🇮🇹 ICONS OF ITALY 🇮🇹
-The Italian Riviera-
Cliff side Villages, Coastal Light & Mediterranean Charm
Cinque Terre Photography Workshop
September 5-11, 2027
💵 View package pricing & options by clicking
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Easy Pay Monthly Plan Available
Choose double or single occupancy, bring a guest, or book as a couple!
Traveling with someone? Bring them along. The ICON TagAlong Experience is our first-of-its-kind guest package — designed for those who support the dream, so they’re part of it too.
A New Iconic Journey Awaits
This stunning cliff-side resort will be our base-camp for the adventure—luxury comforts, views for days, and unforgettable food await. It's the perfect place to unwind between shoots, and yes, add-on guests are welcome to soak it all in too!
From pastel-hued cliffside towns to golden hour reflections dancing on the sea, the Italian Riviera is a feast for the eyes and soul. This 7-day photo workshop is a luxurious yet approachable adventure that takes you deep into the magic of the Cinque Terre and beyond.
Walk the cobbled alleys of Manarola. Photograph the boats bobbing in Riomaggiore's harbor at dawn. Capture the dramatic coastlines of Vernazza and explore the colorful charm of Camogli, Portofino, and San Fruttuoso from a private boat.
It's Italy like youve always imagined it. And now you can photograph it, with expert guidance, in the best light possible.
“ICONS gave the BEST photo experience I’ve ever had.” – ICONS Guest
“So many return attendees — that says it all.”
– Returning ICONS Guest
🆕 What’s New ?!
We’ve leveled up our experiences in big ways — adding new perks, deeper adventures, and thoughtful touches to make this workshop even more seamless, scenic, and special.
New additions include:
✅ NEW! - Guest Add-On Package
- Bringing a spouse or friend? We’ve created a new guest experience filled with curated activities, thoughtful gifts, and shared moments.
✅ Scenic Private Charter & Boat Excursions
- A beautiful day long journey to Portofino + San Fruttuoso + Camogli
✅ Welcome Meal on Night 1
- A chance to connect with the group, enjoy dinner at the lodge, and kick off the week with intention and community.
💵 View package pricing & options by clicking “Book Now”
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Choose single occupancy, bring a guest, or book as a couple.
“This was more than a workshop — it was a true adventure.”
– ICONS Attendee, 2025
What's Included
- 7 Days / 6 Nights in Cinque Terre
- Upscale cliffside hotel with Mediterranean views
- Daily Breakfast Included
- Welcome Aperitivo Hour for All Guests
- Private Boat Charter / Excursions:
- Portofino + San Fruttuoso + Camogli
- Portovenere Adventure
- Roundtrip Group Airport Transfers ( Pisa )
- Unlimited Cinque Terre Train Card for regional access
- All Photography Instruction + Guiding (2 pros)
- Optional curated activities for non-photographer companions
🆕 Bringing a Guest? We’ve Got You Covered!
The ICON TagAlong™ Experience is our first-of-its-kind guest package — designed for those who support the dream, so they’re part of it too.
Traveling with a spouse, partner, or close friend who isn’t a photographer or doesn't wish to be a part of the photography portion? Our Guest Add-On Package lets them soak up the Italian Riviera in style — complete with daily breakfast, all transfers, train passes, a scenic Private Boat Charter, and special group moments like the welcome aperitivo. The perfect blend of leisure, culture, and coastal adventure.
Your TagAlong guest will enjoy:
🍷 A Welcome Dinner in a stunning cliffside village
🎁 A curated Italian-inspired welcome gift box
🚤 A full-day private boat charter to Portofino and scenic cruise along the Cinque Terre coastline
🏖️ Free time to explore charming villages, local shops, and seaside cafés
🪑 Invitations to select group moments in unforgettable locations
Let them experience the magic of Cinque Terre with you — without needing to participate in the full photography schedule.
Unforgettable moments with your guest — from golden-hour dinners to breezy coastal adventures — await.
Please note:
The core photography outings with instruction, including sunrise and sunset sessions, are reserved for registered photographer workshop participants. Ad On Guests in the Couples Package will have free time during those windows and are welcome to enjoy the local area at their own pace. We’re happy to help coordinate ideas or options for your guest if desired.
Unwind together with poolside relaxation, al fresco lunches with ocean views, and leisurely strolls through the colorful shops and streets of Cinque Terre.
“Staying right in the action made the whole trip unforgettable.” - ICON GUEST
Upscale Lodging with Coastal Charm
-Stay Cliffside in Cinque Terre-
Our home base is a luxurious cliffside hotel perched above the Mediterranean in Cinque Terre — offering sweeping sea views, a stunning infinity pool, and direct access to the region’s iconic coastal trails.
