Slow Travel. Incredible Food. Beautiful Photographs
Creative Escape with Mary
I'm inviting four people to experience the Sicily that stole my heart
7-Night Retreat January 18 to January 25, 2027
$2900 includes Accommodation
*Register by August 20, 2026 to book our hotel
Discover this tantalizing, scrumptious island in Southern Italy!
Why do I keep returning to Sicily (the best part of Italy) every Winter?
Because Sicily is a breathtaking brew of Greek, Arab, Norman, and Roman cultures. The food is the best in the world.
And I'm inviting four people to experience the Sicily that stole my heart.
You'll walk to spectacular places: the sparkling sea is your new front yard, dazzling daily strolls and vibrant views where you'll receive one-on-one guidance on how to take exquisite photographs.
You'll take incredible photographs with any camera or phone even if you've never picked up a camera before.
We'll see every sunset from this gorgeous island of Ortigia on Sicily. What we'll be doing:
Stunning Siracusa, on the island of Ortigia where we will stay, is the pearl of the Mediterranean. Sparkling Baroque architecture, delicious seafood, and local wine.
Friendly residents and easy to walk or bike on this gorgeous island.
Want to get naughty? The food here is thrilling.
Pistachio is the passion of Sicily, and luscious chocolate, sinful arancini, divine bread, lusty gelato, and the shameless cheese and wine!
The vivacious Ortigia food market with colorful street vendors announce their wares with gusto.
You'll be ecstatic seeing the breathtaking beaches and ancient temples, both in town and in nature.
And then in Taormina, the perfectly preserved Greek Amphitheater is better than Greece!
Gems you'll discover: sunsets over the Mediterranean, fountain of Diana in a gorgeous piazza and the robust food market of Ortigia. Sunsets melting you in bliss, and the fresh seafood caught locally.
Exquisite views, spectacular food, and Baroque architecture towering over a cobalt blue sea.
And still time for shopping, eating, massages, and visiting ancient ruins if you like.
Bonus: you'll eat heavenly Sicilian delicacies you've never tasted before and their wine is absolutely yummy: lower alcohol content, high value and low cost.
Going solo?
100% of retreat participants are solo
so it's perfect if you are too!
Only 4 Participants so you get the maximum one on one attention
Here's the thing;
Every exploratory walk is an adventure, carefully curated to ignite your creativity. Guaranteed.
What it includes:
7 Nights Accommodation Boutique Sea View Studios, some have tiny kitchenettes.
This location is in the heart of the UNESCO world heritage site of Ortigia. You can safely walk all over the stunning island of Ortigia.
Sicily Week Details:
Meet Jan 17 to have a drink together and get acquainted.
January 18
Day 1:
Explore the central piazza of Siracusa and the breathtaking architecture. Sunset and dusk shooting in the early evening.
Street photography in the center of town. You'll capture candid moments of people, practicing your timing to nail the shot. There's an art to capturing stealth photos.
Sicilians in this town have been known to playfully participate in your photo captures.
(But you don't have to take photos to enjoy this segment)
January 19 Day 2
Siracusa architecture is why this is a UNESCO World Heritage site: but the food is better in Sicily so during our shoot we'll be stopping at a vetted seafood cafe to revive ourselves.
And wandering and taking photos at the Ortigia Market
Full morning of discovering the chaos and thrill of my favorite market on Sicily, ending with a seafood lunch or landmark favorite family restaurant in the market.
January 20 Day 3
Day Trip to Noto, this UNESCO world heritage site is stunning.
January 21 Day 4
Morning shooting of how to get a great photo of a person in 1 minute or less. Street photo secrets.
January 22 Day 5
Taormina day by train from Siracusa. This remarkable town will captivate you with amazing views and a gorgeous beach.
We'll be walking in the historic center taking stealth shots of people and the breathtaking landscape.
Greek Amphitheatre, stunning botanical garden with views, patisseries, and fun shops.
January 23 Day 6
Bonus day, do what you like and I'll make recommendations for massages or shopping. Or relax and reflect.
January 24 Day 7
You'll receive in depth commentary on your photos. This will help you see what makes some of your photos remarkable and exactly how you can improve other photos the next time you're out shooting so you can continue your success at home.
January 25 Day 7
You can catch your plane in Catania or add on more days with a trip to Palermo. You'll get detailed plans on how to do this in our call.
What Participants Are Saying:
Here's what Shirley McClintock, a participant in my Sicily workshop has to say about it:
"Your real talent is the care you bring to everyone you meet. You have a special sparkle that most people don’t have."
Video Testimony at Bottom of page and above
Book a Discovery Call Now
Email me at [email protected] and I'll immediately send it to you.
Is this for you?
This is for you if you don't want to agonize over which island to visit in the Mediterranean.
Sicily will captivate you with its seascapes, ravishing architecture, and friendly residents.
And I'll be with you every step of the way!
I've fallen in love with its charm, beauty, seafood, and people from 8 journeys. And you'll see why!
