Sketching in sun-drenched Sicily
with Tricia
2027

Monday May 17th to Thursday may27th
11 days / 10 nights

Sicily is a sensory rich, sun-drenched island, rich in colour, history & beauty.
The air smells of salt water and citrus groves, coffee and arancini,
and the days move to the rhythm of lo struscio – the evening stroll through the piazza after dinner.

Slow down and see the world through a creative sketching eye with me,Tricia, in this Mediterranean paradise.
No sketching experience required.
Just a real desire to learn something new and take time each day to look at the world differently while we create.
This trip is ideal for people who enjoy independent travel, want to learn to sketch and like to share experiences & conversations
with a small group of like-minded people over dinner in the evenings.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Watch the Cathedral of San Nicolo in Noto glow golden as the sun sets

  • Guided walking tour in Palermo to learn about the history of this island from ancient Greek mythology to the Sicilian Mafia

  • See the Syracuse Cathedral that incorporated the columns of an ancient Greek temple into the walls

  • Taste the rich mix of flavors in Sicilian street food, from the cuisine influences of ancient Greeks, Arabs (Moors), Normans,
    Spanish & the Jewish community.

  • Welcome Dinner in Palermo and a Farewell Dinner in Catania

  • Private transport throughout Sicily in an air-conditioned Mercedes minivan

  • The possibility to spend the day cooking with the Duchess of Palma in her 18th Century Palazzo

ITINERARY
Day 1; Arrival and Welcome Dinner.
Settle into your  boutique accommodation in Palermo. Meet your instructor Tricia and other travel companions for this trip, at a Welcome Dinner a short walk from our accommodation.

Day 2 - 3; Palermo – an abundance of street scenes, from UNESCO world heritage palaces, Baroque facades,
the famous opera house -Teatro Massimo, open-air markets, narrow alleys and the famous Quattro Canti.

An exciting extra; A potential once in a lifetime opportunity in Palermo –
“A Day Cooking with the Duchess” in the historic Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, an 18th Century seaside Palazzo which was the final home of
Prince Tomasi di Lampedusa, the author of The Leopard. Our lunch (from the cooking class) will be served in the formal dining room.
This half-day experience would be an additional cost)

Day 4-6; Syracuse – we will stay in the heart of Ortigia, to wander the lanes of this UNESCO site.
The layers of Greek, Christian, Arab, & Norman influences can be seen in the stunning architecture.
Local fishermen tend to their boats in the harbour and the busy morning market is right next to The Temple of Apollo.
Day trips from Syracuse will include a visit to Noto to watch the Cathedral of San Nicolo glow golden as the sun sets,
and a day trip to Ragusa & Modica to sketch Sicilian Baroque architecture and taste the famous Modica chocolate.

Day 7-8; Taormina – With its glorious panoramas between the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna,
designer shops, irresistible ceramics, cafes, and an ancient Greek Amphitheatre, this town has captivated travelers for centuries.
We will find plenty of opportunities to sketch in between stops to eat mouth watering fruit flavoured Granita and brioche.

Day 9-10; Catania – famous for Pasta alla Norma, fountains, black lava as a building material, Baroque cathedrals, Grand Central squares
morning fish markets, and bustling food markets. Old town Catania is perhaps the essence of Sicily - lively, colourful and wonderfully chaotic. Tonight we will celebrate the end of a wonderful trip with a Farewell Dinner in this unforgettable city.

Day 11; We say our final farewells after breakfast.

(There are International Airports in both Palermo and Catania, Sicily)

WHATS INCLUDED:
Accommodation
• Ten (10) nights in 3 Star accommodation (breakfast included) in private, en-suite rooms in boutique hotels.
All accommodation is in the heart of the “old towns” just a few minutes’ walk from restaurants and places of interest.

Sketching
• Daily guided sketching instruction with Tricia and personalized feedback. Approximately 2-3 hours per day.
• Daily guiding with Tricia, to all our sketch locations
Extras
• Welcome dinner in Palermo. Guided history walking tour in Palermo
• Private transport throughout Sicily in a Mercedes minivan
• Farewell dinner in Catania
• Optional Extra “A Day with the Duchess” cooking experience in the Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, Palermo - at extra cost (210 Euro per person)

Transport
• Private transport throughout Sicily in an airconditioned Mercedes minivan
Dining
• All Daily breakfasts, 2 group dinners

Group Size
• Places are limited so that the experience remains personal, relaxed and very much in our quick loose style of sketching.
Free time
• There is also plenty of free time each day to rest, explore, visit a place of interest or shop.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• Flights to and from Sicily
• Taxis to & from your accommodation on arrival & departure for this tour
• Meals not mentioned above
• Personal spending - wait till you see the gorgeous gift shops!
• Travel Insurance (Very important)

COSTS
Early Bird Discount; 
Private, ensuite room - 4160 Euros per person
Twin share room - 3495 Euros per person
(please note, you will need to nominate who you wish to share the twin room with. Both need to complete a booking form)
Non-sketching partner - 3255 Euros per person
in a twin share (double) room
•
Early Bird Discount is valid until 1st January 2027.
Any bookings after midnight on 31 December 2026 will have a price increase of 150 Euros per person

Sicily Bookings Open

WHO IS TRICIA’S TOUR FOR
• Anybody who loves travel – solo travel can be lonely at times.
• Tricia’s small group tours offer the ideal balance of independence with the opportunity to experience the world with some like-minded people & perhaps a glass of wine & company over dinner.
• No sketching experience required. Just a desire to learn something new and take time each day to slow down,
let go of perfection and look at the world differently.
• We use ink & watercolour to create fast, loose travel sketches for your memories.
• Experienced sketchers are also welcome to create art in their own style, without any guidance from Tricia
•
HEALTH & FITNESS
• Many of Sicily’s streets are inaccessible to cars, so expect daily walks on uneven ground, up or down staircases or hills and cobble stone streets.
• That’s the charm of this country. To enjoy this trip to the full, please make sure that you are fit enough to walk this city comfortably.
• If you have mobility issues this may not be the ideal trip for you.
• Please make very sure you read the Terms & Conditions in our booking form.

  WHAT YOU'LL NEED
*Sketch Kit - Available to order online if you’re in Australia, or get similar in UK, USA and France.
Do take a look at it and try to get as close as possible.
I’ve designed this custom sketch kit to be minimal and fit into your shoulder bag, ready at any moment.
It contains everything you need. Don't be tempted to bring more.

* Bring a folding stool if you like, a hat, sunglasses, sun lotion, money for incidentals, such as drinks and meals not included.
* Do get travel insurance - very important.
* Come with a big happy smile and willingness to learn.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SKETCHING WITH YOU IN MAY 2027 

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