PHOTO TOUR SUMMER IN STELVIO NATIONAL PARK 14-18 JULY 2025

14-18 July 2025

A five-day workshop from July 14 to 18 2025, in the heart of the Stelvio National Park, dedicated to finding the main animals that inhabit these magnificent mountains. We will focus our outings on searching for the ibex, bearded vulture, marmot, and with a bit of luck, we might also encounter the ptarmigan and stoat. Guided and instructed by professional photographer Jonathan Giovannini.

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.

COST: €1499

DESTINATION:

The Stelvio National Park, established in 1935, is one of the oldest national parks in Europe, created to protect and preserve the extraordinary biodiversity of the central Alps. Its founding attests to the commitment to nature conservation and the safeguarding of alpine habitats.

The animal population in the park is diverse and numerous: it is estimated that there are over 40 species of mammals, including about 2,000 ibex, and many birds of prey, with 26 pairs of golden eagles, the undisputed symbol of the Park, and 15 pairs of bearded vultures. Marmots, with a population of several thousand individuals, are commonly encountered along hiking trails, while the bearded vulture, after being successfully reintroduced, has found one of its main habitats in the Park.

Ptarmigans, inhabitants of alpine meadows, are also well represented, while the stoat, despite its elusive nature, is widely present in the rocky areas and forests of the Park. This rich variety makes Stelvio a unique place, where wildlife is the protagonist of a precious ecosystem to be preserved for future generations.

ABOUT THE TOUR:

Five days immersed in the high mountain environment of the Stelvio National Park during the cool summer days. We will spend 5 intense days searching for the numerous animals that inhabit the park, walking along easy high mountain trails, often at altitudes between 2500 and 2900 meters. We will take advantage of the altitude to try to capture stunning images of the bearded vulture, which in these areas often uses thermal updrafts to glide for many kilometers, thus surveying large areas.

At high altitudes, but in easily accessible areas, there are several spots that may offer unique opportunities to photograph one of the iconic animals of this park: the ibex. With a bit of luck, it will also be possible to observe the ptarmigan, which during the summer exhibits its distinctive and highly camouflaged plumage! While moving through the meadows, we will have the chance to encounter both the marmot and, with much luck, the stoat.

It will be five unforgettable days spent with professional photographer Jonathan Giovannini and a fantastic group of people passionate about photography and nature. The instructor will guide you step by step throughout the entire workshop. The group will have limited registration. Jonathan will share his wealth of experience to reveal the best secrets of photography from both technical and practical perspectives! They will strive to make this event the best you have ever attended!

It will be an intense and engaging experience that will offer you a completely new perspective on nature photography. 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 typical food and often spot animals just a few meters from the hotel. We will be staying in a hotel located at an altitude of about 2700 meters, easily accessible by transportation and equipped with all amenities. This location will allow us to fully immerse ourselves in the high mountain environment and offer the opportunity to photograph all the park’s animals. It will be a perfect logistical base, at the foot of the mountains, to live an authentically Stelvio experience, with local food, a splendid view of the greenery, and the sight of high mountains visible just by opening the windows.

You will reach the hotel with our direct transfer from Milano Malpensa (MXP) airport. It will be the best chance for you to get to know this area considered the wildest in Italy.

RECOMMENDED PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT:

For this event we recommend a reflex, mirrorless or bridge camera with a lens that reaches at least 400 mm. If necessary, you can also rent Canon, Nikon or Sony equipment directly from the organization.

Photographic equipment for hire is available, contact the organizers for any requests.

More detailed information will be provided at the time of registration.

DAY BY DAY PROGRAM:

The program may be subject to changes agreed with the group. Each variation will be decided according to the weather and the activity of the animals in order to improve the experience.

Day 1

Arrival at the Milano Malpensa (MXP) airport of Milan.
3:00 pm meeting at terminal 3 with the transfer that will take you to the Stelvio National Park
7:00 pm hotel accommodation and presentation of the workshop with the professional photographers.
8:00 pm Dinner with the group and overnight stay.

Day 2

Wake-up at dawn and preparation for the photography outing dedicated to the ptarmigan. Depending on the location of the animals, a short walk may be necessary, or a 3 km hike with a 200-meter elevation gain
Return in the morning with breakfast and a few hours of relaxation.
Starting from 11 a.m., we will return to the field for a hide dedicated to the bearded vulture. Camouflage gear will not be necessary; we will simply need to wait patiently for a few hours at the best location. A packed lunch can be consumed. The outing will last until mid-afternoon.
Sunset near the hotel and dinner together

Day 3

Wake-up at dawn and preparation for the photography outing dedicated to the ptarmigan. Depending on the location of the animals, a short walk may be necessary, or a 3 km hike with a 200-meter elevation gain
Return in the morning with breakfast and a few hours of relaxation
Starting from 11 a.m., we will return to the field for a hide dedicated to the bearded vulture. Camouflage gear will not be necessary; we will simply need to wait patiently for a few hours at the best location. A packed lunch can be consumed. The outing will last until early-afternoon.
Hike in search of the ibex. The walk involves an elevation gain of about 200 meters over a total distance of 4 km
Back to the hotel.
Dinner with the group and overnight stay.

Day 4

Early wake-up in the morning
Breakfast
Preparation for the post-production lesson
Free lunch
In the afternoon, we will drive to another high mountain area in search of marmots and ibex
Dinner with the group on the way back
Back to the hotel

Day 5

Wake-up at dawn and preparation for the last photography outing dedicated to the ptarmigan.
Breakfast
9:30 am Greetings with the group and transfer to the Milano Malpensa (MXP) airport of Milan with expected arrival by 2:30 pm.

Which flights to buy?

Our transfer from Milano Malpensa (MXP) airport 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 5:00 pm, as arrival at the airport is estimated at around 2:30 pm. 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.

INCLUDED

6 photo sessions
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
All transfers in the Park

Breakfast and dinners
Transfers to and from Milano Malpensa (MXP) 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

NOT INCLUDED