Here's why you should book now and why this retreat is unique:
1. Only 4 people, so once all seats are reserved, no more availability until next year. Book by September 1.
2. You'll return home with stunning photos and new creative skills you've learned so you can photograph or write about your future travels and your own backyard, capturing people, architecture, and nature.
3. No single supplement for your private room with bathroom. You get your own space in a boutique hotel, I've discovered for you.
Where do you stay?
Gutkowski Hotel is the perfect place for you in the center of Ortigia, Siracusa so you can walk everywhere. Full Breakfast included.
Siracusa, Taormina, and Noto are bursting with fresh seafood and Sicilian delicacies, wonderful local artisan shops and relaxing strolls around town.
You'll be invigorated by the salty air and ancient piazzas on a white pebble beach.
You're free to reserve your spot now by clicking below and I'll contact you the same day.
$2900 per person includes all creative and travel guidance, advice, recommendations, your hotel for 7 nights, breakfasts at your hotel. And 1:1 guidance on how to add more days of fun to your itinerary on your Sicily Adventure.
Payments are through Venmo. Paypal and credit cards are also available. Let me know what you prefer.
Lunch/dinner and day trips are additional. Most people have their own diets so I've kept the price lower rather than inflating the price to include meals.
You'll be able to walk to all cafes and bars from your lodging.
See what Donna, Katie, and Shirley say about their retreat experience in Sicily with me in the videos below
Book A Call to get more info on how you can join us
Why do I keep returning to Sicily (the best part of Italy) every Winter?
Because Sicily is a breathtaking brew of Greek, Arab, Norman, and Roman cultures. The food is the best in the world.
And I'm inviting four people to experience the Sicily that stole my heart.
You'll walk to spectacular places: the sparkling sea is your new front yard, dazzling daily strolls and vibrant views where you'll receive one-on-one guidance on how to take exquisite photographs.
You'll take incredible photographs with any camera or phone even if you've never picked up a camera before.
We'll see every sunset from this gorgeous island of Ortigia on Sicily. What we'll be doing:
- walking ancient streets at sunset
- sipping wine in piazzas
- making new friends
- slowing down
- feeling creative again
- escaping their daily routine
- finally taking beautiful travel photos
Stunning Siracusa, on the island of Ortigia where we will stay, is the pearl of the Mediterranean. Sparkling Baroque architecture, delicious seafood, and local wine.
Friendly residents and easy to walk or bike on this gorgeous island.
Want to get naughty? The food here is thrilling.
Pistachio is the passion of Sicily, and luscious chocolate, sinful arancini, divine bread, lusty gelato, and the shameless cheese and wine!
The vivacious Ortigia food market with colorful street vendors announce their wares with gusto.
You'll be ecstatic seeing the breathtaking beaches and ancient temples, both in town and in nature.
And then in Taormina, the perfectly preserved Greek Amphitheater is better than Greece!
Gems you'll discover: sunsets over the Mediterranean, fountain of Diana in a gorgeous piazza and the robust food market of Ortigia. Sunsets melting you in bliss, and the fresh seafood caught locally.
Exquisite views, spectacular food, and Baroque architecture towering over a cobalt blue sea.
And still time for shopping, eating, massages, and visiting ancient ruins if you like.
Bonus: you'll eat heavenly Sicilian delicacies you've never tasted before and their wine is absolutely yummy: lower alcohol content, high value and low cost.
Going solo?
100% of retreat participants are solo
so it's perfect if you are too!
Only 4 Participants so you get the maximum one on one attention
Here's the thing;
Every exploratory walk is an adventure, carefully curated to ignite your creativity. Guaranteed.
What it includes:
7 Nights Accommodation Boutique Sea View Studios, some have tiny kitchenettes.
This location is in the heart of the UNESCO world heritage site of Ortigia. You can safely walk all over the stunning island of Ortigia.
Sicily Week Details:
Meet Jan 17 to have a drink together and get acquainted.
January 18
Day 1:
Explore the central piazza of Siracusa and the breathtaking architecture. Sunset and dusk shooting in the early evening.
Street photography in the center of town. You'll capture candid moments of people, practicing your timing to nail the shot. There's an art to capturing stealth photos.
Sicilians in this town have been known to playfully participate in your photo captures.
(But you don't have to take photos to enjoy this segment)
January 19 Day 2
Siracusa architecture is why this is a UNESCO World Heritage site: but the food is better in Sicily so during our shoot we'll be stopping at a vetted seafood cafe to revive ourselves.
And wandering and taking photos at the Ortigia Market
Full morning of discovering the chaos and thrill of my favorite market on Sicily, ending with a seafood lunch or landmark favorite family restaurant in the market.
January 20 Day 3
Day Trip to Noto, this UNESCO world heritage site is stunning.
January 21 Day 4
Morning shooting of how to get a great photo of a person in 1 minute or less. Street photo secrets.
January 22 Day 5
Taormina day by train from Siracusa. This remarkable town will captivate you with amazing views and a gorgeous beach.
We'll be walking in the historic center taking stealth shots of people and the breathtaking landscape.
Greek Amphitheatre, stunning botanical garden with views, patisseries, and fun shops.
