4 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS | PALERMO / ETNA / CATANIA / TAORMINA / ORTIGIA ISLAND
Shrugging off its size limitations, Sicily reveals bustling cities, dramatic coastlines and mountainous countryside. This have-it-all Mediterranean island is Italy in microcosm – a dazzling diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures – gently soothed by palm trees and scented orange groves one minute, and exhilarated by exotic architecture (and divine food) the next.
Come experience five days of un poco di tutti (a little of all), shooting epic landscapes at Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, black and white reportage at Catania’s famous La Pescheria, to the punchy capital Palermo, with a glut of gutsy galleries and ornate churches, linked by a spaghetti-tangle of mediaeval streets – and discover Italy like it used to be.
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“Provided all the inspiration needed to turn a happy snapper into a fully-fledged photographer on a photography course including expert tuition and challenging local assignments. Now back home, I hold my camera differently now – no longer a scary piece of equipment, but a tool to work with to create an image. That’s a lasting holiday souvenir.”
Highlights.
A historical feast with 300 days of sun per year, spectacular landscapes, and a vibrant culinary scene, Sicily is becoming one of Italy’s buzziest destinations. It’s the perfect location for photography holidays .
There’s something for everyone here, the perfect location to come learn the basics of photography, get under the skin of the island, hang out with some like-minded people, and bring home some killer snaps of your adventures.
The largest Mediterranean island off the southern coast of Italy has a rich history as a nexus of global trade (dating all the way back to the ancient Greeks). Sicilian culture, from the food to the fashion to the art, has been influenced by a unique fusion of forces—the ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, you name it. Whether it’s fine wine and good food, ancient ruins or majestic beaches you desire, Sicily has it all.
For photography holidays beginners, you’ll …
Learn how to use your camera from Auto to Manual, within 3 hours
Capture the sunset on the tiny island of Ortigia, apero in hand
Learn the art of black and white photography at Catania’s famous La Pescheria
Snap landscapes at the summit of Europe’s largest volcano
Test out your reportage skills in cinematic Palermo
Shoot portraits of locals at our pop-up outdoor studio
Complete the journey at one of Europe’s most picturesque beaches
Itinerary.
We’ll meet you directly off your early morning flight into Palermo, then begin our exploration of this diverse city; one of Europe’s great capitals. We’ll refresh ourselves on the workings of our camera, then explore this ornate film set of a city with its myriad palazzis, unmissable architecture and vivid street life.
We’ll swing by the stunning marble carved Fontana Pretoria, the ancient bazaars of Vucciria, the elegant Quattro Canti, study closeup the beautiful Byzantine mozaics, and take a sunset passegiata along the sweeping harbour.
Later, we’ll meet for an apero at a buzzy wine bar, stocked exclusively by locals-in-the-know, and review our best images of the day. Benvenuti a Sicilia!
We kick-start the day with a traditional gelato brioche before diving into the Dickensian alleyways of Capo and Ballaro, where hawkers deliver incessant chants from behind stands brimming with mounds of olives, blood oranges, fennel and artichokes – meeting locals – and learning the art of storytelling in photography. Shards of vibrant sun rays pervade the ornate architecture famous of Palermo, artisan stalls and normal life surrounded by grandeur.
This is a microcosm of Sicilian life, the remnants of mafiaosi still just visible, replaced with young, vibrant creative energy, fabulous street art and unfussy authentic food that’s so damn tasty.
Up early, we’ll head west to the set of the famous Cinema Paradiso at Cefalu – admiring the postcard-pretty honey-hued stone buildings, mosaic-adorned cathedrals and oh-so-lovely beach, before crossing the spine of Sicily to Rifugio Sapienza, the base camp on the south side of Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest stratovolcano at 3,350m.
Here, we’ll take a funicular to 2,450m – just in time to try some soft light landscapes over the crater, and learn insider professional techniques to make your work stand out from the pack.
Early evening, we’ll make our second hotel in Syracuse – an entire city listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Basking in balmy temperatures, surrounded by the rich legacy of Greek and Roman architecture – we’ll head to our cool boutique hotel through a maze of winding streets and crammed piazzas on the tiny island of Ortigia.
More than any other place in Sicily, Ortigia encapsulates Sicily’s timeless beauty. Ancient Greek ruins rise out of lush citrus orchards, cafe tables spill onto dazzling baroque piazzas, and honey-hued medieval side streets lead down to the sparkling blue sea. This is a travel photographer’s dream destination, and chance to polish our skills meandering through its deeply atmospheric streetscapes, the ruins of a 6th century temple, vibrant markets, sun kissed locals at play, and artisans galore. There’s even time for a dip in the ocean.
Later, we’ll compare shots at an al fresco restaurant deep in the port, sample fish fresh from the boat, and local DOCG wines to pleasure your palate. For foodies and travellers alike, this is one of the highlights of any tour to Sicily.
Up early, we’ll head to Catania, to La Pescheria, the city’s exuberant fish market – and try out some Cartier-Bresson-styled black and white documentary shots – sharpening our observation, timing and storytelling skills.
And to close our tour, we’ll wander the hilltop streets of Taormina; with Mount Etna as a backdrop, the views from this dramatic resort town have inspired visitors for centuries. The views of Etna are startling, best from the Teatro Greco, here we’ll practice our skills in portraiture to round off our collection of landscape, street, still life and macro photography styles, before heading back to Catania early evening to catch our flight home.
Details.
2 – 6 May, 2025
*Booking Now*
24 – 28 September, 2025
*Booking Now*
5 days. 4 nights. Starts in Palermo and ends in Catania.
£1575 / £195 single supplement
Price includes
4 nights boutique accommodation at listed hotels (or similar)
5 full days tuition from our UK-based professional photographer
Transfers from suggested flights, plus all transportation around the island
Guided tours of Ortigia, Palermo, Cefalu & Taormina
Cable car to Etna
Welcome aperos on the first night
Multiple 1-on-1 tuition sessions
Price excludes flights & meals.
EasyJet, Ryanair and British Airways fly to Catania and Palermo direct from London, with prices starting at £45 each way.
Outbound, we recommend the 0610 with Ryanair from London Stansted to Palermo, arriving at 1005.
Inbound, we recommend the 1955 with British Airways to London Gatwick, from Catania, departing 1955.
EasyJet operates from both Catania and Palermo should you have more time to stay on.
“Thank you for an amazing adventure! I learnt so much and had such an incredible time! Creative Escapes is a fantastic company, the whole experience was excellent – from initial queries about the trip, throughout the booking process, and of course – the days away. Great balance of photography, learning, and having fun!”
Sophie Bradley, Southampton
Description
Package includes
4 nights boutique accommodation at listed hotels (or similar)
5 full days tuition from our UK-based professional photographer
Transfers from suggested flights, plus all transportation around the island
Guided tours of Ortigia, Palermo, Cefalu & Taormina
Cable car to Etna
Welcome aperos on the first night
Multiple 1-on-1 tuition sessions
Price excludes flights & meals.
Additional information
| Single Supplement - £195 | Yes, No |
|---|---|
| Date | 02 – 06 May 2025, 24 – 28 September 2025, 25 – 29 September 2024 |
