especially lots of fun. Never a dull moment – nonstop action and shooting of amazing landscapes for 10 days. I came away with enough images and memories to last a lifetime!”
FAQs
What’s the temperature in Tuscany in October?
In October, Tuscany experiences the beautiful transition from warm to cooler autumn weather. The temperatures start to drop, but it's still pleasantly mild, making it a great time to explore the region without the intense heat of summer.
- Temperature Range: You can expect daytime temperatures to range from 6°C to 22°C (about 42°F to 72°F). Early October often sees warmer days, with temperatures gradually cooling as the month progresses.
- Rainfall: October is when the rainy season starts to pick in Tuscany, with an increase in rainfall compared to the dryer summer months. It's wise to prepare for rain with appropriate clothing and an umbrella.
Given the mix of mild temperatures and potential for rain, it's advisable to pack layers, including some warmer options for the evenings and rainproof gear for the wetter days. This weather is ideal for enjoying the harvest season's offerings, like truffles and new olive oil, and exploring Tuscany's towns and countryside without the crowds of summer.
What do you recommend I bring along for the expedition?
Your sense of adventure and fun, your camera and your sense of humor, of course.
Besides that? When you book your seat, we’ll send you an Information Package that will give you further details and suggestions about what to bring (gear, clothing, etc.).
Is travel insurance included in the price of the expedition?
No. Participants are recommended to purchase national or international medical and travel insurance coverage.
Also, we recommend you to choose a travel insurance that:
- Covers trip cancellation costs.
- Covers Covid-19 health, travel and cancellation costs.
What is the cancellation policy?
We hope you don’t need to cancel your spot, but if a situation arises where you don’t have a choice, our cancellation policy is the following.
If you cancel and the expedition is otherwise filled, we'll refund you the full booking fee you have paid, minus a €300 administrative fee.
If you cancel and the expedition doesn’t fill, then you’ll be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the expedition:
- 91 days or more before the expedition: 100% refund, minus the deposit payment and the non-refundable costs that are withheld by our travel partners.
- 90 days or less before the expedition: No refunds will be given.
Refunds will be paid using the same original method of payment.
Credits: All images by Marco Grassi and Neil Tapman.
