🌟 SOLD OUT — January 18–25, 2027 Sicily Retreat 🌟
All four spots are taken — thank you, thank you! If you missed this one, good news: I'm planning the next Sicily photography retreat for January 2028 — dates and price to be announced. Join the waitlist below and you'll hear first.
Want first dibs if a spot opens?
The January 18–25, 2027 retreat is full — but plans change, and spots do open up. Email me at [email protected] with "Sicily waitlist" in the subject line and I'll add you to the list. If a spot opens, you'll hear before anyone else.
Want early notice for the January 2028 Sicily retreat too? Say so in the same email and I'll put you on that list as well.
Slow Travel. Incredible Food. Beautiful Photographs
Creative Escape with Mary
Join a 7-night photography retreat in Sicily, January 18–25, 2027.
Small group 4 participants only, you'll stay on the island of Ortigia in Siracusa — a UNESCO World Heritage site —
with one-on-one guidance to take beautiful photographs using any camera or phone, no experience needed.
$2,900 includes 7 nights in a luxury studio. 100% of participants come solo,
so it's perfect if you are too.
7-Night Retreat January 18 to January 25, 2027
$2900 includes Accommodation
2027 Sicily is Sold out!
Send me an email to be on the Wait List for my next 2028 Sicily Retreat
[email protected]
FAQ
How much does the Sicily photography retreat cost?
$2,900 per person. This includes 7 nights' accommodation in a luxury studio, all creative and travel guidance, and one-on-one feedback on your photos.
When is the retreat? January 18–25, 2027 — 7 nights. We meet on January 17 for a welcome drink to get acquainted.
Do I need photography experience or an expensive camera?
No. You'll take beautiful photographs with any camera or phone, even if you've never picked one up before. You'll get exact instruction on composition, angle, lighting, and timing.
I'm traveling solo — is this retreat for me?
Yes. 100% of participants come solo, and there's no single supplement — you get your own private studio with bathroom.
How many people attend?
Only 4, so you get maximum one-on-one attention. Once the spots are reserved, the next availability is the following year.
What is included in the price?
7 nights' accommodation, all creative and travel guidance, daily photo walks and instruction, in-depth commentary on your photos, and advice on extending your trip in Sicily.
What isn't included?
Lunches, dinners, and day trips are additional — most people prefer their own food choices, which keeps the price lower.
Where do we stay?
A luxury studio with kitchenette in the heart of Ortigia, Siracusa — walkable to the sea, cafés, the food market, and Baroque piazzas.
How do I book?
Email me or book a free discovery call and I'll contact you the same day. Payment is through Venmo or Zelle.
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 in a luxury studio, central location, and walk to the sea with 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.
An exquisite 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.
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/studio with bathroom. You get your own space, I've discovered for you.
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. And 1:1 guidance on how to add more days of fun to your itinerary on your Sicily Adventure.
Payments are through Venmo or Zelle. 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 in a luxury studio, central location, and walk to the sea with 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.
An exquisite 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.
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/studio with bathroom. You get your own space, I've discovered for you.
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. And 1:1 guidance on how to add more days of fun to your itinerary on your Sicily Adventure.
Payments are through Venmo or Zelle. 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
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