Passions & Traditions of Southeast Sicily
Join a small group of up to 12 for an unforgettable photo tour in southeast Sicily.
Capture the essence of Sicilian culture by meeting local characters and indulging in tastings of rich olive oil, decadent chocolate, and exquisite wine.
Explore beautiful villages, each with unique charm and breathtaking scenery. This tour offers a perfect blend of photography, culture, and culinary delights.
Drake Busath - American Travel and Portrait Photographer
Gabriele Angelini - Italian Pro Photographer and licensed guide
This tour has a minimum group size of 6. You will receive a notification when the trip is confirmed.
You can check the SICILY TRIP PAGE to see if the minimum has been met and who's going. Or you can inquire here.
Arrive a day or two early if you can (Apr. 17 or 18) to acclimate and enjoy the city of Catania.
Famous for its morning fish market, this vibrant port city is perfect for strolling, dining, and shopping.
Catania's Piazza del Duomo, dawn
Below are three hotels that we recommend for your pre-workshop arrival nights. The same hotels are suggested for any post-workshop nights. The Catania airport is only 20 minutes from Catania city center.
AirBNB is another viable option
If you've arrived to Catania early and you're still on your feet, meet up for "Aperativi" drinks on the patio (location TBA) and say hello!
Dinner is on own.
Our first official meetup is at 12:00 PM in Catania. We'l decide the exact location based on where most guests are staying in town. We'll load our vans and drive to Syracusa, specifically the charming island of Ortigia.
Check in and join us for a guided walking tour of Ortigia followed by a welcome dinner.
The workshop will focus on creating fine art images of everyday subjects, crafting better compositions, and discovering dynamic lighting throughout the day.
In the classroom, we will review your images and explore editing tips to enhance their appeal.
Noto epitomizes the grandeur of Baroque town design following the catastrophic earthquake of 1693. Today, Noto invites visitors to wander its golden-hued streets, where the sun's rays dance on the soft limestone buildings of this enchanting town.
In the evening we'll stop for landscape photo opportunities on our way to Ragusa / Ibla.
Check in for a 5 night stay at Itria Palace the historic center of Ibla.
A blue hour overlook shoot of Ibla will top off this very Baroque day.
Photo assignments today will emphasize discovering dynamic compositions and dramatic lighting, even in everyday situations.
Enjoy your free time exploring the narrow streets and charming atmosphere of ancient Modica. Let your creativity flow amidst the densely packed Baroque architecture and art.
If you're wondering what the Aztecs have to do with Sicily, consider the Spanish Conquistadors of South America: the Spanish ruled this island for a couple of centuries.
You'll have the opportunity to meet and photograph one of Modica's chocolate masters.
Classroom time today will allow us to review our images on screen and discuss capture and editing technique.
Sicily is full of enchanting old castles, but one of the most intriguing is surely the Donnafugata Castle, which literally means "woman escaped." You can imagine the legend behind it.
Scicli is a charming, ancient Sicilian town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We'll enjoy a stunning blue hour overlook and have free time to explore its narrow streets.
During classroom time (1-2 hours midday), we will review your images on-screen and assist you in defining and refining your own style. Lightroom editing techniques will be demonstrated and explained as you follow along.
Experience the art of winemaking at an ancient family-run winery in Sicily. Immerse yourself in the rich history as you stroll through vineyards that have thrived for generations. Enjoy a guided wine tasting featuring exquisite local varieties, expertly paired with traditional Sicilian bites. Each sip tells a story, from the sun-soaked grapes to the family traditions that preserve this unique craft. This is not just a tasting; it's a journey through time, flavor, and culture in one of Italy's most beautiful regions.
Now that you feel more like a local, explore the town of Ragusa and practice the skills we've discussed to create your personal best fine art images.
Join us for a captivating walking tour of the ancient Ibla, where you will explore stunning baroque architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and rich history. As you wander through this enchanting town, you'll discover hidden gems and breathtaking views. After the tour, take some time to review your images and relive the memories captured during your journey. This experience promises to be both educational and visually rewarding.
Check out and say goodbye to our new friends in the charming town of Ragusa. After about a scenic 2-hour drive through the beautiful Sicilian countryside, we will take you to the Catania Airport, where you can catch your flight home, or to a nearby hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the wonderful memories made during your trip. This journey provides the perfect opportunity to soak in the last glimpses of stunning landscapes and delightful sights of Sicily before you conclude your adventure.
If you need another night in Catania please book your own hotel. Below are hotels that we recommend for your pre and post workshop nights. The Catania airport is only 20 minutes from Catania city center.
AirBNB is another viable option
Gabriele is an Italian photographer and publisher who makes his home in Imola, near Bologna. His passion for street photography is infectious and it’s a pure pleasure to shoot alongside him. The first thing you’ll notice is his big smile and his unbridled enthusiasm for every place we photograph.
Drake Busath
Drake founded Italy Workshops in 1999. He has lived in or visited Italy frequently over five decades. He speaks Italian and possesses a deep affection for the country . Hundreds of photographers have joined Drake on what he describes as a “personal Renaissance” in Tuscany, Umbria, Liguria, Venice, Como, Dolomites, Puglia, Amalfi and Sicily.
"Mangiare bene," (eating well) is essential to the travel experience. Each region boasts its own specialties, so we take the extra time to discover the best little trattorias where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine.
Eating family-style is a favorite way to share meals when our group eats together. Everyone gets to taste everything and enjoy as much as they like.
Of course, wine and soda are included with our meals.
So yes! Eating what the locals eat makes you a more informed and authentic photographer.
Join us for a relaxing 5 days exploring the islands of the northeast coast of Sicily.
We stay on the beautiful island of Lipari, just steps from the beach. Daily excursions by ferry to other stunning islands will be led by Gabriele.
All excursions during the extension are optional. On some days, you may choose to simply relax on the beachfront and enjoy people-watching.
Stromboli Island and it's active volcano
We'll deliver you to the Catania (CAT) airport by 3:00pm.
We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:
Email: [email protected]
Emergency numbers:
Drake Phone, Text or WhatsApp: +1-801-541-7207
Gabriele (guide) WhatsApp: +39 348 2840759
Our team is available to help with bookings, itinerary changes, and any questions you may have. Let us help you make your dream trip a reality!