January 23 Day 6
Bonus day, do what you like and I'll make recommendations for massages or shopping. Or relax and reflect.
January 24 Day 7
You'll receive in depth commentary on your photos. This will help you see what makes some of your photos remarkable and exactly how you can improve other photos the next time you're out shooting so you can continue your success at home.
January 25 Day 7
You can catch your plane in Catania or add on more days with a trip to Palermo. You'll get detailed plans on how to do this in our call.
What Participants Are Saying:
Here's what Shirley McClintock, a participant in my Sicily workshop has to say about it:
"Your real talent is the care you bring to everyone you meet. You have a special sparkle that most people don’t have."
Video Testimony at Bottom of page and above
Book a Discovery Call Now
Email me at [email protected] and I'll immediately send it to you.
Is this for you?
This is for you if you don't want to agonize over which island to visit in the Mediterranean.
Sicily will captivate you with its seascapes, ravishing architecture, and friendly residents.
And I'll be with you every step of the way!
I've fallen in love with its charm, beauty, seafood, and people from 8 journeys. And you'll see why!
Here's why you should book now and why this retreat is unique:
1. Only 4 people, so once all seats are reserved, no more availability until next year. Book by September 1.
2. You'll return home with stunning photos and new creative skills you've learned so you can photograph or write about your future travels and your own backyard, capturing people, architecture, and nature.
3. No single supplement for your private room with bathroom. You get your own space in a boutique hotel, I've discovered for you.
Where do you stay?
Gutkowski Hotel is the perfect place for you in the center of Ortigia, Siracusa so you can walk everywhere. Full Breakfast included.
Siracusa, Taormina, and Noto are bursting with fresh seafood and Sicilian delicacies, wonderful local artisan shops and relaxing strolls around town.
You'll be invigorated by the salty air and ancient piazzas on a white pebble beach.
You're free to reserve your spot now by clicking below and I'll contact you the same day.
$2900 per person includes all creative and travel guidance, advice, recommendations, your hotel for 7 nights, breakfasts at your hotel. And 1:1 guidance on how to add more days of fun to your itinerary on your Sicily Adventure.
Payments are through Venmo. Paypal and credit cards are also available. Let me know what you prefer.
Lunch/dinner and day trips are additional. Most people have their own diets so I've kept the price lower rather than inflating the price to include meals.
You'll be able to walk to all cafes and bars from your lodging.
See what Donna, Katie, and Shirley say about their retreat experience in Sicily with me in the videos below
Book A Call to get more info on how you can join us
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paris and Reims Itinerary
Day One
9:30AM to 2PM Luxembourg Gardens
1. We start with a two-minute meditation. Then!
2. Guidance on your specific camera or phone.
3. Exact instruction on composition, angle, lighting, and timing
4. We'll go to a nearby bistro for lunch or plan to meet up for dinner
Day Two
9:30AM to 2PM Street photos at the Sorbonne or Pere Lachaise Cemetery
1. Specific advice about how to take candid photos of people while being invisible
2. Pere Lachaise is romantic, full of famous Art Deco tombs and is gorgeous in the Fall
3. Dinner at Casimir Paris
Day Three
Lunch at Galerie Vivienne, gorgeous vintage covered couvert in above photos.
Exquisite detail shooting of the most famous tower in the world. This art deco elegant crown of Paris is remarkable. We'll arrive pre sunset at the Eiffel Tower so we can get the sparkly lights illuminating the sky of this magical city. Or we can see it in the day.
It's a Paris tradition.
Day Four
Take the train to Reims to the champagne region of France
4 nights
Ruinart and Veuve Cliquot Caves
Day Trip to Epernay by train (cave to be announced)
Only 4 to 6 Participants
6 Days of Shooting and Commentary on your photos
Advice on onward travel or travel before the workshop
Day One
9:30AM to 2PM Luxembourg Gardens
1. We start with a two-minute meditation. Then!
2. Guidance on your specific camera or phone.
3. Exact instruction on composition, angle, lighting, and timing
4. We'll go to a nearby bistro for lunch or plan to meet up for dinner
Day Two
9:30AM to 2PM Street photos at the Sorbonne or Pere Lachaise Cemetery
1. Specific advice about how to take candid photos of people while being invisible
2. Pere Lachaise is romantic, full of famous Art Deco tombs and is gorgeous in the Fall
3. Dinner at Casimir Paris
Day Three
Lunch at Galerie Vivienne, gorgeous vintage covered couvert in above photos.
Exquisite detail shooting of the most famous tower in the world. This art deco elegant crown of Paris is remarkable. We'll arrive pre sunset at the Eiffel Tower so we can get the sparkly lights illuminating the sky of this magical city. Or we can see it in the day.
It's a Paris tradition.
Day Four
Take the train to Reims to the champagne region of France
4 nights
Ruinart and Veuve Cliquot Caves
Day Trip to Epernay by train (cave to be announced)
Only 4 to 6 Participants
6 Days of Shooting and Commentary on your photos
Advice on onward travel or travel before the workshop