Venice Carnival.

Experience the Magic of Venice Carnival 2026

Step into a world of elegance, mystery, and celebration at the Venice Carnival. This historic festival reaches its spectacular peak on Martedì Grasso, Fat Tuesday.

This is your chance to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most famous and breathtaking festivals. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of Venice’s most enchanting tradition.

Step into a world of enchantment and intrigue as you embark on an exclusive behind-the-scenes exploration of the legendary Venice Carnival.

Immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of one of the world’s most renowned events, where every corner holds a story waiting to be captured by your lens. Venice Carnival is a dazzling spectacle of color, creativity, and culture, providing high-end photographers with an abundance of opportunities to capture unique travel and portrait shots of the charismatic locals adorned in their carnival attire.

From the intricately crafted masks to the vibrant costumes, from the lively parades to the timeless landmarks, Venice Carnival offers a visual feast for photographers seeking to capture the essence of this extraordinary celebration. Experience the rich history and timeless charm of Venice Carnival, a centuries-old tradition dating back to the Renaissance era. Originating in the 11th century, Venice Carnival was a lavish celebration where masked revelers roamed the streets, indulging in music, dance, and festivities.

    Highlights

    • Explore The Martedì Grasso – the Highlight of the Carnival.
    • The Grand Finale – This is the most extravagant and unforgettable night of the entire festival.
    • Breathtaking Masquerade Balls – Dance the night away in opulent Venetian palaces and experience the ultimate in luxury and tradition.
    • Dazzling Parades and Fireworks – Witness stunning costumes, live performances, and a magical display of fireworks lighting up the Venetian sky.
    • Piazza San Marco – The Heart of the Celebration – The city’s most iconic square transforms into a stage of art, music, and enchantment.
    • Capture the essence of this vibrant celebration as you delve into the heart of the festivities, seizing behind-the-scenes moments alongside award-winning locals.
    • The Venice lagoon with its fishermen who still fish using ancient methods. The construction of gondolas by the only remaining craftsman in Venice who still builds gondolas as in ancient times.
    • The glassmakers of Murano with the oldest existing business in the world dating back to the 8th century.
    • The Jewish Ghetto of Venice, the oldest ghetto in the world and one of the few neighborhoods in the city where Venetians still live.
    • The abandoned islands of the Venetian lagoon. Once psychiatric hospitals, they were closed and abandoned overnight after the Basaglia Law in 1979. Thus, they remain intact with tables still set and the beds still made.
    • The lace and textile manufacturing industry of Burano.
    • Participate in dynamic morning and evening workshops with Marco Di Lauro, and receive personalized portfolio reviews aimed at enhancing your photography prowess.
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Expert MARCO DI LAURO

Better Moments Expert Marco di Lauro

More about Marco Di Lauro

Marco Di Lauro is a World Press Photo Award-winner working for, among others, Newsweek, Time Magazine, New York Times Magazine and Der Spiegel. He has worked under an exclusive contract for Getty Images Reportage since 2002, covering the Middle Eastern conflict in the Gaza Strip, and spent almost all of 2003 and 2004 in Iraq, documenting the American invasion and the plight of the Iraqi people.
Along with his wartime coverage, Di Lauro also covers events such as the Palio of Siena Horse Race and the Battle of the Oranges that breaks out every year in the city of Ivrea in Italy, Easter processions in Sicily, the Easter procession in Seville, and the religious life in Italy and the Vatican City.
In his stories, whether large or small, in Italy or abroad, he always attempts to capture the sacred side of life and its deeper meaning.

WEBINAR: HOW TO DO REPORTAGE PHOTOGRAPHY & OUR SIENA WORKSHOP

In his webinar, World Press Photo Award winner Marco Di Lauro talks about his life dedicated to reportage photography and explains more about Il Palio Di Siena and our 2022 workshop.

EXPAND WITH PASSION

On Location

  • Immerse Yourself in the World of Travel Photography and learn to conquer the unique challenges that arise in every corner of the globe.
  • Capture the essence of candid moments, dynamic energy, and human interaction with finesse and flair.
  • Experience the thrill of mastering the art of composition, perspective, and focal points to create captivating and dramatic photographs that tell stories beyond words.
  • Dive deep into the intricacies of exposure times and aperture settings, mastering the play of light and shadow in various environments.
  • Discover the art of approaching subjects for street photography with ease and grace, uncovering the hidden gems of each location.
  • Unveil the secrets behind successful documentary and reportage photography, using your camera as a powerful tool for storytelling.

In the Classroom

  • Elevate your skills through daily reviews of your captured images, receiving constructive criticism to refine your craft and elevate your artistry.
  • Engage in in-depth on-location and theory workshops led by the seasoned expertise of Marco Di Lauro.
  • Dive into the digital realm as you delve into the nuances of Photoshop and/or Lightroom, refining your post-processing techniques to breathe life into your photographs.
  • Unlock the potential of your portfolio through private 1-on-1 portfolio reviews, receiving personalized guidance and insights to propel your photography to new heights.

ITINERARY

Day 0: Prepare for Your Adventure

To ensure you make the most of your journey, we recommend arriving one or two days earlier to acclimate to the local climate and shake off any jet lag. This extra day not only allows you to adjust but also provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Venice.

Should you desire assistance with accommodations or local excursions, Better Moments is here to help.

DAY 1: Kickstart with passion

Upon your arrival at our hotel in Venice, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner. This gathering serves as an introduction to our Venice Carnival workshop—an adventure filled with photography and exploration.

Led by Marco Di Lauro, the evening will include a presentation and lecture, offering valuable insights into the workshop’s itinerary and the equipment best suited for our photographic endeavors.