Tucked just above one of the area's most vibrant villages, this carefully chosen retreat blends Italian elegance with seaside serenity. It’s the perfect setting to relax, recharge, and create — all just a short walk from charming cafés, colorful shops, and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Lodging Highlights:
🌊 Cliffside location with panoramic Mediterranean views
🏊♀️ Infinity pool overlooking the Ligurian Sea
🏖️ Private beach access + direct connection to the famous trail system
🍷 On-site terrace dining with locally inspired cuisine and wine
🛏️ Upscale rooms with balconies and sea views
🚶♀️ Walkable to everything — yet peacefully tucked away
No tourist traps. No guesswork. Just a curated stay designed to elevate your Cinque Terre adventure from the very first moment.
🌊 Room Perks
All rooms on this adventure include a guaranteed ocean view — because the scenery is the experience.
✨ Want an upgrade?
Additional room upgrades may be available. More details will be shared with confirmed guests.
What You'll Experience
- Sunrise & Sunset Photo Shoots in iconic villages like Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza
- Private Chartered Boat Experience -Photography of the Ligurian coastline
- Golden Hour Walks through colorful alleyways & scenic overlooks
- Optional Midday Excursions to nearby towns like Sestri Levante or Santa Margherita
- Free Time to enjoy espresso, gelato, or just soak in the magic
We aim to arrive 45 minutes before sunrise and linger well past sunset to chase the glow through blue hour. Expect midday downtime to rest, explore, enjoy the resort review photos, or roam at your own pace.
🚤 Private Charter Daytip to Portofino and more!
Portofino, San Fruttuoso, San Rocco & Camogli
Photographers + TagAlong Add On Guests Welcome
Step aboard a luxury private boat and cruise the Ligurian coastline. We'll photograph the harbor elegance of Portofino, the hidden abbey of San Fruttuoso, and wrap with sunset in Camogli—one of the region’s most underrated gems. Expect reflections, rich coastal textures, and dreamy golden-hour scenes.
- Photograph the harbor elegance of Portofino
- Explore the hidden cove and abbey at San Fruttuoso
- Sunset shoot in the colorful seaside village of Camogli
- Expect dreamy reflections, rich coastal textures, and golden hour glow
Private Boat Excursion to Portovenere !
Photographers Only
Photograph the dramatic cliffs, pastel waterfront, and medieval castle of Portovenere from the sea. Arriving by boat gives us exclusive perspectives you just can’t capture from land. This lesser-known gem is a photographer’s paradise and offers a quieter, more immersive shooting experience.
Photograph the dramatic cliffs, pastel waterfront, and medieval castle of Portovenere from the sea.
- Arrive by boat for exclusive perspectives you can’t capture from land
- Capture pastel facades and cliffside architecture
- Enjoy a quieter, immersive shooting experience perfect for slow, intentional photography
Who This Is For
Whether you’ve traveled with us before or you’re new to ICON Workshops, this trip is designed for:
- Landscape photographers craving rich, cinematic light
- Creatives who love colorful architecture + dramatic coastlines
- Travelers who want a luxury-meets-local experience
- Couples seeking a shared escape with space for both adventure and ease
What Past ICONS Guests Are Saying
💬 Real Words from Past ICONS Guests
🏔️ Unforgettable Experiences
“100% satisfied — best photo experience I’ve ever had.”
“Every detail was dialed in. Already planning my next one!”
– Returning ICONS Guest
📍 Incredible Locations & Lodging
“Waking up surrounded by beauty set the tone for magic every day.”
– ICONS Guest
👥 World-Class Guidance
“Ryan and his guides make a killer team — supportive, fun, and always willing to help.”
– ICONS Attendee
🎯 Learning That Lasts
“Every question was answered with care and clarity.”
– First-Time ICONS Guest
🌎 Incredible Community
“Everyone was friendly and fun — it felt like a group of old friends.”
– Returning ICONS Guest
More Than a Workshop – A Fully Supported Journey
Transportation and Airport Transfers Included!
We will pick up everyone from Pisa and begin our scenic journey to our accommodations in Monterosso al Mare, the heart of the Cinque Terre. From there, we’ll take trains or boats daily to our photographic destinations.
In-Field Photography Instruction
You'll receive hands-on instruction throughout the week, covering:
- Camera settings for dynamic light, water, and architecture
- Compositional techniques for compelling visual stories
- Sunrise/sunset strategies for maximizing glow and depth
- Bracketing, panoramic stitching, and long exposure techniques
- Working with polarizers, and mastering manual mode
- Guidance tailored to your skill level and creative goals
While we won’t host structured editing sessions on this trip, we’re happy to offer tips and quick critiques between shoots.
