Sicily: The Isle of Myths and Mount Etna.

Our 8-day Sicily Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure will transport you to an ancient land that remains relatively undiscovered, steeped in history, and bathed in sunshine. Although it’s the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is often an afterthought, tacked onto the end, literally and metaphorically, to mainland Italy. However, for most first-time visitors, the island is a complete revelation, offering the discerning traveler fine cuisine, stunning beaches, volcanoes, archaeology, and unforgettable hospitality. 

Sicily is defined by a tumultuous historical saga spanning over 2,000 years, with layers of conflict and invasion, culminating in both cultural tension and fusion. This dynamic can be felt in Palermo, the island’s capital, a hectic melting pot renowned for its fascinating blend of Baroque facades, Norman castles straight out of a storybook, and local food markets reminiscent of Arabic souks brimming with Sicilian delicacies. Just like the food, this mingling is evident in the people too: catch on camera the differing details of their faces, dialect, gestures, and the way they interact with one another. 

Sicily’s shores are washed by three different seas, hence the island’s ancient name: “Trinacria”, the three-cornered island. On our photo trip, we will visit many coastal locations, such as Taormina, a town carved into the cliffs above the Ionian Sea, which provides epic cityscape vistas. The center is a haven of rustic balconies tangled with vibrant bougainvillea, charming squares, and an ancient amphitheater that exudes more cinematic drama than a Greek tragedy. 

On the south side of the island is the magical city of Siracusa, a former powerful capital that was said to have rivaled Athens. We will stay in Ortygia, Sicily’s island within an island, home to the Fountain of Arethusa, an enchanting natural spring lined by papyrus plants and named after a Greek nymph who bobbed up there after fleeing her underwater home. 

From the coastal to the mountainous, the mighty Etna will be a distant yet imposing presence throughout our travels, its billows of smoke and spews of lava a dramatic backdrop for our photography. One of the most active volcanoes in the world and the tallest in Europe, Mount Etna is shrouded in countless Greek, Roman, and medieval myths. We will also pass by Agrigento, to view and photograph two spectacular sites, one manmade and one natural. The Valley of the Temples is a majestic complex of ancient ruins. Amidst the grandeur of the temples’ monumental columns, our cameras will zoom in on details that reveal intricate carvings and weathered inscriptions, a testament to the craftsmanship of these ancient builders. In contrast, nearby Scala dei Turchi is a feat not of man but of nature, with dazzlingly stark white staircases eroded into the limestone. 

This 8-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Sicily, an island at the crossroads of history, offers a world of fusion, contrast, and high drama like no other. Your visual odyssey starts here! 

Sicily is defined by a tumultuous historical saga spanning over 2,000 years, with layers of conflict and invasion culminating in both cultural tension and fusion. This dynamic can be felt in Palermo, the island’s capital, a hectic melting pot renowned for its fascinating blend of Baroque facades, Norman castles straight out of a storybook, and local food markets reminiscent of Arabic souks brimming with Sicilian delicacies. Just like the food, this mingling is evident in the people too: catch on camera the differing details of their faces, dialect, gestures, and the way they interact with one another. 

Sicily’s shores are washed by three different seas, hence the island’s ancient name: “Trinacria”, the three-cornered island. On our photo trip, we will visit many coastal locations, such as Taormina, a town carved into the cliffs above the Ionian Sea, which provides epic cityscape vistas. The center is a haven of rustic balconies tangled with vibrant bougainvillea, charming squares, and an ancient amphitheater that exudes more cinematic drama than a Greek tragedy. 

On the south side of the island is the magical city of Siracusa, a former powerful capital that was said to have rivaled Athens. We will stay in Ortygia, Sicily’s island within an island, home to the Fountain of Arethusa, an enchanting natural spring lined by papyrus plants and named after a Greek nymph who bobbed up there after fleeing her underwater home. 

From the coastal to the mountainous, the mighty Etna will be a distant yet imposing presence throughout our travels, its billows of smoke and spews of lava a dramatic backdrop for our photography. One of the most active volcanoes in the world and the tallest in Europe, Mount Etna is shrouded in countless Greek, Roman, and medieval myths. We will also pass by Agrigento to view and photograph two spectacular sites, one manmade and one natural. The Valley of the Temples is a majestic complex of ancient ruins. Amidst the grandeur of the temples’ monumental columns, our cameras will zoom in on details that reveal intricate carvings and weathered inscriptions, a testament to the craftsmanship of these ancient builders. In contrast, nearby Scala dei Turchi is a feat not of man but of nature, with dazzlingly stark white staircases eroded into the limestone. 

This 8-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Sicily, an island at the crossroads of history, offers a world of fusion, contrast, and high drama like no other. Your visual odyssey starts here! 

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.