Day 2: Shoot with the flow

We will navigate through the narrow streets and along the canals to reach St. Mark’s Square. Along the way, we will photograph the many sights we encounter. St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is home to several landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), and the Campanile (bell tower). At St. Mark’s Square, we will find the best backgrounds for our portrait photography, including the legendary Gondolas lined up along the famous Venice lagoon.

After lunch, which we enjoy at a local restaurant, we once again glide into the vibrant carnival atmosphere. Quite literally, we go with the flow, seeking out the best locations and opportunities for unique travel photography.

After dinner, Marco will present his most important reportage images, which are the cornerstone of his long career as a reportage photographer for Getty Images. Following the presentation, we’ll discuss the day’s photos taken in the vibrant streets of Venice. Marco will provide constructive criticism, preparing you for the next day’s photography.

Day 3: Today is the Highlight of the Carnival!

The historic festival reaches its spectacular peak on Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday) – February 17th.

Experience The Grand Finale – The most extravagant and unforgettable day and night of the entire festival.

Breathtaking Masquerade Balls – Dance the night away in opulent Venetian palaces and experience the ultimate in luxury and tradition.

Dazzling Parades and Fireworks – Witness stunning costumes, live performances, and a magical display of fireworks lighting up the Venetian sky.

Piazza San Marco – The Heart of the Celebration – The city’s most iconic square transforms into a stage of art, music, and enchantment.

In short – a day filled with spectacular photography moments!

Tonight, we’ll discuss our photos taken during the day, and Marco will provide his best advice for optimizing street and reportage photography.

Day 4: Behind-the-scenes of Venice

We start early at dawn to experience the local fishermen casting their nets into the Venetian Lagoon. This traditional method of fishing has been passed down through many generations. In the first rays of dawn, we’ll capture the fishermen with the legendary city as a backdrop.
We will take a private gondola tour to some of the most scenic locations in Venice. The rest of the day is dedicated to a behind-the-scenes exploration of Venice – in other words, a day filled with countless opportunities to capture unforgettable and future-important moments from the world’s most mysterious and enchanting canal city.

The workshop concludes at approximately 18:00, following an early farewell dinner.

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PASSIONATE TESTIMONIAL

I finished an amazing workshop, the first in my life. I am happy that I didn’t ask for more details about the workshop and the technical knowledge I needed; otherwise, I would never have gotten out of my comfort zone. I always thought that the best picture is the result of the right place, time, and experiences. I never thought about the story I am telling with a picture.

And I never saw the picture as a reflection of my or someone’s interaction with someone else.

Thank you so much,
Romana Jordan

TRAVEL FACTS

Thanks for choosing Better Moments for your workshop.

Facts

  • February 15th – February 18th, 2026
  • 4 Days
  • Number of guests: 6-8
Included
  • Exclusive access to events reserved for special guests only
  • Private one-on-one training with award-winning photographer Marco Di Lauro
  • Private workshops on location and in the classroom
  • Personal portfolio review with expert feedback
  • Access to the most scenic and behind-the-scenes moments of the Venice Carnival
  • Receive the legendary Better Moments diploma, a testament to having completed one of our high-end workshops
    • Not included
    • Accommodation
    • Meals

     

    Ask Us

    Do you have any questions about the workshop or would you like to go on a private customized tour? Send us an email.

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Price

    • € 2,450
    • All prices are per person.
    • INVITE A FRIEND
      Got a friend or special someone you’d love to bring?
      With our INVITE A FRIEND-initiative, you’ll be able to bring someone with you to our locations without having to enroll them in our workshops and save up to 25% of the total rate, depending on availability!

 

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Overview

QUICK GUIDE GETTING THERE

GETTING THERE

When traveling to Venice, you typically fly to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport (VCE). This is the largest airport in the region and is located approximately 8 kilometers north of Venice’s city center on the mainland.

VISA

For all EU/EEA nationals, only an identification document is required to enter Italy.
Non-EU/EEA travelers intending to visit Italy, San Marino, or the Vatican must present a valid passport, valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of exit, and, if subject to the Italian visa regime, a valid visa. Additional documents may be required depending on the country of origin. For more information, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

WEATHER

In late February, the weather in Venice is typically cool, but it gradually becomes milder compared to the coldest months. The average temperature usually ranges between 5°C and 11°C, but it can vary from day to day.

LANGUAGE

Italian is the official language of Italy. In tourist areas, Italians typically speak basic English.

CURRENCY

Italy’s official currency is the Euro (EUR).

QUICK GUIDE

  • Markus Square (Piazza San Marco) – Home to St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Campanile, and the Doge’s Palace.
  • Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) – An iconic bridge over the Grand Canal, known for its shops and markets.
  • Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) – An impressive building that once served as the seat of Venice’s government.
  • Grand Canal – The main canal in Venice, where you can take a romantic gondola ride.
  • Murano, Burano, and Torcello – The three most famous islands in the Venetian Lagoon, known for their glassblowing, colorful houses, and historic churches.
  • Gallerie dell’Accademia – An art museum with an extensive collection of Venetian paintings from the 14th to the 18th century.
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection – A modern art museum located in a beautiful palace on the Grand Canal.
  • Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari – An impressive church housing works by major artists such as Titian and Bellini.
  • Teatro La Fenice – A famous opera house known for its fantastic acoustics and spectacular performances.
  • San Giorgio Maggiore – An island with a stunning view of Venice, featuring a church designed by Palladio.
  • These attractions provide a comprehensive overview of Venice’s culture, history, and architecture and are must-see destinations during your visit.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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Frequently Asked Questions
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