Spend a week immersed in the Val d'Orcia, an enchanted landscape of medieval hilltop towns, deep green cypress trees and early morning mists that clear to reveal a patchwork of vineyards and olive groves. Verdant rolling hills embrace dusty white paths that meander towards terracotta farmhouses. This is the heart of classic Tuscany - a feast for the eyes and the camera. You'll want to bring plenty of film or memory cards.

This trip is also suitable for non-photographers. We visit a wonderful variety of locations and there is plenty to do apart from take photos - it really would be a great trip even if it wasn't a photography holiday! Non-photographer partners are particularly welcome.

Our location in the Val d'Orcia is chosen to provide a range of opportunites, including stunning landscapes, candid people shots, flowers and macro work, small scale studies.

The holiday will be led by Paul Sansome, internationally known photographer. Paul has a genuine love of teaching photography, a delightful sense of humor, and experience as an instructor across a wide range of experience and abilities. No matter what your level, he will introduce you to his own methods as well as others, offering new approaches and techniques that will inspire and enhance your own work. Here's a peek at some of Paul's photography

Our hotel is just outside the medievel town walls of San Quirico d'Orcia and is an ideal base from which to explore. From the swimming pool, you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. With simple, elegant wooden furniture, terracotta floors and curtains and rugs, it evokes the traditional warmth of Tuscan houses. The beautiful dining room serves traditional Tuscan dishes that reflect the season. Information about our hotel.

How the holiday works: The holiday is tailored to allow time for soaking up the sights and sounds of our unique location. Each day we have morning and evening outings and, while each day is structured, we will adapt the days to make the most of local events and light conditions. Paul will advise you on what to expect in each location and also use slide shows to demonstrate both his own work and his approach to photography.

The relaxed itinerary blends large landscapes with intimate detail, and there are indoor facilities for reviewing your digital photos. There will be time set aside for group tutorials and also for one-to-one advisory sessions with Paul. We use locations as close to our hotel as possible, though to maximise the potential of the region, airconditioned transport is available for locations further afield.

What you need to bring: You'll need a camera that gives control over shutter speed and aperture and, ideally, a tripod. A digital SLR is not necessary although, if you do have one, you will learn techniques to maximize its potential. It's recommended that you don't come weighed down with equipment - keep it simple. You will receive a suggested equipment list three months prior to the holiday.

The cost for this holiday is $2450, which includes 7 nights B&B, 6 dinners, wine with evening meals, 5 days of photography instruction, personal tutorials, scheduled transportation from Rome Fiumicino Airport to San Quirico and return, and visits to Siena, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Abbazia di Sant'Antimo and the garden at La Foce. Does not include airfare, incidentals, insurance and personal expenses.

A limited number of single rooms are available. The supplemental cost for single occupancy is $250.

The holiday is limited to 14. No sessions are compulsory - our hotel is a wonderful place to relax and is an easy walk from lovely small San Quirico d'Orcia. Non-photographer partners or travel companions welcome.

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