🆕 A Game-Changer: The ICONS Field Guide App
📱 Your Pocket-Sized Photo + Travel Companion — Only from ICONS
Designed exclusively for ICONS travelers, our Field Guide App is your personal portal to the best of your Italian Riviera / Cinque Terre Adventure— with photo tips, curated options and your full itinerary, all in one place.
Even better? It works offline — so you're never without guidance, even in the winding seaside streets or on a boat along the coast.
This isn’t just an itinerary. It’s your smoothest path to soaking up more scenery, more flavor, and more iconic moments.
✅ Daily Workshop Schedule
✅ Photo Tips for Each Location
✅ Maps, Directions & Train Info
✅ Dining Recommendations + Links
✅ Gear Reminders
✅ Offline Access
✅ Add on Excursions
Included with ICON Workshops
Only from ICONS — and only for those ready to explore Cinque Terre at its most unforgettable.
💵 View package pricing & options by clicking “Book Now”
🔥
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Choose single occupancy, bring a guest, or book as a couple.
Traveling with someone? Bring them along. The ICON TagAlong™ Experience is our first-of-its-kind guest package — designed for those who support the dream, so they’re part of it too.
Reserve Your Spot
We're keeping this workshop intentionally small with only 10 photographer slots. Guest add-ons will be accepted until we reach our room block limit.
Join the waitlist now to get first access when registration opens.
It’s going to be iconic.
🚁 Drone Policy
While drones can capture stunning views, the Cinque Terre region—and much of the Italian Riviera—has strict regulations and limited legal flying zones. For this reasonif you're experienced and choose to bring one, it's entirely at your own risk and responsibility.
It is solely the participant’s responsibility to understand and comply with all local drone regulations, including any required permits or certifications. We do not provide guidance, time, or instruction for drone usage during the workshop.
✨ Extend the Magic with ICON Journeys
Extend your Cinque Terre photography workshop into more European experiences!
Another ICON First in the World of Photography Workshops!
We’re now offering optional pre- and post-workshop extensions called "ICON Journeys" through our ICON Travel concierge —a first in the world of photography travel . Whether you're dreaming of Florence, Pisa, Rome, or Venice, we’ll help craft a custom itinerary just for you.
This is curated, worry-free travel that bridges the gaps between your photo adventures—adding richness, culture, and ease to your trip.
📌 Want to extend your journey? Just say the word—we’ll take care of the logistics.
- DSLR or mirrorless camera (full-frame preferred)
- Lenses: wide-angle (16–35mm), mid-range (24–105mm), telephoto (100–400mm)
- Sturdy tripod & ballhead
- Circular polarizer + ND filters
- Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning cloths
- Laptop with Lightroom or Photoshop (optional)
- Camera backpack + rain protection
Recommended Gear
We suggest bringing:
MEET YOUR TEAM!
“Ryan and his team weren’t just guides — they were part of the experience.” - ICON ATTENDEE
Ryan Smith
Ryan Smith developed a love and passion for the outdoors early on in life, which fueled an obsession for landscape photography. Growing up in the beautifully diverse state of Utah, Ryan has consistently traveled through the west and beyond capturing iconic views which spark emotion and tell a story. Ryan's artistic style is unique and unmistakable which has led to prestigious awards and work featured within publications. His work is also found within various high end galleries throughout the west including Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Park City, Utah; Telluride, Colorado; Aspen, Colorado & Sedona, Arizona.
Combining his professional experience as a corporate trainer with his passion for photography, Ryan has a knack for sharing the technical aspects of photography in an easy to understand way through various workshops, tours, and events through the west and the Hawaiian Islands. He enjoys adapting to the various needs of his attendees whether it's in the field learning the technical side and composition techniques, or if its in the classroom focusing on perfecting post editing techniques and helping achieve a print ready images.
Tom Jackson
Tom Jackson
Tom Jackson is a landscape and travel photographer who grew up exploring the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. What began as a hobby soon became a lifelong passion for capturing natural beauty and sharing it with others.
Over the past 15 years, Tom has returned again and again to Italy, captivated by its rich culture, timeless villages, and luminous landscapes. From Tuscany to Cinque Terre and the Dolomites, Italy has become a cornerstone of his photography—and one of his favorite places to share with others. He loves helping people experience its magic firsthand through guided workshops and personal connections.
Tom has photographed nearly 40 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Polynesia. His award-winning images reflect a deep appreciation for the harmony between people and nature, and his work is featured in homes, galleries, and public spaces around the world.
Whether leading a workshop or creating fine art, Tom’s goal is simple: to inspire others to slow down, explore more, and fall in love with the world around them.