$1,000 Refundable Deposit holds your space on this trip. Deposit fully refundable until July 1, 2024.

Price: $9,500 per person (non-painters will receive a $1,500 per person discount)

Includes: All lodging at luxury Terre di Romanella villa, daily instruction with Mary Spears, painting supplies (easel, watercolors, brushes, and watercolor paper), Arancino cooking class, wine tasting, local cuisine tasting, ground transportation throughout, private airport transfers, breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, Italian guide on-site throughout, entrance fees to sites. Note: Non-Painter Roommates receive $1,500.00 discount which appears on final invoice.

Does not include: Alcohol and soda (outside of included wine tastings), optional travel insurance (AWL Travel can refer to partners, prices vary between $50-$350 per person depending on age and coverage), international airfare, passport fees if new passport needed (no additional visa is needed for Italy), tips

Payments $1,000.00 per passenger deposit at the time of registration holds your space on the trip. All remaining money is due July 1, 2024.

OCTOBER 10   »   ARRIVE IN CATANIA

Upon your afternoon or evening arrival into Catania (CTA) or Comiso (CIY) airport, be met with a private car transfer and check-in to the picturesque Terre di Romanello villa. For those who arrive early enough in the day, we’ll have a welcome dinner at the villa and time to rest from the long flight.

OCTOBER 11   »   PAINTING AT THE VILLA 

After breakfast at the villa, we’ll begin the day with a plein air painting session on the terrace overlooking the countryside. At lunch, we’ll indulge in Sicilian cuisine and taste locally sourced Bronte pistachios, Trapani sea salt, Ribera oranges, and Sicilian wines. We’ll be joined by Elsa Giacomucci, who owns the villa, for a true Sicilian welcome. In the afternoon, we’ll resume painting in the gardens with time to rest from the jetlag if needed. Just before dinner, we’ll dive into Sicily’s culinary heritage with an Arancino cooking class before eating dinner. Overnight Terre di Romanello.

OCTOBER 12   »   ISLE OF ORTIGIA

This morning, we’ll embark on a scenic drive up the coast to paint the enchanting Island of Ortigia, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its arts and vibrant atmosphere. We’ll then enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant and spend the afternoon shopping and exploring the winding streets and historic landmarks of Ortigia. An optional guided walking tour will take you inside a traditional Opera dei Pupi, where they make and perform Sicilian Puppet Theater. In the late afternoon, we’ll drive back to Terre di Romanello to rest before dinner nearby the villa. Overnight Terre di Romanello.

OCTOBER 13   »   VILLAGE OF NOTO

After breakfast, we’ll depart the villa and take a morning walk through the countryside to paint the nearby Sicilian town of Noto. Don’t worry, we’ll drive if you into town if you prefer! As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Noto is known for showcasing the ‘real Sicily’ without the crowds. We’ll spend the day painting, eating lunch at a typical Noto eatery, and finally return toTerre di Romanello for on a sunset walk, Sicilian Pizza dinner, and Modica Chocolate tasting. Overnight Terre di Romanello.

OCTOBER 14   »   SUNSET WINE PAINTING    

After breakfast, Mary will show you how to finish your masterpieces at Terre di Romanello. After lunch in the late afternoon, we’ll depart to paint the vineyards and hills by sunset at Planeta Winery. As the light fades, we’ll enjoy dinner with local wine pairings at Planeta Winery’s acclaimed restaurant. Overnight at Terre di Romanello.

.OCTOBER 15   »   SEASIDE FAREWELL

After breakfast we’ll depart to a nearby seaside town to paint Sicily’s stunning coastline. In the afternoon and eveing, we’ll explore the fishing village of Marzamemi. We’ll find our way to the famed Cortile Arabo restaurant for a farewell dinner. Nestled into the rocks against the sea Cortile Arabo is known for creative Sicilian fish, pasta dishes, cocktails, and its stunning views. Overnight Terre di Romanello.

October 16   »   DEPART FOR USA